Kyoto: Samurai Armor Walk, Matcha & Calligraphy Fan

4.98

(138 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d start my day in Kyoto squeezing into a suit of samurai armor, but here we were—my friend grinning at me from under her helmet while the staff adjusted the plates on my shoulders. The place smelled faintly of tatami and something earthy, maybe old lacquer? Our guide, Satoshi, showed us how to write our names in kanji on these folding war fans—mine looked like a toddler did it but he just smiled and said it had “spirit.” I still have that fan tucked in my backpack.

The matcha part was next. I’m not usually a tea person (coffee is more my thing), but this matcha was different—smooth and grassy, not bitter at all. Satoshi mentioned it was served at the G7 Summit, which made us all sit up a bit straighter for some reason. We sipped quietly surrounded by rows of gleaming armor suits; I kept sneaking glances at the helmets lined up like silent judges. Then came the big moment: we stepped out onto the street for our samurai march down to the Sanjo Riverbank. It’s hard to explain how surreal it feels to stomp along Kyoto’s sidewalks in full gear while people smile or snap photos—one little kid actually bowed at us.

The photoshoot by the Kamo River was less awkward than I expected. Maybe because we’d all gotten used to the weight of the armor by then—or maybe it was just the way everyone laughed when someone’s helmet slipped sideways. There’s something about being part of a group that makes you forget yourself for a bit. I didn’t expect to feel so connected to this city or its history just by walking in someone else’s shoes (well, tabi socks). Anyway, if you’re looking for something more than just ticking off temples, this samurai armor experience sticks with you long after you’ve washed off the sweat.