Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor

About this tour

Learn sword techniques from a working samurai actor at Myokaku-ji Temple in Kyoto, then film your own action sequence. This 70-minute session has you dressed in period costume, drilling genuine kata alongside your instructor, then performing choreographed moves while a professional cameras roll. The temple grounds—where warlord Oda Nobunaga once walked—provide an atmospheric backdrop. You'll leave with digital footage of yourself as the lead in your own samurai film.

Highlights

• Train sword techniques directly with an active samurai actor
• Wear authentic period costume throughout the experience
• Film a complete action scene with professional videography
• Practice in historic Myokaku-ji Temple grounds or indoor dojo
• Receive edited digital footage to take home
• Insurance and equipment rental included in price

What to expect

You'll arrive at the temple and be fitted into samurai costume. After a brief orientation, your instructor—a practising samurai actor—will teach you foundational sword stances and strikes. Expect hands-on correction and demonstration. Once you've grasped the basics, you'll rehearse a short action sequence. The filming itself takes 15–20 minutes; your instructor acts opposite you, and a crew captures multiple takes from different angles. The whole session is designed to feel collaborative rather than performative—plenty of pauses for laughter and questions. Weather permitting, you'll shoot outdoors; otherwise, you'll move to the indoor dojo.

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