Samurai Kenbu Theater
Kyoto Prefecture · Japan
You can also take a simple Japanese sword experience.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation1:04
Welcome to the Samurai Kenbu Theater in Kyoto, a 'hidden gem' where the 'thousand-year history and spirit of the samurai' is passed on to a new generation. We are entering a world 'frozen in time,' where 'Bushido'—the way of the…
Listen in the app2The Entrance Ritual — Stepping into Tradition1:07
As you descend the stairs into the theater, the transition begins. The walls are lined with 'a lot of pictures,' documenting the lineage of Kenbu masters and the various styles of sword dance. …
Listen in the app3The History Room — The Roots of the Dance1:04
Before the physical training begins, visitors are shown a 'short video about the history of the art of Kenbu' and the broader 'Japanese samurai history.' This provides the necessary context for the movements you will soon learn.…
Listen in the app4The Dressing Room — Donning the Hakama1:02
Now comes the most visual part of the transformation: 'changing your costume.' You will be guided through the process of wearing a 'hakama,' a type of traditional Japanese pleated trousers, and a 'kimono' or 'haori' jacket. The…
Listen in the app5Katana Basics — Drawing and Sheathing1:01
With your katana in place, the 'sword lesson' begins. The first and most important technique is learning 'how to handle the katana' safely. …
Listen in the app6The Art of the Fan — Wind, Snow, and Blood0:56
In Kenbu, the 'fan' (sensu) is just as important as the sword. You will learn that the fan is a versatile tool used to 'express many things' that cannot be shown with a blade. …
Listen in the app7The Final Performance — Hachimanko's Tale0:59
The culmination of your experience is the 'whole Kenbu show itself,' where you combine everything you have learned into a choreographed performance. Often, this tells the story of a famous warrior like 'Hachimanko,' a powerful…
Listen in the app8Closing0:57
As we exit the Samurai Kenbu Theater and step back onto the streets of Kyoto, we carry with us more than just photos in a 'kimono.' We have experienced a 'new world of katanas' and learned the 'spirituality' that underpins the…
Listen in the app
What is Samurai Kenbu Theater?
Samurai Kenbu Theater is a place in Kyoto Prefecture · Japan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Kyoto Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Total length | 8 min 10 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 35.0095, 135.7756 |
| Last updated |
