Daimyo, in armour through the streets near Sanjo
The session starts on the fifth floor of the Takase Building on Kiyamachi. You write your name or a motto in kanji on a war fan, which you keep. Staff then choose and adjust a suit of armour to your size, and you drink matcha in a hall lined with about 20 suits of armour. The group marches with a battle cry to the bank of the Kamo river near Sanjo for individual and group photos, which are shared online afterwards.
The armour is real and heavy for some guests. Children from 5 can join; babies under 1 cannot. The visit ends in a shop with swords, clothing and armour, and buying is optional.
Shogun Studio, portraits near Saga-Arashiyama
Shogun Studio is three minutes on foot from the south exit of JR Saga-Arashiyama station. Each guest wears a suit of armour, made new for the studio rather than an antique, and poses with sword, spear and bow while a fog machine runs. Sessions are private, and groups of 7 or more ask in advance.
You receive 10 edited photos per person, with a cap of 40 per group, plus the RAW files, through a Google Drive link within 24 hours. One reviewer could not open the link at first, and the studio answered by resending it to both e-mail addresses. Check your spam folder before you write to them.
GOATtrip, a sword-fight scene in a temple dojo
GOATtrip puts you in a rental kimono, not armour. Professional actors teach chambara, the choreographed sword fighting of period films, including the vertical makkogiri and diagonal kesagiri cuts, and you perform a short scene. You may film on your own camera, and a photo and video download is part of the session. Groups stay at 6 or fewer.
The dojo is on the left after the main gate of Myokaku-ji temple. Arrive on time, because latecomers may not be able to join. Damage to swords or costumes can be charged. The session is not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, people with back problems or other pre-existing conditions, or anyone over 95.
