Samurai test-cutting tameshigiri experience in Kyoto (Tameshigiri)

Your childhood dream now comes true. Wear a hakama or samurai armour (only available at the samurai and ninja museum) and use a real samurai sword to cut tatami mats. This centuries-old samurai practice is called Tameshigiri. It was born as a form of martial arts since the samurai always had to train to perfect their skills especially during the time of peace. Test cutting is used to check both the quality of a samurai sword and also the sophistication of the sword using skills of the samurai. There are many different materials to test the quality of cuts including thin steel, rice straws and tatami mats. In this experience you will use a material shown in the picture (tatami mats made out of bamboo).