Gyoda City Folk Museum try on armor

Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Gyoda City Folk Museum try on armor

Join an event where you can try on Japanese armor to transform yourself into a samurai!

Last update :

This event is held every spring and fall at the Gyoda City Folk Museum , located on the former site of the main castle of Oshijo. Many foreign visitors are fascinated by this event. Here, visitors can try on Japanese traditional armor worn by samurai warriors centuries ago. The heavy armor will remind you of the strength of the warriors at that time. It will make you feel what it’s like to be a true samurai!

The volunteer staff helps you!
The volunteer staff takes care of the armor and helps you put it on. 4 or 5 members always assist in the event. You can become a brave warrior in 10 minutes with their impeccable assistance.

Experienced staff will help you!
Experienced staff will help you!

We tried it!
As there was also armor for children, many families participated in this event. Excitement filled the museum room. There were 2 women behind us, they looked so cool as well. After waiting while others were trying on the armor, it became our turn at last. We were thrilled by this rare opportunity to wear amour only seen in costume dramas.

On top of the cloth, put suneate (greaves, shin pads), haidate (cuisse, thigh protectors), and kote (vambrace, arm protectors)
On top of the cloth, put suneate (greaves, shin pads), haidate (cuisse, thigh protectors), and kote (vambrace, arm protectors)
The domaru (cuirass) is set to protect the torso. Very heavy.
The domaru (cuirass) is set to protect the torso. Very heavy.
Kabuto (helmet) is the last part. The face now looks sharper and stronger. 
The full body is covered with strong pieces. Even walking is hard work. We were surprised to learn that actual samurai warriors were swinging swords with this amour.
Kabuto (helmet) is the last part. The face now looks sharper and stronger.
The full body is covered with strong pieces. Even walking is hard work. We were surprised to learn that actual samurai warriors were swinging swords with this amour.

There is seldom a chance to wear such armor or even see it up close. Usually, we can only see a samurai with amour in the movies. Especially for foreign visitors, this is must-do great opportunity. They welcome everyone of all ages. Photographs are also allowed of course!

Photos

  • Experienced staff will help you!

    Experienced staff will help you!

  • On top of the cloth, put suneare (greaves, shin pads), haidate (cuisse, thigh protectors), and kote (vambrace, arm protectors)

    On top of the cloth, put suneare (greaves, shin pads), haidate (cuisse, thigh protectors), and kote (vambrace, arm protectors)

  • The do (cuirass) is set to protect the torso. Very heavy.

    The do (cuirass) is set to protect the torso. Very heavy.

  • Kabuto (helmet) is the last part. The face now looks sharper and stronger. 
The full body is covered with strong pieces. Even walking is hard work. We were surprised to learn that actual samurai warriors were swinging swords with this amour.

    Kabuto (helmet) is the last part. The face now looks sharper and stronger. The full body is covered with strong pieces. Even walking is hard work. We were surprised to learn that actual samurai warriors were swinging swords with this amour.

Reviews

Facility information

Facility name
Gyoda City Folk Museum (行田市郷土博物館)
Activity name
try on armor
Address
17-23 Honmaru, Gyoda City, Saitama
TEL
048-554-5911 (Gyoda Board of Education)
Event date
spring (April to June) and fall (October to November) Sundays and holidays. 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (reception close 3:30 pm)
*Check the details on the official website.
Fee
adult 200 yen, college and high school students 100 yen, elementally and junior high school students 50 yen.
Capacity
there is a possibility to set limits depending on the number of participants.
Note
please follow the staff’s instruction for your safety.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)