International Ninja Day: December 5

By [Japan-Guide] [Japan.Travel] and [DaysofTheYear]
Cover Photo: Ninja in Nagoya Castle, Japan, Photo by Roméo A. on Unsplash

As early as the XI century, the inhabitants of Iga and Koka gained a reputation for their skills in unconventional warfare. Close to the political center Kyoto, yet distinctly remote due to their rugged terrains, Iga and Koka presented an ideal hideout location for refugees, bandits and losing parties of battles. Many ninja families lived here within autonomously governed communities, developing their martial skills for self defense.

Nikko Edomura (Edo Wonderland) Photo by Phxkch on Unsplash

Where to appreciate the ninja today

The best places to appreciate the ninja today are Iga and Koka, the traditional heartlands of the ninja, and Togakushi in Nagano, home of the Togakure school of ninja. These respective regions offer some actual buildings used by the ninja in the past and/or museums which house previously used tools and weapons, thus retaining some level of authenticity.

Iga Ueno, Koka Ninja Village and more

Other ninja attractions include those found at theme parks and tend to be less authentic. Ninja scenarios are recreated and ninja shows are staged according to popular conceptions for entertainment. Ninja mansions are a feature at many of them. They are houses built with trapdoors and secret passages, forming mazes which visitors have to find their way through.

These were the heydays of the ninja

During the age of the warring states in the XV and XVI centuries, many warlords would hire the ninja of Iga and Koka as mercenaries for their set of unique skills in facilitating the conquest of castles and victories in battles. These were the heydays of the ninja. Once peace was established in the XVII century, the ninja were mainly employed by the Tokugawa Shogunate to spy on the various regional lords and to guard Edo Castle. During these times, the ninja became greatly romanticized in popular culture, such as kabuki, which led to inaccuracies in the common perception of them. The stereotypes were subsequently exported to the West and further developed to entertain audiences there.

Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura: the samurai era in town and country – The Japan Times

Course to encounter the art of the ninja in Iga and Koka | Shinobi-no-Sato Iga and Koka

Muryojufuku-ji Temple, military base for the ninja during the hard-fought Tensho Iga War

**Toei Kyoto Studio Park** in Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Toei Uzumasa Eigamura | Film set and theme park in one, the Eigamura features a collection of replicas of traditional Japanese buildings. Ninja-related attractions include a ninja mansion featuring a labyrinth, ninja shows and a throwing star (shuriken) throwing range. It is also possible to dress up and get photographed in more than 30 attires including samurai, geisha and ninja attires.

In Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, there is still a slice of the Edo Period left for to you find. Step back in time to XVII century Japan and explore the beauty, culture and interesting characters of the Edo Era. Enjoy delicious food, fun activities and a variety of entertaining performances | edowonderland.net

Nikko Edomura (Edo Wonderland) is a history-based theme park recreating Japanese town life during the Edo Period. Ninja-related attractions include a maze, the Ninja House of Illusion and live ninja performances on stage.

Ninja Restaurant

These ninja-themed restaurants in Tokyo come with waiters and waitresses dressed as ninja and dishes presented in ninja-related ways. There is currently one in Akasaka and one in Shinjuku.

Ninja Themed Restaurant in Akasaka – Ninja Akasaka | japankuru.com

Tours and activities

Several travel companies offer tour packages and activities that allow participants to put on a samurai armor or ninja costume, learn about the various weapons and techniques, and in some cases take part in a mock battle.

Thiên Xuân Travel
Park 2, 208 Nguyen Huu Canh Street, Ward 22,
Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
📨 booking@thienxuantravel.com
☎️ +84 888 890 898 — 0938 558 228