Age
0+
Group size
1-4
Transport
By car
Language
English
Duration
10 hours
About this experience
The history of samurais and ninjas is very exciting - and very bloody. We will travel 60 km from Kyoto to delve into it in detail. We will visit the samurai castle of Iga Ueno and the homeland of the ninjas - the cities of Iga and Koka. In the house-museums, you will learn how ninjas looked and lived. Throw a few shurikens at the target and, if you're lucky, witness a demonstration of combat techniques.
What to Expect
- The Samurai Castle of Iga Ueno. Built almost 100 years ago according to the original castle plans from 1585. The main pride is the high 16th-century stone wall. You will hear about the last daimyo living in the castle and about the samurai culture in general. Examine authentic samurai armor, helmets, katanas, and kimonos.
- The Museum of the Largest Ninja School Iga-ryu. Learn how ninjas looked, what weapons they used, what skills they possessed, and how they spread their art. Understand how they hid from unwanted guests, how they camouflaged passages and hiding places for weapons and money. On certain days, short performances showcasing ninja weapon skills take place on the museum grounds. Near the museum, you can try throwing a few shurikens at the target yourself.
- Samurai Houses, preserving the architectural style and atmosphere of the 18th century. Learn about the main features of a traditional Japanese house and the conditions in which Japanese warriors lived.
- The City of Koka, known for being home to a large ninja clan. We will visit a ninja house and climb to the attic to see even more items from their arsenal. You will also enjoy tea prepared according to a medieval recipe.
You will also learn:
- How Japanese castles were built and besieged, and why the government deliberately destroyed them.
- Why local pottery art is one of the six major arts in Japan
- Where the poet Matsuo Basho, a famous haiku master, was born
- When the Ninja Festival takes place in Iga with various performances and competitions
Organizational Details
- The trip starts at 08:00. It takes just over 1 hour to get from Kyoto to Iga.
- The price includes: transfer in a comfortable Honda Freed car, entrance tickets to the castle and house-museums, 6 shuriken throws per person, visit to the samurai house, a 0.5L bottle of drinking water per person.
- The car can accommodate 4 adults + 2 children up to the age of 10. The cost of the excursion will not change due to the presence of children.
Additional Expenses
- Ninja performance - 500¥/3.5€ per person. Not held every day.
- Meals
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