Why don't you make a one-day trip from Kyoto to Koka Ninja's homeland of Koka City?
Koka City is home of Ninjas, and just one hour away from Kyoto station.
It is a perfect place to avoid the big crowds of Kyoto and learn about the real Ninjas.
Koka is a quiet and beautiful rural town, and the best to go with a bicycle.
There is no such tour to visit the real Ninja places guided by a Ninja/local Samurai descendant who speaks English.
You can experience a very unique tour from this.
JR Kyoto station
Arrival at JR Konan Station at 10:17 am.
Go to guide's house to pick up electric bycycles, then cycling.
It is the only existing real Ninja House with many tricks inside such as revolving door, hidden second floor, escape tunnel, too heavy sliding door, etc.
You can throw Shuriken there if you want.
Closed on Wednesdays.
Ninja's theme park with Ninja's trick house, Ninja training facilities, etc.
Closed on Mondays.
In case the Koka Ninja House is closed, we will replace it with Ninja Village.
Entrance fee is 1100yen.
Local government built this Ninja Center as the Ninja's PR facility. There are many displays of Ninja weapons, clothes, documents, etc.
Huge mural painting of Ninjas.
Closed on Mondays.
There are three restaurants at local shopping center.
Very convenient place for shopping.
700 meters of cherry trees along the river. Very relaxing and confortable riding with great view.
Ninja’s assembly place listed as Nation’s Historic Site. Function as a court too.
Shingu Twin Castles is one of Ninja's twin castles listed as Nation's Historic Site.
Hidden in the woods with high earthen walls.
Easy access to both castles. Older than 1560s.
Stop at the ranch for a break.
They keep many animals such as cows, goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, etc.
You can enjoy feeding them.
They have a delicious home-made gelato(ice cream).
You will feel totally relaxed.
Murasame and Jizen Twin Castles is also one of Ninja's twin castles listed as Nation's Historic Site.
Hidden in the woods by the beautiful pond.
Easy access to both castles. Older than 1560s.
The guide’s house is a typical Japanese house with tiled roof and tatami mattresses.
We'll make coffee by Ninja's medicine making method.
The guide's wife will teach you how to write your name in Japanese Katakana characters.
You will make a name tag for your sourvenir.
Train departs at 5:03 p.m. for JR Kyoto station.
Good bye (Sayonara)
5 different 3-D Ninja drawings for photo taking.
JR Konan station at 4:50 p.m.
Guide fee
Electric bicycle for free
Bottled water
Coffee
Your Japanese name tag for your souvenir
Ninja House admission fee 650yen
Lunch 600-800yen
Train fee 860yen from Kyoto to Konan one way
We will use electric bicycles for transportation.
You have to be able to ride a bicycle.
This tour involves walking in the woods, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
On a rainy day, I have an alternative plan.
Taka! Where do we begin? He is incredible - as a guide and as a person. We are so lucky to have found Taka and to get an awesome tour with him. He helped us find secret hidden gem experiences that we will never forget. He became a true friend and shared his wealth of knowledge and experience with us. We were endlessly impressed with Taka and highly recommend him should you find yourself lucky to have him as a guide. Thank you Taka!!
Thank you very much for the great review. I was impressed how you set up your company and grew your business. I had really good time with you, especially you invited me to a bar restaurant after the tour. Thank you for the beer too. Cheers to you!
Taka came to our hotel on time and well prepared for our day.We only wanted to do the highlights with no shopping . It was an extremely hot day sights were seen with stops on the way . What an extremely pleasant man , knowledgeable of his surroundings perfect English and fun to spend time with , seriously recommended
Thank you for the nice review. I enjoyed talking with you very much and learned a lot from you about your country. I hope someday I may visit you in your country.
We had a wonderful time visiting Taka’s hometown - the land of Ninjas! It was lovely to spend time out of the city - the kids loved the bike riding and of course everything to do with ninjas. Thank you so much for your hospitality Taka!
You are most welcome. I am glad your children liked my Ninja tour. You have a beautiful family.
We were very impressed with our half-day tour with Taka. We were able to see major temples and neighborhoods. Taka is an excellent guide. He was informative and provided context for each site without over loading us with information. I highly recommend this tour.
It was my pleasure touring with you in Kyoto. You have a lovely family. Enjoy the rest of your time in Japan.