Authentic Ninja Experience in Nara Prefecture (Kashihara City)
Overview
Have an authentic ninja lesson in Nara. Find your inner ninja with this 2-hour hands-on experience with authentic ninja instructors in Kashihara City, Imaicho in Kashihara City, one of the largest towns in Japan that looks just like it did in the Edo period (17th century), will make you feel as if you have traveled back in time. It has also been used as a location for many movies, TV dramas, and commercials. Become a ninja in this amazing place! It's also perfect for social media.
Highlights
- Experience authentic ninja activities in Nara Prefecture
- Choose from a huge variety of ninja skills to learn
- Includes photo opportunity for incredible Japan travel pics
- Learn how ninja wisdom can be used in modern life
- Reserve with a Rakuten account to earn or use points for each booking
Key Information
Important Information
From Kintetsu Kyoto Station, take the limited express or express train bound for "Kashihara Jingumae". Get off at the "Yamato Yagi Nishiguchi" station, which takes about 1 hour. From Osaka, take the limited express and express trains from Kintetsu Uehonmachi Station, Tsuruhashi Station, and about 30 minutes by express train to Yamato Yagi Station, change to Kashihara Jingu Mae Station, and get off at Yamato Yagi Nishiguchi Station, which is one stop away. It is a 3-minute walk from the station. Kashihara City, the founding city of Japan, is scheduled to be registered as a World Heritage Site in 2025 along with the neighboring village of Asuka.
Description
Ninjutsu is a compilation of wisdom for living that was developed in an era when people risked their lives. There are many aspects of ninjutsu that can be used even today!
In this interactive lesson, enjoy learning about the many aspects of ninja wisdom, from scientific knowledge to the wisdom that is useful in outdoor activities such as camping.
There are many different ways to participate and experience ninjutsu!
Example Ninja Activities Below are a selection of the ninja activities you may be able to experience:
Kuji Goshinho All participants will learn the ninja's method of mental unification. The first thing the ninjas will demonstrate is how to make the nine special symbols with both hands. But this is difficult, and cannot be achieved right away — participants will learn a simple ninja sign called shuto.
Explanation of Ninja Clothing We introduce the wisdom of the ninja hidden in their costumes.
Climbing Skills The wisdom of the ninja who climbed up and down to high places is introduced and demonstrated. The climbing technique of putting four sickles together like a ship's anchor, tying them together with a rope, and throwing them over a fence or a tree to hook them is introduced. The “wasa,” a knot made for holding hands and feet, is explained. We will teach how to easily make knots in the rope. The sickle also became a weapon for self-defense. You will see how to catch a samurai alive using two sickles.
The Art of Direction The Ninja, who infiltrated enemy territory in disguise, could not carry a compass, which was valuable at the time and not possessed by ordinary travelers. Therefore, the Ninja made a compass out of a sewing needle and a candle, which would not arouse suspicion even if carried by a traveler. You will try your hand at making a compass using a sewing needle and a candle.
Wisdom of Transmission The ninja used various methods to carry secret documents. This section introduces the wisdom of the ninja who transmitted information in secret. You will be challenged to try the secret method of concealing secret texts.
Walking Method You will be challenged with a variety of ninja's noiseless walking techniques. From the basic ninja steps, you will try floating feet, slithering feet, ticking feet, jumping feet, one foot, side running, dog running, fox running, and the secret rabbit walking.
Running Method Introduces the art of running long distances, “senri zensen” running. A special breathing technique, “nijubuki” (double breath), will be taught as well.
Invisibility You will be challenged to try your hand at ninja hiding techniques that imitate animals. The “curtain” using a furoshiki (wrapping cloth) was demonstrated on Fuji Television's “Honma-dekka TV” and is very popular!
Health Techniques Introduces the ninja's many methods of health and wellness.
Wisdom of Outdoor Activities Introduces the wisdom of camping in the wild and other useful outdoor ninjutsu.
Tools and Weapons of the Ninja Explains that the Ninja were not allowed to carry unique objects or objects that could only be seen as weapons. The well-known shuriken and the kunai are also introduced. Explains the lies and truths about such well-known weapons.
We also introduce the wisdom of the ninja, who used everyday tools of the past as weapons, and also utilized them for a variety of other purposes. You will fight against the ninja using them!
Swordsmanship Experience the ninja's swordsmanship that allowed them to fight even in rooms with low ceilings.
Photo Session We finish with a photo session, to record what we hope is an unforgettable experience!
