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Ninjas (also known as shinobi) have gained international fame over the centuries, both within Japan and abroad. Ironically, the very traits of secrecy and stealth that characterized ninjas in the past are what makes them so well known today. While they practiced the arts of combat and inner harmony to take down enemies, their existence was meant to be unknown. These mysterious Japanese mercenaries and spies gained such notoriety and (eventual) admiration that they became the stuff of legend and folklore.

Traditionally the ninja clans were said to be from Iga and Koga, however, these days even if you are in Tokyo, you can gain some insight into the arts of the Ninja. Whether you want to take an authentic ninja class, eat in a Ninja restaurant or simply want to dress up like an ancient warrior, there is a Tokyo ninja experience to fit everyone.

Ninja Class: Train like a Ninja in Tokyo

Train with the Musashi Ninja Clan

The Musashi Ninja Clan Shinobi-Samurai Honjin Dojo offers Ninja experience, Samurai experience, shows, and seminars. During their ninja classes, the legacy of this proud family is passed on to students who are serious about learning the ancient ways of Japan’s silent warriors. They offer a range of programs that will give you hands-on experience. Ninja clothing and English interpretation are provided.

 

You can spend up to two hours thoroughly learning various weapons, meditation, and self-defense techniques such as hand gestures that calm the mind and using a blowgun. Classes can be booked as a private one-on-one lesson or as a group of up to 10 people. For groups of up to 10 people, there is also an option for a one-hour seminar with three instructors that teach the fundamental attitudes of shinobi as well as some combat techniques.

https://musashi.ninja/

Ninja Samurai Dojo

Can’t decide whether you like Ninjas or Samurai better? No need to choose. Ninja Samurai Dojo offers beginner ninja, samurai, and a combined ninja/samurai lessons. Experience authentic traditional and historical ninja and samurai training. Learn about throwing stars (shuriken), ninja swords, samurai swords, ninja blow guns, ninja tools, and more. All lessons must be booked in advanced on their website. 

http://ninjasamurai.tokyo/

Rikiya Ninja Tokyo

Located in Kabukicho this late night gym is normally for kickboxing. However, 3 days a week from 5-6pm it transforms into Ninja Gym Shinjuku. The owner and teacher Rikiya is an ex kickboxing champion and a master of Karate and ninjitsu. Classes have a maximum of 2 participants at a time with the minimum age being 6 years old.

 

Although Rikiya speaks English, the website is only available in Japanese. As classes require reservations to be made prior to the lessons, reservations can easily be made at their Voyagin page. You can choose from Taijutsu (unarmed combat), Katana practice, Shuriken practice and more.

https://peraichi.com/

Yajin-ryu Ninjutsu

This program is an intensive ninja class for three or more people that teaches the philosophy of harmony that is behind the shinobi arts and the Japanese way of thinking, as well as a series of techniques such as sword-fighting and shuriken star-throwing. The instructor studied ninjutsu at a classical martial arts school. Choose from either a two-hour course at the school’s location or a more difficult four-hour course in the mountains, both of which utilize the natural outdoor environment. Classes are family-friendly and for 3-5 people. An interpreter can be booked for a group.

http://www.yajin-ninja.jp/

Ninja Trick House

While there is a little bit of Ninja training that takes place, throwing shuriken, learning about Ninja and Samurai, and hands-on sword play, the main attraction is the Ninja Trick House in which everything takes places. A Ninja house full of secret paths, hidden doors, and clever defenses will be the backdrop of your Ninja adventure. Located at a quick 3min walk from the godzilla building at Shinjuku station.

http://ninja-trick-house.com/en/

Ninja Eats in Tokyo: Dine like a Ninja

Ninja Restaurant Akasaka

Enter through a barely noticeable door and be led by a waiter dressed as a ninja through a winding interior of narrow corridors, stone stairs, and even a drawbridge—more like creeping through a fortress than entering a restaurant. Eventually you will arrive in a ninja village where you walk through streets with wooden balconies and arrive at your table. The food is excellent and the meal full of surprises, from black food in mysterious black boxes (ninjas thought it gave them strength) to a magic show by an itinerant magician. This Tokyo ninja restaurant offers an immersive dinner experience with lots of fun extras and a range of meal courses available.

http://www.ninjaakasaka.com/

Tokyo Bay Ninja Cruise

For a view of the Tokyo skyline from the water, book a ride with the Tokyo Yakatabune Association (these are traditional cruising boats) and add a black-clad twist with their ninja-themed cruise. Like any yakatabune boat ride, the food is provided along with all-you-can drink, but unlike other yakatabune, this cruise is interactive.

Along with a large bento box featuring ninja-themed food, you’ll be given your own black ninja face cloth, compete in games based on ninja weaponry and techniques, and have the option to don a ninja outfit and have your photo taken in it.

 

To add to the fun, any time you call out “ninja!” a waiter will appear. All of this proves that to be a ninja in Tokyo, it’s not necessary to hone your physical or mental prowess—but you may have to practice your eating-while-cruising technique!

http://www.yakatabune-kumiai.jp/en/plans/ninja.html

Shinobazu Cafe

For those wishing to visit a maid cafe and have a Ninja experience, going to Shinobazu will allow you to check both off your to-do list. Though this is technically a maid cafe, perhaps it leans more towards the themed restaurant side of the spectrum. At Shinobazu you can have fun throwing ninja stars, watch special performances while you dine and take pictures with the Kunoichi (female ninja). They also offer costume rentals for those who would like to take a stroll around Akihabara dressed as a Ninja.

https://shinobazu-cafe.com/english/

Purchase Ninja Goods Online

You can purchase Ninja goods on Amazon Japan.