Kyoto: Ninja Training Lesson with Japanese Master & Gear

Summary

Kyoto dojo ninja lesson with meditation swordplay and secret tricks

You’ll step into an authentic Kyoto dojo, dress in real ninja gear, and learn hands-on techniques from a Japanese master teaching in English. Try meditation, stealth walking, sword handling, throwing stars, and even blow darts—plus hear stories you won’t find in guidebooks. You’ll leave with new skills (and maybe some funny memories) echoing long after you’ve changed back into your own clothes.

What’s the experience like?

We slid open the old wooden door and the smell inside hit me first — tatami mats and something faintly herbal, maybe incense? Our sensei was already waiting, calm but with this quiet intensity. He handed us black ninja clothes (I fumbled the belt twice) and explained how even putting them on is part of the training. We started with Kuji-kiri meditation — you make these hand signs and try to clear your head, which sounds simple but I kept peeking at everyone else’s fingers. The silence in that little Kyoto dojo felt thick, like you could almost touch it.

After that, we learned how ninjas walk — not just sneaking around but moving so quietly you barely hear your own feet. Sensei showed us how to breathe from our belly (“like yoga, but don’t fall asleep,” he joked). Then came all these weapons: kunai daggers, a sickle with a chain (kusarigama), even shuriken stars. I tried throwing one and it clanged off the wall — not exactly movie material. My favorite was the blowgun; there’s this weird satisfaction when you hit the target and everyone cheers a little too loud for a “secret” art. Sensei told stories about real ninja history between techniques, nothing flashy — just small details about old Kyoto families or why certain moves matter.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much during ninja training in Kyoto. At one point I mixed up left and right during rope technique and sensei grinned like he’d seen it a hundred times before. It’s not really about being perfect anyway; more about feeling what it’s like to be inside that world for two hours. Walking back out onto the street in my regular shoes felt strange — lighter somehow. Still thinking about that quiet moment before we started, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ninja hands-on training session

• Enter dojo and perform courtesy
• Practice ninja meditation 'Kuji-kiri'
• Learn ninja breath control
• Practice basic Japanese martial arts walking
• Learn ninja walking techniques
• Train with ninja sword and kunai
• Practice kusarigama and rope techniques
• Use shuriken and stick-type shuriken
• Try ninja blowgun with blow darts

Top questions

How long is the Kyoto ninja training lesson?

The lesson lasts 2 hours.

Is the ninja class taught in English?

Yes, instruction is provided in English by a Japanese master.

Do I get to wear ninja clothes during the lesson?

Yes, rental of ninja clothes is included for use during training.

What kind of weapons or techniques are covered?

You’ll try sword handling, kunai daggers, kusarigama (sickle with chain), rope technique, shuriken (throwing stars), stick-type shuriken, and blowgun darts.

Are there any health restrictions for participants?

The activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the dojo.

Are service animals allowed at the dojo?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What’s included

Your experience includes entry fees to the Kyoto dojo, rental of authentic ninja clothing during your hands-on lesson, and expert instruction from a Japanese sensei who teaches all techniques in English—everything’s ready when you arrive so you can just focus on enjoying each new skill.