Ninja experience in Takayama: Throw shuriken, train with swords

Step into historic armor and master ancient skills in Takayama’s ninja café

A 75-minute ninja training activity in Takayama where you don a ninja costume, throw authentic iron shuriken, blow darts, and practice sword kata using replica blades. The experience includes VR games to dodge obstacles, a guided session in English or Japanese, one drink, and a photoshoot in costume. Children from age 6 are welcome. All areas are wheelchair accessible.

The experience

You change into a ninja outfit and spend the session learning hands-on ninja skills. The core of the experience is throwing an authentic iron shuriken, blowing a blowgun arrow, and practicing sword iai: the kata training with blades that was essential to real ninja training. A guide leads you through each technique in English or Japanese, so the instruction is clear whether you've handled weapons before or not.

Between the physical training, you'll play VR games that let you dodge incoming shuriken in a virtual space, adding a different kind of challenge to the session. A photoshoot in your ninja costume wraps up the time, so you leave with images of yourself in full gear. One drink is included. The facility displays historical helmets, swords, and tea utensils that give context to what you're learning about the role of ninja in old Japan.

Ninja Cafe Takayama sits in the historical city center, with public transportation nearby. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and the activity suits all fitness levels. Children from age 6 can join, including the VR games. Younger children and infants can be accommodated with a stroller.

What’s included

• Ninja costume rental.
• authentic iron shuriken throwing.
• blowgun and dart practice.
• sword kata training with replica blades.
• VR games.
• one drink.
• photoshoot in full ninja gear.
• guided instruction in English or Japanese.
• entrance to the facility and access to historical displays of helmets, swords, and tea utensils.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Wednesday8 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Ninja Cafe TAKAYAMA (Ninjia Experience)

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to physically practice ninja techniques rather than watch a demonstration: the shuriken throwing and sword training are hands-on from start to finish. The 75-minute length fits easily into a morning or afternoon in Takayama without eating a full day.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

27 verified traveler reviews

5 ★27

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What weapons do I actually get to throw and use during the ninja training?

You throw an authentic iron shuriken, blow darts with a blowgun, and practice sword techniques using replica blades in kata training. The VR games add a virtual obstacle course where you dodge incoming shuriken.

How long is the whole experience from start to finish?

The activity runs 75 minutes total, including the costume change, guided training with each weapon, VR games, and a photoshoot in your ninja outfit.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The experience includes the ninja costume rental, all training with weapons, VR games, one drink, entrance to the facility, and a photoshoot. You don't need to bring anything except comfortable clothes to change out of.