Ninja & Samurai Training in Odawara: Learn Real Techniques

Train like a ninja, then walk the castle grounds where samurai history lives

This 2.5-hour experience in Odawara combines a guided tour of Odawara Castle, the Samurai Museum and castle grounds with hands-on ninja training led by a ninja expert. You'll practice breathing, meditation, movement and fundamental ninja techniques using real tools, weapons and ninja attire, all inside a reserved Ninja Museum after business hours. A bilingual local guide leads the castle portion. The ninja expert instructs the training session.

Step-by-step itinerary

Odawara Castle and Ninja Experience

• Meet at Ninja Museum entrance
• Guided walking tour of Odawara Castle Park
• Visit Samurai Museum and view artifacts
• Practice ninja techniques at Ninja Museum

The Experience

The experience starts at 3:30pm at the Ninja Museum entrance in Odawara Castle Park. A bilingual guide leads you through the castle grounds, which retain their original architecture and layout, then into the Samurai Museum to see genuine armor and swords on display. You'll learn how these artifacts shaped samurai culture and craftsmanship. By 5:00pm you move into the Ninja Museum for the hands-on portion. The venue is reserved exclusively for your group after regular hours close, so you have the space to yourself.

The ninja training itself covers breathing, meditation, movement and the fundamental techniques ninja actually used. You'll handle real tools and weapons under the guidance of a ninja expert, practice the iconic hand gestures, and wear ninja attire during the session. Wooded swords and throwing stars are provided so you can work through the motions safely. The experience wraps by 6:00pm, leaving you time to explore Odawara or head toward Hakone if that's your next stop.

What’s included

• Entrance tickets to Odawara Castle, the Samurai Museum and the Ninja Museum.
• ninja attire, wooded swords and throwing stars for the training session.
• a bilingual guide for the castle and museum walking tour.
• instruction from a ninja expert during the hands-on training portion.

Days and timesMon–Fri · 15:30

Ages18 to 70 years · 6 to 17 years · Under 6 — Free

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “Meeting place is the entrance of the Ninja Museum in Odawara Castle Park, which is a short 10 minute walk from the East Gate of Odawara Station.”

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

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Odawara Tourism

Is this one for you?The experience starts at a fixed time (3:30pm) and runs 2.5 hours, so it fits neatly into an afternoon if you're staying in Odawara or passing through on the way to Hakone. Public transportation reaches the Ninja Museum, which means you don't need a car or a separate transfer to get there.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

6 to 17 years; under 6, free.

What exactly do you practice during the ninja training part?

The ninja training covers breathing techniques, meditation, movement patterns, and the fundamental combat methods ninja used historically. You'll handle real tools and weapons under expert guidance, practice throwing stars and wooded swords, and learn the traditional hand gestures, all while wearing ninja attire provided for the session.

Is the Samurai Museum part of the castle grounds or separate?

The Samurai Museum sits within Odawara Castle Park and is included in the walking tour. It displays a collection of genuine samurai armor and swords that show the craftsmanship and artistry of the period, and you'll visit it before moving to the Ninja Museum for the training portion.

What time does this experience start and end?

You meet at 3:30pm at the Ninja Museum entrance in Odawara Castle Park. The guided castle tour runs from 3:30pm to 5:00pm, the ninja training session runs from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, so the full experience is 2.5 hours.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the Ninja Museum?

Public transportation options are available near Odawara Castle Park. You'll meet at the Ninja Museum entrance, so you can arrive by local bus or train. The meeting point is accessible by public transit.

What's included in the price?

Entry to the Ninja Museum, Samurai Museum and Odawara Castle grounds are all included. Ninja attire, wooded swords, and throwing stars are provided for the training session, so you don't need to bring equipment.