Ninja Training in Takayama: Learn Shuriken & Sword Techniques

Throw shuriken, draw a sword, and step into a ninja's world for real.

Ninja Cafe Takayama offers a one-hour ninja training class where you don a costume and learn authentic techniques using replica swords and iron shuriken under a live guide's instruction. The experience includes weapon training, a drink, costume rental, and photos in full ninja dress. Children from age 3 are welcome, and guides speak English and Japanese.

The Experience

Takayama's Ninja Cafe sits in the heart of the city's historic district, a place where you can step away from sightseeing and actually train like a ninja. You'll change into a full ninja costume, then move through a series of hands-on drills: throwing iron shuriken at targets, learning the footwork and blade angles of sword iai (the formal draw-and-strike kata that was central to real ninja combat), and practicing with a replica sword. A guide leads you through each technique, correcting your stance and showing you how the movements connect to actual historical training methods.

The class runs about an hour, which is enough time to cycle through the weapons and get a feel for how each one works in your hands. You'll have time for photos in your ninja outfit—the kind of moment that makes sense only when you're dressed for it. One drink is included, and the whole setup is designed so families with young children can participate; the facility is fully wheelchair accessible, and the movements can be adapted to different fitness levels.

The Ninja Cafe displays historical helmets, swords, and tea utensils alongside the training space, so you're learning in a setting that connects the techniques to their actual context in old Japan. It's a working understanding of what ninja training involved, not a costume photo op—though you'll get the photos too.

What’s included

• Ninja costume rental.
• authentic iron shuriken throwing practice.
• sword iai training using replica swords.
• guided instruction in English or Japanese.
• one drink.
• photos in full ninja dress.
• access to displays of historical helmets, swords, and tea utensils.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Ninja Cafe TAKAYAMA (Ninjia Experience)

Is this one for you?Book this class if you want to learn actual ninja techniques rather than just wear a costume—the sword kata and shuriken practice are the real thing, taught by someone who knows the historical methods. It's a one-hour experience, so it fits easily into a day visiting Takayama without requiring a long time commitment.

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Top questions

What weapons do you actually get to use in the ninja training class?

The Ninja Experience in Takayama includes throwing an authentic iron shuriken at targets, practicing sword iai (the formal draw-and-strike form) using a replica sword, and learning the footwork and blade techniques that were part of real ninja combat training.

Is the ninja training in Takayama suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome from age 3. The class is designed for the whole family, and the techniques can be adapted to different ages and fitness levels. Infants and small children can stay in a pram or stroller if needed.

How long does the ninja experience take?

The class runs for about an hour, which gives you time to try each weapon, practice the techniques with a guide, and have photos taken in your ninja costume.

What language does the guide speak?

Guides at Ninja Cafe Takayama speak both English and Japanese, so you can choose the language that works for you.

What's included in the ninja training experience?

The Ninja Experience includes your ninja costume rental, entrance to the facility, all weapon training and instruction, one drink, and a photoshoot in your ninja outfit.