Tokyo: Ninja Experience at Samurai & Ninja Museum for Families

Summary

Dress up as a ninja, try real tools, laugh with your family in Tokyo

You’ll suit up in full ninja gear at the Samurai & Ninja Museum in Tokyo, learn real ninja moves from local guides, try your hand at shuriken and blowguns, and join a treasure hunt that gets everyone laughing. Expect friendly staff who make you feel welcome—even if you can’t tie your headband right—and leave with photos that’ll make you smile every time you see them.

What’s the experience like?

We walked into the Samurai & Ninja Museum in Tokyo and right away, I could hear kids giggling somewhere behind the walls. Our guide—her name was Emi—handed us these black ninja outfits (honestly, I didn’t think I’d pull it off but my son looked like he’d been waiting his whole life for this). The fabric was lighter than I expected, almost slippery, and there was this faint smell of tatami mats mixed with something herbal—maybe incense? Emi helped tie my headband because I kept fumbling with it. She just smiled and said, “Even real ninjas needed help sometimes.”

The main room had all these old weapons on display—shuriken stars, blowguns—and Emi explained how ninjas actually used them. My daughter tried to pronounce “fukiya” (the blowgun) and Li, another staff member, burst out laughing when she got it wrong. We took turns aiming at a target; I missed completely but somehow my wife nailed it on her first go. There’s something weirdly satisfying about the soft thud of a dart hitting its mark. After that came the treasure hunt—mostly for kids but honestly we all got way too competitive. You know how you sometimes forget you’re an adult?

There were families from Osaka and even a couple from France in our group—everyone kind of bonded over trying not to look ridiculous in costume. We took photos against this painted backdrop that made us look like we’d stepped straight out of some old Japanese storybook. The lighting was warm and soft; I still think about how my son grinned so wide his mask nearly slipped off. It’s one of those things where you’re half-aware it’s touristy but also… who cares? For a day trip in Tokyo with kids or anyone who wants to feel like a secret agent, it’s just pure fun.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ninja Experience at Samurai Museum

• Arrive at Samurai Ninja Museum
• Learn about Ninja history and tools
• Choose and wear traditional ninja outfit
• Use a blowgun
• Participate in ninja treasure hunt
• Take photo shoot in ninja attire

Top questions

Is the Ninja Experience at Samurai & Ninja Museum suitable for young children?

Children under 3 cannot join the ninja activities but can enter the venue with adults.

What does the Tokyo Ninja Experience include?

You’ll wear a full ninja outfit, try ninja training with weapons like shuriken and blowguns, take photos in costume, and join a treasure hunt.

How many people are on each tour?

The activity has a maximum of 20 travelers per session.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and the venue are wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to be physically fit for this experience?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for participation.

Are strollers or prams allowed inside?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers inside the venue.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the museum.

What’s included

Your day includes dressing up in a full ninja outfit with help from staff at the Samurai & Ninja Museum Tokyo, hands-on training using shuriken stars and other traditional weapons, joining a lively treasure hunt (kids love this part), plus time for photos in costume before heading home—all guided by friendly locals who keep things fun for everyone.