Tokyo Samurai Museum Shinjuku: Armor Try-On & Ninja Star Throw

Try on samurai armor, then throw ninja stars in central Tokyo

You'll spend an hour inside the Samurai Museum Tokyo exploring armor, swords, and warrior history with a guide, then try on costume and throw ninja stars yourself. The tour includes entry and the ninja star competition, and the Shinjuku location means you can slot it between other activities without travel time eating your afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Samurai Museum and Ninja Activities

• Find Samurai Museum near Hanazono Shrine
• Join guided tour of samurai history
• See authentic samurai armor and swords
• Learn about samurai lifestyle and battles
• Try on samurai-style costume
• Participate in ninja activities

The experience

The museum sits right next to Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku, which means you'll walk past vending machines and pachinko parlors to get there. A strange contrast that somehow makes the whole thing feel more real. Inside, the guided tour moves through Japanese warrior history from the Sengoku period through the final years of the samurai era, and you're not just looking at glass cases. You'll handle authentic samurai armor, see the actual swords and historical items these fighters used, and get a sense of how these warriors lived and shaped Japan's past.

The hands-on part is what sticks with you. You try on samurai-style costume (which is heavier than you'd expect), and then move into the ninja activities. The shuriken throwing competition is the moment most people remember. It's not complicated, but there's something satisfying about the weight of the star in your hand and the small thunk when it lands. Blowgun practice is there too, quieter and more precise. The whole experience is designed for families and mixed groups, so you're not alone in feeling a bit awkward at first.

The tour is guided, which means someone's actually talking you through the samurai museum's collection rather than you wandering with a placard. Groups stay small enough that you can ask questions without shouting over other visitors. The location in Shinjuku means it fits easily into a shopping or eating day. You're indoors, away from the street noise, for maybe an hour or so. Wheelchair access is full throughout, and the museum accepts strollers if you're bringing small children.

What’s included

• Guided museum tour through samurai and ninja history.
• authentic samurai armor and swords to view.
• samurai-style costume to try on.
• ninja star throwing competition.
• blowgun practice.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day15 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 17:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

Live guideEnglish

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Maikoya

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a hands-on break from Shinjuku's crowds without arranging separate entry and activities: the guided format and fixed location mean you show up and the museum handles the rest.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

Where exactly is the Samurai Museum Tokyo located?

Next to Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku. The museum provides a Google Maps link to confirm the correct location, since there are similarly named museums nearby.

What time periods of samurai history does the tour cover?

The tour spans from the Sengoku period through the final years of the samurai era, showing how these warriors lived and shaped Japan.

Can you try on the armor during the tour?

Yes. You can try on samurai-style costume as part of the hands-on experience.

What ninja activities are included?

Shuriken (ninja star) throwing competition and blowgun practice are both part of the tour.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and transportation options nearby are also wheelchair accessible.

Can I bring a stroller or pram?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller throughout the museum.

How many people can book together?

You can reserve up to 10 people through most booking sites, though the museum accepts bookings from other platforms and may have additional participants in the experience.