Ninjas are the shadowy assassins of a legend that captivate the imagination. What better way to learn about them than to become one, at least for a while at the Ninja Trick House in Tokyo.
Hidden away in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, the Ninja Trick House in Tokyo is part funhouse, part interactive theatre.
Enter the Ninja
Upon arrival, you make your way under a row of red torii gates to enter the Ninja Trick House’s reception area where you can get your admission tickets. Be advised, while the Ninja Trick House in Tokyo is quite small, but it is not the size that matters but the experience that counts.
And the experience starts with an encounter with a ninja of course!
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After watching a video that explains the differences between the noble samurai and rouge ninjas, a ninja guide, clad in black, unveils to visitors the “tricks” used by these stealthy assassins.
Ninja Secrets and Skills
How do ninjas conceal their weapons? Why are ninja swords straight? How do ninjas evade escape?
These secrets and more are unrevealed by the master ninja. Best of all, it is highly interactive and you will find yourself strapping on a sword and opening secret compartments. It is a fun way to learn the way of the ninja!
Part of the experience includes sword practice. A dummy set up in a room serves as the target. After a demonstration, it will be your turn to have a go.
Shuriken Throwing in Tokyo
A memorable part of a visit to the Ninja Trick House in Tokyo is shuriken throwing.
Shuriken, as every kid above the age of five will tell you, are a ninja’s throwing stars. Made in many different designs, they all have a common feature of sharp pointy blades radiating out from a centrepiece. Less well-known is that they could be used as close-combat weapons for slashing.
But, you are probably not interested in slashing away with the shuriken – you will want to throw them!
And, shuriken throwing is an exciting part of the Ninja Trick House experience.
There are targets set up against the wall. You will be handed a basket of shurikens and, after some instruction, can get started.
Get in position and send the shuriken spinning toward the targets. Shuriken throwing is a fun and addictive experience.
The Ninja Trick House in Tokyo is surprisingly educational and highly interactive. At 1000 yen per person, it is a hidden gem in Tokyo worth experiencing and great fun for kids.
Finding the Ninja Trick House in Tokyo
Finding the Ninja Trick House in Tokyo can be a bit tricky as it is located on the 4th floor of a multi-tenanted building. Located at Kabukicho, Shinjuku, it is just a short distance away from the Samurai Museum.
Look out for a signboard at the street level and make your way up three flights of stairs to get to the Ninja Trick House in Tokyo.
Take note that entry is by groups (maximum capacity of 12). If there is a group ahead of you, you may have to wait for 15 to 30 minutes for the preceding group to finish their visit.
Pair a visit to the Ninja Trick House in Tokyo with a visit to the nearby Samurai Museum. We suggest visiting the more “serious” Samurai Museum first before visiting the more interactive Ninja Trick House in Tokyo.
Ninja Trick House in Tokyo
Address: Daiichi Wako Bld. 4F 2-28-13 Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0021
Opening hours: 10 am to 9 pm (last visitors at 8.30 pm) – Check online here for days they are closed (scroll to the bottom)
Admission (inc. tax): 1,000 JPY per person; free admission for children aged 3 or younger
Telephone: 03-6457-3337
Website: ninja-trick-house.com
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