Our Ninja Experience at the Samurai and Ninja Museum Kyoto

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The Ninja Experience at the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto feels like it has suddenly ‘appeared’ in the city over the past few years, quickly becoming one of Kyoto’s most popular family activities.

The concept is brilliant—an interactive, hands-on experience designed for international families. It’s no surprise that tickets are selling fast! The Ninja Experience is highly visual and engaging for young children, and best of all, it’s something the whole family can enjoy together. It offers a fun, memorable way for kids to dive into a slice of Japanese culture.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through what the Ninja Experience in Kyoto involves, the best ways to make the most of it, and which ages it’s best suited for.

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Two young children dressed in black ninja outfits, complete with black robes and headbands featuring the kanji character for 'ninja' (忍), pose playfully in front of a wall decorated with circular target patterns. One child gives a thumbs-up while the other tilts their head with a playful expression. They are wearing casual jeans and sneakers, blending traditional ninja attire with modern elements. The setting is an indoor space for a ninja training experience at the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto
All ready for the Ninja Experience at the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto.

Samurai and Ninja Museum Kyoto – The Ninja Experience

The Samurai & Ninja Museum (run by a company called Maikoya) has embraced the booming family holiday market in Kyoto. They have elevated a simple museum experience so that it becomes interactive for little ones. This is especially valuable as we all know that most children prefer to learn by ‘doing’ rather than simply ‘listening.’

Our group participated in the Ninja Experience at the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto – a hands-on adventure perfect for families. Kids can dress up in ninja outfits, learn real ninja skills, and dive into a world of stealth and excitement.

The fun starts with everyone suiting up in ninja gear – a big hit with the little ones. Then, under the guidance of skilled instructors, you’ll learn stealthy moves just like the ninjas of old. Highlights include throwing shuriken (ninja stars), trying out a ninja blowgun, sword “fights”, and the opportunity to take photos in Samurai and Ninja costumes. It’s all safe, supervised, and fun.

Two young children dressed in black ninja outfits with headbands stand in front of a wall covered in target patterns. They are participating in a ninja training activity, using blowguns to aim at the targets. Both are wearing casual jeans and sneakers, blending traditional ninja attire with modern clothing. The setting appears to be an indoor ninja training facility, with a large banner hanging above the targets, adding to the immersive experience.
Dart Blowing is part of the Ninja Experience.

For a deeper dive into history, you can join a guided tour of the museum at no extra charge. This tour showcases an impressive collection of authentic samurai armour, including rare pieces from the Edo period that are over 300 years old. One standout exhibit is the “Wall of Swords,” featuring a diverse array of genuine Japanese swords from various eras, each with its own story.

Two sets of traditional Japanese samurai armor displayed at the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto. The armor on the left features a dark helmet with distinctive antler-like crests and a chest plate adorned with golden embellishments. The armor on the right has a black helmet with large curved horns, intricate detailing, and a menacing mask. A polearm weapon is positioned between them. The background consists of a tiled wall with earthy tones, adding to the historical atmosphere.
Two sets of traditional Japanese samurai armor displayed at the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto.

How Kid-Friendly Is the Experience

The trainers speak English and are very kind and gentle with little kids – and babies. I was impressed by the team’s dedication to keeping all participants (even toddlers ‘tottling’ about) friendly and safe. They also make sure no children are blowing on the same blow-dart tools. Each person is given their own mouthpiece, and then they are sterilized before the next group comes through).

Oh, and don’t worry, the dart tip is made of foil. So, there is no need to worry about kids accidentally dart-shooting their brother in the head. The ‘swords’ are also more like big foam baseball bats and are perfect for kids to work on their skills and get some wriggles out in a lovely, safe manner.

A smiling child wearing a red samurai chest plate and an ornate samurai helmet poses for a photo at the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto. The child holds up the large helmet with both hands, showcasing its intricate golden details and decorative elements. The background features a richly decorated mural with golden designs and a white crane, enhancing the historical and cultural atmosphere of the experience.
Taking photos as a samurai.

This experience is best for families with young children but would also be so sweet for multi-generational families. Seeing Granny and Grandpa join the ninja activities would be so cute. 

This Ninja experience is most exciting for kids approximately three to ten years of age. The staff are good at moving swiftly between activities – which means no time for anyone to get bored or watch the clock at all.  This experience would also be an excellent activity for two or three families all travelling together.  

Two children dressed as ninjas pose enthusiastically next to a life-sized ninja mannequin at the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto. The child on the left is making a playful ninja stance with hands positioned as if holding a weapon, while the child on the right raises a prop weapon with a grin. The mannequin is clad in a black ninja outfit with a red headband, holding a yellow staff, with various ninja weapons displayed on the wall behind them.
Opportunities to pose with a mannequin at the end.

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Other Interactive Experiences at the Museum

The guided tour of the museum includes a detailed explanation of samurai roles and hierarchy and a lesson into the significance of Samurai and Ninjas within Japanese history. A few of my friends who have been here said that this experience inspired quite a few detailed Japanese history projects once they returned home from their holiday. 

The wall of swords is particularly impressive on its own. However, it is even more impressive when the instructors take the time to show how they were each used in combat. This includes chats about “seppuku” (the samurai code of honour that included ritual suicide.) 

A display of traditional Japanese samurai swords at the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto. The swords, including katana and wakizashi, are arranged in a vertical case against a golden textured background. Each sword is mounted on individual brackets, with some sheathed and others revealing their polished, curved blades. Small plaques with descriptions are placed next to the swords, providing historical and contextual information.
Samurai Swords at the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto.

Other Samurai and Ninja Experiences in Japan

Although the Samurai and Ninja Experience in Kyoto is one of the most popular options for visitors to Japan, there are other places to try out life as a Ninja and Samurai in Japan.

Tokyo has a Samurai Ninja Museum, and visitors also have the chance to walk around the immediate area and take photographs in their full costumes. Tickets can also be purchased through Klook. The same company also offers samurai and ninja experiences in Osaka.

Harajuku (on the famous Takeshita Street) also has a Ninja Cafe – a smaller version of the Ninja Experience where guests can also enjoy a cafe-style meal, learn how to use some samurai and ninja weapons and take a look at their merchandise wall on the way out. This activity makes for a lovely day out with kids as you can explore Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, and Omotesando, and then stop for Ninja time at this cafe in the morning or afternoon.

A child dressed in a black ninja costume is preparing to throw a shuriken (ninja star) at a target. The target is made of straw with circular markings and is set against a netted backdrop in an indoor training area. The individual wears a black headband and white shoes.
Ninja star throwing at Ninja Cafe in Harajuku.

In Tokyo, there is also a Ninja Restaurant. It is one of the few themed restaurants in Japan that is known for also serving delicious food so be sure to make a reservation as early as you can. The wait staff stay in character the whole time, and the food is as theatrical as the theming of the restaurant itself.  Please note that only children six or older can dine here. It is not far from Tokyo Station.

For other Samurai and Ninja related fun in Japan, be sure to also look at outdoor museums such as Boso-No-Mura in Chiba (not too far from the centre of Tokyo.) Another great option for kids is the Children’s Ninja Village in Nagano prefecture.

Three children dressed as ninjas, two in black and one in red, strike ninja poses in front of a rustic wooden obstacle course in a forested area. The sign on the left features Japanese characters.
Striking ninja poses before training starts.

Practical Information

In this section, I cover the important details such as where to find the Samurai and Ninja Museum and how to book tickets.

Location of the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto

The museum entrance is at the top of the stairs, a few minutes into an undercover shopping street near Nishiki Market in Kyoto. The address is the address is Teramachi Utanokoji building 2F, 292, Higashidaimonjicho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto,

Because the entrance is inside the undercover shopping street (this kind of street is referred to as a “shotengai” in Japan), it is not possible to take a taxi right to the door. As cars cannot enter the shopping arcade/street, it is best to take a train to Karasuma Station and walk for six minutes or to Kyoto Kawaramachi Station and walk for two minutes.

There is a short staircase up to the entrance (a small elevator to the left as well.) So, don’t forget to look to the left, but also look slightly up as well.

An instructor and a young participant, both dressed in black ninja attire with headbands, practice dart blowing at the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto. The instructor is lying on the ground demonstrating the technique, while the child crouches nearby, aiming their blowgun with focus. The setting has a dark, padded floor, and additional participants are visible in the background engaging in the same activity.
Dart blowing practice with the instructor.

How to Buy Tickets for the Family-Friendly Ninja Experience

The basic ticket for the Family and Kid-Friendly Ninja Experience includes 60 minutes of activities, including throwing shuriken (ninja stars), trying out a ninja blowgun, sword ‘fights’, and the opportunity to take photos in Samurai and Ninja costumes. You can also opt-in for the Guided Tour of the Samurai & Ninja Museum at no additional charge. Tickets cost ¥ 5,400 / person (+ tax) using the ‘smile’ coupon. Children’s rates (ages 3-12) are 300 JPY off.

You can also purchase Ninja Experience tickets through Viator, which are more expensive.

Be sure to book the Samurai and Ninja Museum Kyoto experience as soon as you can, especially if you are visiting during cherry blossom season or Golden Week. Unlike many experience or accommodation options in Japan, it is possible to make a reservation even as far as one year in advance.

You can also book tickets for the Samurai and Ninja Museum only (without the additional experiences. In addition to booking directly, you can also book skip-the-queue tickets through Klook and Viator.

Other Experiences Offered by Maikoya in Kyoto

For those families more interested in the samurai, there is a family and kid-friendly experience that includes learning traditional movements with a sword.

For hard-core Samurai and Ninja fans, you may be interested in the Premium Samurai Experience. This two-hour experience includes dressing up, training with a replica sword, sword fighting with that replica sword, ninja star activities and blowing ninja darts. There is also an extended Ninja Experience.

Please also check out the official website, as the Maikoya company also offers various other experiences, including Geisha experiences, tea ceremonies and walking tours, as well as various combo tickets.

My Tips for the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto

Visiting the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto is a great experience, especially for families with kids. But before you go, there are a few things to know that will help make your visit smoother. From navigating different locations to the best time to book, here are my top tips to get the most out of your Ninja Experience!

Make Reservations for Early in the Day

With small children, I recommend making a reservation early in the day followed by exploring the Nishiki Market together as a family before going out for an interactive dinner at a shabu shabu/sukiyaki restaurant in the area.

What a fabulous oh-so-Japan that would be! Want to level up and make that day even more special? Why not all head to a karaoke booth after that? (I recommend googling your closest Karaoke-kan or Big Echo.)

Arrive Early

I personally recommend aiming to arrive 15-20 minutes ahead of your start time at the beginning of the whole experience.  This is because it is a little tricky to find the venue at first. It also doesn’t matter if you are slightly early because there are lots of shopping and convenience stores in the immediate area – plenty of things to do while you wait.

A narrow entrance to a building in Kyoto featuring a mix of traditional and modern architecture. The lower level has a dark wooden façade with bamboo slats and noren curtains in red and white, with Japanese characters written on them. Above, a striking curved blue mosaic structure contrasts with the surrounding concrete walls. To the right, a staircase leads upwards with several people climbing, while curved street lamps with glowing yellow lights line the path. The entrance to the Samurai and Ninja Experience is located up these stairs, with elevators available on the left side of the image.
Stairs up to the Samurai Ninja Experience in Kyoto. Elevators are to the left of the picture. Arrive early as it can be a little tricky to find the Samurai and Ninja Museum.

Luggage Storage

Please note that there isn’t an option to store luggage near the Samurai and Ninja Museum Kyoto, so it is best to ask your hotel to hang on to your suitcases or look for a coin locker at the station.  There is, however, space to store shopping bags and day packs at the side of the room during the Ninja Experience section. 

Don’t Worry About Varying Body Types

There is no need to worry if your body type is a larger or smaller size than average. All ninja outfits are unisex and can cater to different sizes.

The final building with the Samurai backdrops and costumes for photos has small lockers for guests to use while taking pictures. There is also a changing room in case you want to get more involved than just putting armour over your regular clothing.

The Activities are Run in Various Locations

Something to note when visiting the Ninja Experience at the Samurai and Ninja Museum Kyoto: not all of the activities are held within the one building. Once you have let the reception desk know that you have arrived, you will be given a map for which building to head to next. You will also be given a wristband so the staff know exactly who their customers are.

Don’t worry – every location is just a few minutes’ walk away, and the staff is happy to give you directions to the closest public toilet.

With small children, I believe that the changing buildings element helps with keeping it interesting. It feels a bit like a treasure hunt. I recommend letting children be in charge of the map and the directions.

With kids, the changing between buildings can also be great at helping you pace your time here. For example, we stopped for a Coolish (a Japanese convenience store ice cream packaged in a squeezy pouch) before moving on to the final experience – the Samurai photos in front of photo backdrops.

A young boy with short brown hair and a playful expression enjoys a Coolish vanilla ice cream pouch, licking the spout while holding it up to the camera. He wears a dark blue t-shirt and a blue wristband on his left wrist. The background shows a lively shopping arcade with people walking, shopping, and pushing strollers, creating a bustling atmosphere.
Ice-cream break between ninja activities.

Buying Swords

Did you know you can also purchase a replica and real antique katana swords before leaving the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto? Please see the very bottom of this page to see the available options, and then send an email to make sure your item is ready on the day. 

Cancellation

Please note that should you need to cancel your Ninja & Samurai Experience in Kyoto, you will need to email them 24 hours in advance (cancellations are not accepted by phone.)

Wheelchair Accessibility

The majority of the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto is not wheelchair accessible.

Final Thoughts

The Samurai & Ninja Museum in Kyoto is in such a prime Kyoto location that you will most likely find yourself walking past the museum whether you have booked a ticket or not. Even without a reservation, you may get lucky with a walk-in ticket outside of peak season, especially in the morning and evening.

I recommend making a reservation if you have children who need a break from temples and shrines in Kyoto. The whole experience also makes for very touristy yet memorable photos that you will want to hold on to forever as a keepsake of your Japan family holiday.

A collage of three images showcases a family’s ninja experience at the Samurai and Ninja Museum Kyoto. The top image features an elaborate samurai armor set displayed in the museum, with gold and black details, a fearsome helmet, and traditional weapons in the background. The bottom left image shows a smiling young boy wearing red and black samurai armor and a traditional helmet, adjusting it playfully. The bottom right image captures two children dressed as ninjas in black robes and headbands, posing confidently in front of a wall with target designs. The text overlay in bold white letters on a red background reads: 'OUR NINJA EXPERIENCE AT THE SAMURAI AND NINJA MUSEUM KYOTO.
Ninja Experience Kyoto – Pinterest Image.

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