── From Iga and Koka to Hokkaido and Kyushu, the world of ninjas that both children and adults can be immersed in ──

"Mom, I want to be a ninja!"

If such a voice pops out of your child, it is surely a sign that you want to become the "protagonist of the story" in your heart. The ninjas who shine in the world of picture books and anime are symbols of "courage" and "wisdom" for children. Concentration in striking shuriken, observation ability to see through tricks, cooperation to join forces with friends—the ninja experience is full of elements that nurture children's minds and bodies through play.

This time, we will introduce a selection of "large ninja theme parks" that you can enjoy with your family throughout the day. From the "sacred places of ninjas" in Iga and Koka to Hokkaido and Kyushu, please find the perfect place to suit your child's age and interests.

*Small ninja experience spots and experience cafes in the suburbs of Tokyo and Kanto are listed in the sister article " Feel free to experience ninja! Tokyo & Kanto Experience Cafes and Mini Spots ".

Iga area, a sacred place for ninjas

Iga Ninja Museum (Iga City, Mie Prefecture)

When you think of "Ninja Village Iga", the first thing that comes to mind is this "Iga Ninja Museum". As a ninja museum boasting the world's best ninjutsu materials, it is a representative tourist spot in Iga that attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad. The predecessor was the "Iga style ninja house" that opened in 1964. Today, it has been reborn as a full-fledged ninja museum, housing not only the ninja mansion but also ancient ninja and ninjutsu-related documents from all over the country.

■ Karakuri Ninja Mansion …… The exterior looks like an ordinary farmhouse, but inside there are "plot twists", "hidden stairs", and "gimmick doors". It is possible to experience it on weekends and holidays, and it is a moment when children's eyes sparkle.
■ Ninjutsu demonstration show …… A powerful demonstration by the Iga Ninja Special Corps "Asura". Using real weapons and ninja equipment, the approximately 25-minute show will engage both adults and children. Even in word of mouth, there are many voices saying "a must-see!" It costs an additional 600 yen, but it's well worth it.
■ Shuriken experience …… Experience using real iron shurikens (6 pieces for 300 yen). In fact, it seems that the correct way to say shuriken is to "hit" rather than "throw". This kind of trivia is also a point where conversations with your child are lively.

Basic Info Location: Mie Prefecture Iga City Ueno Marunouchi 117 (in Ueno Park)
Opening Hours: Weekdays 10:00~16:00 / Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 10:00~16:30
Admission fee: Adults 1,000 yen, 4 years old ~ junior high school students 700 yen (separately, ninjutsu demonstration show 600 yen)
Closed: December 29 ~ January 1 Official website: https://www.iganinja.jp/

The word "Ninja Museum" may seem difficult, but it is the facility most visited by children aged 7~12 years old. The experience of encountering a "real ninja" will change the world you see in picture books and anime into a "real feeling".

Iga-style ninja experience facility "Mankawa Shukai" (Iga City, Mie Prefecture)

Opened on August 27, 2025, this is a new ninja experience spot in Iga. "Mansen Shukai (Mansen Shukai/Bansen Shukai)" is the name of the largest ninjutsu book that summarizes various ninjutsu such as Iga and Koka in 22 volumes. Based on the theme of this ninjutsu book, this facility offers walk-through adventures and ninjutsu teaching experiences.

Set in the cave "Maken Cave", where Iga ninjas are said to have trained, you can experience the wisdom and courage of ninjas while moving through darkness and gimmicks. The "real ninja experience" where you are dressed in a shinobi costume and taught ninjutsu by a chunin is truly like being the protagonist of a story.

Basic Info Location: Mie Prefecture Iga City Ueno Marunouchi 29
Official website: https://iga-nin.com/

Akame 48 Falls Ninja Forest (Nabari City, Mie Prefecture)

The valley "Akame Forty-Eight Falls" is said to have been trained by Iga-style ninjas in the past. It is a beautiful scenic spot that has been selected as one of the "100 Best Waterfalls in Japan" and "100 Best Forests for Forest Bathing". At the "Ninja Forest" here, you can experience ninja training at more than 20 indoor and outdoor attractions such as tightrope walking and shuriken techniques.

If you participate in a guided ninja training experience (held twice a day), you can wear a ninja costume and experience all the attractions. If you successfully complete the training, you will receive the "Book of Iga Akame-ryu License All Den". Children under 7 years old must be accompanied by a guardian. Practicing in nature should develop "small courage" in the child's heart.

Basic Info Location: Mie Prefecture Nabari-shi Akame-cho Nagasaka 682 (in Akame 48 Falls)
Official website: https://www.akame48taki.com/

Tomoiki no Kuni Ise Ninja Kingdom (Ise City, Mie Prefecture)

It opened in 1993 as the "Ise Sengoku Period Village" and is now a super-large theme park that is popularly known as the "Ise Ninja Kingdom in the Land of Tomoiki". The symbol is "Azuchi Castle", which is reproduced in full-size size, and the cityscape of the Azuchi-Momoyama period spreads out on a vast site of 100,000 tsubo. It also became a hot topic as a filming location for the movie "Touken Ranbu".

■ Ninja Forest Adventure …… A full-fledged tree trek with a total length of about 1,000m. The number of attractions is one of the largest in western Japan. Available from elementary school students (height 120 cm or more).
■ Great Ninja Theater …… A ninja-to-ninja battle unfolding right in front of your eyes. It is a powerful stage that takes the breath of the children.
■ Ninja costume rental …… Free rental with a pass (1-day passport). If you walk around the park in a ninja costume, the tension of the children will be at its peak.
There is also a hot spring facility, so it is perfect for a three-generation trip with grandparents.

Basic Info Location: Mie Prefecture Ise City Futami Town Mitsu 1201-1
Opening Hours: Summer 9:00~17:00 / Winter 9:00~16:00
Passage Notes: Adults 4,900 yen / Junior high and high school students 3,500 yen / Children 3,000 yen (including ninja costume rental)
Official website: https://www.ise-jokamachi.jp/

Another sacred place, the Koka area

Koka no Sato Ninjutsu Village (Koka City, Shiga Prefecture)

Koka, the home of ninjas along with Iga. The vast site surrounded by nature at the foot of Mt. Suzuka is dotted with ninjutsu museums, karakuri residences, shuriken dojos, etc. It is a theme park with the atmosphere of an "old-fashioned hidden village".

A very popular "ninja dojo" for children is the "ninja dojo". Dressed in black, you can try nine techniques such as climbing a wall, walking a tightrope, and squirrel. If you clear all of them, you will receive a scroll of "License Pass", so your child will feel a sense of accomplishment. There are also plenty of handmade experiences, such as shuriken experience (8 pieces for 300 yen) and rakuyaki and cedar experience (600 yen~).

Basic Info Location: Shiga Prefecture Koka City Koka Town Oki 394
Opening Hours: 10:00~17:00 (Entry until 16:00)
Entrance fee: Adults 1,100 yen / Junior high and high school students 900 yen / Elementary school students 800 yen / 3 years old ~ under elementary school age 600 yen
Closed: Every Monday (the next day if it is a holiday)
Parking: Free (about 500 units)
Official website: https://koka.ninpou.jp/

It is especially recommended for children of elementary school age. The smile you see when you hold the "License Scroll" will surely become a treasure for your family.

Koka-ryu Ninjutsu Mansion (Koka City, Shiga Prefecture)

A valuable spot where you can see the mansion where real ninjas lived, which is different from the Koka no Sato Ninjutsu Village. It is the residence of Mochizuki Izumomomo, the head of the 53 Koka ninja families, and the building built during the Genroku period of the Edo period remains in its original location and condition. It is a historic facility that has been open to the public since around 1955, and is equipped with many gimmicks such as "plot twists", "pitfalls", "loopholes", "loopholes", and "hidden rooms". There is also a shuriken throwing experience and a ninja costume transformation (500 yen). It is about a 10-minute drive from Koka no Sato Ninjutsu Village, so it is recommended to climb the ladder.

Basic Info Location: Shiga Koka City Konan Town Ryuboji 2331
Opening Hours: 9:00~17:00 (Admission until 16:30)
Admission fee: Junior high school students and above 600 yen / 4 years old and over 400 yen
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays (12/27~1/3)
Official website: https://www.kouka-ninjya.com/

Koka-style real ninja hall (Koka City, Shiga Prefecture)

This facility is located in the General Tourist Information Center in Koka City, and admission is free. In addition to exhibiting the history and materials related to the Koka ninjas, you can also experience training such as roasting fire arrow making. It is also a great preparation spot before visiting the ninjutsu village or ninjutsu mansion.

Basic Info Location: Shiga Prefecture Koka City Konan Town (in Shinobu no Sato Prara)
Opening Hours: 10:00～16:00
Admission fee: Free Closed: Mondays (open if Monday is a holiday) / Year-end and New Year holidays
Official website: https://www.real-ninjakan.com/

For Koka, the recommended route is the "Koka Ninja Triple" in Ninjutsu Mansion →Real Ninja Hall→ Ninjutsu Village.

Kanto/Koshinetsu area

EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura (Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture)

A cultural park where you can experience the culture of the Edo period firsthand. The vast site recreates roads, post stations, merchant streets, ninja villages, samurai residences, etc. There are plenty of experience facilities such as "Karakuri Ninja Mansion" and "Ninja Maze in Progress". The powerful ninja show is very popular with both children and adults, and various plays are performed in seven theaters. In the summer, a "New Ninja Training" event is also held for children only. Ninja costume rental is also photogenic.

Basic Info Location: Tochigi Prefecture Nikko City Karakura 470-2
Opening Hours: Summer 9:00~17:00 / Winter 9:30~16:00
Entrance fee: Adult 5,800 yen / Child (elementary school student) 3,000 yen / Preschooler Free
Closed: Every Wednesday (open on holidays, summer vacation, etc.) / Closed in winter
Official website: https://edowonderland.net/

Chibikko Ninja Village (Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, Togakushi)

Togakushi is known as the village of "Togakushi-ryu ninjas" who were active in the Sengoku period. Surrounded by clear air and lush forests at an altitude of 1,200 meters, this ninja amusement park can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

Divided into three courses, "Training Forest", "Shinobi Fort", and "Hidden Fort", Field Athletics is an experience facility inspired by ninja training, such as water crossing and suspension bridges. The nice point is that there are athletics that even small children can challenge. There is also a children's room for 0~4 year olds, so families with small siblings can rest assured. There is also a ninja costume rental (400 yen for children, 800 yen for adults), so you can enjoy athletics in ninja clothes.

Basic Info Location: Nagano Prefecture Nagano City Togakushi 3193
Opening period: Late April ~ Late November (Closed in winter)
Opening Hours: 9:00~17:00 (Last entry 16:00)
Entrance fee: Elementary school students and above 650 yen / 4~6 years old 350 yen (separate paid facilities available)
Closed: Every Thursday (open every day during summer vacation)
Official website: https://www.ninjamura.com/

Some people say that "3 hours was not enough!" We recommend a plan that can be enjoyed throughout the day with Togakushi soba.

Togakushi Folk Museum, Togakushi Ninpo Museum, Ninja Karakuri Mansion (Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture)

A full-fledged ninjutsu museum located in a place related to the Togakushi style, separate from Chibikko Ninja Village. It is a facility that includes historical materials of Togakushi-ryu ninpo and a karakuri house. It is also recommended for adults who are interested in the history of ninjas. If you visit together with Chibikko Ninja Village, you can enjoy the world of Togakushi Ninja more deeply.

Basic Info Location: Nagano Prefecture Nagano City Togakushi 3688-12
Official website: https://togakushi-ninja.com/

Kyoto/Kansai area

Toei Taizuma Movie Village (Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture)

A theme park that reproduces the townscape of Edo, including an open set that is actually used for filming movies and television. There are plenty of ninja attractions, such as the 10-meter-high indoor high-rise maze "Ninja Fortress" and the "Karakuri Ninja Mansion" full of tricks. Don't miss the Iga-style shuriken fighting experience and the "Ninja Show Shinobi Road". Challenge the athletics of ninja training with a sword "GO with a sword!!" is a vinyl sword that is safe and safe for small children.

In addition, the first phase of reopening is scheduled for March 28, 2026, so there will be a period of closure from January ~ March 2026. Please check the official website for the latest information before heading out.

Basic Info Location: Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Ukyo-ku Taizuma Higashi Hachioka-cho 10
Opening Hours: 10:00~17:00 (Seasonal variations)
Entrance fee: Adults 2,400 yen / Junior high and high school students 1,400 yen / 3 years old and over 1,200 yen
Official website: https://www.toei-eigamura.com/

Hokkaido/Kyushu area

Noboribetsu Date Era Village (Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido)

Born in 1992, this cultural park completely reproduces the cityscape and culture of the Edo period. The powerful ninja action show has attracted a lot of attention, and in recent years, it has become a popular spot with 80% of visitors to Japan being foreigners.

At the "Ninja Kasumi Mansion", a ninja action show full of karakuri gimmicks will be staged, and in the summer-only outdoor action show, there will be a dynamic performance of ninjas flying overhead on the stage of a 10-meter-high fort. There is also a dojo where you can experience the "Ninja Monster Maze" and shuriken throwing and bow and arrow.

Basic Info Location: 53-1 Nakanoboribetsu Town, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: Summer 9:00~17:00 / Winter 9:00~16:00
Entrance fee: Adult 3,300 yen / Child (elementary school student) 1,700 yen / Infant (4 years old~) 600 yen
Official website: https://edo-trip.jp/

Saga Original Ninja Village Hizen Yume Kaido (Ureshino City, Saga Prefecture)

Located in Ureshino Onsen, Saga Prefecture, this is a ninja and historical experience theme park that reproduces the Nagasaki Highway in the early Edo period. There are about 40 facilities scattered on the premises, including checkpoints, daikansho, ninja houses, and theater houses. There are also ninja experiences such as shuriken fighting and blowguns, as well as a ninja show by Hagakure ninjas. The "Kids Ninja Academy", which is held on Saturdays, Sundays, and long vacations, is very popular with children. Being able to enjoy it with Ureshino Onsen is also a unique charm of Kyushu.

Basic Info Location: Saga Prefecture Ureshino City Ureshino Town Shimonoda Ko 716-1
Opening Hours: 9:00~16:00 (Seasonal variations)
Entrance fee: Adult 1,100 yen / Child (3 years old ~ elementary school student) 600 yen
Official website: https://www.hizenyumekaidou.info/

Comparison table of ninja theme parks nationwide

We have compiled a list of major facilities. Prices and opening hours are subject to change, so be sure to check the official website before heading out.

Recommended guide for your child's age

[Preschool children (3~6 years old)] Chibiko Ninja Village is the top candidate. Safe with a kids' room for 0~4 years old. Koka no Sato Ninjutsu Village can also be entered from the age of 3, and the Karakuri Mansion is a fun way to make your eyes widen. The "Kids Ninja Academy" in Hizen Yume Kaido is also for small children.

[Elementary school students (7~12 years old)] The Golden Age of the ninja experience. He learned "real ninjas" at the Iga Ninja Museum and challenged nine ninja training at the Koka no Sato Ninjutsu Village. You can also fully enjoy the "Ninja Forest Adventure" at Ise Ninja Kingdom and the nature training experience at Akame 48 Falls.

[Junior high school students and older adults] The history exhibits and ninjutsu demonstration shows at the Iga Ninja Museum are worth seeing even for adults. The walk-through adventure of the new facility "Mankawa Jikai" is also authentic. The "real ninja house" of the Koka-ryu ninjutsu mansion resonates with adults who love history. Nikko Edo Village and Noboribetsu Date Period Village are places where you can experience the entire Edo culture, so your intellectual curiosity will be satisfied.

[For a three-generation trip with grandparents] Ise Ninja Kingdom is a hot spring facility attached to it, and you can take a relaxing hot bath with your grandparents after your child's ninja experience. Chibiko Ninja Village has a "weekday super discount plan" that is great on weekdays, making it ideal for three generations to relax. The Hizen Yume Kaido can be incorporated into your Kyushu travel plan along with Ureshino Onsen.

Conclusion ── What the ninja experience gives to children

Concentration in striking shuriken, observation ability to see through tricks, cooperation to join forces with friends—the ninja experience is packed with many elements that nurture a child's mind and body through play. Above all, the experience of "becoming a ninja" means that children will become the protagonists of the story. It is an irreplaceable time to build confidence in yourself.

We at MY STELLA's " Personalized picture book " is also a story where the child himself can become the main character. "I can do it too!" Why don't you deliver that feeling to the world in a single picture book? By "shaping" the aftertaste of the experience, your child's treasure should be added to it.

The information in this article is based on the official website and travel site for 2025. Prices, business hours, and holidays are subject to change, so be sure to check the official website of each facility for the latest information before heading out.

Anne.Makino Picture book columnist/review writer

Picture book columnist/review writer with teaching license and librarian qualifications. Majoring in Child Education and Library Science at the Faculty of Education, he worked as an elementary school teacher for about six years, serving as an advisor to the Book Committee, a reading promotion class, and a book talk. After that, he worked as a librarian for about three years, and was involved in the management of book selection meetings and storytelling events in the children's book section. He has a total of more than 9 years of experience in educational settings and libraries. During his university days, he was in charge of the children's book section at a long-established bookstore for three years, and also belonged to a letterpress printing independent production group, where he formed his own type and self-published a collection of poems. He has read more than 1,500 picture books so far. His areas of expertise are "how to choose picture books and children's books", "storytelling", "letterpress printing", and "the relationship between books and children". Currently in his 7th year as a freelancer, he is writing many picture book reviews and children's book columns, mainly on the official MY STELLA website. Volunteers at local children's centers also continue to read stories, and the real reactions of children in the field are the basis for creating articles.

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