Iga, located in the middle of the mountain area reached an hour from Kyoto by car, is a historical city known to be the home of Iga-Ryu (style) Ninjas. This museum is truly authentic, built by a real ninja master of the Iga clan, so the traditional Japanese rooms you enter, which seem normal, are installed full of tricks and gimmicks to fight against invaders. Secret flipping doors, hidden sword shelters, and hidden paths between rooms, all of them you can use and actually experience them like ninjas and learn how they fought are not only entertaining to all the kids but very practical and wisely thought to fight against the enemies. The museum also displays many weapons, armor and cultural things which real ninjas of the Iga clan used. *1 hour transfer from Kyoto includedIga Ueno Castle is a beautiful castle located on the top of a hill in the center of Ueno City. This castle was originally built in 1585, the peak of the Japanese warring age, to be a fort-castle of Osaka Castle, after the original building, the guild house of Iga Ninjas, got burnt and destroyed by Shogun Oda. Even though it's a replica of the original one destroyed in the war, its fully wooden construction of the Japanese tradition brings tourists a time-slipping feel. Besides, its atmospheric wooden inside is a museum displaying many Samurai armor and weapons used by real Samurai Shoguns in wars.We go through a real historical path known as "The Great Escape over Iga of Ieyasu (Tokugawa)" in primeval forest areas of Kyoto's beautiful countryside, Ujitawara. Visit a super-spiritual waterfall with a shrine located in a stunning Japanese cedar forest worshiped and used for training by ninjasOften introduced as "The Most Beautiful Village of Japan" or "Green Tea Fields to the Heaven". Wide areas of Kyoto's Uji are known for the production of the best green tea brands in Japan as well as its first invention of "Matcha". You might wonder what's green teas related to ninjas, but ninjas were originally the farmers around this area. Ninjas used to farm in the morning and train in the afternoon in the mountains around here so they were very knowledgeable even in tea ceremonies used for diplomacy at that time. It's very reasonable that they were so good at making potions and poisons out of mountain herbs, which skill also made it easier to convert themselves to pharmacies after the warring age. *30 minutes transfer by car includedThe origin of the ninja's mysterious sides is found in this Japanese mantra Buddhist temple. If you heard of a famous spell, "Kuji-Kiri" chanted before the battles by ninjas, monks of this temple still chant exactly the same phrase until today. The atmosphere of this whole large temple complex is just like video games characterizing ninjas. Experience the roots of ninja's spirituality in this absolutely spiritual temple. *1 hour transfer by car includedA small waterfall as a sanctuary used for waterfall meditations by priests, monks and ninjas since the ancient era. *1 hour transfer back to Kyoto included
Japan · Culture
Secrets of Ninjas X Samurais: Private History Tour to Iga & Koka
The journey
- 01 Visit Iga, the historic home of Iga-Ryu ninjas
- 02 Explore an authentic ninja house with hidden doors and secret passages
- 03 See samurai armor and weapons at Iga Ueno Castle
- 04 Travel through Kyoto’s countryside, forests, and green tea landscapes
- 05 Discover spiritual sites connected to ninja training and Buddhist practice
- 06 Enjoy private air-conditioned transport from Kyoto
- 07 Learn from a guide with detailed explanations in English
Step into the world of Japan’s legendary shadow warriors on this private journey from Kyoto to the historic ninja heartlands of Iga and Koka. Visit an authentic ninja house filled with hidden tricks and secret passages, explore a samurai castle displaying armor and weapons, and discover how ninja history, spirituality, and daily life were deeply connected to the surrounding mountains and countryside.
Along the way, travel through scenic forested landscapes, green tea country, and sacred sites linked to ninja training and Buddhist practice. With private transport and an English-speaking guide, this experience offers a fascinating introduction to the real stories behind ninjas and samurais.
Step into the world of Japan’s legendary shadow warriors on this private journey from Kyoto to the historic ninja heartlands of Iga and Koka.
From the itinerary
At a glance
What this trip includes
Day by day
The itinerary
The route
Where you'll travel
The fine print
Trip details
What's Included
- Private and air-conditioned Nissan Van (2 pax-) / Mini Cooper Convertible (1 guest)
- Detailed and insightful descriptions in English
- Parking, highway and fuel fees
- Direct pickup and dropping-off from your hotel (or anywhere) from 3 big cities
What's Not Included
- Iga-Ueno Castle
- Iga Ninja House
Know before you go
- STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
- ANIMALS OR PETS ALLOWED
- PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
- INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Some locations have stairs and need a little walk on rough grounds
- Itinerary may change or update by the season or other circumstances
- A White Nissan Minivan (no.5115) will arrive at your hotel then you will be notified, so please check your e-mail and look for the car Sometimes the car can't wait at the best position so please have a look around your hotel if you can't find it. This tour is operated even in rainy weather: If there is an unexpected delay or cancellation, you will be notified, otherwise, you can expect your car will come on time
Logistics
Meeting & route
Your 6 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Kyoto..
Watch the film
Create your own adventure
Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.
- Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
- Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
- Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Say goodbye to travel stress.