Path of Ninja & Shogun: Private Van History Tour from Kyoto

Embark on an adventurous ninja tour from Kyoto and follow the path of the Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa’s great escape. Explore an authentic Ninja house, visit shrines and temples, and uncover the mysterious roots of ninjutsu. Book now!

Duration: 6 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Iga-ryu Ninja Museum - Iga, located in the mountainous region about an hour’s drive from Kyoto, is a historic city known as the birthplace of Iga-Ryu Ninjas. This museum, built by an actual ninja master from the Iga clan, features traditional Japanese rooms filled with hidden tricks and mechanisms designed to thwart intruders. Visitors can explore secret doors, concealed weapon caches, and hidden passageways, experiencing firsthand how ninjas defended themselves. The museum also showcases various weapons, armor, and cultural artifacts used by the Iga clan ninjas. *1 hour transfer from Kyoto included
  • Ishitera Tea Plantation - Often referred to as “The Most Beautiful Village of Japan” or “Green Tea Fields to the Heaven,” this area in Kyoto’s Uji is renowned for producing some of Japan’s finest green tea, including the first Matcha. While it may seem unrelated to ninjas, the original ninjas were farmers from this region. They farmed in the morning and trained in the mountains in the afternoon, gaining expertise in tea ceremonies used for diplomacy. Their knowledge of mountain herbs also made them skilled in creating potions and poisons, which later helped them transition to becoming pharmacists after the warring period. *30 minutes transfer by car included
  • Iga Ueno Castle - Perched on a hill in the center of Ueno City, Iga Ueno Castle is a stunning structure originally built in 1585 as a fort-castle for Osaka Castle after the original Iga Ninja guild house was destroyed by Shogun Oda. Although a replica, its traditional wooden construction offers visitors a sense of stepping back in time. The castle’s interior serves as a museum displaying Samurai armor and weapons used by real Samurai Shoguns.
  • 宇治田原の大滝 - Travel along a historic path known as “The Great Escape over Iga of Ieyasu (Tokugawa)” through the primeval forests of Ujitawara in Kyoto’s picturesque countryside. Visit a spiritually significant waterfall with a shrine nestled in a beautiful Japanese cedar forest, once used for ninja training.
  • Shogunzuka Seiryuden Temple - Located in the mountains behind Gion, Shogunzuka (Mound of Shogun) offers the best panoramic view of Kyoto city. While it is now a popular spot for local young couples, it has historically been an important site revered by Shoguns and emperors.
What's Included
  • Private, air-conditioned transportation: Nissan Van (up to 6 guests) or Mini Cooper Convertible (solo traveler)
  • Convenient direct hotel pickup and drop-off in Kyoto
  • Engaging and detailed explanations in English
  • All parking, highway, and fuel costs included
What's Not Included
  • Entry fees (¥800 Iga Ninja House + ¥600 Iga-Ueno Castle = ¥1400)
Additional Information

Spend the best day in Japan with this adventurous Samurai & Ninja tour from Kyoto!

Explore the birthplaces of Ninjas and find out the trues behind the mysterious shadow warriors in Japan’s history

Visit Iga City, home of the famous Iga-School Ninja, and explore an authentic Ninja house with hidden gimmicks like flipping doors, secret passages, and hidden sword shelters installed

You will also visit a samurai castle and see the real armors and katana-swords used by historical Shoguns in real battles and learn everything about Samurais

As ninjas were originally from the mountains, all the ways we drive are surrounded by beautiful Japanese nature, get covered by cherryblossoms in spring and maple trees in Autumn, so you won’t have time to blink

•Air-conditioned van, fully private
•Full-English guide with deep knowledge
•Variety of different types of vists, but all related to Ninja

Book now to reveal the secrets of ninjas and learn the spirits of Japan through ancient ninja’s life!

  • Some locations have stairs and need a little walk on rough grounds
  • It’s not guaranteed to cover all destinations on the list
Location
Iga-ryu Ninja Museum
117 Ueno Marunochi,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(5 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Silviu-cristian
May 14, 2024
A very unique tour - If you like historical hidden gems and amazing views, you have to take this tour! I can't thank enough Daiki for sharing his knowledge and time and showing me places that you only hear about!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Phanvipha_p
Jan 31, 2024
Excellent - Mr.Daiki is a knowledgable guide. He gave information about ninja and other aspects of Japan. Good trip. Wonderful memory.
Review provided by Viator
Marialeonor_c
Dec 30, 2023
Not to be missed - learn everything about Ninja on this incredible tour? - Daiki is the most enthusiastic and amazing guide I have ever met. Fluent in English, culture and very kind, with him me and my 15 years old boys learned a lot about the History, Geography, ancient and modern habits of Japan. On this private tour, very comfortable (one of the tours we did with Daiki), we visited rural areas, tea plantations, as we follow the path of Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa's 1562 escape, led by Ninja. We visited Iga City, a castle, and the houses where the Ninja hid, full of hiding places, secret passages, tunnels, revolving doors. My 15 year old children and I were surprised by all the information about the Ninja and the mastery they had of Science, Medicine, Health of the body and mind, agriculture... knowledge that is still used today in Japan, as is the case of medicinal herbs. Don't miss the opportunity of making this amazing tour, mainly if you're travelling with kids. You'll never forget it and you'll learn a lot.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 6 guests
1
Traveler
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today