Odawara: Guided Ninja & Samurai Tour of Odawara Castle

Explore Japan’s captivating feudal history with the guided Ninja & Samurai Tour of Odawara Castle. This engaging 2.5-hour experience transports visitors back in time, offering an immersive glimpse into the lives of legendary warriors. From mastering shuriken throwing to exploring the Samurai Museum, this tour promises a memorable adventure for families and history enthusiasts alike. What secrets will unfold as you don authentic ninja attire and uncover the storied past of the Hojo clan?

This experience made our article of Discover Hakone’s 20 Best Tours.

Key Points

• The 2.5-hour guided tour includes a visit to Odawara Castle Park, Samurai Museum, and an interactive ninja training workshop.
• The tour is led by a local ninja expert and provides insights into samurai history and ninja lore.
• Authentic ninja training attire is provided, and visitors can practice techniques like shuriken throwing.
• The tour is accessible from Tokyo with a 1-hour train ride and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
• Customers have highly praised the tour as a highlight of their Japan trip, citing the incredible instructor and great value.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The guided Ninja & Samurai Tour of Odawara Castle is a 2.5-hour activity that takes visitors on an immersive journey through feudal Japan.

Priced at €140.43 per person, the tour starts at the Odawara Castle Ninja Centre and includes a guided castle park tour, a visit to the Samurai Museum, and an interactive ninja training workshop.

Highlights include learning about samurai history and artifacts, hearing stories of the Hojo clan and ninjas, and practicing authentic ninja techniques and weapons.

Customers rave about the engaging experiences, with the tour being a standout activity during their Japan trip.

Itinerary Highlights

The guided tour begins at the Odawara Castle Ninja Centre (Ninja Museum), where visitors embark on a 40-minute guided tour of the Odawara Castle Park. Afterwards, they visit the Samurai Museum for 20 minutes to learn about samurai history and artifacts. The highlight of the tour is the 1.5-hour interactive ninja training workshop at the Ninja Museum, where participants practice authentic ninja techniques and handle weapons.

Itinerary Highlights
Starting Point	Odawara Castle Ninja Centre (Ninja Museum)
Activities	Guided tour of Odawara Castle Park (40 minutes)	Visit Samurai Museum (20 minutes)
	Interactive ninja training workshop at the Ninja Museum (1.5 hours)
Experiences	Learn about samurai history and artifacts	Hear stories about the Hojo clan and ninjas in feudal Japan
	Practice authentic ninja techniques and weapons

Included Features

This guided tour includes a local ninja expert as the guide, providing insights into the samurai history and ninja lore.

Admission tickets to the Samurai Museum and Ninja Museum are included, allowing visitors to explore the exhibits at their own pace.

Participants will also be provided with authentic ninja training attire to wear during the interactive ninja workshop.

This 1.5-hour hands-on experience teaches visitors the art of ninja techniques and weapons like shuriken throwing.

The tour excludes food, drinks, and tips, but offers a comprehensive experience immersed in Japan’s feudal history and ninja culture.

Customer Reviews

Eighteen reviews of the guided tour have been submitted, resulting in an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Customers rave about the experience, calling it a "highlight" of their Japan trip. A family bonded during the ninja training, enjoying shooting blow darts and throwing ninja stars.

The tour also accommodated last-minute bookings even on rainy days. Reviewers praised the incredible instructor and great value of the tour.

With authentic ninja techniques, samurai history, and interactive workshops, this guided tour of Odawara Castle offers an unforgettable glimpse into Japan’s rich feudal past.

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Location and Accessibility

Odawara is conveniently located just south of Tokyo, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Hakone mountains. This makes the tour accessible for visitors:

1. Just a 1-hour train ride from central Tokyo.

2. The meeting point is the entrance of the Odawara Castle Ninja Centre, a short walk from the Odawara train station.

3. The castle park and museums are all within walking distance, allowing for an efficient and immersive experience.

4. The tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it a great family activity.

Ninja Training Workshop

At the heart of the guided tour lies the interactive ninja training workshop, an immersive experience that allows participants to practice authentic ninja techniques and wield traditional weapons. Under the guidance of a local ninja expert, guests don the traditional ninja attire and learn the fundamentals of ninja movements, stealth, and weaponry. The training includes:

Technique	Description	Duration
Shuriken Throwing	Learn to accurately throw ninja stars	20 minutes
Ninjutsu Movements	Practice agile maneuvers and stealth	30 minutes
Blow Dart Shooting	Master the traditional ninja blow dart	15 minutes
Ninja Weapon Handling	Handle katanas, kusarigama, and other tools	25 minutes
Ninja Meditation	Reflect on the ninja philosophy and mindset	10 minutes

This hands-on workshop immerses participants in the rich history and captivating skills of the legendary Japanese ninjas.

Samurai History and Artifacts

As part of the guided tour, visitors have the opportunity to explore the Samurai Museum and learn about the rich history and artifacts of these legendary Japanese warriors.

The museum features:

1. Authentic samurai armor and weapons, including katanas, naginatas, and yari spears.
2. Displays on the code of bushido, the ethical principles that guided the samurai’s conduct.
3. Artifacts related to the Hojo clan, the powerful family that ruled the Odawara region during the feudal era.
4. Informative exhibits on the role of samurai in Japanese society and their decline in the modern era.

Hojo Clan and Feudal Japan Ninjas

Although the Odawara Castle was the stronghold of the powerful Hojo clan, the region also had a rich history of ninja activity during the feudal era in Japan.

Ninjas, known for their stealth, cunning, and deadly skills, were often employed by warring feudal lords to gather intelligence, assassinate rivals, and carry out covert operations.

The tour guide regales visitors with captivating tales of the Hojo clan’s strategies and the exploits of the ninjas who operated in the shadows around Odawara Castle.

Visitors gain insight into the dynamic interplay between samurai and ninja in Japan’s past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Ninja Outfit?

You’re welcome to wear your own ninja outfit, but the tour provides the necessary attire for the interactive ninja training workshop. The instructor can best guide the activities with the provided equipment.

Do I Need to Be in Good Physical Shape?

The ninja training workshop involves some physical activity, but participants don’t need to be in peak condition. The instructor will provide guidance and modifications to accommodate all fitness levels during the interactive session.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour, though children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The ninja training workshop is suitable for all ages and includes safety precautions.

Can I Take Photos During the Ninja Training?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the ninja training session. However, it’s important to avoid disrupting the workshop and follow the instructor’s guidance on when and where photography is permitted.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there is an option to extend the tour duration. Customers can request an extended tour package that provides more time for the ninja training workshop or explore additional areas of the castle and museum.

The Sum Up

The Guided Ninja & Samurai Tour of Odawara Castle offers an immersive exploration of Japan’s feudal history. Visitors can don authentic ninja attire, master shuriken throwing, and discover the artifacts and rich legacy of the Hojo clan. With a guided park tour, Samurai Museum visit, and interactive ninja training, this enchanting experience caters to families and history enthusiasts seeking a captivating glimpse into Japan’s iconic warrior traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: