1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Myths and Mystery of Ninja and the Tokaido Road

There are few historical organizations shrouded in as many myths, legends, and misconceptions as ninjas. This tour not only gives insight into the daily lives of ninja but also takes you along the most important route of Edo-era Japan, the Tokaido road, as you are led by an experienced English-speaking guide on this full-day tour from Nagoya. Travel to the home of one of the most powerful ninja clans in Japan and step foot into the past as your guide leads you through real-life locations in search of the “real ninja.”

Highlights

• Demystify the legend of the ‘Koka Ninja,’ as you explore an authentic ninja house and uncover all of its tricks.
• Glimpse into the lives of the travelers on the Tokaido road as you stroll through the well-preserved post town of Seki Juku.
• Marvel at the beauty of a remote mountain shrine often seen as the set of historical movies and dramas.
• Test your own ninja skills as you throw shuriken (ninja stars). 

*For those looking to join the tour from Tokyo, please see the FAQ Section below

Description

This tour will start at Nagoya Station at 9:00 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the Silver Clock tower near the Shinkansen Gates. You will have the opportunity to put your belongings in a coin locker at the station if you feel the need.

Your guide will provide you with a brief history of Nagoya and set the scene as we depart Nagoya JR Station via our tour bus towards our first location, Seki-juku. 

Seki Juku, is the 47th post town on Tokaido road—the most important route in Edo-era Japan as it linked Kyoto, the imperial capital, with Edo, the seat of the shogunate. While many post towns on the Tokaido have modernized, Seki Juku still retains the atmosphere of the Edo era. The town and its nearly 200 townhouses have been selected as a nationally important preservation district.

You will have the opportunity to explore this vestige of the samurai era as your guide leads you through well-preserved residences and traditional inns. Count the raccoon-like tanuki statues and shop for ceramics as you stroll through this photogenic town. Your guide will also share with you the secret connection the Tokaido has with the ninja.

After a brief stop for lunch, we will continue our journey to Aburahi Shrine. With a history spanning more than 1,100 years, Aburahi Shrine was revered by people of all kinds throughout the ages, including the ninja. It now plays an important role as a filming location for many historical movies and TV dramas. You will have the chance to explore this picturesque location for yourself, so don’t forget to bring your camera!

Our next stop will be the Koka Ninja House. This authentic ninja house was built during the Edo era as the residence of the Mochizuki family, a family of ninjas. The house contains many tricks, traps, and secret escape paths for you to explore. You will also be able to view a collection of ninja weapons, tools, and artifacts.

Once you’ve uncovered all the tricks to the Mochizuki residence, you can test your ninja skills as you throw shuriken (ninja stars) at distant targets. Of course, your guide will be available to help you take photos that will make your friends and family envious of your time as a ninja.

From here, we will return to Nagoya station via our tour bus and say our goodbyes there. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

NAGOYA STATION @ 9:00 A.M.

The meetup point is at the base of the SILVER clock tower outside of the Shinkansen gates. 

If you are arriving via Shinkansen, the clock tower should be located directly in front of you as you exit the gate.

If you are arriving via a JR line, please look for signs directing you towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

For those coming from outside the station, you will most likely be entering through the Sakura-Dori gate (the side with the gold clock). In this case, please walk straight through the station towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We highly recommend arriving early as Nagoya station can be quite crowded. 

NOTES

Included

• English speaking guide
• Transportation during the tour
• Entry fee at all locations
• Shuriken Throwing Experience

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation
• Transportation to/from Nagoya Station

Other Information

• This tour involves several hours of walking outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or raincoat if necessary.
• In the summer, temperature highs are around 35 °C (95 °F) and above with extreme humidity. We recommend wearing something light and airy while minding sunburn and heatstroke. A parasol is highly encouraged.
• Winter temperatures in Nagoya average between 0℃-10℃ (32°F-50°F). Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for cold conditions.
• There will be free time along the way for guests to purchase souvenirs to remember their trip.