1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Myths and Mystery of Ninja and the Tokaido Road
Period
all year round
Time
9:00-17:00
Meeting Place
JR Nagoya Station
Price
Adult (13+) | 24,900 | JPY |
Child (6 - 12) | 12,900 | JPY |
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.
![](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Nagoya-Koka-shigaraki-tanuki-selfie-ACPhotos.jpg)
![](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Nagoya-seki_juku-tori-ACPhotos.jpg)
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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.
![](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Nagoya-Koka-Aburahi_shrine-fountain-KMatsuno-edited.jpg)
![](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Nagoya-Koka-Aburahi_shrine-KMatsuno.jpg)
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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!
![](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Nagoya-Koka-ninja-KMatsuno.jpg)
![](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Nagoya-Koka-Ninja-IgaKokaNinjaCouncil-edited.jpg)
![](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Nagoya-Koka-Shuriken-throw-ACPhotos-edited.jpg)
![](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Nagoya-Koka-Ninja_House-KMatsuno.jpg)
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![](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Nagoya-Koka-Ninja-ceiling-IgaKokaNinjaCouncil-edited.jpg)
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.
ITINERARY
9:00 | The tour begins with a meetup at Nagoya Station at 09:00. Guests should wait inside the station, in front of the SILVER clock tower across from the Shinkansen exit gates. Your guide will greet you there. Your guide will provide you with a brief history of the city and set the scene as we depart from Nagoya Station on our tour bus. Those concluding their tour to Osaka will be able to store their luggage on our bus at this time. |
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10:00 | We will arrive in Seki Juku, a well-preserved post town on the Tokaido road. Your guide will lead you through a series of historic houses as you glimpse into what life was like for a traveler (or a ninja) during the Edo-era. |
12:15 | We will get back on the bus to make our way to our next destination, but not before a quick stop for lunch and souvenirs. |
13:30 | Get your cameras ready, as there will be plenty of opportunities for photos as we arrive at Aburahi Shrine. Your guide will explain the history of the shrine and its connection to ninjas while allowing plenty of time for you to explore this picturesque shrine. |
14:15 | Depart for the Koka Ninja House. Once arrived, your guide will accompany you through the ninja house pointing out all the tricks and traps along the way. You will then have the chance to try throwing shuriken. |
15:45 | We will then board our bus and head back to Nagoya. |
17:00 | Tour will conclude at Nagoya Station where you will say goodbye to your bus driver and tour guide. *We cannot guarantee the end time as traffic could cause delays. For guests booking onward tickets to other destinations, we recommend doing so for times of 18:00 or later. |
TOUR MEETUP POINT
NAGOYA STATION @ 9:00 A.M.
![Meet at Nagoya Station's Silver Clock tower at 9am](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Nagoya-Station-Meeting-Point-900.jpg)
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.
FAQs
- I’d like to join the tour from Tokyo. Is that possible?
- If you’d like to join us from Tokyo, we’d love to have you with us!
Take the following services on the Tokaido Shinkansen line:
Departing Tokyo Station – Arriving Nagoya Station
Tokyo: 07:00 – Nagoya: 08:38 – Nozomi No. 203
Tokyo: 07:09 – Nagoya: 08:47 – Nozomi No. 9
Rather than heading straight back to Tokyo, we recommend staying in Nagoya after the tour or booking accommodation in Osaka.
For international visitors holding a Japan Rail (JR) Pass, both train services (including reservations) can be used without any additional charge.
- Can I add the Koka Ninja Village to this tour?
- The Koka Ninja Village is a fun location to explore for a family with children. Visitors can dress like ninjas and complete a series of physical challenges. We would be happy to adjust the tour to include the Ninja Village if this sounds interesting to you.
Please contact us before booking to discuss this option and please note that pricing may change.
- Can I add accommodation to my tour booking?
- Yes. We can add accommodation in Nagoya or Koka. To do so, please contact us any time to discuss options.
- What should I wear/bring?
- Central Japan’s summers are extremely humid and hot. We recommend wearing something light and airy while minding sunburn and heatstroke. A parasol is highly encouraged. As this tour has extended periods outside, please ensure you bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Guests must take their shoes off upon entering many of the places we visit on this tour, so we recommend wearing shoes that are easy to take on and off or bringing a pair of socks if you plan on wearing sandals.
At all times of year, please ensure you are wearing good quality footwear suitable for walking on uneven ground and we recommend always bringing a small pack or bag to carry water, snacks, umbrella, etc. Of course, your phone or a camera is a must!
- Is this tour wheelchair accessible/appropriate for guests with limited mobility?
- Some of the historic buildings we will be entering in this tour have stairs, meaning it is not wheelchair accessible and may not be appropriate for guests with limited mobility. Should this be of concern, contact us before booking to discuss options.
- Is lunch included on this tour?
- No. This tour does not include lunch however there will be opportunities to purchase food and drinks during the tour. If you prefer to, please also feel free to bring snacks and drinks with you.
- Can I choose to end the tour in another location?
- Unfortunately, we cannot offer bus service to a location other than Nagoya at this time. However, you are welcome to remain in Koka should you wish to do so.
Please contact us before booking to discuss this option and/or assistance in booking accommodations.
(Travel Agency License No: Nagano 2-562)
Snow Monkey Resorts Tours
2159 Kurita, Nagano City, Nagano, 380-0921 Japan
Tel: (+81)26-219-6256
Member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association
Travel Service Supervisor: Azusa Fukuhara
Period
all year round
Time
9:00-17:00
Meeting Place
JR Nagoya Station
Price
Adult (13+) | 24,900 | JPY |
Child (6 - 12) | 12,900 | JPY |