Why don't you make a one-day trip from Kyoto to Koka Ninja's homeland of Koka City?
Koka City is home of Ninjas, and just one hour away from Kyoto station.
It is a perfect place to avoid the big crowds of Kyoto and learn about the real Ninjas.
Koka is a quiet and beautiful rural town, and the best to go with a bicycle.
There is no such tour to visit the real Ninja places guided by a Ninja/local Samurai descendant who speaks English.
You can experience a very unique tour from this.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
JR Kyoto station
- Let's meet up at JR Kyoto station in front of "Kyoto Tourist Information Center" at 9:00 am. It is on "North-South Pedestrian Deck", 2nd floor. Get on 9:18 a.m. train with the guide.
Arrival at JR Konan Station at 10:17 am.
Go to guide's house to pick up electric bycycles, then cycling.
It is the only existing real Ninja House with many tricks inside such as revolving door, hidden second floor, escape tunnel, too heavy sliding door, etc.
You can throw Shuriken there if you want.
Closed on Wednesdays.
Ninja's theme park with Ninja's trick house, Ninja training facilities, etc.
Closed on Mondays.
In case the Koka Ninja House is closed, we will replace it with Ninja Village.
Entrance fee is 1100yen.
Local government built this Ninja Center as the Ninja's PR facility. There are many displays of Ninja weapons, clothes, documents, etc.
Huge mural painting of Ninjas.
Closed on Mondays.
There are three restaurants at local shopping center.
Very convenient place for shopping.
700 meters of cherry trees along the river. Very relaxing and confortable riding with great view.
Ninja’s assembly place listed as Nation’s Historic Site. Function as a court too.
Shingu Twin Castles is one of Ninja's twin castles listed as Nation's Historic Site.
Hidden in the woods with high earthen walls.
Easy access to both castles. Older than 1560s.
Stop at the ranch for a break.
They keep many animals such as cows, goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, etc.
You can enjoy feeding them.
They have a delicious home-made gelato(ice cream).
You will feel totally relaxed.
Murasame and Jizen Twin Castles is also one of Ninja's twin castles listed as Nation's Historic Site.
Hidden in the woods by the beautiful pond.
Easy access to both castles. Older than 1560s.
The guide’s house is a typical Japanese house with tiled roof and tatami mattresses.
We'll make coffee by Ninja's medicine making method.
The guide's wife will teach you how to write your name in Japanese Katakana characters.
You will make a name tag for your sourvenir.
Train departs at 5:03 p.m. for JR Kyoto station.
Good bye (Sayonara)
5 different 3-D Ninja drawings for photo taking.
JR Konan station at 4:50 p.m.
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee
Electric bicycle for free
Bottled water
Coffee
Your Japanese name tag for your souvenir
Ninja House admission fee 650yen
Lunch 600-800yen
Train fee 860yen from Kyoto to Konan one way
We will use electric bicycles for transportation.
You have to be able to ride a bicycle.
This tour involves walking in the woods, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
On a rainy day, I have an alternative plan.
My name is Taka. I was born and grew up in Koka City, Japan, where the world famous Koka Ninja’s birthplace is. Koka City is just one hour away from JR Kyoto station by train. As a matter of fact, I am a descendant of Ninja/local Samurai. My family name represents the most powerful Ninja/local Samurai clan among the Koka’s 53 Ninja clans. There are twin Castles of my ancestors in my neighborhood.
When I was a college student, I was interested in foreign languages and cultures, and I studied abroad at a university in Ohio, USA as an exchange student for one year. After graduating from a Japanese college with a BA in English, I worked for a prefectural government for 31 years, and I made an early retirement in March 2023. During my service to the government, I was chosen as a Visiting Official in Michigan, USA, which is a sister state of my prefecture, and I stayed there for 2 years as the government’s representative. I have totally 3 years of living experience in the USA, and am able to speak English now.
Since I am retired from the government, I decided to start a new career as a Ninja tour guide for foreign travelers in my hometown. There are Ninja House, over 180 medieval Ninja related castles, shrines, temples, Ninja’s training mountains, and more in Koka, however no one had done the tour guide for foreigners until now. As I am able to speak English, I thought I should start a new job as a Ninja tour guide, and would like to contribute to my hometown Koka.
“Personalized and Peaceful Kyoto Tour with Taka”
I had an amazing private tour in Kyoto with Taka. He took me to all the beautiful and iconic spots, along with some hidden gems that were off the beaten path, like the hydroelectric power plant. It made for a unique and peaceful experience away from the usual tourist traps. We enjoyed a lovely lunch together and spent the entire day walking through the charming streets of Kyoto. Taka is not only a kind and personable guide but also very knowledgeable. His English is excellent, and he was incredibly flexible and open to adjusting the tour to suit my interests. If you're looking for an authentic, personalized experience in Kyoto, I highly recommend Taka!
Taka M.
(9 reviews)Thank you for your thoughtful words. You have great personality and are easy-going. I had relaxing and enjoyable time with you during the tour. I wish I will visit you in your country someday in the future.
Kimberly H.
Must-see spots to visit, Kyoto One Day Private Tour
“Wow - what an awesome guide!”
Taka! Where do we begin? He is incredible - as a guide and as a person. We are so lucky to have found Taka and to get an awesome tour with him. He helped us find secret hidden gem experiences that we will never forget. He became a true friend and shared his wealth of knowledge and experience with us. We were endlessly impressed with Taka and highly recommend him should you find yourself lucky to have him as a guide. Thank you Taka!!
Taka M.
(9 reviews)Thank you very much for the great review. I was impressed how you set up your company and grew your business. I had really good time with you, especially you invited me to a bar restaurant after the tour. Thank you for the beer too. Cheers to you!
Samantha T.
Must-see spots to visit, Kyoto One Day Private Tour
“Highlights with Taka M ”
Taka came to our hotel on time and well prepared for our day.We only wanted to do the highlights with no shopping . It was an extremely hot day sights were seen with stops on the way . What an extremely pleasant man , knowledgeable of his surroundings perfect English and fun to spend time with , seriously recommended
Taka M.
(9 reviews)Thank you for the nice review. I enjoyed talking with you very much and learned a lot from you about your country. I hope someday I may visit you in your country.
$125/ per group
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