Koka city is home of Ninja. We will see the genuine and real Ninja places on this tour. Koka is a quiet, peaceful and beautiful rural town, and the best to go with a bicycle. You will feel the atmosphere of Ninja while riding through the heartland of Ninja. With fewer tourists, fewer cars, and no stress, you’ll feel a total relaxation from busy Osaka/Kyoto areas. There is no tour to visit real Ninja places guided by a Ninja/local Samurai descendant who can speak English.
JR Kyoto station
Meet up at JR Kyoto station "Kyoto Tourist Information Center" at 10:10 am.
It is on "North-South Pedestrian Deck", 2nd floor.
We will get on 10:30am. train from JR Kyoto station, change trains at JR Kusatsu station, and arrive at JR Konan Station at 11:24am. Then, go cycling on electric bicycles.
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.
The only Ninja-themed highway restaurant with many selection of dishes. There is a good Ninja's display room on the second floor, and the view from there is great.
The guide’s house is a typical Japanese house with tiled roof and tatami mattresses. Workshops to make coffee by Ninja’s medicine making method. The guide's wife will write your name in Japanese katakana characters on Ninja’s roll paper for your sourvenir.
Historically important medieval castles, hidden, with very high earthen walls. The guide’s clan built these castles. Older than 1560s
Ninja’s regional assembly place. The gate is listed as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, built in 1485.
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.
Train departs at 3:15 p.m. Good bye (Sayonara)
JR Konan station at 3:15 p.m.
Guide fee
Guide's train tickets fee
Electric bicycle fee
Bottled water
coffee and your Japanese name scroll souvenir
JR train tickets 860yen
Ninja House admission fee 650yen
Lunch 600-1000yen
personal expenses
We will use electric bicycles for transportation. Participants must be good at riding bicycles. There's only adult-size bicycles. For sudden showers, we recommend to bring rain gears.
This tour involves walking in the woods, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
More detailed tour itinerary information is as follows.
First, we will visit the Ninja House, which is the only existing real one 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.
For lunch, we will go to Konan highway rest area, which has a Ninja-themed restaurant with many selections of dishes.
After that, you will be invited to the guide’s house, which is a traditional Japanese house. We will make coffee by using the method of Ninja’s medicine making. While enjoying coffee, the guide's wife will write your name in Japanese Katakana characters on Ninja’s roll paper for your souvenir.
Then, we will walk to the Mochizuki Twin Castles. The place looks like hilly woods, however there are twin castles hidden. They are very important historical medieval castles. The Mochizuki clans, including the guide’s ancestors, built them more than 450 years ago.
After that, we will go to Singu shrine and its gate. It was the local Ninja’s assembly place, and its gate is listed as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
Then, we will ride through the Cherry tree street of the river bank. You’ll enjoy the beautiful and comfortable street while cycling.
The final stop is Yagawa shrine, which was used for Ninja’s meeting place for decision making with other Ninja clans. There is a beautiful round bridge, a torii gate, a gathering place and the sacred house.
During the cycling tour, the guide will take some lovely group photos of you.
On a rainy day, I have an alternative plan. I can facilitate tours not only on sunny days but also on rainy days.
I am a Ninja tour specialist. I do Ninja tours in Koka city Shiga prefecture, however I can come to JR Kyoto station if you choose "Ninja's Hometown E-Bike Private Tour, from Kyoto station" course.
Jacqueline C.
Ninja's Hometown E-Bike Private Tour, from Kyoto station
“A unique and charming day! ”
We had a wonderful time visiting Taka’s hometown - the land of Ninjas! It was lovely to spend time out of the city - the kids loved the bike riding and of course everything to do with ninjas. Thank you so much for your hospitality Taka!
Taka M.
(6 reviews)You are most welcome. I am glad your children liked my Ninja tour. You have a beautiful family.
“Wonderful tour to introduce us to Kyoto”
We were very impressed with our half-day tour with Taka. We were able to see major temples and neighborhoods. Taka is an excellent guide. He was informative and provided context for each site without over loading us with information. I highly recommend this tour.
Taka M.
(6 reviews)It was my pleasure touring with you in Kyoto. You have a lovely family. Enjoy the rest of your time in Japan.
“Excellent, professional, very knowledgeable - would recommend highly”
Taka was punctual, professional, engaging and a very pleasant guide to walk around historic Kyoto with. He is proficient and enthusiastic; explaining in relevant details the sights visited. He was flexible, curtious and attentive. His command of English is excellent.
Taka M.
(6 reviews)Thank you for your nice comments. I enjoyed touring in Kyoto with you. You have great sense of humor and made me laugh all the time. Enjoy the rest of your travel in Japan.