Koga no Sato (Koga Ninja Village)

The little town of Koga in southern Shiga ken is famous for being one of the birthplaces of the ninja, Japan’s legendary medieval spy assassins. Today, the Koga Ninja Village welcomes visitors who are interested in the history and arts of the ninja.

Although there’s more than a whiff of kitsch about the place, it’s a lot of fun. The centerpiece is the Fujibayashi Ninja House, actually relocated here from another part of Koga. You can explore the karakuri well, a secret escape hatch, as well as view another escape hatch located beneath the house’s central hearth.

Once you’ve rented your ninja outfit, in either basic black or a brighter color, it’s time to begin your training. At the Shuriken Dojo, you can practice the timeless art of the throwing star, and then pick up a few at the gift shop for future use against foes. The Children’s Dojo offers the little ones a chance to try scaling castle walls and other vital skills. Don’t forget to collect your certificate at the end of your visit, proclaiming to any and all that you are, officially, a ninja in good standing.

The museum is surprisingly interesting, with around 1,400 ninja-related objects on display. Among other things, ninja were well acquainted with medicines, both to heal and to harm, from teas and poultices to poisons and gunpowder. Even today there are many manufacturers of traditional medicines in Koga.

Add to all this Koga’s unspoiled scenery and traditional, rural atmosphere and you have a very rewarding side-trip. Enjoy!

Matt Mangham

394 Oki Koga-cho, Koga-gun, Shiga Prefecture

Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya===(80min. by car)===Koga-no-sato Ninjutsu-mura (Koga Ninja Village)

JR Osaka station===(90min. by Kusatsu line train)===JR Koga station===(Free shuttle bus)===Koga-no-sato Ninjutsu-mura (Koga Ninja Village)

JR Kyoto station===(60min. by Kusatsu line train)===JR Koga station===(Free shuttle bus)===Koga-no-sato Ninjutsu-mura (Koga Ninja Village)

Open Hours:
10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For more details, check the website: http://koka.ninpou.jp/open.html

Adult: 1,000 yen
Junior high or high school student: 800 yen
Elementary school student: 700 yen
Infant: 500 yen
2 years old or younger: free