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Far from theme parks and popular myths, this private program at Ubusuna Dojo (a traditional training hall in Iga) offers an authentic glimpse into how ninja truly lived—blending martial arts, farming, philosophy, and survival skills.
Guided by a modern-day master, you will discover the wisdom, spirit, and lifestyle of Japan’s legendary shadow warriors in an immersive experience found nowhere else.
When people think of ninja, many recall fictional characters in movies and theme parks. But in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, the essence of real ninja still breathes through its landscapes, traditions, and people. Known as the birthplace of legendary figures such as Hattori Hanzō, Iga’s rugged mountains and proximity to Kyoto made it the ideal training ground for messengers, spies, and covert warriors from the Muromachi through the Edo period. Here, ninja were not fantasy—they were farmers, artisans, and survivors, blending daily life with skills in intelligence, survival, and self-discipline.
This exclusive tour invites you to step beyond theme parks and into the authentic world of Iga ninja. You will visit places where real ninja once trained and lived, guided by a modern master who carries their knowledge into the present day.
At the heart of this program is Ubusuna Dojo (a traditional training hall in Iga), located in the nature-rich Ishikawa district. The dojo is led by Genichi Mitsuhashi, a grandmaster of the ancient martial art Togakure-ryu Ninpo Taijutsu and a PhD in Ninja Studies from Mie University. Living as closely as possible to the lifestyle of old ninja, Mitsuhashi integrates martial arts, farming, and philosophy into what he teaches: a holistic way of survival and balance with nature.
This program offers a completely private ninja training experience. You can experience the real life of a ninja and receive a certificate of ninja training. The simple meals made with ingredients from the fields are also delicious.
- Learn about the wisdom, mindset, and spirit of the ninja from a true master.
- Train both indoors and outdoors in the surrounding forest, once home to mountain castles.
- Experience farming tasks and discover how agriculture was inseparable from ninja life.
- Enjoy a simple yet exquisite lunch prepared from ingredients harvested directly from the land.
Unlike ordinary sightseeing, this is a completely private program—intimate, immersive, and authentic. Whether you come alone or in a small group (up to five participants), you will have the dojo and master’s guidance to yourself. Each participant also receives a certificate upon completion of the training, a unique memento of your journey into the world of the ninja.
Other recommended Ninja-related tours:Walk in the Footsteps of Real Ninja: Discover Koka’s Hidden Legacy