First Impressions

I expected a fun stop—but this place surprised me. Tucked in Kyoto’s old city, the Samurai & Ninja Museum felt like the perfect mix of history, hands-on fun, and powerful storytelling. As soon as I walked in, I was surrounded by centuries of armor, gleaming katana blades, and stories of honor and mystery. And yes—I got to throw ninja stars!

It was like a history class, action movie, and cultural workshop rolled into one.

Getting There

The museum is conveniently located in central Kyoto, near the Teramachi Shopping Street. I walked over after exploring Nishiki Market—just a 10-minute stroll. It’s also close to Karasuma or Kawaramachi Stations.

Tip: Book a guided tour or experience ticket in advance—they often sell out, especially on weekends.

My Experience

I joined a small group tour and loved how the guide brought the stories to life—explaining the meaning behind samurai codes, the different types of ninja, and even how they trained. We saw real armor, learned how to hold a katana (safely!), and even tried on samurai or ninja costumes—yes, I did the full black ninja look and loved every second.

Then came the hands-on part: I learned to throw shuriken, tried out a blowgun, and felt like a total warrior. It was so much fun but also respectfully rooted in culture and craft.

Good to Know

• Open: Daily from 10 AM – 6 PM

• Tickets: ~¥2,000–¥3,500 depending on tour and experience package

• Visit Duration: 1–1.5 hours

• Facilities: Gift shop, photo booth, restrooms

Snack Break

After channeling my inner kunoichi (female ninja), I wandered back to Teramachi and found a cozy matcha café. I ordered a green tea parfait and flipped through photos of myself in full armor—definitely a trip highlight.

Personal Tips

• Perfect for solo travelers, families, or anyone with a playful side

• Wear something comfortable if you plan to try costumes or ninja skills

• Don’t skip the photo ops—they’re super fun and well-lit

• Great indoor option on rainy days or after a temple-heavy morning

Why I Loved It

⭐ 4.9/5 — “The Samurai & Ninja Museum brought out my curious, fearless side. I left with new stories, cool photos, and a deep respect for the power behind the legends.”

What You’ll Want to Capture

• You dressed as a fierce ninja or noble samurai

• Close-up shots of ancient swords, masks, and armor

• Your ninja star mid-flight (or at least the moment after!)

• Big smiles with your guide or group, posing like warriors