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Asakusa is considered the most historical neighborhood in Tokyo, largely due to its temples and the remaining connections to shops, inns, and restaurants that sprang up to meet the needs of visiting worshippers. As of this month, though, Asakusa has another connection to Japan’s past with the opening of the Ninja Information Center Tokyo & Dojo.
Established and administered by the Japan Ninja Council, the highest authority for all things shinobi-related, the facility is located just a block away from Kaminarimon, the gate that marks the approach path to the district’s famous Sensoji Temple. As the name implies, the Ninja Information Center Tokyo & Dojo is a hands-on place to learn about the culture of feudal Japan’s shadow warriors, offering introductory lessons in a variety of ninja skills.
Led by certified ninja Tsuyoshi Igarashi (pictured in top photo), disciples for the day can train in one of three courses. The 40-minute Ninja Experience includes instruction on shuriken throwing, kujikuri ninja hand signals, and an explanation of the ninja’s most vital espionage and infiltration equipment.
Those looking to further hone their skills can opt for the 60-minute Short Nindo Experience, which introduces techniques for moving silently and additional meditation practice, all while dressed in appropriate ninja garb. Finally, the 90-minute Long Nindo Experience covers everything from the Short Nindo course, and also features kodachi (short sword) training, methods to enhance your sensory perception, and more comprehensive guidance in the art of stealth.
The Ninja Experience is priced at 2,200 yen, while the Nindo Experiences are priced at 7,700 and 9,900 yen, with the added perk that Nindo participants can take their ninja uniform home with them. Though walk-ins, space permitting, are welcome for the Ninja Experience, reservations are recommended, and they’re required for the Nindo Experiences, because even ninja don’t like being taken by surprise.
Location information
Ninja Information Center & Dojo Tokyo
Address: Tokyo-to, Taito-ku, Kaminarimon 2-17-8, Yamano Asakusa building 6th floor
東京都台東区雷門2-17-8 山野浅草ビル6階
Source: PR Times, Ninja Information Center & Dojo Tokyo
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© SoraNews24
10 Comments
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Some dude
Years ago there was a TV show in which two guys - an MMA / Jiu-Jitsu guy and a football (American) player / wrestler - went around the world learning about the various martial arts and then taking on a practitioner of said arts (in what was probably in part a staged fight, but…).
The episode they did on Ninjutsu was hysterical. All the students were foreigners, and some of them were ranked 15th Dan. Anyone who know anything about serious martial arts knows that if a real 15th Dan ranking existed it would be given to someone who had dedicated at least 70 years of their life to an art (in traditional martial arts, a tenth Dan is practically a living legend), or someone who paid their teacher to give them this rank.
In the fight, one of them tried to grapple the Jiu-Jitsu guy. You can imagine how that went.
Jacobo
Talking about Ninja schools, in Chiba-Ken, Noda-Shi, near Atago Station, there are two ninja dojos belonging to world known Ninja Hatsumi sensei. Thousands of ninja students from all over the world have studied and are studying the art of ninjutsu there. Most of the students are holders of 3rd or higher dan in other disciplines like Judo, Karate, Aikido, Yaido, etc. The majority of them are professional instructors of special forces in their own countries. Hatsumi sensei must be now 85 years old and he still teaches and supervises the training together with a number of high ranked excellent Japanese Ninja instructors.
Aly Rustom
Its all fake bro. its ninja cosplay with a little bit of extra so they can skim some dosh off you. Same as the other fake Kawakami who has videos of his students skulking around in a forest. Its ridiculous
there are far more than that. Hatsumi sensei has retired and passed on his 9 schools to various students who teach mostly in Noda.
He is 89 years old and no longer teaches. He now resides in a retirement home.
Jacobo
@Aly Rustom
Thanks for the latest information on Hatsumi sensei.
Jacobo
Aly Rustom
no problem. If you have any other questions please let me know. Happy to answer them
Sven Asai
Very good, I also like that part of Japanese culture. Of course, at this location and with that concept it is probably more something like a tourist and showcase attraction.
kurisupisu
Now ‘you too’ can learn how to kill others!
A true marketable skill nowadays…
Sal Affist
I recommend going to the Ninja restaurant in Tokyo. At least there you get fed and entertained in exchange for parting with your yen.