Real Ninja House X Samurai Castle: Private Drive Tour to Iga

Kyoto , Japan

Real Ninja House X Samurai Castle: Private Drive Tour to Iga

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About this experience

Spend the best day in Japan with this adventurous Samurai & Ninja tour from Kyoto!

Explore the birthplaces of Ninjas and find out the trues behind the mysterious shadow warriors in Japan's history

Visit Iga City, home of the famous Iga-School Ninja, and explore an authentic Ninja house with hidden gimmicks like flipping doors, secret passages, and hidden sword shelters installed

You will also visit a samurai castle and see the real armors and katana-swords used by historical Shoguns in real battles and learn everything about Samurais

As ninjas were originally from the mountains, all the ways we drive are surrounded by beautiful Japanese nature, get covered by cherryblossoms in spring and maple trees in Autumn, so you won't have time to blink

•Air-conditioned van, fully private
•Full-English guide with deep knowledge
•Variety of different types of vists, but all related to Ninja

Book now to reveal the secrets of ninjas and learn the spirits of Japan through ancient ninja's life!

Available options

Real Ninja House X Samurai Castle: Private Drive Tour to Iga

Pickup included

What's included

Private and air-conditioned Nissan Van (max 5+1 child) / Mini Cooper Convertible (1 guest)

Direct pickup and dropping-off at your hotel in Kyoto

Detailed and insightful descriptions in English

Parking, highway and fuel fees

Detailed itinerary

Iga, located in the middle of the mountain area reached an hour from Kyoto by car, is a historical city known to be the home of Iga-Ryu (style) Ninjas. This museum is truly authentic, built by a real ninja master of the Iga clan, so the traditional Japanese rooms you enter, which seem normal, are installed full of tricks and gimmicks to fight against invaders. Secret flipping doors, hidden sword shelters, and hidden paths between rooms, all of them you can use and actually experience them like ninjas and learn how they fought are not only entertaining to all the kids but very practical and wisely thought to fight against the enemies. The museum also displays many weapons, armor and cultural things which real ninjas of the Iga clan used.
*1 hour transfer from Kyoto included

Often introduced as "The Most Beautiful Village of Japan" or "Green Tea Fields to the Heaven". Wide areas of Kyoto's Uji are known for the production of the best green tea brands in Japan as well as its first invention of "Matcha". You might wonder what's green teas related to ninjas, but ninjas were originally the farmers around this area. Ninjas used to farm in the morning and train in the afternoon in the mountains around here so they were very knowledgeable even in tea ceremonies used for diplomacy at that time. It's very reasonable that they were so good at making potions and poisons out of mountain herbs, which skill also made it easier to convert themselves to pharmacies after the warring age.
*30 minutes transfer by car included

Iga Ueno Castle is a beautiful castle located on the top of a hill in the center of Ueno City. This castle was originally built in 1585, the peak of the Japanese warring age, to be a fort-castle of Osaka Castle, after the original building, the guild house of Iga Ninjas, got burnt and destroyed by Shogun Oda. Even though it's a replica of the original one destroyed in the war, its fully wooden construction of the Japanese tradition brings tourists a time-slipping feel. Besides, its atmospheric wooden inside is a museum displaying many Samurai armor and weapons used by real Samurai Shoguns in wars.

We go through a real historical path known as "The Great Escape over Iga of Ieyasu (Tokugawa)" in primeval forest areas of Kyoto's beautiful countryside, Ujitawara. Visit a super-spiritual waterfall with a shrine located in a stunning Japanese cedar forest worshiped and used for training by ninjas

Shogunzuka (Mound of Shogun), is located on the behind mountains of Gion, Kyoto's no.1 view spot to see the whole Kyoto city
Nowadays, it's popular among local young Japanese couples, but historically, here has been a very important spot worshiped by Shoguns and the emperors

What's not included

Iga-Ueno Castle

Iga Ninja House

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Some locations have stairs and need a little walk on rough grounds

It's not guaranteed to cover all destinations on the list

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto

By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara

40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji

20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune

25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.