About this tour
A 2-hour hands-on ninja training session taught in English by a Japanese master at a traditional dojo in Kyoto. You'll learn authentic techniques including meditation, breathing control, martial arts footwork, and ninja-specific movement patterns whilst wearing period costume. This is a rare opportunity to train directly under a sensei who specialises in historical ninja arts, rather than a tourist performance or fitness class.
Highlights
- Learn Kuji-kiri ninja meditation and breathing techniques from a trained sensei
- Practice authentic ninja walking and Japanese martial arts footwork
- Hands-on training in a traditional dojo setting with English instruction
- Costume rental included — train in full ninja clothes during the session
- Small-group format allows personalised attention from the master
- No prior experience or fitness level required to participate
- Instruction tailored to individual ability throughout the two hours
What to expect
You'll begin with a courtesy introduction to the dojo, followed by guided ninja meditation practice (Kuji-kiri) to centre yourself. The sensei will then walk you through foundational breathing techniques similar to yoga principles, helping you understand how ninja controlled their physicality. You'll move on to learning the basic footwork of Japanese martial arts, progressing to specific ninja walking methods that emphasise stealth and control.
Throughout the session, the sensei demonstrates each technique, then guides you through repetitions with feedback. The format balances instruction with hands-on practice — you're not watching a performance, but actively training. The session winds down with a brief consolidation of what you've learned. Total time is roughly 2 hours; the pace is steady but not rushed.
What travellers say
- Authentic training from a genuine sensei — not a commercialised performance
- English instruction makes techniques clear and accessible to non-Japanese speakers
- Meditation and breathing focus offers a thoughtful, centred approach to ninja arts
- Costume included adds immersion without extra cost
- Suitable for all fitness levels — no extreme athleticism required
- Not suitable for people with spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns
- No hotel pickup — you'll need to navigate to the dojo independently
- Two hours may feel brief if you're hoping for deeper martial arts progression
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This suits anyone curious about ninja history and movement, from complete beginners to martial arts enthusiasts wanting authentic training. It's a genuine skill-building session, not a tourist photo opportunity. Physically, it's designed for all fitness levels — you won't be pushed into high-impact cardio — but it does involve standing, moving, and controlled breathing, so it's not suitable for people with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. The dojo is accessible by public transport; there's no hotel pickup included, so you'll arrange your own way there. Ninja costume rental is provided, but bring clothes you can move freely in underneath. Food and drink are not included.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.