A Ninja-themed attraction just for kids in Nagano? Of course this was a must-go for families headed to Central Japan! As part of our road trip, we decided to make a trip to Kids Ninja Village at Togakushi, also where a real Ninja school can be found.
Kids Ninja Village, Togakushi, Nagano
Live out your ninja fantasy at the ninja-themed amusement park with obstacle courses, ninja-themed games and ninja mansions. Of course this would be a hit with kids, as we saw at the attraction. Kids of all ages, both genders were all into their ninja outfits and poses.
Ninja Fun & Obstacles Aplenty
There are different kinds of tickets to get at Kids Ninja Village. The entry fee for preschoolers is at 500 yen, while the entry fee for all others is 650 yen. This gives visitors access to the outdoor obstacle courses.
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To gain access to six paid attractions including a ninja maze, game booths, there is an additional fee of 300 yen per paid attraction. Getting a full ticket costs 1850 yen per person.
Since we were already there, we got the full ticket with access to everything. We also rented the ninja costume without the accessories for 1000 yen each per costume. If there’s ninja training, we have to dress like the real deal right?
Outdoor Obstacle Course for Every True Ninja
If the plan was to expend all the energy of the kids, the 20 elements at the outdoor obstacle courses will do the trick!
There are obstacles of all kinds – suspension bridge running, slacklining, water walking, pond crossing,rope ladders, wall scaling, flying fox and more. Older children might find the obstacles relatively easy to complete while younger ones will need more support and encouragement from their parents, especially those with fear of heights.
Our 10 and 13 year old definitely enjoyed all the challenges. We would advise wearing gloves to prevent rope burns as quite a few obstacles required using ropes including the zipline where the child has to pull on the rope to release the “Tanigoe” and other rope ladders and rope holds.
Since the weather was cool at about 11 degrees Celsius, the children hardly broke a sweat despite the physically demanding tasks.
They spent 1.5 hours trying out the various challenges, then made their way to the paid attractions.
House of Ninja Tricks, Ninja KARAKURI House, Ninja Slalom and Game Booths
Want to try your hand at throwing shurikens, and blowgun shooting? Head to the game booths to try your luck. Of course, I know the odds will never be in the favour of the participant. It was almost impossible to hit the targets!
Never mind the low chances of success, our little ninjas were just honing their marksmanship skills.
Next they tried the really exhilarating slalom ride on a wooden cart. The ticket gave them two chances to try and they had so much fun racing down the track.
Then we went to House of ninja tricks – this had to be adult accompanied since this was a two-level maze course. As the ninjas weaved through the doorways trying to figure out the exits, they inadvertently got tricked by fake doors and fake handles.
The boys then went to the Ninja Mansion – but exited quite quickly as the younger one got scared. It could be quite creepy since there were moving mannequins. Described as a place to discover the secrets of ninjutsu, there were waiting Ninjas, Hall of mirrors, Secret Buddhism Room and the training room.
Ninja Museum and the Display on Everything Ninja
At Kids Ninja Village, there is also a small Ninja Museum with all things Ninja-themed displayed.
There were LEGO Ninjago sets, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, other Ninja-inspired memorabilia like Ultraman and Power Rangers toys.
On a more serious note, there was a short history of the founder of the ninja training school in Togakushi himself and how he was a ninja-samurai.
Real weapons from different kinds of shurikens, knives and guns were also on display!
Snacks, Food & Souvenirs
This theme park has everything a family needs – even a nursing room, play room, lockers, a café serving burgers and snacks. The souvenir shops also has plenty for ninjas – like katanas, gachapon machines, ninja-themed stationery and more.
Do note that the area is known for its soba. A short drive away will take you to eateries serving the dish. But do go early especially during weekends when highly-rated soba places are usually full quite quickly.
Our Review of Kids Ninja Village
Clearly this was a highlight of our family trip for our sons. They loved every bit of the experience and took home some ninjatsu – the art of stealth, balance, craftiness. While they did not learn “ongyo-jutsu” which was the art of being invisible and hiding, nor did they master “Tonso-jutsu”, which was fleeing and escaping successfully, they got a taste of ninja life.
It was a memorable experience and one of them really wanted to take home a katana and more shurikens. Our arsenal at home was growing too large for our liking, hence our ninja-wannabe could not add to his armoury.
Getting to Kids Ninja Village at Togakushi
There are various routes to take from various start points: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Niigata and Kanazawa. There are free parking spaces for those driving.
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Operating Hours and Ticket Prices at Kids Ninja Village
Do note that Kids Ninja Village close in Winter, usually end of November till April. Do check the website for more details.
Opening hours are from 9 am to 5 pm.
Tickets start at 350 yen for children ages 4 to 6, tickets for older children to adults cost 650 yen per ticket. The entry fee plus access to 6 attractions is at 2200 yen for older ones.
There are also weekday perks with bigger discounts, information can be found on the website.
Kids Ninja Village
3193 Togakushi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, 381-4101
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