Koka Ninja: One of Japan's Two Great Ninja Villages Alongside Iga

Home of Koka-ryu Ninjutsu

Koka City is the birthplace of Koka-ryu ninjutsu, active during the Warring States period. Many ninja families once held sway here, known collectively as the Koka Fifty-three Families. Ranked alongside the ninja of neighbouring Iga, they form one of the two pillars of Japan's ninja culture. Skilled in intelligence gathering and covert operations, the history of the Koka ninja still stirs the curiosity and imagination of many.

Koka no Sato Ninjutsu Mura

Koka no Sato Ninjutsu Mura is a nature-rich theme park where visitors experience and learn Koka-ryu ninjutsu. You can take on authentic ninja training such as shuriken throwing, crossing a pond on water-spider floats, and exploring a trick-filled ninja house. Strolling in a ninja costume is fun too, making it a popular spot that captivates children and adults alike. Inside there is also a ninjutsu museum gathering materials on the art. It generally opens 10:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:00) and closes Mondays, or the following day when Monday is a holiday.

Koka-ryu Ninja House

Koka preserves one of the few surviving authentic ninja houses, the Koka-ryu Ninja House, the former main residence of the Mochizuki family. As the leading house among the Koka Fifty-three Families, it looks like an ordinary home from outside, yet the interior is filled with ingenious devices — reversing walls to deceive intruders, hidden rooms and escape passages. It opens 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30), with admission around 600 yen for adults. It is a rare chance to tour a genuine ninja house packed with the wisdom of the past.

Tsuchiyama Tea

Tsuchiyama in Koka City is known as a major producer of Omi tea, rivalling Uji in Kyoto. The cool climate and mist at the foot of the Suzuka mountains nurture fragrant, high-quality tea. A popular course pairs a stroll through the ninja country with visits to beautiful tea fields spreading over gentle hills and a taste of freshly brewed Tsuchiyama tea.

Access & Basic Information

For Koka no Sato Ninjutsu Mura, it is about 5 minutes by car from Koka Station on the JR Kusatsu Line, or roughly a 30-minute walk; a reservation-based shuttle may be available. The Koka-ryu Ninja House, by contrast, lies about 1.3km south of Konan Station on the same line, so note that the two use different nearest stations. Both are reachable by car from the Koka-Tsuchiyama or Shigaraki interchange on the Shin-Meishin Expressway, and a car is convenient for seeing both in one day.

Practical Travel Notes

• Best seasons: With mostly outdoor activities, comfortable spring and autumn are ideal; early summer with lush tea fields is also pleasant for walking.
• Time needed: About 2 to 3 hours at the Ninjutsu Mura including activities, and 30 minutes to an hour at the Ninja House; both plus the Tsuchiyama tea fields make a full day.
• Reservations and fees: The Ninjutsu Mura is around 2,000 yen for adults and the Ninja House around 600 yen; shuttle service to the village may require booking.
• Nearby spots: Easily combined with the Shigaraki pottery district, the Tsuchiyama tea fields and the MIHO MUSEUM.
• For families: Rich in hands-on activities like shuriken throwing and water-spider crossing, popular with children.

A Word of Advice

The Ninjutsu Mura has many outdoor activities, so wear easy-to-move clothing and comfortable shoes. Since the Ninjutsu Mura and the Ninja House have different nearest stations and locations, confirm your destination in advance to avoid mix-ups. As the area is hard to get around without a car, consider a rental car or taxi for peace of mind.

📚 Sources

This article was edited with reference to tourism guidance for Koka City, the Koka no Sato Ninjutsu Village, the surviving ninja residence Koka-ryu Ninjutsu Yashiki, and information on the Tsuchiyama tea-producing area. Explanations from each facility were consulted for the history of the Koka fifty-three families and the Mochizuki family. Operating hours, closing days, and admission fees may change, so please check each facility official information before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Suggested route: The Ninjutsu Village and the Ninjutsu Yashiki have different nearest stations, so check the order and transport in advance to tour smoothly.
• Operating hours: The Ninjutsu Village is roughly 10:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:00), closed Mondays (the next day if a holiday), and the Ninjutsu Yashiki is 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30).
• Experiences: You can try ninja training such as shuriken throwing and crossing a pond on water spiders.
• Budget: Prepare the admission fees for each facility.
• Nearby: Tsuchiyama is an Omi tea district where you can enjoy tea-field scenery and freshly brewed tea.
• What to wear: Comfortable shoes are recommended for touring the residence and walking around.