A ninja was a covert agent or mercenary in feudal Japan. The functions of the ninja included espionage, sabotage, infiltration, assassination and guerrilla warfare.
The shinobi proper, a specially trained group of spies and mercenaries, appeared in the 15th century during the Sengoku period, but antecedents may have existed in the 14th century, and possibly in the 12th century (Heian or early Kamakura era).
In the unrest of the Sengoku period (15th–17th centuries), mercenaries and spies for hire became active in the Iga Province and the adjacent area around the village of Koga, and it is from the area’s clans that much of our knowledge of the ninja is drawn. Following the unification of Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate (17th century), the ninja faded into obscurity.
By the time of the Meiji Restoration (1868), the tradition of the shinobi had become a topic of popular imagination and mystery in Japan. Ninja figured prominently in legend and folklore, where they were associated with legendary abilities such as invisibility, walking on water and control over the natural elements.
The following places where you can experience Japanese Ninja culture! Both adults and children can enjoy Ninja experience in Ninja costume.
A museum with a huge amount of materials concerning ninja skills
Ueno Park developed around Igaueno Castle ruins has a facility suitable for the town where the ninja art of Igaryu was born. That is Ninja Museum of Igaryu built by relocating a former residence of a local clan of Iga. At a glance the houselooks like an ordinary thatched farmhouse of traditional style but this is a ninja house with a variety of traps and tricks for defense.
One step in the house, there will be surprise after surprise. A female ninja guides visitors through each part of the house, showing and demonstrating various gimmicks such as dondengaeshi (a revolving trapdoor), nukemichi (secret passage), kakushido (hidden door) and katanakakushi (hidden sward). In Ninja Experience Hall, you can try tools and techniques used by jinja!
Ninja Show held in the Ninjutsu Experience space demonstrates how to use tools that were actually used by ninja. The demonstration using shuriken (throwing stars), swards, kusarigama (chain sickles) etc has a huge impact beyond a show. How about getting ninja goods available only in the Museum and starting training to become a ninja?
Koka ninja first appeared in the first year of the Choukyou era (1487.7.20-1489.8.21).
To suppress the rebel Sasaki Rokkaku Takayori, Shogune Ashikaga Yoshihisa launched an invasion with his large army; The Koka warriors supported the Sasaki Rokkaku clan and made a lot of surprise attacks in the mountains.
At night Koka warriors secretly approached enemy headquarters, made a fire there and saved the Sasaki Rokkaku clan.
Mochizuki Izumonokami was impressed by the Koka warriors’ tactics and special abilities.
Since that time, people started to call them Koka ninja.
In the Sengoku period (Warring States period of Japanese history, approx. 1467-1568 CE) each Daimyo was supported by the shadows (ninja).
Koka Ninja House(Koka-ryu Ninjutsu Yashiki) is not only a place where you can study ninja history,
here you can also use real ninja tools and try to solve puzzles.
In Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, there is still a slice of the Edo Period left for to you find.
Step back in time to 17th century Japan and explore the beauty, culture and interesting characters of the Edo Era. Enjoy delicious food, fun activities and a variety of entertaining performances.
Explore the village freely and interact with the friendly locals, they love to chat and have their photo taken.
Stop by Jiku the kimono rental shop and become the Edo character of your choice!
There are a variety of programs at Edo Wonderland designed to give you real Edo period experiences. For example, there is Edo work experience for children. You can also explore the secret walking of the Karasu Ninja Mansion. With the help of our talented Edo townspeople you’ll be sure to have a great time.
Source by JNTO
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