The "From Kyoto: Ninjas Homeland Electric Bicycle Tour" promises an immersive cultural experience for those seeking a unique adventure. Blending history, nature, and hands-on activities, this tour guides visitors through the legendary ninja homeland of Koka, offering a captivating glimpse into Japan’s rich past. With knowledgeable experts leading the way, participants can expect to uncover hidden gems, from the Koka Ninja House‘s intriguing artifacts to the impressive Shingu Twin Castles. While the electric bike ride and coffee-making experience add an engaging twist, the true allure of this tour lies in its ability to transport visitors back in time, leaving them eager to discover more about Koka’s enduring ninja legacy.
Key Points
- This electric bicycle tour in Koka, the homeland of ninjas, provides an immersive experience to explore ninja history and culture.
- The tour includes visits to the Koka Ninja House, Ninja Center, Shingu Twin Castles, and a traditional coffee-making demonstration at the Guide’s House.
- The tour is priced at £2,173 per person, including a train ride to Koka City and admission fees for the Ninja House.
- The tour is suitable for adults and children aged 13 to 99, with a height requirement of at least 4 ft 6 in (140 cm) to operate the electric bicycles.
- The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, providing flexibility for participants.
Tour Overview and Pricing
Offering an immersive electric bicycle adventure, the Kyoto Electric Bicycle Tour takes visitors on an 8-hour journey through Koka, the renowned homeland of ninjas.
Priced from £2,173 per person, the private group tour includes a live English and Japanese-speaking guide, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option.
Participants can expect to explore the only existing real Ninja House, marvel at the Shingu Twin Castles, and even learn Japanese Katakana for name tags.
With the train ride to Koka City and admission fees for the Ninja House included, this comprehensive tour promises an unforgettable culture for both adults and children.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour’s itinerary highlights an immersive exploration of Koka’s rich ninja heritage.
Visitors can discover the Koka Ninja House, the only existing real ninja house featuring intriguing tricks like a revolving door and escape tunnel.
The Ninja Center displays an impressive collection of ninja weaponry and historical documents, offering a deep dive into this elusive art.
The Shingu Twin Castles, a national historic site, boast high earthen walls that evoke a sense of medieval Japan.
Participants can also experience coffee-making using ninja methods and learn Japanese Katakana at the Guide’s House.
The scenic ride along the Soma River’s cherry tree-lined streets caps off this immersive cultural odyssey.
Koka Ninja House
Nestled in the heart of Koka, the Ninja House stands as a rare and captivating relic, the only existing real-life ninja residence that still retains its original features.
Visitors are immediately drawn to the house’s intriguing design, which includes a revolving door and an escape tunnel – testaments to the ingenuity of the ninja.
Inside, the house reveals a treasure trove of historical artifacts, including displays of deadly ninja weapons and priceless documents that offer a glimpse into the secretive world of these legendary warriors.
Exploring the Ninja House is an immersive experience that transports visitors back in time, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural legacy of the ninja.
Ninja Center
A short distance from the iconic Ninja House lies the captivating Ninja Center, a repository of knowledge that illuminates the mysterious world of these legendary warriors. Visitors are greeted by an impressive display of Ninja weapons, ranging from the iconic shuriken to the deadly kusarigama. Historical documents and artifacts paint a vivid picture of Ninja culture, tactics, and training. The center’s interactive exhibits allow guests to delve deeper, testing their stealth and agility through hands-on challenges. The atmosphere is both educational and immersive, transporting visitors back in time to the golden age of Ninja prowess.
| Ninja Weapons on Display | Description |
|---|---|
| Shuriken | Razor-sharp throwing stars |
| Kusarigama | Sickle with a chain and weight |
| Fukiya | Blowgun for silent ranged attacks |
| Tanto | Short single-edged sword |
| Kunai | Versatile throwing knife |
Shingu Twin Castles
After exploring the captivating Ninja Center, the tour continues to the Shingu Twin Castles, a national historic site that stands as a testament to Japan’s remarkable feudal past.
The twin castles, separated by a deep moat, feature impressive earthen walls reaching up to 20 meters in height.
Visitors can marvel at the castles’ strategic defensive design, which includes:
- Unique angled walls to deflect enemy attacks.
- A concealed entrance tunnel for quick escape.
- Elevated watchtowers for enhanced surveillance.
- Intricate drainage systems to maintain the moat’s water levels.
The Shingu Twin Castles offer a fascinating glimpse into the military engineering and architectural prowess of Japan’s medieval era, leaving a lasting impression on tour participants.
Guides House
Next, the tour participants journey to the Guides House, where they enjoy a truly unique cultural experience.
At this stop, they learn the art of traditional Japanese coffee making using Ninja methods. The guide, a Ninja descendant, demonstrates the intricate process, sharing insights into this ancient practice.
Participants also get the chance to learn Japanese Katakana and create personalized name tags, allowing them to engage more deeply with the local culture.
This interactive segment provides a hands-on opportunity for the group to connect with the Ninja heritage and appreciate the attention to detail that defines Japanese traditions.
Transportation and Admission Fees
The tour begins with participants meeting at JR Kyoto station at 9:00 a.m.
From there, the group takes a train ride to Koka City, which is included in the tour price.
Upon arrival, visitors must pay an admission fee of £650 to enter the Koka Ninja House, the only existing real ninja house with unique architectural features.
Lunch costs approximately £700.
For those interested, the optional Koka Ninja Village, a ninja-themed park, has an admission fee of £1,100.
Any personal expenses, such as souvenirs, aren’t included in the tour package.
The key transportation and admission fees are:
- Train ride to Koka City: Included
- Koka Ninja House admission: £650
- Lunch: Approximately £700
- Koka Ninja Village (optional): £1,100
Participant Requirements
The electric bicycle tour is suitable for both adult and child participants, ranging from ages 13 to 99 and 12 and younger, respectively.
However, there’s a height requirement that excludes individuals under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm). This is to ensure all participants can comfortably and safely ride the electric bicycles provided.
The tour is an active experience, so participants must be able to operate the electric bicycles throughout the day’s itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Have Previous Experience Riding Electric Bicycles?
No, previous experience riding electric bicycles is not required. The tour is suitable for beginners, and you will receive instructions on how to operate the electric bicycles during the tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, participants can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour package includes a train ride to Koka City and a visit to the Guides House, where participants can experience coffee making using Ninja methods.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for Children?
The tour is suitable for children aged 12 and younger, but not for individuals under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm) tall. Participants must be able to ride electric bicycles, so there’s a minimum height requirement for safety.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is not wheelchair accessible. The itinerary includes challenging terrain such as high earthen walls, and participants must be able to ride electric bicycles. However, the tour is suitable for adults and children ages 12 and younger.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Customize the Itinerary?
The tour operator offers some flexibility to extend the duration or customize the itinerary, but this may incur additional costs. Customers should inquire about these options when booking to ensure the tour meets their specific needs and preferences.
Recap
The From Kyoto: Ninjas Homeland Electric Bicycle Tour provides an immersive cultural experience, blending history, hands-on activities, and scenic bike riding. Visitors can explore the Koka Ninja House, learn about ninja culture, and witness the impressive Shingu Twin Castles. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour offers a unique way to discover Koka’s rich heritage while enjoying the region’s natural beauty. It’s a captivating adventure that caters to all ages, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for Japan’s ninja legacy.
