Travel bucket list idea:
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
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No Japanese period drama would be complete without an appearance from the nation’s most famous fighters – the samurai and the ninja. Equally famous around the world today, the two had very different roles in Japan.
The samurai began as feudal warriors and by the Edo era (1603-1868) were part of the ruling class. The ninja had more humble roots, often functioning as farmers while operating as highly skilled spies and assassins.
Samurai and ninja get varying treatment in modern Japan – the samurai and their code of ethics are held in high regard, while ninja experiences tend to be more on the kitschy side. Part of that perhaps comes down to social status, but also the lofty status of a katana, a samurai’s sword, which are still painstakingly handcrafted by highly respected wordsmiths.
For visitors to Tokyo, there are several places you can see historic swords and samurai armour, and to learn how to hold a samurai sword or throw a ninja’s shuriken.
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
This museum in Ryogoku exhibits a collection of around 190 supremely crafted historic katana (samurai swords) – some designated national treasures – and documents how they are made. Kill Bill fans will know them well…
Adult price: £7
Best for ages 8+
Duration: 2-3 hours
When: March, May and Sept
Frequency: annually
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
This reproduction of a ninja house runs tours of the facility, teaching you the sneaky arts of the ninja as you go from room to room. Groups of up to 10 per session, children of all ages welcome.
Adult price: £12
Best for ages 6+
Duration: 35-40 minutes
When: March, May and Sept
Frequency: annually
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
A fairly new museum stocked with an impressive collection of sparklingly sharp samurai swords, elaborate, colourful armour, guns and other samurai paraphernalia. Visitors can try the armour on and play at pretend sword fighting.
Adult price: £12
Best for ages 6+
Duration: 2-3 hours
When: March, May and Sept
Frequency: annually
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
The 47 Ronin is a legendary Japanese tale of samurai loyalty, that was even made into a US action film (2013). This temple is where the 47 were buried after exacting their revenge on the man who betrayed their master, and then being ordered to kill themselves.
Best for ages 13+
Duration: 2-3 hours
When: March, May and Sept
Frequency: annually
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
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Japan’s oldest and largest art and cultural museum, is a must-see for anyone interested in Japan’s fascinating history. Collections include samurai armour and swords, ancient Buddhist sculptures even tea ceremony utensils.
Adult price: £6
Best for ages 8+
Duration: 2-3 hours
When: March, May and Sept
Frequency: annually
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Kanto, Japan
A dizzying mixture of old ways and modern style, crowds and calm, and arguably the best food scene on the planet.
