In an era ravaged by war, where charismatic and powerful leaders vied for control over Japan’s fractured government, two distinct types of warrior emerged: samurai and ninja. Their legends have inspired generations of people not just in Japan but around the world in popular film, video games, and anime franchises.
While samurai were most famous for their strict code of conduct, called bushido, ninja were most-known for their mystery. They spread rumours they could cast spells, walk on water, and manipulate shadows themselves.
Were Ninja Real?
Yes, although they didn't call themselves "ninja." Instead, they would use the term shinobi, which comes from verb for hiding or concealing yourself. The ninja had humble origins as peasants and farmers who needed to defend themselves against less-than-scrupulous samurai and bandits. Over the centuries, though, they were eventually contracted or sworn in service to samurai as the spymasters that we think of today.
What Did Ninja Do?
Ninja were masters of stealth, so their main jobs were to sneak past enemy lines to either perform assassinations or disrupt the enemy camp. They used weapons samurai were forbidden by honour from using, like poison.
Were there women ninja?
Japan learned much earlier than many Western countries that women made perfect spies. Women, disguised as geisha or performers, were much more likely to be granted access to off-limits areas. Female ninja, called kunoichi, carried poison-tipped blades disguised as rings, hair pins and makeup cases in order to carry out their missions.
At the Ninja Weapon Museum in Kanazawa, you can see first-hand the tools and techniques used by real ninja. Here, around 160 genuine artifacts are displayed, including swords disguised as walking sticks, hidden daggers and wolverine-style claws used to disarm opponents.
After seeing all the museum has to offer upstairs, you can try your own hand at throwing shuriken, ninja throwing stars. The museum offers two types - hira shuriken, the famous throwing stars, and the dart-like bo shuriken. Throwing the shuriken takes a bit of getting used to, but those who grasp it quickly and have a bit of luck can win a prize for hitting the bullseye.
After the museum, enjoy a walk around Kanazawa’s famous Nishi Chaya District, a 200-year-old area that has survived the test of time. Many of the traditional buildings have been converted into cafes or museums, where guests can relax and enjoy the atmosphere maintained since the Edo Period. Despite being much smaller than Kanazawa’s more famous Higashi Chaya District, even today, there are five active teahouses used by geisha in this area.
Looking for more to do in Kanazawa?
If you're stuck for ideas, check out our guide of 30 Things to Do in Kanazawa. Or, if you'd like to be guided around the Ninja Weapon Museum, try your hand and Kanazawa's traditional gold leaf and make Japanese sweets, why not take a look at our Kanazawa Experiences Tour?
KANAZAWA EXPERIENCES WALKING TOUR / January through November
The wealth of the Kaga domain was the greatest of all the daimyo and that shows in the art and culture that was produced in Kanazawa over the course of the Edo period. These traditions are still alive in the city today and you can try them out for yourself. The art of gold leaf is a special one to Kanazawa, which is 99% of Japan's production. Here you can experience the craft for yourself and make a plate with gold leaf elements on it. If Japanese sweets are your things, on the tour you will make the sweets that go the best with matcha, wagashi. Finally, you will get to try ninja throwing stars and needles. There is something for everyone to enjoy as you walk around the city and see parts that are not as commonly explored.
