If you’re in Tokyo and looking for something off the beaten path, the Ninja Experience Café in Asakusa may be the perfect spot. Just a short 3-minute walk from HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa, this unique venue lets you dive into Japan’s ninja culture with activities like shuriken (ninja stars) throwing, fukiya (blowguns), and sword training. Plus, there’s ninja-themed food and drinks to enjoy after your training session. Here’s a look at what makes this café a must-visit experience.

Welcome to the Ninja Experience Café in Asakusa!

Tucked away on a quiet, unassuming street just off a busy thoroughfare, the area feels like a normal neighborhood—until you’re met with the striking red torii gate and rows of Shigaraki-ware tanuki (raccoon dogs) welcoming you inside. The Ninja Experience Café in Asakusa brings the world of ninjas to life in a fun and interactive way. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported into a ninja hideout, complete with a heavy wooden door (designed as a “door of training”). The space is filled with traditional Japanese swords, hanging scrolls, and other elements that set the stage for a great ninja photo op.

This is a place where you get to become part of the action. The café’s setup encourages visitors to embrace their inner ninja by slipping into a costume and enjoying the training and food. Whether you’re here for the ninja fun or just want to snap some cool photos, the café offers something for everyone. Those not actively participating in the experience are welcome to watch and admire their fellow visitors turn into full-fledged ninjas.

One of the café’s most captivating features is the large wall painting by the artist Dragon76. This striking artwork blends modern military gear with traditional ninja attire, creating an intriguing mix that perfectly encapsulates the fusion of old and new in ninja culture.

Ninja Training 101: Cultural Significance, Historical Roots & How It Works

Ninja training at the Ninja Experience Café is more than just learning fun tricks—it offers a fascinating window into Japan’s rich history. Ninjas were once spies, scouts, and assassins, renowned for their skills in stealth, combat, and espionage. The activities offered here, from shuriken throwing to sword techniques, reflect the time-honored skills that made ninjas so formidable. While the training is fun and accessible to everyone, it’s also a reminder of the real-world skills that ninjas had to master to survive and complete their missions. Visitors can connect with a part of Japan’s culture that’s often shrouded in mystery, gaining a deeper understanding of what it meant to be a ninja.

At Ninja Experience Café, you’ll get hands-on training in three classic ninja skills:

1. Shuriken throwing: You’ll begin by learning the fundamentals of handling and throwing these iconic ninja stars. After being shown how to grip the shuriken and aim, you’ll try your hand at hitting the target. The challenge lies in the precision needed, and though hitting the target may take a few attempts, each try brings you closer to mastering this critical ninja skill.

2. Fukiya blowing: This training is all about control, focus, and breathing. You'll learn the technique of properly loading and firing a blowgun at your target. In ninja history, these guns were often coated with poison, but don’t worry—here, the only thing you’ll need to worry about is hitting your mark. One of the targets has a cute balloon illustration on it, so much so that you’ll feel bad for trying to "kill" it.

3. Swordsmanship: Ever wondered how ninjas wielded a katana Japanese sword? This training covers the full range of swordsmanship techniques—from learning how to properly hold the katana to executing precise strikes. You’ll even be taught the essential (and often overlooked) ritual of cleaning your blade after a kill, where you wipe the sword to remove the imaginary blood of your slain enemies. To top off this skill, there’s a test at the end where you’ll perform a series of moves on command. Successfully completing this not only impresses onlookers but gives you a deep sense of accomplishment, knowing you’ve started to master the art of swordplay.

The best part? The friendly ninja mentors make sure everyone feels comfortable and has fun, whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to hone their skills. It’s a great experience for all ages—families, solo travelers, and anyone in between.

Ninja Delights: Food & Drink to Power Your Training

After a challenging session of ninja training, it's time to refuel with some delicious ninja-themed food and drinks. The café’s jet-black Ninja Curry, with its bold flavors and spicy kick, is a favorite, offering a taste of mystery and adventure in every bite. For dessert, indulge in the Ninjutsu Dessert, a dramatic flambéed chocolate fondant cake served with vanilla ice cream, creating a magical, fiery display. Along with these signature dishes, the café offers a range of other tasty meals and snacks that perfectly complement the theme. For those looking to relax with a drink, there’s a selection of Ninja-ale and Ninja beer for adults, though please note that alcoholic beverages come with a surcharge. Soft drinks and other items are also available to suit all tastes. Halal and vegetarian options ensure that everyone can enjoy a satisfying meal.

Ninja Experience Café Prices & Booking Information

The Ninja Experience Café offers different courses depending on how much you want to dive into the experience. The Sasuke course (¥6,600) lasts about 1.5 hours and includes ninja training, a drink, food, and costume rental. If you’re looking for something simpler, the Kotaro course (¥3,900) offers basic training with a drink, lasting about an hour. For those wanting something in between, the Jiraiya (¥5,300) and Hanzo (¥5,500) courses are also available.
💡Note: The prices listed above are for adults. Child rates are ¥400 less.

The café operates on a cashless basis, so you’ll need to pay with credit cards or transportation IC cards like Suica or Pasmo. It’s best to book in advance on their website (see below), as reservations help avoid long wait times, though drop-ins are sometimes accepted. There’s also a box for tips at the door on the way out, so if you feel your ninja mentors have done a terrific job, feel free to leave a tip for them there (the only place cash can be used).

How to Get to the Ninja Experience Café from HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa

The Ninja Experience Café is just a short 3-minute walk from HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa. Simply cross the main street which runs alongside Tsukuba Express Asakuasa Station, and you’ll find the café with its signature red torii gate and rows of tanuki statues.

Whether you’re looking for an exciting challenge or simply seeking a fun, immersive experience, this café delivers. Be sure to make your reservation in advance and prepare for an adventure that promises to be one of the most memorable experiences during your time in Tokyo.

Ninja Experience Café Asakusa
Address: 1F Toa-Asakusa Mansion, 3-27-14 Nishi-Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00 am – 09:00 pm
Closed: Irregular holidays
Access: 5-minute walk from Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station, or 10-minute walk from Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway Asakusa Station
Website:https://ninja-cafe.com/en/
💡Note: In addition to the Asakusa location, the Ninja Experience Café also has a branch in Harajuku (Tokyo), Gion (Kyoto), as well as one in Dotonbori (Osaka).

Writer

Lisa Wallin
A curious sojourner, Lisa Wallin has lived in Japan for about 15 years, along with 7 other countries. She has an insatiable appetite for local narratives, with a focus on regional culture, crafts and food. When not chasing stories, she enjoys coffee, visiting shrines, and exploring the country both with and without her dogs.