When you think of samurai, you might picture epic battles and legendary warlords. But where did these figures live, train, and build their legacies? Look no further than Shiga Prefecture, a land steeped in the history of Japan’s warrior class. Its strategic location made it the stage for countless historical events, especially during the Sengoku (Warring States) period. Today, you can do more than just read about it. Shiga offers immersive experiences that bring the past to life, and the great thing is that you can contact us to book any of these! To get started, let’s explore five key areas where you can connect with the authentic spirit of samurai and ninja, with all the details you need to plan your trip.
A group of men and women dressed as ninjas – Photo Credit: Shiga Biwako
Koka: Home of the Shadows
Koka is renowned as the birthplace of the special forces known as the “Koka Ninja,” who operated during the turbulent Sengoku Period (15th -16th centuries). Also known as Shinobi, these covert warriors mastered espionage, strategy, and survival techniques that were as much about intelligence as they were about combat. The region still holds traces of their hidden lives, from old ninja residences with secret trapdoors to secluded training grounds deep in the mountains.
In fact, you can step into this mysterious past at the Koka Ninja Village, where visitors can explore authentic ninja houses, try on traditional attire, and even attempt ninja-style obstacle courses. The forests and narrow paths of Koka retain that air of secrecy, letting travelers feel the quiet power of Japan’s shadow warriors. It’s thanks to the unique experiences listed below that even in today’s modern era, you can still follow in their skilled and sneaky footsteps.
- Ninja Bicycle Guided Tour
- The Experience: Dress in full ninja attire and hop on an assisted bicycle to explore the very places these shinobi operated. The course can be adjusted to your level.
- Duration: About 3 hours.
- Fee: 22,000 yen for one person, 16,500 yen per person for two people, or 13,200 yen per person for groups of three to eight.
- Conditions: Participants must be 145 cm or taller.
- Ninja Training Experience
- The Experience: In a ninja theme park surrounded by pristine forests, you’ll be guided by a Koka ninja. The experience includes shuriken throwing and learning about ninja tools. The fee also includes an English guide, ninja attire rental, and a trick house tour.
- Duration: 60-90 minutes.
- Fee: 8,000 yen per person for a maximum of 40 people.
- Making Ninja Ration Balls
- The Experience: Discover the secrets of a ninja’s diet by recreating a recipe from their secret texts. This activity also includes a museum tour that explains the deep connection between Koka ninjas and the region’s pharmaceutical industry.
- Duration: 60-80 minutes.
- Conditions: Requires a minimum of two people and a reservation at least two weeks in advance.
Miko Kagura Experience at Toyomitsu Shrine – Photo Credit: Koka City Tourist Guide
Aisho: The Spirit of the Samurai
Aisho is an area crossed by major ancient roads like the Tosan-do and Nakasendo that have traversed Japan since ancient times. Samurai risked their lives running along these roads and fought throughout the region. That powerful samurai spirit lives on, as people continue to train in martial arts and pray for victory here. Visitors can feel that same samurai spirit in the calm countryside, where every road seems to echo with the footsteps of those who fought and trained for honor centuries ago. You can connect with this deep tradition through these spiritual and martial activities.
- Miko Kagura Experience at Toyomitsu Shrine
- The Experience: Visit Toyomitsu Shrine, revered by samurai as home to “the god of victory”. Here, you can wear the traditional attire of a miko (shrine maiden), participate in a formal worship ceremony, and receive instruction to perform a sacred kagura dance.
- Duration: 90 minutes.
- Fee: 15,000 yen per person.
- Conditions: This experience is for women only, with 1-4 people per session. A reservation is required at least two weeks in advance. Please note this experience is in Japanese only.
- Kenshinkai Kendo Experience
- The Experience: Kendo’s philosophy begins and ends with respect. After donning the protective gear, you’ll watch a demonstration by instructors, learn the basics of kendo, and then participate in a match yourself.
- Duration: 120 minutes.
- Fee: 15,000 yen per person, which includes a Kenshinkai hand towel.
- Conditions: For groups of 2-6 people, with reservations required at least one month in advance. This is also a Japanese-only experience.
Panoramic view of Lake Biwa near the town of Omihachiman – Photo Credit: E55evu
Omihachiman: The Kingdom of a Unifier
Omihachiman is the place where Oda Nobunaga, one of the most famous warlords of Japan’s Warring States period, built the magnificent Azuchi Castle. More than just a fortress, Azuchi was a lavish palace with a revolutionary design, including Japan’s first towering keep (tenshu), meant to awe his rivals and legitimize his rule. With innovative tactics and political skill, he nearly unified the entire country.
His powerful legacy remains strong in this area, though his dream ultimately vanished after his sudden death, which led to the castle’s destruction shortly after. But that doesn’t mean his spirit fully disappeared. You can still experience the grandeur of Nobunaga’s vision with these plans.
- “King of Samurai” Lake Cruise and Local Cuisine Plan
- The Experience: This premium plan starts with a visit to the Azuchi Castle Museum, where you can experience wearing samurai armor. Afterward, a chartered taxi takes you to Lake Nishinoko for a cruise offering stunning views of the Azuchi Castle mountain. The tour includes a local hot pot meal (Jun-jun Nabe or Chicken Sukiyaki) served on the boat.
- Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours).
- Fee: 66,000 yen for a group of 4, which includes the cruise, meal, chartered taxi, and a guide.
- Conditions: Reservations are required at least 3 days in advance.
- VR Azuchi Castle Experience
- The Experience: While the original castle is gone, you can witness the full splendor of what was Oda Nobunaga’s last castle. Watch a 15-minute movie, “VR Sumptuous Azuchi Castle,” on a 200-inch screen and then explore the full-scale replica of the castle tower’s 5th and 6th floors.
- Duration: 30 minutes.
- Fee: General admission to the facility is 610 yen.
A group wearing samurai armor – Photo Credit: Koka City Tourist Guide
Nagahama: Forging Steel and Strategy
Located in the northern part of Shiga Prefecture, Nagahama’s strategic location made it the site of many historic battles. It is now considered a sacred land for history buffs and samurai enthusiasts. The city’s symbol is Nagahama Castle, which was crucial in the rise of the famous general Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In fact, this was the first castle Hideyoshi governed as a lord, marking a pivotal step in his journey from commoner to the ruler of Japan.
Today, the castle stands as a history museum on the lakeshore, and from its observatory, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the area. Additionally, Nagahama offers experiences that honor both the warrior and the craftsman.
- Blacksmith Workshop Paper Knife Making
- The Experience: Step into the “Manyo Kajigoya,” a designated tangible cultural property of Nagahama, and feel like you’ve traveled back in time. A blacksmith will light the fire, and you can swing the hammer yourself to create your own original paper knife.
- Duration: About 2 hours.
- Options: You can add a 40-minute town walk for 300 yen or a countryside meal for 1,500 yen.
- Conditions: Open to ages 7 and above.
- Samurai Armor Experience
- The Experience: Wear authentic samurai armor and feel like a Sengoku period warrior in its sacred land.
- Plan A: Take photos in armor at Nagahama Castle. This takes about 1 hour and costs 10,000 yen.
- Plan B: For a more immersive experience, walk around Nagahama in armor with an English-speaking guide. This takes about 3 hours and costs 20,000 yen.
- Conditions: Participants must be 140 cm or taller.
Historic Japanese-style building with a Beautiful Sunset – Photo Credit: Shun
Otsu: The Walls of Power
Otsu City was home to the master craftsmen who built the stone walls for Japan’s mighty castles. The Sakamoto area in particular features many stone walls made with the special “Ano-shu piling” technique, which skillfully combines natural stones without cutting them. This method created incredibly strong and durable walls that were difficult for enemies to scale, making them a formidable defense.
The craftsmen, known as the Ano-shu, were a highly respected group of specialists whose skills were in demand by lords all across Japan during the age of castle construction. You can explore this unique architectural legacy and the city’s rich history with these tours.
- Tour of World Heritage Site and Scenic Stone Walls
- The Experience: This is a comprehensive tour with an English interpreter that takes you around the World Heritage Site Hieizan Enryakuji and the town at its base, which features many of these scenic stone walls.
- Duration: 7 hours (9:30 AM to 4:30 PM).
- Fee: 34,900 yen for one person; 22,100 yen per person for 2-3 people; or 15,800 yen per person for 4-6 people.
- Conditions: This tour operates from April to November and requires a reservation at least 7 days in advance.
- SUP Tour Around Sakamoto Castle Ruins
- The Experience: For a modern adventure, take a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) tour on Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. You’ll paddle out to view the stone wall ruins of a submerged castle.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Fee: 12,000 yen per person.
- Conditions: For groups of 1-4 people.
Nagahama Castle surrounded by Sakura in Spring – Photo Credit: cowardlion
The Samurai Legacy Lives On
Shiga’s connection to the samurai isn’t confined to textbooks or relics. It’s alive in its architecture, its traditions, and the quiet reverence people still hold for discipline and honor. Whether you’re tracing Nobunaga’s footsteps in Omihachiman, gazing over Lake Biwa from Nagahama Castle, or walking the old post roads of Aisho, Shiga invites you to step into the world of Japan’s warriors, a world where courage met craftsmanship, and history continues to breathe. So get ready to practice your sword skills and dive headfirst into a world of pride, tradition, and culture!
Featured Photo Credit: Shawn.ccf
