A class for the youngest at the museum
The child-friendly ninja class is run by the Samurai Ninja Museum, but not at the museum. It takes place on the second floor of the Utanokoji Building, 292 Higashidaimonji-cho, and the address on the voucher is the one that counts. Children put on a ninja outfit, learn a few hiding techniques, try a blowgun and finish with a shuriken contest. Groups can be up to 20.
Children from 3 take part. Younger siblings may come into the building but cannot join in. One reviewer felt the class was pitched at children rather than at grown-ups. If you are travelling without children, the museum tour on Rokkaku-dori is the shorter introduction.
The ninja house in Arashiyama
Viyago Japan runs a one-hour session in a ninja-themed house in Arashiyama. An English-speaking instructor teaches blowgun and shuriken, and the costume is optional. You get the exact address only after booking, so allow time to find it and arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. A rented costume can be returned the same day during opening hours, which lets you keep it on for the rest of your walk through Arashiyama.
The product page excludes children under 5. It also lists the venue as wheelchair accessible while naming people with limited mobility as not suitable. Ask through the booking page if this matters to you.
Forging steel or casting tin
Kendo Experience runs both weapon workshops, at the two ends of the main line of the Eizan railway. In the forging class near Hieizanguchi station the steel is heated to around 800 °C, you shape and engrave a shuriken and take it home. A kunai is available for an extra charge. Reviewers describe more grinding and finishing than hammering, and one found the kunai smaller than expected.
Tin melts at about 230 °C, which is why the casting workshop near Demachiyanagi takes children from 5. You pour, cut and finish a piece of 8 to 10 cm, and it comes in a box. Children under 15 need a parent or guardian with them. The page on weapon making compares the two workshops step by step.
Shuriken and kunai in your luggage
Forged pieces may only fly in checked baggage, never in the cabin. Check the import rules of your home country for throwing stars and blades before you choose one.
