Ninjakotan

Ninjakotan EDO KAGURA Corporation is a registered agency based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and the operator of the brand "NINJA KOTAN."

We specialize in offering authentic traditional cultural experiences such as Ukiyo-e workshops, Nohgaku performances, and Geisha banquets.

Experience a Luxurious Summer Evening with Geisha at the Kagurazaka Premium Beer HallJoin us for an exclusive summer eve...
14/03/2025

Experience a Luxurious Summer Evening with Geisha at the Kagurazaka Premium Beer Hall

Join us for an exclusive summer evening in historic Kagurazaka, where tradition and elegance come together. Enjoy expertly crafted draft beer, gourmet pairings, and a graceful dance performance by Kagurazaka geisha.

Date: June 7, 2025
Venue: Tokyo Daijingu Matsuya Salon
Sessions: 1:30 PM / 5:00 PM
Tickets: ¥18,000 / ¥20,000 (with souvenir)

A total of 17 geisha will be present, offering a rare chance to interact, pour beer, and share their culture. Pre-sale begins March 10.

Don’t miss this one-night-only event!

https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/post/experience-a-luxurious-summer-evening-with-geisha-kagurazaka-premium-beer-hall

Looking for Tokyo’s best hidden cherry blossom spot?While Ueno Park and Meguro River attract massive crowds during sakur...
10/03/2025

Looking for Tokyo’s best hidden cherry blossom spot?

While Ueno Park and Meguro River attract massive crowds during sakura season, Waseda remains a peaceful and underrated hanami destination. This year, the Waseda Sakura Festival on March 30 (Sunday), from 10 AM to 3 PM, invites you to enjoy cherry blossoms without the crowds in one of Tokyo’s best-kept secrets.

Stroll along the Kanda River, visit the historic Kansen-en Garden, and immerse yourself in Japanese traditions through a variety of cultural experiences.

🎶 Festival Highlights
✔ Marching Band Parade (10:00-10:40) – A lively procession along Shin-Mejiro Street
✔ Traditional Waseda Sakura Ondo Dance & Karate Performances (11:00-3:00 PM)
✔ Local Food Stalls – Savor the flavors of spring with traditional Japanese treats
✔ Tea Ceremony, Calligraphy, and Painting Exhibitions (Nishi-Waseda Venue)
✔ A Unique Hanami View from Above – Enjoy an exclusive cherry blossom view from the second floor of a historic private residence

📍 Event Venues

Main Site (Near Nakano Bridge)
Nishi-Waseda Community Center (1-22-2 Nishi-Waseda)
Kansen-en Garden (3-5 Nishi-Waseda)
Admission is free, so feel free to stop by! Whether you're a first-time visitor or a sakura enthusiast, this is your chance to experience a truly authentic and peaceful hanami in Tokyo.

https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/post/tokyo-best-hidden-cherry-blossom-spot-waseda-sakura-festival

応援中: 新宿観光振興協会 Shinjuku Convention & Visitors Bureau ―トップファンに認定されました!🎉
25/02/2025

応援中: 新宿観光振興協会 Shinjuku Convention & Visitors Bureau ―トップファンに認定されました!🎉

Colorful Fabrics Over the River: Visited the Traditional Dyeing Event 'Some no Komichi 2025' in Tokyo's Shinjuku – Open ...
22/02/2025

Colorful Fabrics Over the River: Visited the Traditional Dyeing Event 'Some no Komichi 2025' in Tokyo's Shinjuku – Open Until Tomorrow

Did You Know Tokyo’s Shinjuku Was a Major Center for Dyeing?

Many people—even Japanese—are unaware that Shinjuku, known today for its towering skyscrapers, was once a major center for fabric dyeing. In fact, few foreigners know of this history. In the late Edo period (1603-1868), Shinjuku was nationally renowned as one of the three major centers of dyeing, alongside Kyoto and Kanazawa.

The heart of the dyeing workshops was in Ochiai and Waseda, located along the Kanda and Myoshoji Rivers, areas blessed with excellent water quality. In that very Ochiai, this year’s grand dyeing event, “Some no Komichi 2025,” is being held from Friday, February 21, to Sunday, February 23, 2025. I visited the event on the morning of the 22nd. ‘Some no Komichi,’ meaning ‘Little Dyeing Path,’ is an annual event that showcases traditional Japanese dyeing arts.

Some no Komichi 2025

Dates: February 21 (Friday) – 23 (Sunday), 2025
Location: Around Nakai Station on the Toei Oedo Line / Seibu Shinjuku Line

https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/post/colorful-dyeing-fabrics-some-no-komichi-in-tokyo-shinjuku


✨ A Rare Chance to Meet 16 Geisha in Tokyo! 🎭I attended the 4th "Invitation to Kagurazaka", a special geisha event where...
16/02/2025

✨ A Rare Chance to Meet 16 Geisha in Tokyo! 🎭

I attended the 4th "Invitation to Kagurazaka", a special geisha event where guests enjoyed a kaiseki bento while watching elegant geisha performances, including dance, singing, and shamisen music.

🌟 16 Kagurazaka geisha (one absent due to illness) visited each table, offering Senjafuda (name stickers) and engaging in conversation, making it a truly interactive and unforgettable experience!

💄 Unlike usual, many tachikata (dancers) wore shironuri (white makeup), making the event even more stunning!

👥 The audience included CEOs, executives, and foreign guests, with a high percentage of female attendees. Many first-timers were surprised by how friendly and approachable the Kagurazaka geisha were!

🎟 Missed This Event? Don't Worry! More upcoming Kagurazaka Geisha Events:
📅 June 7, 2025 – Kagurazaka Premium Beer Hall 🍺
📅 Nov 14-15, 2025 – Mizuho-kai 🎼
📅 April 24-25, 2026 – 40th Anniversary Kagurazaka Odori 💃

https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/post/tokyo-geisha-event-invitation-to-kagurazaka-report


Experience Authentic Japanese Culture for Only Yen 100! Spring Traditional Cultural Program in Tokyo’s ShinjukuGreat new...
13/02/2025

Experience Authentic Japanese Culture for Only Yen 100! Spring Traditional Cultural Program in Tokyo’s Shinjuku

Great news! A chance to experience authentic Japanese culture in Tokyo for just ¥100!

Are you interested in experiencing authentic traditional Japanese culture in Tokyo but worried about the cost? Shinjuku City is offering an incredible opportunity for just ¥100 per session!

The Spring Traditional Cultural Program features four cultural experiences:

Nagauta Shamisen (traditional musical instrument)
Kumihimo (traditional braiding technique)
Noh (classical Japanese performing art)
Nihonga (Japanese painting)

This program includes Kumihimo and Noh, which are also part of our cultural experiences for foreign travelers.

If there are too many applicants, a lottery system will be used, with priority given to Shinjuku residents. However, this is a rare and affordable opportunity, so if you live in Tokyo, why not give it a try?

Details on the blog
https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/post/authentic-japanese-culture-in-tokyo


Discover Tokyo’s Traditional Dyeing Culture at "Some no Komichi" Festival– Just 10 Days Away!Did You Know? Tokyo Was Onc...
11/02/2025

Discover Tokyo’s Traditional Dyeing Culture at "Some no Komichi" Festival– Just 10 Days Away!

Did You Know? Tokyo Was Once a Major Center for Textile Dyeing

When you think of traditional Japanese textile dyeing, Kyoto or Kanazawa might come to mind. But did you know that Tokyo's Shinjuku was once one of Japan’s top three dyeing hubs?

The Ochiai and Waseda areas, located along the Kanda River and Myoshoji River, were home to numerous dyeing workshops, thanks to their abundant clean water. This rich history lives on in the annual Some no Komichi festival, where visitors can experience the beauty of traditional Japanese dyeing firsthand.

Some no Komichi 2025 – Event Details
Dates: February 21 (Fri) – February 23 (Sun), 2025
Location: Around Nakai Station (Toei Oedo Line, Seibu Shinjuku Line)

Celebrating 16 Years of Some no Komichi

In 2025, Some no Komichi marks its 16th anniversary. This event is a community-driven festival supported by local shops, artisans, and even university student volunteers.

If you love Japanese craftsmanship, traditional textiles, or simply exploring Tokyo’s hidden cultural gems, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

A Must-See: The River Gallery of Colorful Fabrics

One of the most breathtaking sights at Some no Komichi is the River Gallery—a stunning display of vibrantly dyed textiles draped over the Myoshoji River.

Historically, dyeing artisans in the area would rinse fabrics in the river, and this installation recreates that beautiful scene, transporting visitors back to Showa-era Tokyo when dyeing was at its peak.

https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/post/tokyo-traditional-dyeing-at-some-no-komichi-festival


The Seasonal Beauty of the Geisha District and the Grace of Geisha – An Interview with Ayumi Terada, Proprietress of Yuk...
09/02/2025

The Seasonal Beauty of the Geisha District and the Grace of Geisha – An Interview with Ayumi Terada, Proprietress of Yukimoto in Tokyo
We sat down with Ayumi Terada, the third-generation proprietress of Yukimoto, Kagurazaka’s largest ryotei, to explore the history, traditions, and artistry behind this renowned geisha district.

💡 Key Insights from the Interview
✔ The Revival of Kagurazaka’s Geisha Culture – Thanks to its waterway connections, Kagurazaka recovered earlier than other geisha districts.
✔ The Art of Seasonality – From geisha kimono and performances to kaiseki cuisine, every detail reflects the changing seasons.
✔ Preserving Tradition – Events like "Yukimoto-kai" and "Kagura Goyomi" help sustain geisha and traditional performing arts.
✔ The Secret to Exquisite Cuisine – Yukimoto’s dashi broth, crafted with a blend of premium ingredients, enhances every dish.
✔ A Former Actress’s Perspective – Terada’s theater background gives her a unique appreciation for the grace and expression of geisha performances.

✨ Many international guests say a geisha banquet at Yukimoto is the highlight of their trip to Japan!

Experience the living heritage of Kagurazaka at Yukimoto.

https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/post/kagurazaka-store-owner-geisha-district-tokyo-kagurazaka


Discover Tokyo’s Hidden Gem: A 400-Year-Old Stationery Store in Kagurazaka!📜 Did you know? Kagurazaka’s oldest shop, Sou...
08/02/2025

Discover Tokyo’s Hidden Gem: A 400-Year-Old Stationery Store in Kagurazaka!

📜 Did you know? Kagurazaka’s oldest shop, Soumaya Genshirou Shoten, has been around for nearly 400 years! From supplying washi to samurai to introducing Japan’s first manuscript paper, this legendary stationery store is a must-visit for travelers who love history, culture, and high-quality writing tools.

🖋 Top picks for international visitors:
✔️ Japanese fountain & ballpoint pens – Perfect souvenirs ✍️
✔️ 100+ types of Pochibukuro – Elegant mini money envelopes 💌
✔️ Traditional Chiyogami paper – Stunning Japanese designs 🎨

📍 Located in Kagurazaka, Tokyo—once a thriving samurai and geisha district, this store is a living piece of history.

Step inside and experience the beauty of Japane

https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/post/stationery-store-tokyo-kagurazaka-soumaya



Only 10 Days Until "Invitation to Kagurazaka" – Tokyo’s Exclusive Geisha EventDon't Miss One of Tokyo’s Most Popular Gei...
05/02/2025

Only 10 Days Until "Invitation to Kagurazaka" – Tokyo’s Exclusive Geisha Event

Don't Miss One of Tokyo’s Most Popular Geisha Events: "Invitation to Kagurazaka"

The countdown has begun. One of Tokyo’s most popular geisha events, "Kagurazaka heno Izanai (Invitation to Kagurazaka)," is just 10 days away.

Date: February 15, 2025 (Saturday)
Venue: Tokyo Daijingu Matsuya Salon, Isuzu no Ma
Session 2 is sold out. A few seats remain for Session 1.
Tickets are selling fast—book now before they are gone.

What is "Invitation to Kagurazaka"?

This is a rare opportunity to experience an authentic geisha performance while enjoying a traditional kaiseki bento.For this event, all 17 geisha from Kagurazaka will be performing.

Unlike the "Kagurazaka Odori" event, where photography is prohibited, guests are allowed to take photos with the geisha (video recording is not permitted).Each geisha will visit your table, offering their unique name cards (Senjafuda) and posing for commemorative photos.

Additionally, drinks are all-you-can-drink throughout the event. Whenever your glass is empty, a geisha will pour you sake, beer, or other beverages, making it a truly interactive and immersive experience.

This is one of the few chances to enjoy direct conversation with geisha in an intimate setting.

Happy New Year! Bringing “Authentic” Traditional Cultural Experiences in Tokyo to More People.We would like to extend ou...
01/01/2025

Happy New Year!
Bringing “Authentic” Traditional Cultural Experiences in Tokyo to More People.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude for your exceptional support last year.

As we step into 2025, our entire team remains committed to providing services that ensure your satisfaction. We sincerely hope for your continued patronage this year as well.

Here are some of the challenges we aim to tackle in 2025:
1. Creating Videos to Increase Awareness of Our Tours
2. Expanding Tours for Corporate Incentives and Training Programs (MICE)
72.9% of MICE Participants Seek Traditional Cultural Experiences
3. Targeting Luxury Travelers

Read More
https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/post/authentic-traditional-cultural-experiences-in-tokyo-to-more-people


Thank You to Travelers from 19 Countries for Joining Our Tours in 2024. Pride in Our Tour Participants' High Satisfactio...
31/12/2024

Thank You to Travelers from 19 Countries for Joining Our Tours in 2024. Pride in Our Tour Participants' High Satisfaction

Ending 2024 with Thanks and a Final Tour

Today, December 31st, marks the final business day of 2024 for our company. On this last day, we will be hosting a walking tour in Tokyo's Kagurazaka. We are deeply grateful to the many international travelers who joined our tours this year.

Welcoming the World: A Journey Across 19 Countries

Our tours began in February 2024, with the first participants joining in May. Since then, the number of participants has steadily increased, reaching a total of travelers from 19 countries. The regional breakdown is as follows:

North America: 32%
Australia: 26%
Europe: 26%
Central and South America: 11%
Asia: 5%

While many participants came from Europe and North America, we are truly thankful for the opportunity to welcome travelers from all over the world.

A Year of Excellence: Tour Participants' High Satisfaction

What made us happiest this year was the incredibly high satisfaction level of our tour participants. The average satisfaction score was 4.93 out of 5, equivalent to an impressive 98.6 out of 100. Among these, 95% of participants rated the tour a perfect 5, and the remaining 5% gave a score of 4—every score was above passing.

Participant Feedback: One of the Best Tours Ever

Read More
https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/post/pride-in-our-tour-participans-high-satisfaction


Finding such a cute ornament is something unique to Kagurazaka. - Akiko (Guide)
26/12/2024

Finding such a cute ornament is something unique to Kagurazaka. - Akiko (Guide)



Take a look at the whitish ornament in the bottom right corner! Do you know what it is? It actually holds a mosquito coi...
25/12/2024

Take a look at the whitish ornament in the bottom right corner! Do you know what it is? It actually holds a mosquito coil inside to keep mosquitoes from entering the shop. - Akiko (Guide)



In Japan, we value the seasons greatly, and in winter, many crab dishes make their appearance. Be sure to try freshly ca...
24/12/2024

In Japan, we value the seasons greatly, and in winter, many crab dishes make their appearance. Be sure to try freshly caught crabs delivered straight from the Sea of Japan! - Akiko (Guide)



Explore Kagurazaka: Tokyo Off-the-Beaten-Path WalkingEscape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and step into Kagurazaka, a s...
23/12/2024

Explore Kagurazaka: Tokyo Off-the-Beaten-Path Walking

Escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and step into Kagurazaka, a serene neighborhood rich in culture and history. Known as "A Town of Serendipity," Kagurazaka is the perfect destination for a leisurely stroll through cobblestone alleys, where you can experience the elegance of geisha culture and indulge in a fusion of traditional Japanese and French-inspired cuisine.

Rooted in the Edo period, Kagurazaka began as a strategic route for samurai, evolving into a spiritual hub with temples and shrines. Over time, it flourished as an entertainment district, drawing artists, intellectuals, and food lovers. Today, it’s affectionately called “The Montmartre of Tokyo,” blending historical charm with a touch of sophistication.

Whether you're captivated by its rich geisha heritage, fascinated by its samurai roots, or drawn to its world-class dining, Kagurazaka offers a unique glimpse into Tokyo’s hidden treasures. Perfect for those seeking a quieter, more refined side of the city, Kagurazaka promises an unforgettable journey off the beaten path.

https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/post/tokyo-off-the-beaten-path-walking-tours

Starting from December 22, the annual "Chinowa Kuguri" (Passing Through thRingth) ritual has begun at Akagi Shrine in Ka...
22/12/2024

Starting from December 22, the annual "Chinowa Kuguri" (Passing Through thRingth) ritual has begun at Akagi Shrine in Kagurazaka, Tokyo. The "Chinowa" is a large ring made of chigaya (a type of perennial grass) or straw.

This ritual is performed at the end of the year to cleanse oneself of any sins or impurities accumulated over the past year and to pray for physical and spiritual purification.

How to Perform the "Chinowa Kuguri" Ritual:

1: Stand in front of the Chinowa and bow slightly. Step through the ring with your left foot first, pass through, and circle back to your original position in a counterclockwise direction.

2: Bow slightly again. Step through the ring with your right foot first, pass through, and circle back to your original position in a clockwise direction.

3: Bow slightly once more. Step through the ring with your left foot first, pass through, and circle back to your original position in a counterclockwise direction.

4: Finally, bow slightly, step through the ring with your left foot first, and proceed to the shrine altar. Offer your prayers using the two bows, two claps, and one bow method.

This ritual is a meaningful way to purify yourself and prepare for a fresh start in the coming year. Why not give the Chinowa Kuguri ritual a try to cleanse yourself of this year’s impurities?

The last photo is from Suwa Shrine i

https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/post/what-is-the-large-ring-at-shinto-shrines-in-june



Next year is the Year of the Snake. In Japan, we value the Zodiac, and as the year-end approaches, you'll find ornaments...
21/12/2024

Next year is the Year of the Snake. In Japan, we value the Zodiac, and as the year-end approaches, you'll find ornaments of next year's Zodiac animal displayed everywhere. – Akiko (Guide)



Address

東京都新宿区高田馬場1丁目31/16

169-0075

Website

https://edokagura.com/en/, https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/

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