Koka Ninja House

Overview

The Koka Ninja House was built during the Genroku era as the residence of Mochizuki Izumo-no-kami, the head of the Koga-ryu Ninja Fifty-Three Families. Although it appears to be an ordinary Japanese house from the outside, the interior is equipped with various devices to deceive enemies and protect its inhabitants, such as 'don-den-gaeshi' (trick revolving doors), trapdoors, and hidden ladders and rooms. These mechanisms are invaluable in conveying the wisdom and ingenuity of the ninjas of that time to the present day. The house also displays numerous valuable items, such as the 'Koka-ryu Densho (Tiger Scroll),' which describes the secrets of Koga ninjutsu, as well as shuriken (throwing stars) and makibishi (caltrops), offering a glimpse into the lives of ninjas. The Koga ninjas were also well-versed in pharmacology, and the house offers samples and sales of 'Kenpo-cha,' a traditional ninja secret beverage passed down through generations. In 2019, it was additionally certified as one of the constituent cultural properties of the Japan Heritage site 'Ninja Village Iga and Koka - In Search of Real Ninjas.' Experience the world of ninjas who survived the warring states period at the Koka Ninja House.