 Last additions - Koka 甲賀市 |
The Tokaido Tenmakan Museum is a local history museum centering on Tsuchiyama and the Tokaido Road. It is near the center of Tsuchiyama, near the Omi-Tsuchiyama bus stop (20 min. from Kibukawa Station via Aikuru bus).Jun 02, 2008
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Old Tokaido Road in Tsuchiyama-juku. The asphalt is dirt-brown and the houses along the road is a mixture of traditional and modern ones. MAPJun 02, 2008
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Toiya-ba stone marker, near the Tokaido Tenmakan Museum. The site is a parking lot now.Jun 02, 2008
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Page from the Honjin's guest book. Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun, also lodged here and signed the guest book. Saigo Takamori also stayed here.Jun 02, 2008
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Site of a Toiya-taku which was the residence of a town official staffing the toiya-ba. This building is not original, not open to the public.Jun 02, 2008
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Tsuchiyama-juku on the old Tokaido Road. On the right is the site of the Waki Honjin which is near the Honjin. If no VIPs were staying at the Waki Honjin, ordinary travelers could also stay here if they had the money. This building is not original.Jun 02, 2008
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Site of the Waki Honjin, used as a secondary Honjin when the Honjin was already occupied. If two daimyo lords were staying in town at the same time, the higher-ranked lord would stay at the Honjin. 脇本陣Jun 02, 2008
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To celebrate his birthday, Emperor Meiji gave sake and dried squid to all the families in Tsuchiyama. The Honjin's Tsuchiyama family went to great lengths to prepare for the Imperial stopover. Besides renovating the house, they dug a new water well.Jun 02, 2008
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Honjin guest books signed by all the shoguns, daimyos, and other VIPs who stayed here. All of the guest books since the 17th century have been preserved.Jun 02, 2008
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Room next to the Jodan-no-Ma. The Honjin has numerous rooms. This is one of the very few original Honjin remaining in Japan. There's another one in Shiga in Kusatsu.Jun 02, 2008
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The Honjin's garden has a stone monument indicating that Emperor Meiji stayed here. It was during the first year of the Meiji Period when he stayed here, and it was in Tsuchiyama when he celebrated his first birthday during the Meiji Period.Jun 02, 2008
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The Tsuchiyama-juku Honjin operated until 1870 when the shukuba system was abolished. For over three centuries, the Tsuchiyamas took care of the Honjin. Their 15th-generation descendants live here now and take care of it as a tourist attraction.Jun 02, 2008
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This lists the dates when members of the Imperial Family lodged here. Emperor Meiji came here three times. The first time was on Nov. 3, 1868 when he lodged overnight and celebrated his birthday. The next two times, he only took a break here.Jun 02, 2008
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The Jodan-no-Ma has elevated tatami mats on which the VIP sat and slept. This is called the Gyokuza. The room size is 8 tatami mats. Tsuchiyama Honjin address: 滋賀県甲賀市土山町北土山1628 玉座Jun 02, 2008
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A short walk through the long Honjin brought me to the Jodan-no-Ma (Upper Class Room) where the shoguns, daimyo lords, and Emperor Meiji stayed. 上段の間Jun 02, 2008
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The Hosokawa daimyo from Kumamoto stayed here quite a few times. When a daimyo was lodging at the Honjin, passers by were required to get off their horses while walking past the Honjin as a gesture of respect.Jun 02, 2008
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This dirt-floored entryway dates from the Edo Period. It's slightly bumpy and packed hard with a glossy black color. It definitely looks centuries old. Was happy to touch some earth of the Edo Period.Jun 02, 2008
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The Tsuchiyama-juku Honjin opened in 1634 on the occasion of Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu staying here on his way to Kyoto. The Tsuchiyama family was appointed as the Honjin's caretaker.Jun 02, 2008
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The entrance is decorated with wooden signs (sekifuda 関札) of the VIPs who stayed here. Whenever a VIP stayed here, the wooden sign with his name on it would be displayed on the gate.Jun 02, 2008
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Inside the side entrance of the Tsuchiyama-juku Honjin. If you want to see inside the Honjin, call to make reservations. Admission 300 yen. Phone: 0748-66-0007 (English not spoken)Jun 02, 2008
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The Honjin was the town's most exclusive lodge reserved for daimyo lords, government officials, and even Emperor Meiji. Each post town on the Tokaido had a Honjin.Jun 02, 2008
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The dark stone monument is dedicated to a Chinese-style poem written by Buddhist philosopher Inoue Enryo in 1914 about Emperor Meiji's stay in Tsuchiyama. The monument in the rear indicates that Emperor Meiji stayed or rested in the Honjin.Jun 02, 2008
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Honjin stone marker (reads "Tsuchiyama-juku Honjin ato"). By 1843, Tsuchiyama's population was 1,505. There were two Honjin and 44 inns.Jun 02, 2008
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Tsuchiyama-juku Honjin is at the center of Tsuchiyama-juku along the old Tokaido Road which meanders along Route 1. Notice the stone monument on the left of the Honjin. 土山宿本陣Jun 02, 2008
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Panoramic view of central Tsuchiyama from Koka City Hall's Tsuchiyama Branch. Route 1 is in the foreground. The old Tokaido Road runs through the houses seen in the middle. The Suzuka mountains are in the far background, beyond which is Mie Pref.Jun 02, 2008
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Tsuchiyama-juku was the forty-ninth of the fifty-three stations of the Tokaido Road, following Sakanoshita-juku in Mie. This section of the old Tokaido is lined with pine trees. Matsu-namiki 松並木Jun 02, 2008
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A post town (called shukuba 宿場) was an official rest station for travelers on the Tokaido Road. Inns, teahouses, fresh horses, etc., could be found. This is Koka City Hall's Tsuchiyama Branch on Route 1. There's a lookout deck on the 6th fl.Jun 02, 2008
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Tsuchiyama-juku in Tsuchiyama-cho was the 49th of the 53 stations of the Tokaido Road, accessible by this "Aikuru" bus from Kibukawa Station (JR Kusatsu Line and Ohmi Railways). It takes 20-30 min, but the bus does not run so often.Tsuchiyama-juku in Tsuchiyama-cho was the forty-ninth of the fifty-three stations of the Tokaido Road, following Sakanoshita-juku in Mie. It is right after Suzuka Pass on the Suzuka mountains, one of the two most difficult sections of the Tokaido. Travelers thus were happy to see Tsuchiyama. Nicknamed "Ai no Tsuchiyama," the town is working hard to preserve its old buildings. The Tsuchiyama-juku Honjin where Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu and Emperor Meiji lodged is still intact and well maintained. The Tsuchiyama Tokaido Museum is also a major attraction. Special thanks to Uno Yoshinobu who was my guide in Tsuchiyama.Jun 02, 2008
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Ninja phone strapsJun 02, 2008
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The Ninja House also displays autographs by celebrities who visited the house. This is actor Harrison Ford who visited in Feb. 2000. He came unannounced with a taxi driver, interpreter, and his son.Jun 02, 2008
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Healthy "Ninja tea." Free samples in the living room.Jun 02, 2008
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Ninja souvenirsJun 02, 2008
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Gift shop selling medicines, tea, and ninja goods.Jun 02, 2008
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Outside the ninja house. This ninja house is very impressive. It does have an air of authenticity, although there are, unavoidably, a few touristy elements. This house should be designated as a Important Cultural Property or an National Historic Site.Jun 02, 2008
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Hooks for hoisting ropes on walls, etc. The Koka ninja reluctantly moved to Edo (Tokyo) around 1634 as requested by the shogun, and worked as castle guards, gathered intelligence on daimyo lords, and formed a gun battalion.Jun 02, 2008
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Wooden ad sign for aspirin.Jun 02, 2008
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Swinging chain with weights on the ends. Wrap it around the opponent's neck.Jun 02, 2008
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The array of ninja weapons and tools was very impressive. This Ninja House strives to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions of the ninja. A visit is highly recommended.Jun 02, 2008
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Metal finger claws worn on the fingertips.Jun 02, 2008
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Blow darts with poison tips maybe.Jun 02, 2008
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Straw ninja hat with a deep brim to hide their face. Dressing like a priest, merchant, etc., would arouse the least suspicion while they traveled.Jun 02, 2008
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Soft rubber shuriken (toys). Special thanks to Takayuki Mochizuki (ninja descendant) for taking me to this Koka Ninja House.Jun 02, 2008
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Straw sandals with metal claws for traction.Jun 02, 2008
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Contrary to popular belief, ninja cannot walk on water. "Mizugumo" means water spider. To move across water, they used a wooden floating ring shown here, and sat in the middle.Jun 02, 2008
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Display case showing ninja costumes. Real ninja mainly wore one of seven disguises instead of the stereotypical black costume. They could be dressed as a priest, merchant, jester, etc.Jun 02, 2008
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Medicines made by the company which owns the house.Jun 02, 2008
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The famed Bansenshukai Ninja Bible detailing ninja tools and techniques. This is a replica.Jun 02, 2008
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They wore wooden geta clogs with flippers which helped them propel themselves underwater. The wooden floating ring is collapsible and quite light. Almost like balsa.Jun 02, 2008
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Manga cells. Ninja manga characters are famous. However, real ninja never became famous. Being famous in name or face would greatly decrease the value of that ninja.Jun 02, 2008
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Bullets with various gauges.Jun 02, 2008
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Medicine (gunpowder?) case.Jun 02, 2008
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One room's upper walls display a chronological history of the Koga ninja.Jun 02, 2008
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Ninja sword, very short.Jun 02, 2008
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Blow tube and blow darts.Jun 02, 2008
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Dart-shaped shuriken. Shuriken were not only star-shaped. These were either thrown straight-on, or thrown while the point rotated 180 degrees turning toward the target. It was difficult to throw, and much practice was required..Jun 02, 2008
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A sketch shows how they were "water spiders." They were largely submerged in the water, with the wooden ring also submerged, but buoyant enough for them to float across while kicking through the water with the flipper clogs.Jun 02, 2008
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Real ninja shuriken throwing star knives on display. Made of steel, they come in many different shapes.Jun 02, 2008
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A flaming starJun 02, 2008
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Gunpowder caseJun 02, 2008
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Ninja toolsJun 02, 2008
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The Koka Ninja House also has a Shuriken Dojo. Pay 200 yen for five shuriken throwing stars (300 yen for 10) and try hitting the bull's eye.Jun 02, 2008
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Small gun concealed as a sword.Jun 02, 2008
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Maki-bishi spikes thrown on the ground to poke your feet. These are made from dried water chestnuts (aquatic plant found in marshes). One of the four spikes will point upward.Jun 02, 2008
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Real ninja obviously did not wear a pink costume, but in the manga/anime world, pink looks cute.
Jun 02, 2008
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The veranda is another escape route after opening trick windows from the inside. Ninja avoided direct combat and preferred to defend themselves and escape from enemies. Assassination was only a minor part of their activities.Jun 02, 2008
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Trying my shuriken skills. You throw it with an overhand throw (like a baseball) and not like a frisbee. Also see my YouTube video here.Jun 02, 2008
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Stairs to go back down to the 1st floor. There's a rotating door. Ninja worked behind the scenes and were very secretive. They hardly told others about their activites nor left written records. Sometimes they worked as spies or mole.Jun 02, 2008
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Maki-bishi made of steel. Used for escape when they encountered an enemy. Many of the ninja's weapons were designed to buy time for the ninja to escape.Jun 02, 2008
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Three out of five of my shuriken at least stuck on the board. But all missed the target which is quite low. Probably geared for kids.Jun 02, 2008
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The wooden railing on the right is slimmer than the left one. It means it is removable, allowing the ninja to escape from the 2nd floor.Jun 02, 2008
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Small revolving door connected to a closet. The Koka ninja's main activity was gathering information. As they traveled and sold medicines, they always talked to people and their customers. They tried to find out how many guns the enemy had, etc.Jun 02, 2008
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The 2nd floor, between the first floor and ceiling, has a very low height which can entrap an intruder going upstairs.Jun 02, 2008
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Ladder going to the 2nd floor. There's also a trap door on the floor below the ladder where the ninja could hide. Notice the rope. The ninja hiding under the floor would tug the rope connected to the 2nd floor.Jun 02, 2008
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Ceiling of Ninja House. Directly below the thatched roof.Jun 02, 2008
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Medicine ad sign reading Ninjutsu-gan. For belly aches. Although the ninja's medicine-making remains today, the art of ninjutsu is ironically no longer practiced in Koka. It is not a martial art like karate and judo.Jun 02, 2008
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Ladder going up to the attic.Jun 02, 2008
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Ceiling of Ninja House.Jun 02, 2008
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This room has display cases showing various ninja weapons, tools, and costumes. The ceiling is also quite low, designed to impede the wielding of samurai swords.Jun 02, 2008
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That rope goes to the second floor (see next photo).Jun 02, 2008
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Entrance to another room on the first floor. Although the Koga ninja and Iga ninja (in Mie Prefecture) were the most famous, there were actually numerous ninja groups in many other parts of Japan as well. They were most active during wars.Jun 02, 2008
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The rope is connected to a noise maker on the 2nd floor here. The intruder would then think that the ninja is on the 2nd floor and go up the ladder in pursuit. When the intruder is on the 2nd floor, the ninja below the trap door would remove the ladder.Jun 02, 2008
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Revolving door (opened). The floor also has a trap door (see next photo) where you can go down and escape through a tunnel leading to a well in the garden outside.Jun 02, 2008
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The left sliding wooden door is very heavy, about 50 kg, making it difficult to open. This buys more time for the ninja to escape.Jun 02, 2008
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The upper walls have explanations about the Koka ninja and Mochizuki ninja family. "Koka" is the correct pronunciation, but the kanji can also be pronounced "Koga" which has become more common.Jun 02, 2008
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Closet with a trap door on the floor.Jun 02, 2008
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The Ninja House, built in 1703, is owned and maintained by a local medicine company having ninja roots. Many Koka ninja were makers of medicine as a front for their clandestine activities. This background also made them expert at making gunpowder.Not a National Historic Site, but it should be.Jun 02, 2008
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Trap door on the floor opened.Jun 02, 2008
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The Koka Ninja House is located 2 km from JR Konan Station on the JR Kusatsu Line. There are no buses going to the Ninja House. The house is open every day 9 am - 5 pm. Closed Dec. 27-Jan. 1. Admission is 600 yen for adults. 望月出雲守Jun 02, 2008
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The first room you see in the house is the living room. You can sit and have free "ninja tea" while waiting for a guided tour of the house. Along with the geisha, the ninja is one of the most recognized but misunderstood things about Japan.Jun 02, 2008
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Inside the trap door is a hole and tunnel leading to a well in the garden outside. Hence the water.Jun 02, 2008
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Koka Ninja House (Koka-ryu Ninjutsu Yashiki) is the former residence of Mochizuki Izumonokami, the leading Koga ninja family of the 53 Koka ninja families. 望月出雲守 MAPThe house is in its original location in the Koka area of Shiga Prefecture.Jun 02, 2008
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Roof with ninja family crest.Jun 02, 2008
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Shigaraki pottery lessonsJun 02, 2008
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Giant Buddha's hand. Used in a 1982 ninja movie. The hand has the same scale as the Giant Buddha's hand in Nara's Todaiji temple.Jun 02, 2008
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Shuriken Dojo has a few stalls. For a few hundred yen, you can throw real shuriken at wooden targets.Jun 02, 2008
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Wall to climb onJun 02, 2008
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Shuriken Dojo Hall 手裏剣道場Jun 02, 2008
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Shuriken throwing knives.Jun 02, 2008
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Outdoor stage, where they hold events like the Miss Kunoichi Contest.Jun 02, 2008
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Shigaraki tanuki racoon dogs.Jun 02, 2008
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Shuriken throwing knives.Jun 02, 2008
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Map of Japan showing numerous ninja schools which existed during the feudal era. Iga-Ueno and Koga ninja were the most famous.Jun 02, 2008
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Castle wall to climb on.Jun 02, 2008
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Shuriken target practice at the Shuriken Dojo in Koka Ninja Village, Shiga Prefecture. 手裏剣道場Jun 02, 2008
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Medicine packages from Koka ninja-related medicine companies. Even today, Koka has numerous medicine manufacturers.Jun 02, 2008
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Next to the Ninja house is the Koka Ninja Museum (Koka Ninjutsu Hakubutsukan). This was also a fomer house transplanted here. 甲賀忍術博物館Jun 02, 2008
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Ninja's secret language. A codified system.Jun 02, 2008
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Tools for making medicine (including gunpowder). Many Koka (Koga) ninja were medicine makers. It was a disguise and a means to gather information from people when they went around selling medicines. Koka ninja were always in contact with the local people.Jun 02, 2008
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Ninja armored suit for protection against swords.Jun 02, 2008
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Ninja well with an escape tunnel which you can almost walk through.Jun 02, 2008
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Ninja house attic showing the thatched roof.Jun 02, 2008
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Ninja looked at a cat's eyes to find out what time it was. If the iris was almost closed, it was noon. If dilated, it was late at night. Must've been troublesome to find and snatch a cat to find out what time it was.Jun 02, 2008
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Koka Ninja Museum also has showcases with various ninja costumes, documents, weapons, etc. The museum is kind of rundown though.Jun 02, 2008
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The Ninja house was built in 1842. There is a guide (dressed in ninja costume) inside to show you around.Jun 02, 2008
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The Ninja house (Ninja yashiki) is one of the main attractions of the Ninja Village. This was an actual ninja house belonging to the Fujibayashi ninja family. It was disassembled and transplanted here from Ohara Ichiba in Koka.Jun 02, 2008
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Inside Koka Ninja Museum which opened in 1983. The dirt-floored room has various ninja ladders.Jun 02, 2008
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Inside the ninja house. A hearth with a escape hatch at the bottom.Jun 02, 2008
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Whoa, almost fell into the water!Jun 02, 2008
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Grab the rope and step into the foot rings. Of course, ninja never wore a bright red costume. You can rent a ninja suit in various colors for 600 yen.Jun 02, 2008
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Water spider (mizugumo): How the ninja did it. This drawing from the Koka Ninja House shows how it was done. The ninja sat on the board inside the wooden ring and waded through the water while partially submerged. His wooden clogs had small flippers.Jun 02, 2008
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There he goes, not exactly walking on water. Just dragging himself across with the rope. This is only for anime-like amusement. This is not how the ninja did it.Jun 02, 2008
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Monument for Sarutobi Sasuke, a famous Koga ninja who was born in Koka. However, he was only fictional character. Ninjas never tried to become famous. 猿飛佐助の碑Jun 02, 2008
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Path down to Koka Ninja Village. Lots of greenery. MAPJun 02, 2008
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A pair of floating rings with a platform in the middle.Jun 02, 2008
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Shinobi Shrine is what you first see. Worships all the nameless ninja who died. The ninja never tried to gain fame. They remained unknown. 志能備神社Jun 02, 2008
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Shinobi Shrine has a statue of Daikokuten, one of the seven gods of good fortune. He is worshipped for good marriage, food, and prosperity. Made during the early Edo Period, it's Japan's largest wooden statue of Daikokuten. 大黒天Jun 02, 2008
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The Mizugumo Water Spider Pond where you can walk on water. A few visitors, wearing ninja costumes, try it out.Jun 02, 2008
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Path to Koka Ninjutsu-mura Village. Admission is 1,000 yen for adults. Cheaper for students. Open 10 am - 5 pm. Free shuttle bus available from JR Koka Station. Phone: 0748-88-5000Jun 02, 2008
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As a theme park, the Koka-no-Sato Ninjutsu-mura or Koka Ninja Village offers a good tourist sampling of ninja in a hidden village of former ninja houses transplanted to this "village." Entrance to Koka Ninja Village, tucked away in a hidden, lusEntrance to Koka Ninja Village, tucked away in a hidden, lush forest. Quite far from the nearest train station (Koka Station on the Kusatsu Line). You can call them from the train station to be picked up.Jun 02, 2008
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