October 2022: Please note Ninja Restaurant has now permanently closed. Please see our Downtown Kyoto page for other things to see and do in the area.
The Kyoto Ninja Restaurant is a ninja-themed restaurant where you’ll take a tour through an underground labyrinth and be entertained by “ninjas” while you eat. It’s great for the kids.
Ninja Restaurant – image © Ninja Restaurant
Like its sister-restaurant in Tokyo, the Kyoto Ninja Restaurant is a great way to give the kids a treat and eat a decent meal at the same time. The evening will start when a ninja character greets you and guides you through a subterranean labyrinth. You’ll then be seated in a cave-like grotto (there are many of these, so most parties can get their own private “room”).
Then, your server, also dressed as a ninja, will bring you your food. Each time they bring a dish, they perform a magic trick or ninja stunt. Sure, it’s a bit hokey, but the kids will love it and if you have a playful attitude, so will you. Servers speak enough English to interact with you.
The food is Japanese, with various options for meat eaters and fish eaters.
So, for an interesting night out, give the Ninja Restaurant a try!
Name in English:
Ninja Restaurant
Name in Japanese:
NINJAレストラン 京極忍びの里
English address:
583-2 Nakano-cho, Shinkyogoku-dori-Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku
Japanese address:
中京区新京極通四条上ル中之町583-2
Opening hours:
5pm-11pm
Price:
Moderate
Non-smoking area: Completely Non-Smoking
Nearest Transport:
2min walk from Kawaramachi Station Exit 9, Hankyu line
Reservations:
Possible
Telephone: 253-0150
Website:
Official site (Japanese and English)
More Restaurant Suggestions: See my list of Kyoto’s Best Restaurants for more eating inspiration. The list covers all cuisines and price ranges.
Near To Here:
Ninja Restaurant is located in Kyoto’s Downtown district. See our complete list of things to do in Downtown Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
