The earliest evidence of Japanese armor dates back to the 4th century
The Ninja Weapon Museum in Kanazawa, Japan offers a fascinating look into the world of the ninja. Explore real ninja artifacts like shuriken and armor, and even try throwing stars! (Museum focuses on exhibits, not training or weaponry origin).
Myouryuji Temple 忍者寺 in Kanazawa's Temple District (YouTube link)
Ninja Aspirations Thwarted (But the Museum Was Awesome!)
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to snag a reservation for Myoryuji Temple (aka Ninjadera Temple 忍者寺) - they require them in advance. Since sneaking in wasn't an option (probably for the best!), I decided to head to the Ninja Weapon Museum instead. Here's a glimpse of the cool stuff they had on display!
Minamoto no Yoshitsune: a brilliant military strategist and commander during the Genpei War (1180-1185), leading the Minamoto clan to many victories against the Taira clan.
The Tachi (太刀), translating to "long sword," is a predecessor to the katana, a curved blade traditionally associated with samurai.
Short sword (potentially used by ninjas) with certificate
Emerging during the Sengoku period (14th-15th centuries), the yoroi-dōshi is a particularly thick variant of the tantō, a short sword designed for piercing armor.
Makibishi, the Japanese caltrop (sharp spikes), slowed pursuers and defended samurai fortifications in feudal Japan.
Ninja hood or mask
A close-combat weapon, the tekkō-kagi (lit. "back of the hand hooks") consists of four sharp, metal claws mounted on a ring, worn on the back of the hand.
The fukiya (吹き矢) is a traditional Japanese blowgun, also the term for the competitive sport derived from this weapon.
Ninjato (ninja sword/忍者刀) is a weapon said to be favored by ninjas
Left: a hidden vial containing needles with poison; right: a seemingly harmless whistle that hides a deadly secret - a razor-sharp tanto blade
A seemingly innocuous folding fan concealing a deadly secret - a short blade for close-quarters combat.
Hagi City , Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its maritime and historical significance, particularly from the Edo period and Meiji Restoration . This coastal town captivates with its well-preserved samurai districts, pine-lined roads, clear waterways, and serene ambiance, evoking a nostalgic journey back in time. Historical figures like Yoshida Shoin and Shinsaku Takasugi shaped its legacy. Cycling, boat trips, temple visits, and local specialties like summer tangerines and Hagi ware highlight Hagi’s charm. Hidden gems like Tokoji Temple make it a must-visit for an authentic, enriching experience. Japan’s Timeless Beauty – 2 Days in Hagi, a World Heritage Town (YouTube link ) Things to Do Boat Trip: A 40-minute sightseeing boat tour provides a unique perspective of Hagi, with reflections on the town’s historical significance during the ride. Bicycle Rental: You can rent a bike at the station, which is a recommended way to explore Hagi. C...
This is a passageway leading to Nankai-Namba Station. Be aware that underground passages in Japan can be quite complex for visitors. When you arrive at Kansai International Airport (symbol: KIX) and try to reach your destinations via trains, sometimes you need to make connections at Namba Station (see Fig. 2). Namba Station is one of the main connection points (the other two are Umeda and Tennoji Stations). But, Namba Station actually means 4 different stations on Google map (see Fig. 3&4) : Namba Station (Subway): This station provides access to the Osaka Metro lines: Midosuji (see Fig. 4), Sennichimae , and Yotsubashi . These lines can take you to popular destinations like Osaka Station, Koreatown, Honmachi, and Nippombashi. JR-Namba Station: This smaller station has only four tracks and two platforms. It's located within the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) building, and the entrance can be easy to miss. Thankfully, it's connected to the ...
TL;DR: T‑10 is gone — Barcelona now uses the T‑mobilitat system. The best tourist ticket is the T‑Casual (10 rides, Zone 1), but it does not cover the Airport Metro (L9 Sud) or the Aerobús. If you land at T1, skip buying transit tickets at the airport and take the Aerobús into the city first. Once you reach the city center and drop your bags, buy your T‑Casual from any Metro station vending machine and start using it for all your Barcelona travel. How to Buy and Use Barcelona's NEW Contactless Transport Cards (YouTube link) Barcelona has officially retired the old T‑10 paper ticket . Since 2020, the city has transitioned to T‑mobilitat , a modern contactless system used across the metro, buses, trams, FGC, and RENFE trains. If you’re reading older guides, you’ll still see references to the T‑10 — but as of 2026, the T‑Casual and other T‑mobilitat tickets have fully replaced it. For most visitors, the T‑Casual remains the easiest and most affordable way to get around Barcelona. Th...
