Secrets of the Ninja: Unearthing Artifacts at the Kanazawa Museum

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.

Shuriken: star-pointed throwing weapon

While historical records mention a water-walking device used by ninjas, called a mizugumo, its effectiveness remains unproven.

Climbing aids for ninja sandals

Step back in time at the Ninja Weapon Museum, a two-story understated building in Kanazawa's Nishi Chaya district. 

References

1. Green, Thomas A. (2001), Martial arts of the world: an encyclopedia, Volume 2: Ninjutsu, ABC-CLIO
2. Turnbull, Stephen (2003), Ninja AD 1460–1650, Osprey Publishing.
3. Historic Kanazawa Travel Guide