Ninja Village (Hizenyumekaido)
The ninja ‘mura’ (village) was a fun experience and the guide who showed me around wasn’t what I was quite expecting. The ninja was a young female named Orin (which means ‘bell’ so the lucky bell charm from Yutoku shrine clearly was a prophecy.
She was professionally trained in ninja techniques. I practiced throwing “shurinken” (metal star weapons) but missed every time, whereas Orin managed to bullseye effortlessly.
The village transported me back in time with its various re-constructed old buildings of undetermined age. I have a soft spot for “mukashi” (olden times) so it was great to check out the ‘minka’ and ‘kura’ period structures with “irori” (fireplaces) and “doma” (earthen floor kitchens.) One can roam at will once entering the village so it’s a relaxing atmosphere.
The Yamada Zenjido museum with interesting ukiyo-e wood block prints with a contemporary Japanese twist is worth a look.
