31 May 2026
One of my favourite TV shows in the 1960s was The Samurai, a Japanese TV series featuring ninjas and samurais set in the late 18th-century Edo period of Japan. The skilful, cunning and deceptive ninjas throwing their star-shaped shurikens and then disappearing behind a cloud of smoke always fascinates me. Personally, I thought the white and black ninjas in the show were much cooler than the boring samurais.
Hence, I was looking forward to travelling back in time to meet some ninjas at the Noboribetsu Date Jidal Village. The Noboribetsu Date Jidal Village is a charming Edo‐period (1603–1867) theme park that immerses visitors in the world of ninjas, samurais, and geishas. The park focuses on its collection of Edo period style buildings such as a daimyo (feudal lord) residence building, merchant shops, and commoners’ dwellings. All the staff, including the ticket sellers at the entrance, are dressed in traditional Japanese costumes to match the folks in that era.
One of the first characters we met inside the park was a black ninja. He was actually a staff manning the costumer rental shop. Visitors could rent costume to dress up as a ninja, samurai or any other character to explore the village as if you were a resident of Edo.
Although we are not into renting costumes, he was sporting and stayed in character to pose for photos. He even taught my wife how to pose with a secret ninja hand sign.
At Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, daily live shows run across different theaters. There are 2 timing of shows that comes along with the entrance ticket.
Arriving at about 10 AM, we were able to catch the first Oiran show at the Japanese Culture Theater.
We sat on the floor, just like the old days. The performers speak Japanese. For foreign visitors, a laminated card that explains the plot of the show named “Beauties in Full Bloom” was provided.
We were even given a piece of white paper to simulate theatergoing in the Edo period. In the old days, theater goers would wrap a tip (coins) in the white paper and throw it onto the stage after the show.
Although most of the people in the audience were from overseas, there were some Japanese in the audience. This was good as the compere picked a Japanese man from the audience to play the role of the Shogun! He was very sporting and also hilarious trying to follow the instructions of the compere.
The Oiran show is highly entertaining, blending history with humor. The compere did an excellent job to bridge the language gaps as we were able to catch the jokes and appreciate the performance.
The next live show on our list was the outdoor action show located at the Open-air theatre Ninja Fort. This exciting outdoor show is filled with acrobatic ninjas leaping overhead against the backdrop of their towering fortress.
Following the outdoor action show, we went to see the Katakura Residence and Katana Museum. The Katana museum offers clear explanations of how the katana (Japanese swords) were made, and how they changed through the ages. There is a recreated katana craftsman's workshop on display.
We could also see what life is like for a samurai commander during this period.
There is also a genuine historical drama studio film set in the Katakura Residence! We had some fun with the movie props.
Outside, there is a traditional Japanese landscape garden which was full of flowers in spring.
A traditional Japanese garden features koi pond and bonsai trees.
We saw more live action at the Ninja Show at Ninja Kasumi Residence.
Once again, we were given a laminated card that explained the plot before the house became dark and a thrilling battle between ninjas broke out in a house full of tricks that includes trapdoors and hidden wall panels.
We had fun and laughter inside the supposedly spooky House of Monster and Goblin Cat Temple in the village.
The House of Monster showcases yokai. Yokai are supernatural beings from Japanese folklore that encompass spirits, demons, monsters, and shape-shifting creatures. With dolls and intricately crafted set pieces that we activated by push buttons, we came across long-necked rokurokkubi and the one-eyed goblin!
This guy suddenly turns around to show off his large red eye.
Very funny bird like creature that pops up from the ground suddenly and spits water at us.
The Goblin Cat Temple appears to be a cheerful shrine to lucky felines and dedicated to a giant golden maneki-neko (beckoning cat). Inside, there is a hidden, mysterious world belonging to the legendary bakeneko (monster or goblin cat of Japanese folklore).
Golden Beckoning Cat at the Goblin Cat temple.
Not to miss is the Ninja Maze. This place would make you dizzy!
There is a warning sign outside that we did not take seriously, at first.
Once we stepped inside the tilted house, our senses became confused. I actually could not walk straight! My head started to spin after taking a few steps inside.
We decided to get back out instead of attempting to walk across. As a result, we missed the rest of the trickery inside this place.
On hindsight, we could have just close our eyes and feel our way through.
There are also very interesting and meticulously designed recreations of the commoners’ houses during the Edo period. These long houses are compartmentalised into smaller units for each family. Each unit did not have toilet in them.
The people share a public toilet which was separated from the main building. The upper half of the toilet was open and passer by could see the head of the guy doing his business inside.
It was interesting to see how people do their
“business” in the shared outhouse.
A lavatory pot under the footboards collected the waste and these are sold as good manure! Nothing goes to waste, pun intended.
The theme park also features archery and shuriken throwing at the Taiken-Dojo, and miniature kokeshi dolls painting.
After 3 hours of fun in the Edo era, we time travelled back to the present. We missed seeing one of the shows - a lighthearted, historical stage show featuring Nyanmage, the cat-like mascot as that would mean waiting an hour for the next show to begin.
The entrance fee to Noboribetsu Date Jidal Village is not cheap - at 3,300 JPY per person, plus 500 JPY for the car park. For us, it was worth it. The place is well maintained with buildings, streets, and staff in costumes that made us feel like we are really in the old Edo period. The shows are highly entertaining with a blend of history and humor that we could enjoy even though the performers are speaking Japanese.
Actually this Ezo red fox was probably hungry and hoping for some handouts.
Dai-ichi Takimotokan is wilthin walking distance to Hell Valley and restaurants in town.
The Ookanabo (demon’s club) is an icon at Takimotokan.
Retired dolls used in the Ookanabo’s mechatronic display.
King Enma's face turns red and gets an angry look with fangs. 
Dai-ichi Takimotokan as viewed from Sengen Park. The steam vent from the geyser is giving out steam.
Different coloured kanabos are scattered all over.
The geyser at Sengen Park.
These rock formations looked like the crunchy elements in the enma ramen we ate for lunch.
Steam rising from the vents in Hell Valley.
What looked like a tombstone in the middle of Hell Valley.
Streams with sulphur deposited on the sides.
Boardwalk leading to Tessen Pond, a small, boiling intermittent geyser.
On our way to Oyunuma.
Oyunuma is a sulfurous pond with a surface temperature of 50 degrees Celsius. 
Flowing out of Oyunuma is a river called Oyunumagawa.
Oyunumagawa Natural Foot Bath.
Soaking our feet in the natural forest foot bath.
Entrance to the Grand Bath.
Tempura and Genghis Khan grilled mutton were some of our favourite items.