Experience 'Wa'! Things to do in Asakusa（2/3）
Asakusa, home of Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Road, and many other sightseeing locations full of the charm of Edo, also has many places where one can experience Japan’s traditional culture. I will report 3 ‘Wa’ experiences you can enjoy while strolling through town. This time, I will experience the world of the Ninja and throw ‘shuriken’!
Ninja Asakusa EKIMISE Shop has a wide selection of 'Wa'-themed items from popular ninja goods, Warring States warrior goods, to shogunate and samurai goods. The 'shuriken throwing experience' dojo - rare even in Tokyo, is gaining popularity in this shop.
The Shuriken is a Ninja's most important weapon. This cultural trademark of Japan is even popular overseas, often referred to as a 'ninja star'. Even though it is well-known, there are few places in the world where beginners can experience throwing them. That is why this shop is so special! Some repeat customers even stop by to kill time waiting for the train or bus!
Ninjas steal about the front of the shuriken dojo. Check out the awesome ninja outfits on display as well!
There are many ways to throw a shuriken depending on one's style, but it seems that this dojo adopts a style similar to throwing darts where you throw straight parallel to the face. The rules are that you can throw five stars and the target that is hit the most is counted towards your point total!
What's the best way to throw them? I asked Mr. Kitamoto, the proprietor.
＜Shuriken Dojo. How to throw ＞
1）Buy a ticket and get shuriken
First buy a ticket from the machine（300 yen/ticket). Give your ticket to the dojo staff, and they will loan you 5 iron shuriken.
2）The secret to holding them
Grasp one of the spikes between your thumb and pointer finger. Be careful not to hold to tight as this affects the release.
3）The secret to throwing them
After choosing your target and taking aim, throw it straight like a dart , parallel to your face. It is important to calculate timing after choosing the target you wish to hit. Also, with a correct snap of the wrist, the shuriken will have a stronger bite and hold.
4）Add up your points
There are many targets so the one that you stick the most will be added to your point total. So try your best to hit the same target!
5）Collect your prize!
Prizes vary depending on the target you stuck. For 1 point you get a mini koban medal (left). For 5 points you get a mini rubber shuriken (center). And the consolation prize for 0 points is a small piece of candy. And for higher scores, more valuable prizes are prepared such as iron shuriken, ninja suits and model katana!
※Prizes are subject to change from time to time.
Even though I am a beginner, my first throw was a direct hit! Unfortunately, the next 4 throws all missed. If you throw too hard, the shuriken doesn't leave your hand clean enough to stick and it all downhill from there. And if you get too excited and throw with overly exaggerated movements, the shuriken will fly up too high. Shuriken are made of iron and heavier than darts making them harder to control.
There is a stamp card for this dojo and you can receive one stamp per game. After 10 stamps you can receive an official ninja license! For every 10 stamps after that, you will increase your ninja level! So come and pay every time you are in Japan to get your ninja license!
Last December, a Japanese archery dojo opened up here as well. It runs basically the same way as the shuriken dojo. You get to shoot 5 arrows with 1 ticket.
This store also stocks katana and Japanese sword replicas forged by blacksmiths as well as Japanese hand towels and other 'Wa' items.
＜Awesome Souvenirs！ Popular Ninja Goods＞
Warring States warrior figurines（B-type）1500 yen（＋tax). Tiny but detailed recreations of Warring States warriors in their helmets and armor. Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu are particularly popular.
Iron shuriken in 3 sizes, small , medium, and large. 300 yen/each (＋tax). Made with real shuriken materials for a genuine feel. Enjoy them for viewing purposes. They can also be used to cut paper. Rubber kunai is sold separately. 500 yen(＋tax).
Colorful ninja tumblers. 280 yen/each (+tax). Buy a whole bunch of them as assorted souvenirs for your friends!
※Tax NOT included for all prices listed.
Ninja Asakusa EKIMISE Shop
Asakusa EKIMISE 7th fl., Hanakawado 1-4-1, Taito-ku, Tokyo.
Ph: 03-6802-8642
Hours：10am - 8pm Holidays：Jan. 1, and inspection days.
Directions：Connected to Tobu Sky Tree Line, Asakusa Station. 1 minute walk from Tokyo Metro, Ginza Line or Toei-Asakusa Line, Exit 7.
http://www.shinobiya.com/
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