Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village — Attraction in Noboribetsu

A 25 year old theme park set in the natural beauty of Hokkaido and one of the most attractive era in Japanese history. Highlighting the Edo Period (1603-1867) when Emperor Meiji took power of Japan by ending the Samurai controlled Shogunate rule and naming it Edo, the old name of Japan which became the capital of Japan during this era.

As we walked into the lovely and clean park, simultaneously we viewed the distinctive historical structures and landscape and lingered around to capture some shots. Later, we entered the quite dark/gloomy Ninja Maze/House which resembled a hammer house of horror. At the point of stepping into one of the rooms, we were literally caught off guard. Not only the panels started twisting, we felt as though the floor was slanting sideways. If not for quickly holding on to each other, I bet we would have tumbled down. Quite an experience actually.

Carefully making our way out of house, I especially ran to the nearby wooden hut for the warmth from the kerosene lamps. Dear me. Winter in Hokkaido is death deifying. Just wondering how on earth people actually withstand such a weather? Honestly, I almost died. Anyhow, regaining my composure, within the next 20 minutes, we were already in the theater for the winter limited action packed and loud Samurai show. Sure, a thought-provoking swordplay. Initially I was all excited. However boredom soon kicked in. I didn't know what was going on. How can I possibly understand Japanese language? So, I was more interested looking at the audience who seemed fixated to the stage.

Once the show ended, we followed the line of people to another theater where we sat on the floor for the Oiran show. Fairing a whole lot better compared to the sword brandishing samurai show, Oiran show injected with fun and laughter depicted the Edo social life – Oiran concubines, merry making and production elements coupled with audience participation.

Struggling to stand up after 40 minutes as by then my legs were cramped up, lunch was next at the close-by restaurant. Back again to another piping hot and cook yourself steamboat, it was all the way self service even for the porridge,...

Good friendly service all round in the theme park but its entertainment value could definitely be improved. The attractions are a bit run down (even in a place that is supposed to be Edo period).

Check out timing of shows on their website in planning your trip. If you are keen on playing games, watching shows, probably 3 hours to catch 4 shows. They provide a summary of the plot prior to the show. The Ninja shows had too much dialogue. More action would have been appreciated. Was impressed by the energetic, friendly and entertaining Ippachi character at the Cultural show. He held the entire show together although he was actually not the main actor. Appreciated his engaging the crowds and having a photo session with the cast. A full dance instead of a 1 min dance by the beautiful kimono clad ladies who have made all the difference, Missed 1 show cos the other 3 failed to impress and I wasn't sure if it was worthwhile to wait.

The ninja maze and 'scary' goblin cat temple were fun but the other parts of the place really needs an increase in entertainment value. There are some pretty phototaking spots like the Japanese garden at the furthest point of the park and right at the centre...

🥷 Noboribetsu Ninja Village – Samurai Swords, Cheesy Skits & a Lot of “What Just Happened?” ⚔️

If you’ve ever wanted to step into a samurai movie, a slapstick comedy, and a theme park all at once—Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, aka the Ninja Village, is the place. This Edo-period theme park is part history, part hokey, and all kinds of weird fun.

You’ll walk through a recreated 17th-century Japanese town, complete with samurai houses, teahouses, sneaky trap doors, and yes—live ninja performances with flying flips, sword fights, and smoke bombs. Are the acting and effects a little over-the-top? 100%. But that’s kind of the charm.

There’s also a haunted house, a maze with hidden paths, and random pop-up street shows where actors in full costume might suddenly duel in front of you—or try to make you laugh with exaggerated expressions and cartoon sound effects. It’s fun, it’s family-friendly, and it knows it’s a little ridiculous.

💡 Pro tip: Some shows only happen a few times a day, so check the schedule when you arrive. And don’t skip the ninja trick house—it’s short but surprisingly clever. Oh, and wear comfy shoes—you’ll be walking a lot through gravel paths and...