Celebrity Cruise Japan Day 3: Ninja Experience Cafe Dotonbori

Siva McAteer • August 15, 2025

Food, Fun & Secret Ninja Skills 🥷🍜

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a ninja — swords, shuriken, secret passageways, and all — you don’t have to travel back in time. You just have to go to Osaka, Japan and step into the Ninja Experience Cafe in Dotonbori.

This hidden gem is part interactive show, part restaurant, and 100% fun. Whether you’re visiting Osaka on a Celebrity Millennium Japan Cruise or just exploring the city, this is a must-do Osaka attraction for adventure seekers, food lovers, and anyone who’s ever secretly wanted to throw a ninja star.

Dress Like a Ninja & Fuel Like a Warrior

The first thing you do? Start with some drinks and then put on your ninja gear. Cool tunic, headband — the whole look. We were all able to put the ninja costume right over our clothes. You must wear closed-toed shoes for safety. I had my sandals on, but luckily, my daughter has some sneakers I could wear. They were some super cool silver Onitsuka Tiger shoes! Once you’re suited up, you can choose from their very on-theme menu. Some of the highlights:

Meals

Ninja Curry & Rice 🍛

Ninja Udon 🍜

Ninja Pasta 🍝

Drinks

Ninja Whiskey & Soda 🥃

Ninja Lemon Shouchu 🍋

Ninja Lager Beer 🍺

Sake 🍶

Matcha Latte 🍵

And yes, even Coke, Apple Juice, and Milk Tea for the non-alcoholic crowd.

Dessert

The showstopper: Fire Fondant Chocolate 🔥🍫

Shuriken Throwing & Blowgun Battles

While you’re waiting for your food, the sensei (your ninja instructor) teaches you how to throw shuriken — those iconic ninja stars you’ve seen in movies. It’s way harder than it looks, but incredibly satisfying when you hit the target.

Next up: blowguns. These are surprisingly easy to use, and my husband made some epic shots — I’m still not sure how he did it!

Secret Passageways & Rope Descents

One of the coolest parts of the Ninja Experience Cafe is exploring the behind-the-scenes areas. We found secret wall panels, multiple hidden exits, and even a rope descent area where my husband channeled his inner action hero.

You also get to use your newly learned ninja skills from a higher vantage point, shooting blowguns at targets below. It’s a thrill for kids and adults alike.

Sword Training Like a Pro ⚔️

The final training session is with katanas (Japanese swords). You pick your weapon, then the sensei teaches you proper sword techniques. It’s part martial arts lesson, part photo-op, and a whole lot of fun.

The Food: Worth It Even Without the Ninja Training

If you’re not feeling up for the full ninja experience, you can still come for the amazing food and drinks. The dishes are flavorful, beautifully presented, and just the right mix of traditional Japanese flavors with a playful ninja twist.

We ended the afternoon with two thumbs up, full stomachs, and about a hundred photos to remember it all.

Why You Should Add Ninja Experience Cafe to Your Osaka Itinerary

Perfect for cruise shore excursions (just a short distance from Dotonbori’s main attractions)
Fun for all ages — from kids to adults
Combines food, culture, and interactive activities in one stop
Great photo opportunities for Instagram-worthy moments
A unique Osaka experience you won’t find anywhere else

Keywords for fellow travelers: Ninja Experience Cafe Osaka, Dotonbori attractions, things to do in Osaka Japan, Osaka foodie guide, Celebrity Millennium Japan cruise, Osaka shore excursion ideas, best restaurants in Osaka, ninja-themed restaurants Japan, Osaka interactive experiences, shuriken throwing in Japan, blowgun shooting Osaka, sword training Japan.

📍 Next Up: More adventures from our 12-Day Celebrity Cruise through Japan — including street food finds, hidden gems, and must-see spots in every port. Stay tuned!

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