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!

Celebrity Cruise Japan Day 3: Osaka’s Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street

By Siva McAteer • August 14, 2025
If you’ve ever dreamed of a shop-till-you-drop kind of day with a side of cultural adventure, Osaka’s Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street is the place to be. This legendary covered shopping arcade is the beating heart of Osaka retail — lined with everything from trendy fashion boutiques and quirky souvenir shops to mouthwatering street food stalls serving up Japan’s finest flavors. And the best part? The entire street is covered, so whether it’s pouring rain or blazing sunshine, your retail therapy plans are safe. Our Uber dropped us right at the entrance, and I swear the moment we stepped out, the energy hit me like a double shot of matcha latte.

Japan Cruise Day 3 – Osaka’s Namba Yasaka Jinja

By Siva McAteer • August 13, 2025
They say this lion can swallow your bad luck… so naturally, we had to see it for ourselves! It’s Day 3 of our 12-Day Celebrity Millennium Cruise, and before we even stepped off the ship, Osaka had me impressed — and yes, I’m talking about the port restrooms. These high-tech toilets come with a bidet, “privacy” music buttons, and more controls than some cruise ship cabins. I’m just saying… if Celebrity installed these in the staterooms, I’d never leave. 🚽🎶

Japan Cruise Day 3 – Osaka Arrival & the Celebrity Millennium Omelet Station 🥚⚓🍴

By Siva McAteer • August 12, 2025
This morning, I made my way to the legendary Omelet Station — a breakfast hotspot that deserves its own fan club. The moment you step up, you’re greeted by the sound of sizzling skillets, the smell of freshly whisked eggs, and a chef who turns a handful of fresh ingredients into pure morning magic. 🍳✨ I watched as my omelet came together — a quick pour, a sprinkle of veggies, a little cheese, a perfect fold, and voilà — breakfast perfection. And yes, I might have been grinning the entire time.

Japan Cruise Day 2 – Evening Chic Dinner at the Metropolitan Main Dining Room 🍽✨

By Siva McAteer • August 11, 2025
Day 2 aboard the Celebrity Millennium called for a little extra sparkle—it was Evening Chic Night at the Metropolitan Main Dining Room, and you know I never miss an excuse to dress up. I think we cleaned up pretty well, if I do say so myself! (Drop a comment and tell me if you agree.) The Main Dining Room was buzzing with elegant outfits, clinking glasses, and the smell of mouthwatering dishes drifting through the air. The menu tonight was a feast—think Salmon Tartare with trout roe caviar, a refreshing Tomato Watermelon Salad, and “Celebrity’s Signature” Beef Tournedo draped in rich black truffle sauce. My personal favorite? The Phyllo Dough Tulip filled with citrus cream and topped with fresh fruit—pure heaven. 🍋🍓 Here's a sample of all the food we dined on: Salmon Tartare*- Celery Root Purée, Trout Roe Caviar, Dill, Apple , Pumpernickel Tomato Watermelon Salad - Basil, Feta, Sourdough Croutons, Sherry Vinaigrette Garden Fresh Salad - Mixed Lettuce, Seasonal Vegetables, Cucumber, Tomatoes “Celebrity’s Signature” - Beef Tournedo*Ragoût of Morel Mushrooms & Pearl Onions, Roasted Potatoes; Haricots Verts and Black Truffle Sauce Shrimp Scampi - White Wine-Garlic Sauce, Cherry Tomatoes, Parsley; Served over Linguine Phyllo Dough Tulip - Filled with Citrus Cream Topped with Assorted Fresh Fruits After Eight ice cream

Boogie Wonderland on the Celebrity Millennium – Day 2 Cruise Fun

By Siva McAteer • August 10, 2025
If you love live music, dazzling costumes, and a healthy dose of nostalgia, this is the kind of cruise ship entertainment you cannot miss. Picture this: the stage lights up, the band kicks in, and suddenly you’re transported straight back to the golden age of disco, funk, and Motown. The setlist was a party all on its own, featuring classics like: 🚋 Love Train – The O’Jays 🎸 Freak Out – CHIC 🦸‍♀️ Wonder Woman Theme Song 🎤 Do Ya Think I’m Sexy – Rod Stewart 💛 How Deep Is Your Love – Bee Gees 💃 Voulez-Vous – ABBA 🎷 Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry 👷‍♂️ YMCA – The Village People 👯‍♀️ We Are Family – Sister Sledge 🌟 Last Dance – Donna Summer ❤️ I’ll Be There – The Four Tops 🎉 Boogie Wonderland – Earth, Wind & Fire From the first note to the last dance, the performers had the audience clapping, singing, and dancing along. The energy in the theater was absolutely electric — it’s the kind of night where you can’t help but smile from ear to ear. And here’s something most people don’t realize — there are only three people responsible for handling all the costumes for every singer and dancer, including my daughter! 💖 With multiple costume changes and so many shows to prepare for, they work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure every sequin, feather, and stitch is stage-ready. They’re the true unsung heroes of the production, and the show wouldn’t be the same without them. This is exactly why I love Celebrity Cruises. It’s not just about the destinations — like our incredible 12-day journey through Japan and South Korea — it’s about the experiences you have on board. Shows like Boogie Wonderland turn an ordinary evening into an unforgettable memory. If you’re sailing on the Celebrity Millennium, make sure you check your daily schedule and snag a seat early for this show. Trust me, it’s worth it. 🎤💃🕺

Celebrity Millennium Martini Bar Flight

By Siva McAteer • August 9, 2025
It’s Day 2 aboard the Celebrity Millennium, and let me tell you — tonight was all about shaking things up… literally. 🍸 We decided to spend the evening at one of the ship’s most famous spots — the Martini Bar. This isn’t your average cruise ship bar. Oh no. The entire counter is covered in ice (yes, really!) and there’s so much ice overflowing that it feels like you’ve stepped into a frosty little wonderland in the middle of the ocean. ❄️ We kicked things off with a Classic Dirty Martini for Brian and a cold beer for me. But the real fun began when the crowd thinned out and we found a spot at the bar, and the bartenders started their show. And wow — these aren’t just bartenders. They’re mixology masters.

Celebrity Millennium Cruise – Day 2: Relaxing in Port Shimizu

By Siva McAteer • August 8, 2025
After four whirlwind days exploring the neon lights, bustling streets, and endless sights of Tokyo, we decided it was time to slow things down. Day 2 of our 12-night Japan and South Korea cruise aboard the Celebrity Millennium brought us to Port of Shimizu—and honestly, it might just be one of the most beautiful cruise ports in Japan. 🌅 Morning Tea with Mount Fuji The day began perfectly—with an early morning tea and snacks, followed by breakfast with my daughter. But the real star of the morning? Mount Fuji, standing tall and majestic right outside our window. Fun fact: My daughter, who works as a stitcher for Celebrity Cruises, told me that the last time the ship docked here, it was reversed, meaning only first-class passengers got a view of Mount Fuji. This time, everyone onboard got this breathtaking sight, and wow—it was worth waking up early for! 🚢 Why Port Shimizu is Special Shimizu is considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful ports thanks to its incredible proximity to Mount Fuji. And I totally get why—it feels like the mountain is welcoming you personally. We didn’t book any big excursions for today. After all, we needed a little breather after Tokyo’s non-stop energy. One of the best things about this port? Everything is within walking distance from where the ship docks, so you can explore at your own pace.

Celebrity Millennium Cruise Day 2: Art, Shopping, and Casino Fun at Sea!

By Siva McAteer • August 7, 2025
Welcome back to the final part of our quick port day ship tour aboard the Celebrity Millennium—and trust me, we’re ending on a high note! Today, we’re diving into three onboard gems: the Art Gallery, the Celebrity Shops, and the ever-entertaining Millennium Casino. Let’s go! 🎨 First Stop: Art Gallery at Sea Did you know you can attend an art auction on a cruise? Yep—one of our favorite surprises on this 12-night Japan to South Korea cruise was discovering the onboard Art Gallery. We got to admire pieces by Thomas Kinkade, Salvador Dalí, and yes—even Picasso himself! The auction was a vibe—learning about the artists, the stories behind each work, and watching people bid on their dream piece. And guess what? If you fall in love with a painting, they’ll ship it right to your home. No bubble wrap or carry-on drama needed!

Celebrity Millennium Cruise – Day 2: Bar Hopping & Lounging in Style 🍷🍸

By Siva McAteer • August 6, 2025
It's Day 2 of our unforgettable 12-day Celebrity Millennium Cruise from Yokohama, Japan to Seoul, South Korea, and today we’re diving into one of my favorite parts of ship life—the bars and lounges onboard the Celebrity Millennium! Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a cocktail connoisseur, or just love a cozy lounge with live music, there’s something here for everyone. 🥂 First Stop: Rendezvous Lounge This lively lounge is where the party’s at! 💃 With live music, signature cocktails, and even a little dancing, it’s the perfect place to hang out before dinner—or keep the fun going late into the night. The vibe here is super fun and social, and it quickly became one of our favorite hangouts.

Celebrity Millennium Cruise Day 2: Dining Room Tour

By Siva McAteer • August 5, 2025
Hi friends! It’s Day 2 of our fabulous 12-day Celebrity Millennium Cruise, sailing from Yokohama, Japan to Seoul, South Korea—and today I’m taking you on a tasty little tour of the main dining areas onboard the ship! Now, if you’re anything like me, food is a major part of cruising, and the Celebrity Millennium delivers on every level—whether you’re after fine dining, fresh flavors, or full-on foodie experiences. 🍽️ The Metropolitan: Your Classic Cruise Dining Experience First stop: The Metropolitan, the ship’s main dining room and one of the complimentary restaurants included in your cruise fare. Picture gorgeous ocean views, a rotating menu of international dishes, and attentive service that makes every dinner feel special. This is your go-to spot for traditional cruise meals done right—elegant, flavorful, and beautifully plated.
More Posts