A Must-See Naruto-Themed Sightseeing from Osaka!
ShinobuDid you know that a pilgrimage site where you can fully immerse yourself in the world of the hit ninja manga NARUTO is easily accessible as a day trip from Osaka?
Its name is NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato, located inside Nijigen no Mori on Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture!
It is an interactive attraction area that recreates the Hidden Leaf Village (Konohagakure).
From the iconic Hokage Rock and a multi-level maze to puzzle-solving missions and even Ichiraku Ramen, Naruto’s favourite food, it is packed with elements that will delight any fan.
This article provides a detailed guide on how to get there from Osaka, key highlights, and interactive experiences.
1. What is the Hit Ninja Manga Naruto?
NARUTO is a shonen manga created by Masashi Kishimoto.
Serialisation began in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999, followed by an anime adaptation produced by Studio Pierrot in 2002.
The story follows the growth of the protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki, as he aims to become the Hokage.
Built around themes of friendship, effort, and victory, the series features rich ninjutsu, village lore, and distinctive characters.
Internationally renowned as Naruto, it enjoys huge popularity with widespread cosplay and fan pilgrimages.
In Japan, well-known pilgrimage locations include Nara Park (evoking the atmosphere of the Hidden Leaf Village), Naruto in Tokushima (famous for whirlpools, the origin of the word "uzumaki"), and Nagi Town in Okayama (the author’s birthplace).
The centrepiece of the Naruto experience accessible from Osaka is NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato inside Nijigen no Mori on Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture.
We also have articles on NARUTO Manga vs Anime: Key Differences and Ultimate Guide to the Best Japan Naruto Store Locations!
2. Nijigen no Mori (NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato)
Basic Information and Access (Departing from Osaka / Umeda)
NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato is a permanent interactive attraction area located within the anime theme park Nijigen no Mori in Hyogo Prefectural Awajishima Park.
Recreating the Hidden Leaf Village, visitors can enjoy the Hokage Rock, life-sized character figures, athletic courses, mazes, and puzzle-solving activities.
- Address: 2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture 656-2301
- Opening Hours: 10:00 to 22:00 (Hours vary by season and event. Please check attraction reception times in advance.)
- Phone: +81-799-64-7061
- Nijigen no Mori Official Website (JP)
Access from Osaka / Umeda
Take the Kakehashi Nijigen no Mori express bus (bound for Sumoto) from the Osaka Station JR Express Bus Terminal (located right outside JR Osaka Station North Central Exit) for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Get off at Nijigen no Mori (Awaji Highway Oasis) and walk along the park path for about 20 minutes to reach the A-un Gate of Shinobi-Zato.
Specially wrapped buses with character designs occasionally operate, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere during your journey.
Heaven Chapter: Multi-Level Maze Attraction
The Heaven Chapter (Ten no Maki) is a massive 3-storey, 11-metre-high three-dimensional maze towering behind the Hokage Rock.
In this mission, you set out to rescue Naruto, who has been taken by Sasuke’s space-time ninjutsu.
Guided by the names of comrades written on your scroll, you search for characters inside the maze and collect hand sign stamps.
Before entering, you can practice forming hand signs in front of a mirror.
Use the 12 hand signs to overcome various obstacles and aim for the top floor.
Upon reaching the goal on the top floor, you can take a commemorative photo with the Seventh Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki.
Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are essential.
The experience takes roughly 1 hour.
As an active ninja training attraction, international visitors praise it for making them feel as if they stepped directly into the anime.
Earth Chapter: Puzzle-Solving Missions and Photo Spots
The Earth Chapter (Chi no Maki) is a mission rally where you explore the Shinobi-Zato area to discover 12 spots and collect hand sign stamps.
At selected spots, forming the correct hand signs in front of digital monitors activates ninjutsu.
Once all signs are gathered, you head to the legendary cave to undertake a mission sealing the enemy alongside your allies.
In March 2024, the Earth Chapter was renewed.
Hand sign stamps are available at 12 locations, and interactive ninjutsu spots using digital motion tracking have been added.
Forming the correct hand signs in front of the screens triggers visual ninjutsu effects, elevating the immersion even further.
Ramen Ichiraku and Konoha Shop
Shinobi-Zato houses a dining area recreating Ramen Ichiraku, the memorable shop shared by Iruka-sensei and Naruto.
It serves authentic tonkotsu ramen and drinks in limited-edition character bottles.
It is an unmissable stop for fans.
For souvenirs, visit the Konoha Shop.
The shop offers exclusive merchandise that cannot be bought anywhere else, including acrylic stands, fabric posters, Konoha headbands, Hokage cloaks, and Ichiraku ramen bowl sets.
3. Other Spots (Related Facilities in the Kansai / Kinki Region)
Here are recommended spots for NARUTO fans that can be visited on a day trip from Osaka or accessed via Shinkansen and express trains:
- Ninja Experience Cafe (Dotonbori, Osaka):
- Wear authentic ninja outfits and try your hand at shuriken throwing and blowguns.
- You can also enjoy special ninja-themed meals!
- Its central location in Osaka provides exceptional accessibility.
- Nara Park (Nara City, Nara Prefecture):
- Often cited as reminiscent of the Hidden Leaf Village due to the historic streets of the ancient capital and roaming deer.
- Uzu no Michi / Onaruto Bridge Promenade (Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture):
- An enclosed walkway extending approximately 450 metres that lets you view the Naruto whirlpools up close, evoking the name Naruto Uzumaki.
- Naruto Park Senjojiki Observatory (Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture):
- Offers panoramic views of the Great Naruto Bridge and Naruto Strait.
- Naruto City has previously hosted official NARUTO collaboration events.
- JR Naruto Station (Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture):
- Sharing its name with the title character, this station is a fun photo stop for fans.
- Iga-ryu Ninja Museum (Iga City, Mie Prefecture):
- Experience authentic historical ninja culture in Iga City, famous for Iga ninjas.
- Offers ninjutsu demonstrations and shuriken throwing experiences.
- Koka Ninja Village (Koka City, Shiga Prefecture):
- Features trick houses, ninja training grounds, and shuriken ranges, offering a training experience akin to the Academy in the series.
4. One-Day Itinerary to NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato from Osaka
Here is a standard day-trip plan departing from Osaka / Umeda to fully enjoy NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato.
Note: This itinerary is based on an example published on the official Nijigen no Mori website in December 2024.
Express bus timetables may change, so please check the latest schedule prior to your visit.
- 09:30 Arrive at Osaka Station JR Express Bus Terminal (Purchase tickets)
- 10:00 Board the Kakehashi Nijigen no Mori bus bound for Sumoto (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes)
- 11:34 Alight at Nijigen no Mori (Awaji Highway Oasis), walk approx. 20 minutes
- 11:55 Enjoy NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato (approx. 2 to 3 hours)
- 16:00 Depart Shinobi-Zato and head to the bus stop
- 16:43 Board the Kakehashi Nijigen no Mori bus bound for JR Namba (OCAT)
- 18:09 Arrive back at Osaka Station JR Express Bus Terminal
Direct access without train transfers makes this route very convenient when relying on public transport.
5. Summary
The highlight of this Naruto-themed Osaka travel guide is NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato at Nijigen no Mori on Awaji Island, easily accessible as a day trip from Osaka.
From the Heaven Chapter multi-level maze and Earth Chapter puzzle-solving missions to Ramen Ichiraku and exclusive merchandise, it provides everything needed to immerse yourself in the world of the series.
Easy to combine with Osaka sightseeing and straightforward to reach, it serves as the ultimate pilgrimage plan for international tourists visiting Japan.
Feel free to include Ninja Experience Cafe Osaka Dotonbori in your itinerary too!
What are we?
We run Ninja Experience Cafe in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Japan.
Here you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture through experiencing ninja training.
Both adults and children are welcome to try their hand at defeating the ninja master inside the cafe.
The cafe is an indoor interactive zone, so it can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
If you are thinking "I want to be a real ninja too!” or interested in becoming a real ninja, please visit us.
Reservations can be made here.
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