Nijo Jinya

A treat for fans of ninja films, this former inn is packed with hidden passages, secret stairways and trapdoors. The 24-room residence used to host feudal lords on their visits to Kyoto, and the owner clearly took the safety of his guests seriously. The house was built in the late 17th century and was gradually modified with various security tricks and traps. Although the 50-minute tours take place in Japanese, an English pamphlet costs only ¥100 and volunteer interpreters are listed on the website. Reservations must be made in advance, by phone, in Japanese. Check the website for opening times.