Known as the birthplace of both the Japanese ninja and the Edo Period poet Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), Iga is a city of history and culture nestled among mountains. Ueno Park is famous not only for its cherry blossoms, but also for Iga Ueno Castle, with its high stone walls, and the Ninja Museum, where visitors can watch a thrilling ninja show and get some real-life ninja experience. The old streets and samurai residences of the castle town offer a glimpse into the past. Try taking a walk through history.
If you want to experience the Ninja City, Ueno Park is the place to begin. The park is home to the Ninja Museum of Igaryu, where guides dressed in ninja costumes will escort you through the Ninja House and show you all of its tricks and contraptions. After enjoying the ninja shows and ninja experiences, you can visit the museum shop for some ninja merchandise. You can even rent a ninja costume at various shops in the city and take a walk through the castle town dressed as a ninja.
Iga is also famous for its traditional handicrafts such as Iga-yaki pottery and Iga Kumihimo braided cords, which make great souvenirs. Not to be forgotten is of course Iga’s delicious food and drink, such as the high-quality Iga rice, Iga beef, and the local sake (rice wine) Iga-shu.
Iga can be accessed from Nagoya and Osaka by both rail and bus.
Take the Kintetsu Limited Express from Kintetsu-Nagoya Station to Iga-Kambe Station (approx. 80-90 min.)
Take the Kintetsu Limited Express from Osaka-Namba Station to Iga-Kambe Station (approx. 60 min.)
Take the Iga Railway from Iga-Kambe Station to Uenoshi Station (approx. 30 min)
Take a bus with the Mie Kotsu line from the Meitetsu Bus Center to Uenoshi Station (approx. 110 min.)
Located close to the historical imperial capital cities of Kyoto, Nara, and Asuka, Iga City has prospered as a transportation hub since ancient times. In addition to Iga Ueno Castle, which serves as the symbol of Iga City, there are many enticing attractions such as Teramachi-dori, which developed as the castle town of Ueno Castle and still retains its original appearance, the house where the Edo Period poet Matsuo Basho was born, and the Ninja Museum of Igaryu, where visitors can enjoy a ninja experience.