Iga is known for the birthplace of the Iga-ryu ninja, one of the leading schools of ninjutsu [the art of stealth] in Japan. Ninjutsu developed here and Iga ninja played important role throughout Japan.
Also, the Master Haiku Poet Matsuo Basho (1644-1694) was born and lived until the age of 29 in Iga, and he has elevated haiku poetry to a form of art.
Iga is a city with history and culture nestled among the mountains. Ueno Park is famous for cherry blossoms, Iga Ueno Castle with high stone walls and the Ninja Museum featuring the thrilling Ninja Show and some real-life ninja experience. Find the historic townscape and Buke-yashiki [residences of samurai warriors] in the city and enjoy walking through history of Iga.
To explore the “Ninja City”, start with Ueno Park, home to the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum, housing many texts relating to ninjutsu [the art of stealth] and a unique museum not found anywhere else in the world. The guides in ninja costumes will show you a wide range of clever tricks hidden in the ‘dogo’ [residence of an influential local person]. After enjoying the ninja shows and ninja experiences, visit the museum shop for some ninja items. 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], for great souvenirs. Remember to enjoy the delicious food and drink of Iga, such as high-quality Iga rice, Iga beef and Iga Sake [a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice].

Take the train or bus from either Nagoya or Osaka.

by Train

From Kintetsu Nagoya Station: Take the Kintetsu Limited Express for Iga-Kambe Station (Approximately 80-90 minutes)

From Osaka Namba Station: Take the Kintetsu Limited Express for Iga-Kambe Station (Approximately 60 minutes)

From Iga-Kambe Station: Take the Iga Railway to Uenoshi Station (Approximately 30 minutes)

by Bus

From Meitetsu Bus Center: Take the Mie Kotsu bus for Uenoshi Station (Approximately 110 minutes)

Points of Interest

Closely located to the historical Imperial Capital Cities of Kyoto, Nara and Asuka, Iga City has prospered as a transportation hub for generations. In addition to the symbol of Iga City, Iga Ueno Castle, Teramachi-dori developed as the castle town of Ueno Castle and remains, the birth house of Matsuo Basho (the haiku poet of the Edo Era), and the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum to enjoy ninja experience.

Iga-ryu Ninja Museum / 伊賀流忍者博物館 (Mie)

• Iga
• Mie
• Arts and Crafts
• Cultural Experience

Located in Ueno Park (Iga Ueno Castle) in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, the Ninja Museum of Igaryu offers visitors a chance to learn about the ninja and ninjutsu of the Iga school. The Iga Ninja specializ...

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