Iga (
Understand[edit]
Iga — or, more specifically, the town of Ueno (
Tourist information sites[edit]
- The local tourist association has a multilingual guide site.
- The city government has another multilingual guide site.
Get in[edit]
Iga is about halfway between Osaka and Nagoya, and about an hour and a half from Kyoto. The main stations are Iga-Kanbe (
If coming from Osaka, take the subway to Tanimachi Kyuchome Station. Walk east for 10 mins to Osaka Uehommachi Station on the Kintensu Osaka Line. The local (
Get around[edit]
The castle and museums are located in Ueno Park (
See[edit]
- 1 Iga Ninja Museum (
伊賀 忍者 博物館 ). 09:00-17:00. Ueno's top attraction by far, this old Japanese house was actually used by the Iga clan and is full of spiffy ninja secrets like trapdoors, revolving walls and more, all demonstrated by kunoichi - cheerful lady ninjas in pink garb. There is a museum on the grounds with good English displays, and there are also live demonstrations of ninja weaponry and techniques - hourly from 11:00 to 15:00 except Tuesdays (only weekends in Dec-Feb). ¥700. - 2 Bashō Museum (
芭蕉 翁 記念 館 ), ☏ +81 595-21-2219. This museum pays tribute to the haiku master Matsuo Bashō, who is thought to have been born in Iga. It's not often open, but the building itself, shaped like the hat Bashō wore, is a curious sight. - 3 Iga Ueno Castle (
伊賀上野 城 ), ☏ +81 595-21-3148. 09:00-17:00, closed December 29-31. This castle was a frequent target for ninja attacks in the old days. Resist the temptation to slip on a mask and go skulking around as if nobody can see you; the sleepy guard inside the castle doesn't need the hassle. It's one of the better-looking castle reconstructions in Japan, but the museum inside is not really worth a visit. ¥500.
- The highlight of Iga is the mysterious statue of Sonic the Hedgehog.
Do[edit]
- Ueno Tenjin Festival (
上野 天神祭 ). The is held every year October 23rd to 25th. Between the festivals the portable shrines are shown in the Danjiri Museum.
Buy[edit]
Several small shops in Ueno Park sell amusing ninja souvenirs. If you're hoping for an authentic set of throwing stars or some Hanzō steel, though, you'll have to look elsewhere.
Eat[edit]
Drink[edit]
Sleep[edit]
There are a few business hotels in town, but no youth hostels.
Go next[edit]
- You've learned about the Iga ninja; now head to Koka, in Shiga prefecture, to hear their rivals' side of the story.
- Kameyama
- Tsu
- Nabari
- Matsusaka
- Yamazoe
- Minamiyamashiro
- Kasagi
- Wazuka
Routes through Iga |
Osaka ← Nara ← | W E | → Kameyama → Nagoya |