Discover the world of ninja

Japan's world-famous ninjas have become staples of anime and games, and the swords used by ninjas who served feudal lords from the Warring States to the Edo period have come to symbolize the ninja spirit.
To dive into ninja culture at entertainment facilities, shrines and museums, make sure you visit Iga and Koga, in the area around Iga City in Mie Prefecture. These towns are famous as the starting points of ninja culture.
And over in Kuwana Town, which was once ruled by the warlord Honda Tadakatsu, many sites offer the chance to see ninja swords up-close, including a shrine with a replica of the legendary Muramasa sword and cutlery shops where traditional swordsmiths ply their trade.

The Secrets of Ninja Technique in Iga

Opened in August 2025, this facility offers an Iga ninja experience based on The Bansenshukai, a compendium of ninja knowledge and skills.

You can choose from two experiences set within the facility's underground halls. The Makata Cave Tour involves learning ninja techniques with an audio guide (20 minutes, ¥2,000 per adult), while over at the Ninjutsu Training Center, you can wear ninja costume and select 10 ninjutsu skills to master (2 hours, ¥6,000 per adult).

The restaurant's popular dinner course features Iga beef shabu-shabu (¥8,800) and the souvenir shop offers a selection of ninja goods, including replica swords. Make sure to book activities and meals through the official website.

An Iga landmark

Located in the center of the Iga Basin, this castle is surrounded by mountains on all sides and is a famous local landmark particularly popular during cherry blossom viewing season in springtime.

In 1608, during Japan's Sengoku period, Todo Takatora, a celebrated master of castle construction, expanded and renovated this castle. Iga ninja are said to have guarded the castle town. Today, the inner moat and stone walls, among the tallest in Japan, remain. The three-story wooden castle tower was reconstructed in 1935. Inside there are exhibits of armor, weapons, and historical documents, with calligraphic works by famous people embedded in the third-floor ceiling.

Take photos in ninja costume

To really immerse yourself in ninja culture, why not take a stroll through the original ninja castle town of Iga while wearing ninja costume? A ninja costume rental service (¥1,500 per outfit) is available at the Danjiri Museum near Iga-Ueno Castle.

The costumes come in black, navy, red, and pink, in sizes ranging from children's to adults', so it makes for a fun experience for families and groups.

The castle town features numerous trick art spots depicting ninjas throwing shuriken (throwing stars) or fighting with swords in 3D. Stand in front of these trick art pieces while wearing a ninja costume, strike a cool pose, and take a photo right out of a movie or anime scene.

Danjiri Museum, 122-4 Uenomarunouchi, Iga

Enjoy a thrilling ninja show

This museum (admission is ¥1,000 per adult) in Ueno Park has the largest collection of ninja-related materials in Japan.

The Ninja House, a relocated residence of a local clan from the late Edo period, has hidden mechanisms including a revolving wall and hidden sword space, and a ninja guide will demonstrate and explain everything for you.

You can learn about ninja lore at the Ninja Experience Hall and the Ninja Tradition Hall, which display authentic ninja tools such as shuriken as well as valuable historical materials. The popular Ninja Show (¥600 per person) features thrilling action with real weapons.

A lovely walkable castle town

Located in northern Mie Prefecture, this castle town has a rich history as a transportation hub.
It was built by warlord Honda Tadakatsu, who fought for Tokugawa Ieyasu in unifying Japan. Legend has it he never suffered a single injury in over 50 battles. His bronze statue stands at the Ruins of Kuwana Castle as a symbol of the city.

The Kuwana City Museum features seasonal exhibits on the Kuwana Domain, including swords crafted by Muramasa swordsmiths. It also offers special sword-handling experiences in temporary exhibitions.

You will also find delightful sword-themed touches like the Tamagawaken Japanese sweets shop, with its handmade sword-shaped pastries filled with chestnut paste.

Confectionery Tamagawaken, 16 Aikawa, Kuwana

Legendary Muramasa swords

From 1300 to 1700, swords crafted by the Muramasa group were prized by warlords for their exceptional sharpness.

At the Chokei-ro (Muramasa Museum), you can view replicas of these swords up-close and see the swordsmiths' techniques and spirit conveyed in these works of art. "I want to preserve these legendary swords," says Chief Priest Yoshihito Fuwa.

As a memento, you can get a red ink stamp with the name Muramasa. In Japanese culture, this stamp symbolizes the bond formed with gods and Buddhas.

The Kuwana Ishidori Festival, held every August, is famous for its floats and gongs and is often called Japan's loudest festival. It's a great opportunity to experience the history of Kuwana.

Kuwana Sousha, 46 Honmachi, Kuwana

180 years of craftsmanship

This cutlery shop was founded in 1841 as a swordsmith. It once crafted swords for warriors as the shop of swordsmith Hirofusa. Today, it continues to produce blades and repair and sharpen kitchen knives and scissors, supporting Kuwana's daily life with essential cutlery.

The studio behind the shop is a hub of activity, with blades being sharpened and steel being forged. Craftsman Takashi Mishina, the sixth-generation owner, grew up while watching his father, Noritaka, work diligently in the studio.

Kuwana is a town where district names reflect traditional trades. As the last remaining blacksmith in Kaji Town (Blacksmith Town), this shop is keeping its heritage and craftsmanship alive.

Hirofusa Cutlery, 54 Kajimachi, Kuwana, Mie Prefecture