Dive into the Ninja World at Ninja Kingdom Ise!
One of the things popularly associated with Japan is ninja. In Japan there were several bases of real ninja (covert agents or mercenaries), who were most active during the feudal period from around the 16th-17th centuries, and the Iga area in Mie Prefecture is one of them. For many Japanese, hearing the word “ninja” will bring to mind Mie Prefecture. So, I visited a popular ninja spot in the prefecture the other day.
The following building, Iga Ninja Wizard House, was one that had me feeling as though I was walking around drunk. Inside, the floors and walls were all built at offset angles designed to trick your balance and brain. Exhibits where water in troughs seemed to flow uphill, walking through rooms at strange angles and generally trying not to fall over the whole time. I bet kids especially would love this place.
It was hard to control our laughter as we came out the other side where we met an interesting-looking man dancing his way towards us. This man dressed in traditionally styled clothing challenged us to a game. We had to guess which hand he was hiding a ninja throwing star in after he danced about performing cartwheels. I was able to guess the hand just by chance and he laughed and went on his way.
That was one of the main things I loved about this place, the enthusiastic and entertaining staff throughout the park. You could really tell that they loved their job and went above and beyond to make sure the visitor has an unforgettable time. Always happy to pose for a photo, always friendly and helpful.
The only letdown on this day was the weather. Because of the rain we were not able to try out the forest obstacle courses or see the live shows. But we will most certainly be going back again to see those another time.
Ninja Kingdom Ise is a fun-filled full day out that the whole family will enjoy.