1-Day Itinerary: Experience Ninja History and Culture in Iga
Iga is a former castle town known for its rich history, including its association with the famous Iga-ryu ninja clans. Since ancient times, it has been called Iga no Kuni, which means “The Land of Iga”. The city is home to numerous attractions related to ninja history and culture. Most of the popular tourist attractions such as the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum, Iga Ueno Castle and the Danjiri Museum can be found around Ueno Park, once the grounds of Iga Ueno Castle. Other attractions are only a short walk from Ueno Park, making the city a compact and easy place to explore on foot. The following route is recommended for visitors looking to spend a day in interesting Iga.
Shuriken at the ninja show
Iga Ueno Castle
Just a 5-minute walk from the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum takes you to the stronghold of Iga Ueno Castle, in Ueno Park. This beautiful castle was once built by master castle architect, Todo Takatora (1556-1630) in the late 16th century. Takatora rose from humble beginnings to become a daimyo lord and the most influential castle designer in samurai history.
Iga Ueno Castle on the approach from the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum
Today, it is home to a wooden reconstructed main tower and some of the highest castle walls in Japan. It is free to walk around the castle grounds with admission to the main tower for ¥600.
The main castle tower of Iga Ueno Castle
These 30-meter-high stone walls rival the famed ramparts of Osaka Castle
Kumi no Sato
Wrap up your day by visiting Kumi no Sato (The Village of Skilled Artisans) for a traditional braid-making experience. This charming workshop is only around 10 minutes from the castle. Visitors can try their hand at making a bracelet, phone strap or key ring using a braiding method called kumihimo, where dyed silk thread is weaved using wooden marudai stands. In the past, these braids were used for samurai armor among other things. Today, they are used for decorating kimono sashes. I was a little overwhelmed at the start, but the simple repeating process is easy to pick up and the helpful instructors are there at every step to guide you, so there is no chance of messing up.
Weaving my magic on the marudai
Simply start by choosing the stand with your favorite thread colors and then follow the instructions. In around 30 minutes I was able to learn an ancient craft and make my own cool souvenir to take home. I’m not usually a craft type of person, but I totally surprised myself. It was actually quite relaxing to switch off and just forget about everything while concentrating on the braiding.
My bracelet is complete and ready to be taken home
Katayaki Cookies
Before you go, don’t forget to pick up some katayaki cookies. These rock-hard cookies were the portable food for ninjas while they were away on a secret mission. They were easy to carry and would last a long time. You can find a variety of different ones at the souvenir shop of the Danjiri Museum.
My katayaki ninja rations
How to Get There
The best way to reach Iga Ueno from Nagoya is via the highway bus from the Meitetsu Bus Center next to Nagoya Station. Mie Kotsu operates multiple buses per day with the one-way journey taking around 100 minutes and costing ¥2000.