Iga Ueno

Iga Ueno (伊賀上野) is a city located in the western part of Mie Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its rich history and deep connection to the ninja, the legendary covert agents of feudal Japan. The city was once home to the Iga ninja clan, one of the two most prominent ninja groups in Japan, and today it celebrates this unique heritage through various attractions and experiences.

One of the main attractions in Iga Ueno is the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum (伊賀流忍者博物館), where visitors can delve into the world of the ninja. The museum features exhibits showcasing the history and tools of the ninja, as well as live demonstrations of ninja techniques such as stealth, disguise, and weapon use. Visitors can also test their ninja skills in a hands-on ninja experience, including shuriken (throwing star) throwing and navigating an obstacle course.

Another popular attraction in Iga Ueno is Ueno Castle (伊賀上野城), also known as “Hakuho Castle,” a historic castle built in the late 16th century. The castle is renowned for its high stone walls, one of the tallest in Japan, and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape from its observation deck. Inside the castle, visitors can explore a museum that delves into the history of the castle and the region.

Visitors to Iga Ueno can also wander through the traditional streets of the old town, where they’ll find the Ninja House (忍者屋敷), a preserved house with hidden doors, secret passages, and trapdoors, once used by ninja for training and concealment.

The city hosts various events throughout the year, most notably the Iga Ueno Ninja Festa (伊賀上野NINJAフェスタ), which takes place in spring and autumn. The festival features exciting ninja shows, parades, and other activities that allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the world of the ninja.

Attractions in Iga Ueno

Iga Ueno Castle Iga Ueno Castle (伊賀上野城), also known as Hakuho Castle (白鳳城, "White Phoenix Castle"), is a Japanese castle located in the city of Iga, Mie Prefecture, ...

Getting there

From Nagoya

By Train

1. Take the Kintetsu Nagoya Line to Ise-Nakagawa (60-75 minutes)
2. Transfer to the Kintetsu Osaka Line to Iga-Kambe Station (20-35 minutes)
3. Take the Iga Railway to Uenoshi Station (25 minutes)

• Total trip: About 2-2.5 hours
• Cost: 3,590 yen (limited express) or 2,250 yen (express)

By JR

1. Take the JR Kansai Line to Iga-Ueno Station (120-140 minutes)
2. Transfer at Kameyama Station
3. From Iga-Ueno Station, take the Iga Railway to Uenoshi Station (5 minutes, 260 yen)

• Total trip: 2.5-3 hours
• Cost: 1,690 yen plus 260 yen for Iga Railway

By Bus

• Mie Kotsu operates highway buses from Nagoya Station to Ueno Sangyo Kaikan
• Journey time: About 100 minutes
• Cost: 2,000 yen

From Kyoto

By JR

1. Take JR Biwako/Tokaido Line to Kusatsu (25 minutes)
2. Transfer to JR Kusatsu Line to Tsuge (50 minutes)
3. Take JR Kansai Line to Iga-Ueno (15 minutes)
4. Change to Iga Railway to Uenoshi (5 minutes)

• Total trip: Just under 2 hours
• Cost: 1,430 yen (1,170 yen for JR and 260 yen for Iga Railway)

By Kintetsu Railway

1. Take express train on Kintetsu Kashihara Line to Yamato-Yagi (60 minutes)
2. Transfer to Kintetsu Osaka Line to Iga-Kanbe (30 minutes)
3. Take Iga Railway to Uenoshi (25 minutes)

• Total trip: About 2.5 hours
• Cost: 2,040 yen