Iga, Historical ninja city in Mie Prefecture, Japan
Iga is a city in Mie Prefecture, Japan, spread across hilly terrain and river valleys. The town center sits around the remains of a castle complex, while rural villages and temples mark the outer districts.
The region experienced a period of self-governance by local warrior families during the 15th and 16th centuries. After several conflicts, a castle stronghold emerged in the late 16th century that brought the area under central control.
The city takes its name from the old province of Iga, once home to families who trained in espionage and stealth combat. Visitors can explore reconstructed buildings and training grounds in the Iga Ueno Park that show how these skills passed through generations.
The old town around the castle can be explored on foot, while surrounding villages are reachable by bus. Many museums and exhibit halls offer guided tours in Japanese, with some providing brochures in English.
The soils around the town contain high levels of clay, which once made farming difficult. This condition pushed many residents to focus on trade, crafts or military service, shaping the region's particular role during feudal times.
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