Iga, Historical ninja city in Mie Prefecture, Japan
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Mie Prefecture).
Iga Ueno Castle
2.6 km
Akame 48 Waterfalls
21.7 km伊賀の里モクモク手づくりファーム
12.6 km
Aekuni jinja
4.6 km
Ninja Museum of Igaryu
2.7 km
Tsukigase Plum Grove
11.9 km
Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park
17 km
Rakuya-ji
19.2 km
Shin-daibutsu-ji
12.7 kmChâteau de Kashiwabara
18.1 km
Omura-jinja
9.6 km
Sugawara-jinja
2 km青蓮寺
17.1 km
Gyokukei-ji
16.3 km
Daiichi Daido-gawa Bridge
16.7 km
Ueno Sports Park
3.6 km
Ichino-yu
1.8 kmChausu Yama
16.2 km西蓮寺 (伊賀市)
3.5 kmMihata Kofun Cluster
9.8 km
観菩提寺
8.9 km弥勒寺 (名張市)
10.1 km
Bashō Memorial Museum
2.5 km
Shigaraki Kotōkan
16.9 km
Bashō's birth house
2.2 km
Nabari Shiritsu Toshokan
14.9 km成願寺
19.5 km
Iga City Ueno Library
2.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes