Iga Ueno Castle

Iga Ueno is a Japanese castle in the heart of Iga city, perched on a hill between two rivers. The wooden structure rises behind massive stone walls that climb steeply from the surrounding moat and protect the fort.

Construction began in the late 16th century under Takigawa Katsutoshi, shortly before the region fell under the rule of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Tsutsui Sadatsugu then expanded the fortress and added the inner courtyard and main tower, which was later reconstructed in wood during the 20th century.

The name Iga connects to the famous ninja clans of this region, whose legacy appears in exhibits and demonstrations throughout the compound. Visitors experience this link to the past while walking through the wooden galleries and looking over the same fields once crossed by ninjas.

The walk to the grounds passes through a residential area and takes about ten minutes on foot from the nearby train station. The site is best visited in the morning when fewer people are around and the light gently illuminates the stone walls.

The current main tower did not arise from official initiative but through the personal commitment of a local representative who funded the project in the 1930s. Inside this tower, a museum now displays collections on regional history that cover weapons, armor, and household items from several centuries.

Location: Iga

Inception: 1585

Founders: Tsutsui Sadatsugu

Made from material: wood

Part of: 100 Fine Castles of Japan

Website: http://igaueno-castle.jp

GPS coordinates: 34.77009,136.12719

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:39