Iga: Discover Ninja Secrets at Ueno Castle & Ninja Museum

Nicknamed the “White Phoenix Castle,” Iga Ueno Castle is a beautifully reconstructed hilltop fortress that symbolizes Japan’s transition from the chaos of the late Sengoku period to the peace of the Edo era. It stands atop some of the highest stone walls in Japan, offering impressive panoramic views of the surrounding Iga Basin. Originally built in the early 1600s, the castle showcases traditional architecture and provides insight into the feudal power structure that once ruled this region. For history lovers, it’s an inspiring introduction to the world that once gave rise to both samurai and ninja.

The Iga-ryu Ninja Museum invites visitors into the secretive world of Japan’s real-life ninja. Inside, you’ll explore an authentic ninja house, disguised as an ordinary farmhouse but filled with hidden doors, trick walls, and escape passages—each a clever defense against enemies. The museum features a wide collection of historical ninja tools such as shuriken, kunai, and smoke bombs, and even includes live demonstrations of ninja techniques. It’s an interactive, educational, and fun experience that reveals the reality behind the myths of the ninja, perfect for visitors of all ages.