Transform into a Ninja and look around the city of Iga
Iga, home of the Iga-ryu Ninja, is full of sightseeing spots related to the Ninja! In addition, the town attracts visitors with its antique wooden-style architecture. The city also boasts for having traditional crafts such as the Iga-yaki (pottery) and Kumihimo, and of course the local specialty represented by the Iga beef. Why not dress up as a Ninja and walk around the area to make good memories of Japan?
|
|
|
Change into a Ninja costume to start your trip!
「Ninja costumes are available for rent at the “Ninja Henshin-dokoro”. Borrow one and walk around the town as a Ninja. One way to have more fun!
” Rental Ninja costumes: 1,100 yen ~.
* There are several “Petit Ninja Henshin-dokoro” to rent a costume.
 |
 |
Experience the authentic Ninjutsu at the “Ninja Museum of Iga-ryu”
It is one of Japan’s leading Ninja museums which exhibits records and gadgets of the Ninja who played an active role behind the scenes of the Sengoku period. A must-visit spot in Iga to get to know about and experience the Ninjutsu (skills and techniques of the Ninja) which have been inherited in secret.
In TV cartoons, we often see Ninjas fighting with enemies by using special skills. Originally, the Ninjutsu used to be a Japanese intelligence system that enabled one to control the enemies without fighting directly and to coexist with them. Experience what it’s all like to be a Ninja.
* Admission fee: 800 yen for adult , 500 yen for child (ages 4 to 14).
* Website http://www.iganinja.jp/en/
 |
 |
| The “Ninja Yashiki” looks like an ordinary farmer’s house at a glance. Guide staff dressed in a Ninja costume will show you the secrets of the house such as the Revolving Walls or Trick Door. | At the “Ninja Experience Hall” and “Ninja Tradition Hall”, gadgets and code texts which were used by Ninja are displayed. You can learn about the knowledge, workstyle, and history of Ninja. * Panels are written in Japanese and English. (Some of them have Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean translations.) |
 |
 |
| Take the opportunity to try the Shuriken (throwing star) techniques, one of the typical Ninjutsu skills, here at the museum! Staff dressed up in Ninja will teach you the method. Feel free to try. The Shurikens are heavier than expected and you will find it hard to hit the target. If you think you’re good with it, why not think of starting a new carrier as a Ninja? * Shuriken experience: 200 yen per person with 5 Shurikens * Services in simple English available |
There is a show performed by authentic Ninjas, which is truly compelling. Details of the Ninjutsu are explained, and the Ninjas will perform using real gadgets such as the Shuriken, Katana (sword), and Fukiya (blow dart). A truly exciting show with various techniques that are all breathtakingly refined. * Show ticket: 300 yen (400 yen from April 2016). It is separate from the museum admission fee. * Part of the show can be observed in English and Chinese. |
Kumihimo workshop
Iga boasts for producing the highest production volume of Kumihimo in Japan, which is a traditional craft. In the old days, the Kumihimo textile was used for strings and straps for scrolls and Kacchu armor. Today it is applied to the Obijime Kimono fastening band. Would like to make your own as a memory of your trip? Even beginners can complete a key-holder strap or a bracelet in around 20 minutes.
The workshop is offered at an elegant traditional shop which was established by Hirozawa Tokusaburo, the person who introduced the Kumihimo techniques to Iga.
* Hirozawa Tokusaburo Kobo, Kumihimo workshop: 1,000 yen. Advance reservation required.
Attractive town scape
A number of pleasant architecture remains in Iga, an area that prospered as a castle town of Ueno Castle, and the Shukuba-machi (posting station) along the Ise Kaido route. Walking around the traditional town will make your trip even more exciting. The temple town, where white walls continue to stand, is a perfect picture taking background for those disguised as Ninja.
It is also nice to stop by at some of the confectionery shops, the Katayaki Senbei (rice cracker) store, and art galleries.
Modern ceramic art, “Domi” an Iga-yaki pottery shop
Manufacture of the Iga-yaki (ceramic ware) using the rich local porcelain clay is famous. It features drastic warp, unique patterns, and vidro glaze.
The gallery here stands before a forest, very close from the Danjiri Museum. It exhibits and sells dishes, tea sets, flower basin and other products of the Iga-yaki pottery, mainly of the ceramic artist Tanimoto Yoh. The designs are sophisticated. Do not miss the opportunity to see them.
Having fun selecting souvenirs!
You will find Japanese confectionery shops and souvenir stores selling Ninja goods everywhere in town.
The Katayaki Senbei (rice crackers) and Ninja goods (toy Ninja sword and set, Shuriken-shaped magnet, and more) are especially recommended. Get some before leaving the town.
*Picture: (from left top) Ninjer-ale (ginger ale), Ninja Senbei (the Katayaki Senbei, which is a specialty of Iga), Mamesuke (Manjyu sweet buns sold at Kikyou-ya Orii), and Shurikens (rubber-made products are most popular).
Don’t miss the local gourmet food in Iga
Dengaku-za Wakaya
Try the Dengaku-za Wakaya, a traditional restaurant that serves Tofu Dengaku, a local food of Iga which has been loved by the people from the Edo period. The Dengaku is made of carefully-selected ingredients, and is a vegetarian food. A very big beam is appealing in the sophisticated restaurant.You can also see the professional technique of making the Dengaku. Their original sweet dishes are also recommended.
*Dengaku Teishoku A Set 1,550 yen, B Set 990 yen, Course 3,240 yen.
*Please be noted that the Suimono (Japanese broth) and simmered vegetables are made using animal soup stock including bonito.
 |
 |
Sukiyaki Kanaya
The “Iga beef”, one of the branded Japanese beefs produced in the region is very popular.Melting tenderness and the fine taste of Iga beef becomes even more delicious when eating it in Sukiyaki.
Various restaurants in the city offer Iga beef. If you have enough budget, we definitely recommend the traditional restaurant “Kanaya”.
* Sukiyaki 8,107 yen, beef saute with butter 8,712 yen, grilled beef 8,712 yen, and etc. (Prcie as of Apr.2020)
If you are interested in our private guided tour,we are pleased to make a quotation for you. Please feel free to contact us!!
Mode of payment
Payment can be made by online credit card payment system. We accept VISA or MASTER.
Customers may pay the part of amount as a deposit to secure the reservation. Basically customers are requested to pay all amount prior to the day of the tour.
Customize tour for you
Above itinerary and price are just an example. You can customize your own tour. We are pleased to provide your accommodations or meals according to your request. Please tell us your needs and interests.
Operators
Fun Lead International Co., Ltd. (travel agency registered in Gifu Prefecture)
Service Name
Fun Trip Japan