Iga

Iga is a small basin city in Mie Prefecture, ringed by mountains between Nara and Nagoya, and it is the acknowledged homeland of the ninja. The Iga-ryu tradition of spies and mercenaries grew up here in the Sengoku era, and the town leans into that history with enthusiasm.

The Iga-ryu Ninja Museum demonstrates trick doors and hidden blades, while live shows send shuriken thudding into wood. Iga Ueno Castle rises next door on some of the tallest castle stone walls in Japan, and a memorial hall near the park honors Matsuo Basho, the haiku master born in town.

Time a spring visit for the Ninja Festa, when visitors roam the streets in costume, and stay for a dinner of Iga beef, the local wagyu raised in the surrounding basin. The Iga Railway, its trains painted with ninja faces, connects the town to main lines toward Osaka and Nagoya.