If you’re traveling Japan and want to not only learn about the way of the ninja, visiting Igaryu has the most immersive ninja experience in Japan.
There’s a full museum with so much ninja history and information, an athletic and entertaining performance, to top it all off you can throw real ninja stars at Japan’s best ninja experience in Iga Ueno. If you’re looking for a fun and interactive day to learn about the forgotten art of the ninja – you need to visit Iga Ueno.
Read on to find out why Iga ninja museum is a must visit for those looking to discover the forgotten art of ninjutsu.
Where is Iga Ueno?
A short day trip from Kyoto sits Iga Ueno – a small city in Mie Prefecture. The city was originally named after the old prefecture of Iga. This city, home to the ninja museum and Iga castle, is around 2 hours south-east from Kyoto and is a great day trip from the city.
How do I get to Igaryu?
The easiest way to get to Iga Ueno is by train from Kyoto. By catching a train from Kyoto’s JR Station, you’ll be in Iga Ueno within a couple of hours. Note; you will have to change trains to get to Iga.
The good news is that there is a cheaper alternative to buying single tickets. For 2300 Yen ($20.90 USD) you can purchase the all-day Kansai Region ticket which covers all transportation to and from its Ueno. Also saving you around 700 Yen ($6.30 USD) while you’re at it.
Once you’ve arrived at Iga Ueno train station you have a choice to get to the ninjutsu museum of Igaryu. A short train ride will get you much closer for 260 Yen ($2.30 USD), or you can opt to walk the half an hour. The walk is a quite worthwhile stroll around the ancient streets of Iga.
What are the best things to see in Igaryu ninja museum?
Iga Ueno is well known for its ninja history. If you haven’t realized that from this article by now, it won’t take long as you walk around the small city. You’ll start to notice many figures that resemble ninjas everywhere. There’s more on offer at Iga’s ninjutsu museum than just plaques full of interesting text.
All I will mention from here on is inside the Iga Castle grounds. Entrance inside the Iga Castle walls is free, but if you wish to partake in any activities or enter any of the main buildings, there is a separate fee for each.
What to see in Iga Ueno Ninjutsu Museum
I’ll start off with the museum because unlike many museums I’ve visited, the information was easy and enjoyable to soak in. And there was so much of it that you’ll be a master ninja in no time.
The museum is inside Iga Ueno Castle grounds and is pretty hard to miss. There are signs and plenty of employees who speak great English to help you find your way.
At 700 Yen ($6.30 USD) the museum of the ninja in Iga is well worth the price tag. There are so many displays with artifacts used by ninjas throughout history and English translations to go along with them.
Many items show how ninjas lived and survived in secrecy. From concealable weapons disguised as farming tools, and heavy armor that was used in strength training – you got a fantastic insight into the life of a ninja.
Ninjas relied on subtle tactics to go unnoticed, such as posing as farmers, socks used for quieter sneaking and how they would alter their diet to become almost invisible (no smelly foods or incense). It’s also shown how ninjas wearing black clothing is a myth, rather they would choose navy blue. This helped less of a silhouette figure showing up when the night sky was lit by the moon.
There was also a little display on how ninjas would train their mind and body for the vigorous scope of daily work for the ninja. Thumb and index fingers were trained with a bag of rice so they could suspend their body weight easier. And to remember important details, they would injure themselves so the pain would reinforce the information.
Right at the end, you can make your very own throwing star (shuriken). The origami version, of course. Even though there are detailed, step by step instructions, it’s still quite difficult but fun to try.
Small walking tour of Iga Ueno Ninja Village
There’s also a guided tour that even though it doesn’t last very long, it gives even more lessons about the second silent warriors’ lifestyle. Reading the information is interesting, but being shown is so fun!
As my small group of around 10 walked through the buildings designed to show a ninjas house our guide explained how these specialty destined homes were built as subtle fortresses.
Walking through the halls you would never suspect the hiding places for weapons, valuables, and even people.
Under sliding doors and behind solid walls, pressure on a specific point of the surface would open up a passageway or hidey-hole that would be easily missed by intruders. Ninjas used this technique to escape invaders and keep valuables safe and concealed. Many passageways would lead to a dry well outside the house so they could make their escape.
Our guide explained how ninjas can forecast the weather and time of day by using the shape of a cats eye. They were also trained to read the stars to understand their location.
If you can spare the extra time, 25-30minutes, then I highly suggest going for a wander through these houses.
Watch the ninja performance
This one of my favorite things to do at Iga Ueno. Watching this show was an extra ticket at 400 Yen ($3.60 USD) It lasts around half an hour and is super entertaining.
Four actors (one actress) show you first hand how many of the deadly instruments were used and concealed. All the time being funny and engaging.
My group of 3 were the only audience members who weren’t Japanese. Because of This, the actors would translate the basics in English- while looking directly at us every time.
Despite not everything being 100% translated, not much was lost and I still laughed along with the crowd. They were great at conveying humor through their acting.
They went through their demonstration starting with swords and ball and chain. Showing how each could be used aggressively or defensively. Pretty ingenious design when shown by a professional!
They got a guest from the audience (happened to be my friend) to show how the blow dart was used and from 15-20 meters away. The crowd cheered super loud when she hit it the first time!
These athletic Ninjas (or Kunoichi for female ninja) were all energetic throughout the whole performance. Laughing and joking with the crowd the whole time – especially when the little girl let out the loudest fart I’ve heard from a child. The performers played along with it well and made the crowd laugh too.
All up, well worth the extra 400 yen if you have the time!
Throw a shuriken at the Iga ninja village
Hands down my favorite activity at Igaryu’s ninja village. For 200 Yen ($1.80 USD) you’re given 5 metal throwing stars. While the painted target is quite large, around 1.5 meters, it’s about 20 meters away! It’s much more challenging than you think.
One thing I did notice, they were incredibly accurate. Once you get your eye in, it’s so enjoyable to hit that bullseye!
Explore Iga Ueno Castle
Iga Ueno Castle is probably the hardest of all structures to miss inside the ninja village complex. It’s pure white and huge. After you follow the path from outside the complex around the castle walls and an ancient moat, you’ll be greeted by a 30-meter high intricate castle.
Entrance inside Iga Ueno Castle is 500 Yen ($4.50 USD) and gives more information about the area of Iga Ueno. What you see today is a 1935 reconstruction. The original castle was destroyed in the 17th century by bad weather.
It’s pretty incredible to keep in mind there is no concrete at all used in the castle construction. It is completely made from wood. Outside the castle walls is a great spot to sit and have lunch – this doesn’t cost to spend time around the outside of the castle walls.
To be honest, I had little intention of visiting a museum specifically about ninjas and their history throughout ancient Japan. But I’m glad I went out of my way to spend a day at Iga Ueno’s museum about ninjutsu and everything to do with this forgotten style of the Japanese warrior.
I hope you enjoyed this post and plan to visit Iga Ueno Ninja museum and village! It’s a great day trip from Kyoto. Full of information, excitement and laughs for all ages.
Iga Ueno Castle and Ninja Village Highlights
- Throwing shuriken’s (throwing stars) was so fun
- Watching the ninja performance was extremely entertaining
- Learning about the ways of the ninja in many different forms
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Further reading about traveling in Japan
- Stay at a great Buddhist Temple just outside Tokyo
- Have you ever experiences a culture shock?
- Visit cute snow monkeys near Nagano!
Thanks for Reading!
Happy and safe travels,
Ben – Horizon Unknown
