Surrounded by mountains, Iga formerly prospered as a castle town and is famous as the home of ninja spies. It is also the birthplace of the famous haiku poet Matsuo Basho. There are several historical places and vestiges of the past around the area, some of which still have the mystery and grandeur of bygone days. The mountainous areas in the southern and eastern parts of Iga are set aside as national parks and offer several opportunties to enjoy nature during all four seasons.
This castle has the highest stone walls in Japan, approximately 30 meters. This is a landmark of Ueno City, the central city of the Iga area. You will command a panoramic view of Ueno City from the third floor of the castle tower. Ueno Castle and the surrounding area are well known as major cherry blossom viewing spots.
The ninja were spies who worked their trade 400 years ago during Japan’s many years of civil war. Shrouded in mystery and surrounded by legend, the ninja were reputed to be masters of disguise and sundry other skills, including the ability to walk on water and to disappear in the blink of an eye.
Inside the museum ninja residence a female ninja guide provides an introduction to the ninja dwelling and its special features. In the “Ninja Experience” Museum and “Ninja Legend” Museum, visitors can try their hands at using various ninja weapons and learn the truth about ninja and ninjutsu.
The popular Iga ninja show offers visitors a display of Iga ninja unique skills and techniques. In this show, a ninja group Ashura will perform exciting ninja movements using authentic ninja weapons.
Ueno is the birthplace of Japan’s most famous haiku poet, Matsuo Basho (1644-1694). Haiseiden, a memorial to Basho, is an elegant building built in the shape of the poets’ travelling attire in which a statue of the poet is enshrined.
Located in the beautiful Aoyama Plateau, this resort offers lodging and sports facilities including a golf course and tennis courts. It also features aromatherapy sessions for relaxation, which incorporate natural fragrances from flowers, trees, and a lavender and herb garden.
A series of waterfalls, both graceful and spectacular, cascade through this narrow four-kilometer valley. The area was chosen as one of the best 100 forests in Japan and includes what is considered one of the best 100 water falls in the country. The valley is also home to the Japanese Salamander Center, which has a collection of giant salamanders from around the world.
Created by a dam in 1970, this lake is surrounded by deep green mountains and features beautiful scenery throughout the year. Along the lakeside are farms and vineyards where visitors can pick strawberries (March 1 to May 30) or harvest grapes (July 20 to October 31).
Nabari is located on the other side the mountain from Yamato, which was the location of the imperial court of ancient Japan. Influenced by the culture of Yamato, Nabari has prospered as a key junction between east and west in Japan. As a result, Nabari has many key historical sites; the Mihata Burial Grounds are an especially important cultural asset, of which Nabari is deservedly proud.
This steep valley is famous for its kerrias and azaleas in the spring and crimson leaves in the fall. A river cuts through steep rock cliffs for eight kilometers, creating a spectacular gorge.
Moku Moku is a group of private farms open to public viewing. The produce, beer, and ham made by the farms are regarded highly world-wide. Visitors can enjoy the Barbecue Beer House and mini pig show as well as the wiener and pasta-making workshops.