In the West, Ninja Turtles is a cartoon which features turtles who fight against evil. In Japan, according to historical records there were Ninjas. This covert group is none other than nimble secret agents who are clad in black and trained in battle tactics to assassinate their enemies(The Samurai Clan).
There is a mysterious aura surrounding this group and a thin line between fact and fiction. The Ninjas are rumoured to have extraordinary magical skills which include art of concealment, walking on water and control over natural elements. Also the origins of the Ninja are highly debatable! *Japanese folklore states that the Ninja descended from a demon that was half man and half crow. Whether you believe the story or not, I am sure these invincible creatures will delight the whole family as you spend a day roaming around Iga Ueno - Ninja Town!
*I extracted the Origin from here
At Ueno-Shi Station
They even have Ninja Trains -
Ninja figurings around Town
Since you are there, you might want to visit
(1) Iga Ueno Castle & Ueno Park(it has same name as the park in Tokyo) - It is the tallest castle in Japan and seats atop walls which are 30m high! One thing which I love about castle is that it gives you a 365 deg view of the landscape below.
I have been to about 8-10 castles in Japan. But this was the first time I caught sight of paintings on the ceiling of the top deck inside the castle. Perhaps I am not observant enough!
(2) Iga-ryū Ninja Museum
The Ninja Museum is highly entertaining with a demonstration of the agility of the Ninja in a mini mock up of a Ninja's House: Think Trap Doors, Hidden Passages & Secret Compartments - it sounds like a scene out of a spy movie! It is quite interesting seeing live action even though the whole show is narrated in Japanese. And trust me to pull off the stunts ain't as easy as it looks! You need to be swift footed and quick minded while wearing an 4-5kg armor! - I doubt I can qualify as a Ninja! The museum in highly informative with a couple of hands on sections, which give you the opportunity to role play as a Ninja. Do visit the other museums around town.
Most of us have heard of Kobe Beef, but do you know that the Iga region is also famous for Beef? There are many Beef Shops featured on the tourist guide(you can pick up a copy at the JR Station) I had Sukiyaki at this shop which is near to the train station and recommended by a local. The meat was heavenly!
You might find this site useful
Enjoy Yourselves!
Getting There -
1) Take the JR Line from Osaka to Kizu
2) Take the JR Kansai Line from Kizu to Kamo
3) Continue along the JR Kansai Line from Kamo to Iga-Ueno
4) Take the Iga Tetsudo Iga Line from Iga-Ueno to Ueno-shi
Getting around Town - On Foot
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