Iga Ueno - Ninja Museum, Iga Beef, Iga Ueno Castle

Day Trip from Osaka

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

Okayama and Kurashiki

Momotaro Hometown: Okayama
The mascot of the city. Picture taken from http://www.pref.okayama.jp/kikaku/kokusai/momo/e/
I grew up watching Superman, Batman, Robin Hood and Spiderman who are fictional superheros from the West, they fought against the baddies to protect civilians. Momotaro "Peach Boy" is the name the Japanese famous legendary superhero born out of peach. He fought the Ogres on Ogre island with the help of a monkey, a dog and a pheasant. And came back victoriously with all their treasures. The legend can be read here Click here for the song on his triumph over evil!
Therefore do catch sight of (1)Momotaro Statue in front of JR Okayama Station,(2)The Momotaro statues along Momotaro-Odori Street & around the town which depict the characters from the legend and the young Momotaro. (3)Momotaro Festival from the end of July to the beginning of August
If you are feeling peckish do try - (1)Kibi Dango(Millet Dumplings) (2)Peaches

Okayama Castle & Koraku-en
Okayama Castle aka Crow Castle(烏城, U-jo) It is a refreshing change seeing a black castle compared to a white castle. There is also a museum inside the castle but the text is mostly in Japanese.





Pink vs Green Trees


*The highlight of the museum is the dress up section, which allow visitors to don on an Edo Period Costumes & headgear and have their pictures taken in them for FREE! There is even an attendant who will help the visitors to dress up! However there is a catch, there is a limit to the number of visitors who can dress up in an hour!


Day Trip from Osaka
Opening Hours 9 AM to 5 PM daily.
A combination ticket for the castle and Kōraku-en is also available.

Kurashiki - 15 Mins JR ride from Okayama to Kurashiki
Kurashiki has a waterway with Willow Trees surrounding it, running through the Bikan historical district. And in the warmer months(Mar-Nov), take a boat ride down the Kurashiki River.








*This place reminded me of Suzhou in China

You might also like to visit:
2) Ivy Square


3) Seto Ohashi Bridge

You might be interested in
Matsumoto Castle The other "crow castle in Japan)
Information on what to do in Okayama Prefecture
Accomodation in Osaka(Japan Stay Club)

Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture

Matsumoto Castle is also known as Crow Castle because of its black exterior. Built during the 15th Century, it is designated as a national treasure in Japan. With the Japanese Alps looming in the background, this beautiful historical castle with its unique achitecture is picturesque.

Unlike most castles which was built on a mountain or beside a river. This castle was built on flat land. For protection, the defence system consisted of a triple moat.

Experience the beauty of the castle by visiting the castle during the various seasons. The public park surrounding the castle turns into a cherry blossom viewing spot in the day and at night during spring(April). The Taiko Festival and Takigi Noh are held on the grounds every summer. In Autumn, participate in the moon viewing party and catch sight of the moon from the Moon Viewing pavilion.


I like the castle's unique architecture. From the outside, the castle creates the illusion that there are only 5 levels. Actually the castle has 6 Levels, 1 Level is a hidden level. The viewing deck on the uppermost floor, provides a bird's eye view of Matsumoto City. The outline of the Alps are clearly visible in the distance. Inside, you will find documents and artifacts depicting life during the "Sengoku period". On the way out, do visit the Moon Viewing pavilion. It is attached to the western wing of the main fortress and was designed not for defence, but for entertainment. Okayama Castle and Matsumoto Castle are the only two castles in Japan with a Moon Viewing Wing.








*Please note that the Ticket for the castle includes free admission into the museum in the park. Therefore please include sufficient time for viewing these two places of interest.

*An Awesome find at the Museum Shop - A box of Dark Chocolate Kit Kat with Chilli filling! The spiciness was a perfect combi with the chocolate!My favourite Kit Kat Flavour

Lodging for the night was at Utsukushigahara Ohgatou Hotel 美ヶ原王ヶ頭ホテル The website is in Japanese.


You might be interested in -
Staying at Ohgatou Hotel
Matsue Castle in Okayama, which is also another black castle. I prefer Matsumoto Castle.

Getting to Matsumoto City
I took the JR line from Tokyo Station to Matsumoto Station