The Haiseiden (Hall of the Poet-Saint) represents the traveling figure of Basho. It was built in 1942 (Showa 17) in Ueno Park to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Matsuo Basho's birth by the late Katsushi Kawasaki. The design was created by Dr. Chuta Ito, who also designed Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple. The structure’s unique form symbolizes Basho’s traveling attire: the round roof represents his traveling hat, the wooden plaque inscribed with "Haiseiden" signifies his face, the octagonal eaves below evoke his straw raincoat and clothing, and the supporting pillars are reminiscent of his walking staff. Together, these elements embody the image of Basho as a traveling poet. Inside the hall is a meditative statue of Basho, crafted from Iga ware by sculptor Eisaku Hasegawa and fired by Katsushi Kawasaki. This seated statue is displayed to the public during the "Basho Festival," held annually on October 12, the anniversary of Basho’s death. This building, which uniquely integrates the image of the poet Basho with its architecture, is unparalleled in Japan. On December 24, 2010, it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan (Architectural Structures). Location 117-4 Marunouchi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0873 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours Regular Holiday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

The former Oda Elementary School Main Building was constructed in 1881 (Meiji 14) and is the oldest existing elementary school building in Mie Prefecture. At the time, it was affectionately known as "Keiteki School." The building is a two-story wooden Western-style structure with a hipped roof and tiled roofing, covering a total area of 274 square meters. It was designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Mie Prefecture in 1975 (Showa 50) as a monument symbolizing the early development of modern elementary education. From 1990 to 1995 (Heisei 2 to Heisei 5), disassembly surveys and restoration work were carried out to preserve the building. Its simple yet uniquely designed architecture reflects the aspirations of the people of Oda Village, who relocated near Ueno Castle to escape repeated flooding, expressing their hopes for a new era. Location 141-1 Oda-cho, Iga City, Mie 518-0825 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:00 AM–4:30 PM Regular Holiday Tuesdays (except holidays) and from December 29 to January 3 Admission Fee General Admission: 300 yen (200 yen) Elementary to High School Students: 100 yen (60 yen) (Amounts in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more) Discount for Persons with Disabilities: Free Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

The current reconstructed castle tower is the oldest wooden reconstructed castle tower in Japan, completed in 1935 (Showa 10). This "Showa-era Castle," a composite structure consisting of a three-story main keep and a two-story small keep, was named the "Iga Cultural and Industrial Castle" to serve as a hub for promoting culture and industry in the Iga region. Due to its elegant appearance, it is also known as the "White Phoenix Castle" and is cherished by citizens as a landmark of Iga. Location 106 Marunouchi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0873 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:45 PM) Regular Holiday December 29 to 31 Admission Fee Adults (high school and older): 600 yen Children (elementary and junior high school): 300 yen Group Rates (30 people or more) Adults: 500 yen Children: 250 yen Discount for Persons with Disabilities: Adults: 400 yen Children: 200 yen Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

The building was designed by Junzo Sakakura, and nearby stands the former Ueno City Hall. Location 112 Marunouchi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0873 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours Regular Holiday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

The former Ueno City Hall, designed by Junzo Sakakura, a leading architect of modernist architecture, is designated as a cultural property by the city. In 2025, part of the building will open as an accommodation facility, and by 2026, it will be transformed into a library. This new library will serve as the central library for Iga City. A café will be located inside, allowing visitors to enjoy reading while sipping coffee in their preferred spot. The library will feature a children’s section, study rooms, and other amenities to provide a welcoming space for people of all ages. Location 116 Marunouchi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0873 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours Regular Holiday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Completed in 1900 (Meiji 33), this building was designed by Yoshihachi Shimizu, who had previously designed the Mie Prefectural Office and the Mie Prefectural Normal School. The structure is a single-story wooden building with clapboard siding and tiled roofing. Its long, east-west main body intersects with north-south wings at both ends. These wings slightly protrude at the front but extend further to the rear, forming an overall U-shaped layout. The central entrance hall at the front features a porch, accessed via a wide and tall stone staircase. The facade displays Japanese-style gabled roofs (irimoya) on the porch and the gable ends of the wings. As one of the few remaining examples from the dawn of Japanese Western-style architecture, this building is of significant historical importance. In the Tokai region, other notable examples include the former Mie Prefectural Office Building (relocated to Meiji Mura, completed in Meiji 12), designated as a National Important Cultural Property, and the former Mitsuke School building in Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture (completed in Meiji 8), designated as a National Historic Site. The stone pillars of the main gate at the front were constructed at the same time as the building. As of August 6, 2021 (Reiwa 3), the building’s name was changed from "Former Mie Prefecture Third Common Middle School Building" to "Former Mie Prefecture Third Middle School Building." Advance reservations are required to tour the interior. Location 107 Marunouchi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0873 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours Regular Holiday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

This building, said to have served as a model for police station offices throughout Mie Prefecture, is a single-story wooden structure with a hipped roof. Originally located at the eastern gate of the castle grounds, it was relocated to its current site in 1938 (Showa 13). The entrance features a gabled roof, and the vertically elongated double-hung windows are equipped with distinctive small eaves. The exterior design is further enhanced by decorative coloring applied to elements such as the corner posts, showcasing exceptional architectural style. Location 1-2 Marunouchi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0873 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours Regular Holiday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

A three-story wooden commercial building located in the center of Ueno City. Originally constructed as a warehouse, it is now used for offices and other purposes. The exterior features a granite stone finish on the first floor, mortar-coated walls on the upper floors, and a hipped roof with metal sheeting. This building serves as a reminder of the prosperity of Ueno City's central district before World War II. Location 3024 Nakamachi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0869 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours Regular Holiday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Currently used as a community hall in Nishimachi, Ueno, this building was originally a merchant house operating as a rice wholesaler during the Meiji period. The main house (pictured) is a gabled structure with its entrance on the side. While the layout has been significantly altered, particularly around the tatami room area, original features such as the row of rooms on the front side, the transoms, and the ceiling beams along the dirt-floor corridor are still visible. Behind the main house, there are auxiliary structures, including a well house, a bathhouse, and a toilet. At the very back of the property stands a large rice storehouse measuring 4.5 ken wide by 3 ken deep (approximately 8.2 meters by 5.5 meters). These elements provide insight into the spatial arrangement of an affluent merchant house of the time. Location 3411 Nishimachi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0868 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours Regular Holiday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Originally the residence of Morikawa Rokuemon, a money exchanger, this is considered the oldest surviving townhouse in the former Ueno castle town. The building is located on a corner lot with its front facing west. It features an irimoya-style roof (hip-and-gable), clay tiles, and a gable-end entrance. The front section is entirely a shop, with residential rooms arranged behind it. While significant modifications have been made to the interior partitions and fixtures, the structural framework and the low-eaved exterior retain much of the building's original appearance. Location 3337-1 Fukuicho, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0867 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours Regular Holiday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

A three-story station building constructed with the opening of the Iga Railway. It features a distinctive exterior, characterized by a Western-style mansard roof intersecting in a cross shape and vertically elongated windows arranged on the second floor. The exterior walls are finished with mortar, and the lower section is treated with a polished artificial stone finish, giving the building a solid and practical appearance. Widely cherished, it serves as a landmark in the city center. Location 61-2 Marunouchi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0873 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours Regular Holiday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

At the Ninja House, you can explore mechanisms such as revolving doors, hidden staircases, and trick doors, which were designed to protect the secrets of advanced techniques of the time, such as gunpowder mixing and ninjutsu passed down in ninja families. Demonstrations are provided with easy-to-understand explanations. In the Ninjutsu Experience Hall, you can see replicas of ninja tools recreated based on ninjutsu scrolls, including familiar items like shuriken (throwing stars) and mizugumo (water-walking devices). The Ninja Heritage Museum, housed in a converted rice storehouse, introduces the history and daily life of ninjas. Their way of life reflects the wisdom of the past and has relevance to the modern world. The museum also features the "Ninja Mandala," which depicts the deities and Buddhas revered by the Iga and Koga ninjas. During the Ninjutsu Performance Show, the Iga Ninja Special Forces "Ashura" demonstrate how ninjas used weapons and tools, fulfilled their roles, and protected themselves. The action-packed show, performed right before your eyes, includes everything from familiar shuriken throwing to dynamic stunts using real weapons, offering a variety of performances. Ninjutsu Performance Show Admission: 500 yen (No group discounts) Location 117 Marunouchi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0873 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours Weekdays: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (Last admission at 3:30 PM) Weekends and Holidays: 10:00 AM–4:30 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM) Regular Holiday December 29 to January 1 Admission Fee Adults (high school and older): 800 yen (700 yen) Children (ages 4 to junior high school): 500 yen (400 yen) (Amounts in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more) Admission Fees for Persons with Disabilities: Adults (high school and older): 500 yen Children (ages 4 to junior high school): 300 yen Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

A temple of the Jodo sect. It serves as the burial site for the Fujibayashi family, including Fujibayashi Samuji Yasutake, the author of Bansenshukai. Location 2296 Mancho, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0855 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours Regular Holiday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

The Ninja Villages of Iga and Koka: Japan Heritage A temple of the Shingon Daigo sect and the only fundamental Shugendo training center in Iga. Every April, the temple’s head priest leads the ninja memorial service held at the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum. Location 1739 Nishihinancho, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0848 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours Regular Holiday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

A temple of the Shingon Buzan sect. It succeeded Heirakuji Temple, which served as the council site for the Iga Sōkoku Ikki (Iga Provincial Uprising). It is also the burial site of Kawai Matagorō, who participated in the duel at Kagiya no Tsuji. Location 1157 Teramachi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0851 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours Regular Holiday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

The shrine buildings, which were reduced to ashes during the Tensho Iga War, were restored through the fundraising efforts of Shugendo practitioner Kotengu Seizo. A ridge tag (munafuda) from the great patron Todo Takatora remains. Known as the "Fire Prevention Deity," it is also referred to as the Ninja Shrine. Location 1825 Atagocho, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0846 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours Regular Holiday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Morimoto Bashōdō, a specialty katayaki (hard-baked confection) shop since 1897 (Meiji 30), continues to produce this famous Iga delicacy. The shop remains committed to its traditional manufacturing methods, crafting each item by hand. They offer a wide variety of products, among which their anko-iri katayaki (katayaki filled with sweet red bean paste) stands out. This unique creation was developed by the third-generation owner in 1980 (Showa 55) after much trial and error. It retains the characteristic aroma and texture of katayaki while allowing customers to enjoy the sweetness of the red bean filling. Location 953-7 Sanda, Iga City, Mie 518-0022 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:00 AM–6:00 PM Regular Holiday Sunday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

They are dedicated to traditional hand-baking methods, and factory tours are available. Visitors can also sample soft, semi-moist katayaki. If you're lucky, you might see senbei (rice crackers) being made and get to try some as well. Location 62 Hirano Higashimachi, Iga City, Mie 518-0810 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Regular Holiday Weekends and Holidays Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

A shop established in 1920 (Taisho 9) located along the Iga Kaido. The store has been renovated while preserving its original charm, with old shop curtains and traditional wooden molds for confections displayed throughout, allowing visitors to see and touch these historical artifacts. Be sure to check out their seasonal namagashi (traditional Japanese fresh confections) that beautifully reflect the changing seasons. Location 753-3 Kurazakacho, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0832 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:00 AM–6:00 PM Regular Holiday Sunday and Monday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

The shop takes its name, Tōsei, from the pen name Matsuo Bashō used when he first set out on his journey to Edo. Inspired by the young Bashō’s ambition for self-improvement, we dedicate ourselves daily to crafting traditional Japanese confections. Location 742 Kurazakacho, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0832 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 8:30 AM–7:00 PM Regular Holiday Thursday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

At Kineidō, we are committed to the quality of our ingredients, ensuring that customers can enjoy our confections with peace of mind. Location 251 Saimeiji, Iga City, Mie 518-0809 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 8:30 AM–6:30 PM Regular Holiday Irregular Holidays Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

One of Iga's specialties is katayaki, a hard-baked confection said to have originated as portable food for ninjas. Visitors can watch the production process of this unique treat. Location 8-31 Marunouchi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0873 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Regular Holiday Irregular Holidays Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Located on the corner of Honmachi Street at the entrance to the old castle path, with a view of Ueno Castle directly in front, stands a traditional white-walled building with latticework and dignified mushikago windows. Inside, the shop offers meticulously crafted Japanese confections made without additives, surrounded by a tranquil atmosphere brimming with the essence of wabi-sabi. Location 3009-1 Nakamachi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0869 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 8:30 AM–7:00 PM Regular Holiday Irregular Holidays Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

The building, over 100 years old, has been recognized with the "Best View of Danjiri" award. Inside, it serves as the Iga Machikado Museum, showcasing collections related to traditional Iga culture, along with old tools used for making confections. It’s a retro shop that feels like a time slip into the past. Location 3028 Nakamachi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0869 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:00 AM–6:00 PM Regular Holiday Thursday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

The long-established mochi shop, Kagiya, has been in business since the Edo period. Its name is said to be connected to the "Iga-goshi Kagiya-tsuji Duel," and the shop owners from the first generation to the tenth all took the name Kagiya San'emon. We offer many unique mochi confections that can only be found here, and they are highly regarded by our customers. In the summer, our shaved ice treats are also very popular. Location 3082-1 Kodamacho, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0866 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 8:00 AM–7:00 PM Regular Holiday Irregular Holidays Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Founded during the Keicho era (1596 – 1615), our shop has a long history of serving as a purveyor of wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) to the castle lords. In our sit-down store, guests can enjoy matcha tea sets alongside their sweets. We highly recommend our signature Iga confections, including the traditional creations "Goko no Kage," "Basho wo Shinobu," "Shio," and "Chogetsu." Location 2949 Higashimachi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0861 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours Regular Holiday 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Founded in 1852 (Kaei 5), this shop is renowned as the original maker of katayaki (hard-baked crackers), a product so trusted that it was carried by the 4th Antarctic Wintering Expedition. In addition to the traditional varieties topped with aonori (green seaweed) and sesame, the fifth-generation owner has introduced new flavors, including ones with nuts, offering a total of six distinct options. Location 2887-2 Uomachi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0865 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 10:00 AM–6:00 PM Regular Holiday Monday and Tuesday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

A mochi shop in Iga with a history of over 100 years. Look for the iconic zelkova tree behind Ueno Tenjin Shrine as a landmark. The shop’s signage and packaging design were created by the renowned calligrapher Bakuzan Sakaki. Location 2755-2 Shimmachi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0863 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours Regular Holiday Tuesday (Open on auspicious days and public holidays) Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Since its founding in 1905 (Meiji 38), Asahi Mochi has been dedicated to crafting confections with a unique flavor that only it can offer. Location 1349-6 Ikemachi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0853 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Regular Holiday Monday and Tuesday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

The art of Iga kumihimo (braided cords) began when Tokusaburo Hirose I mastered the braiding techniques and methods that remained in Edo and brought them back to this region, establishing his business in 1902 (Meiji 35). In 1976 (Showa 51), Iga kumihimo was designated as a traditional craft by the Japanese government and has since been carefully handed down through generations. We hope you will enjoy the refined artistry of Tokusaburo's braided cords, which embody the elegance of thread craftsmanship and the dignified essence of tradition. Iga Ninja Dojo's bo-shuriken throwing arena. Location 3635-1 Nishiootecho, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0878 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Regular Holiday Irregular Holidays Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Basho-o(Matsuo Basho) was born in 1644 (Shoho 1) in Iga City. From a young age, he served the Tōdō family, specifically Tōdō Shinshichirō, a samurai commander of the Tōdō clan's Iga division. Alongside Tōdō's heir, Semigin, Basho studied haikai (linked verse). He later moved to Edo and became a haikai poet. At the age of 37, he published Tōsei Montetsu Dokugin Nijukasen (Twenty Haikai Immortals of the Tōsei School), solidifying his position in the haikai world. Basho went on to establish a new style of haikai, now revered as the "Shōfū" style, making him the founding figure of modern haikai poetry. However, on October 12, 1694 (Genroku 7), at the age of 51, Basho passed away while traveling in Osaka. Note: In the detached room in the inner garden, Basho wrote his debut work, "Kai Oi" (The Seashell Game). Location 304 Akasakacho, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0871 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM) Regular Holiday Tuesday, Year-end and New Year Holidays Admission Fee Adults (university students and older): 300 yen (Group: 200 yen) Elementary, junior high, and high school students: 100 yen (Group: 60 yen; Group leaders are free) (Group discounts apply for groups of 20 or more) Combined Ticket for Basho Memorial Museum, Minomushi-an, and Historic Basho Birthplace: 750 yen Preschool children: Free Persons with a disability certificate: Free (MIRAIRO ID is accepted) Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Minomushi-an, one of Basho’s Five Hermitages (along with Mumei-an, Seiroku-an, Tōroku-an, and Hyōchiku-an), is the only one that still exists today. This grass hut belonged to Hattori Dohō, a disciple of Matsuo Basho. It was named after a verse Basho composed as a celebratory gift for the opening of the hermitage in March of 1688 (Jōkyō 5): "Come and listen to the sound of the bagworm—this grassy hermitage." At Minomushi-an, Dohō collected Basho’s final words and compiled them into the work Sanzōshi (The Three Volumes). Location 1820 Nishihinancho, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0848 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM) Regular Holiday 火曜日、年末年始 Admission Fee Adults (university students and older): 300 yen (Group: 200 yen) Elementary, junior high, and high school students: 100 yen (Group: 60 yen; Group leaders are free) (Group discounts apply for groups of 20 or more) Combined Ticket for Basho Memorial Museum, Minomushi-an, and Historic Basho Birthplace: 750 yen Preschool children: Free Persons with a disability certificate: Free (MIRAIRO ID is accepted) Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

In 1959 (Showa 34), the facility was built as part of a project to honor the renowned haiku master Matsuo Basho, thanks to the generous donation of Mr. Mitsunosuke Kambe. The Basho Library inside houses an extensive collection, including Basho’s authentic writings and materials related to linked verse (renga) and haikai poetry from the early modern period to the present day. The exhibition room displays these valuable materials, offering visitors a chance to delve into Basho’s legacy and the evolution of haikai poetry. Location 117-13 Marunouchi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0873 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM) Regular Holiday Closed temporarily during the year-end and New Year holidays, and for exhibit changes, fumigation of archives, or other reasons. Admission Fee Adults (university students and older): 300 yen (Group: 200 yen) Elementary, junior high, and high school students: 100 yen (Group: 60 yen; Group leaders are free) (Group discounts apply for groups of 20 or more) Combined Ticket for Basho Memorial Museum, Minomushi-an, and Historic Basho Birthplace: 750 yen Preschool children: Free Persons with a disability certificate: Free (MIRAIRO ID is accepted) Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Henkōzan Ganjōji is a Shingon Buddhist temple, serving as the family temple of the Matsuo family. Known as Aizen-in due to its enshrinement of Aizen Myōō (the Ragaraja deity), it also houses the **Furusato-zuka**, a memorial mound containing the hair relics of Matsuo Basho. In the Meiji era, literary figures such as Ozaki Kōyō and Emi Suiin visited this temple, leaving behind commemorative photographs of their visit. Location 354 Noninjimachi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0813 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours Regular Holiday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Nishimachi Yakakan is a multipurpose facility located in Ueno Nishimachi, renovated and opened on the former Matsuo residence. The name "Yakakan" was inspired by the kakan (floral crown) of the Nishimachi float featured in the Ueno Tenjin Festival. The facility includes a coffee stand, an Iga brand specialty shop, a tempura restaurant, and a tourist information center, serving as a hub for various activities. It also houses the Iga Ninja Dojo's Walking Techniques Training Area. Location 3370 Nishimachi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0868 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:00 AM–6:00 PM Regular Holiday Irregular holidays (Closed during the year-end and New Year holidays) Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Yōkanzuke is a traditional pickled delicacy from Iga, made by hollowing out the cores of Iga’s specialty **Iga shiro-uri** (white gourd) and filling them with chopped shiso leaves, ginger, daikon, cucumbers, and other ingredients, then aging them in tamari soy sauce. The name "Yōkanzuke" derives from the practice of Iga domain lord Tōdō Takatora, who carried it as a staple during military campaigns, believing it nourished the courage and spirit ("liver") of samurai. It is also said to have been a portable food for ninja. The Miyazakiya store, founded in 1865 (Keiō 1), has been making Yōkanzuke for over 150 years. Their pickles are aged in barrels that have been in use since the early Meiji era, requiring a meticulous process that takes two years to complete. This unique taste of Iga makes for an excellent souvenir. Also on-site is the Iga Ninja Dojo’s Artillery Training Area. Location 3017 Nakamachi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0869 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (Sundays until 5:30 PM) Regular Holiday 2nd and 3rd Thursdays of every month (except August and December) January 1 (Open until noon on December 31) Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Iga, widely recognized as the birthplace of ninja, is a land where these shadowy figures once influenced history from the shadows. Even today, the true nature of ninja remains shrouded in mystery, captivating people around the world. Kyomaruyama, born in this sacred ninja land of Iga, is a souvenir brand themed around "Iga and Ninja." The brand offers a range of products featuring original ukiyo-e-style ninja illustrations, alongside collaborative items that celebrate this enigmatic legacy. Location 126-1 Marunouchi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0873 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 11:00 AM–4:00 PM Regular Holiday Monday and Tuesday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Founded in 1908 (Meiji 41), this long-established liquor store has been in business for over a century. The shop offers a wide selection of products from breweries dedicated to meticulous craftsmanship. It works directly with all Iga sake brewers, as well as local wine and beer producers, and carries numerous original items. A coin-operated tasting server allows visitors to enjoy sampling Iga sake and local wines at their leisure (available from 10:30 to 17:30). Don’t miss the opportunity to try their carefully curated selection of premium Iga sake! Location 459 Noninjimachi, Iga City, Mie 518-0831 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:00 AM–7:00 PM Regular Holiday Irregular Sundays (Check the website for details) Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Long ago, travelers would stop by **sekisho** (checkpoints) along their journeys. Inspired by this concept, the shop owner strives to create a welcoming space akin to a checkpoint, where guests can find comfort through quality sake. With the largest selection of Iga’s local sake, the shop ensures optimal storage with strict temperature control. The friendly and approachable owner values connections with customers, making every visit enjoyable with lively conversations about sake, Iga’s history, and more. In addition to sake, the shop offers high-quality products like coffee beans, continuing a tradition of excellence since its founding. The seasonal displays are another delightful highlight, changing throughout the year! Location 2914 Uomachi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0865 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:30 AM–8:30 PM Regular Holiday 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

We offer sales of Iga kumihimo (braided cord) products and provide information about hands-on workshops and events at Kumihimo no Sato, the home of Iga kumihimo craftsmanship. Visitors can also learn about the history and techniques of this traditional craft, designated as an official Traditional Craft of Japan. Location 116-2 Marunouchi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0873 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Regular Holiday Every Monday except holidays Admission Fee Admission Free Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

At the Ueno Tenjingu Autumn Festival, three traditional danjiri floats and the rare Oni Parade are featured. These iconic elements are recreated and displayed for visitors to admire. You can also enjoy high-definition videos with immersive visuals and sound that capture the festival's vibrant atmosphere. The facility includes a Ninja Transformation Center, where visitors can rent ninja costumes, adding an interactive experience to their visit. Additionally, there is a local products shop for souvenirs and the Iga Ueno Tourism Information Center, operated by the Iga Ueno Tourism Association. Admission is free! Location 122-4 Marunouchi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0873 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Regular Holiday December 29 to January 1, Ueno Tenjin Festival, Danjiri replacement Admission Fee Adults: 600 yen (500 yen) Children: 400 yen (300 yen) (Amounts in parentheses are for groups of 30 or more) Discounted Rates for Persons with Disabilities: Adults: 400 yen Children: 200 yen Caregivers: 400 yen (Only for caregivers of individuals with Level 1 disabilities or wheelchair users) Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Located in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, Sanda Shinkashi Costume Rental is a long-established shop with a history of over 60 years in Iga Ueno. To help visitors fully enjoy their time in the birthplace of ninjas, the shop offers costumes that allow you to transform into a ninja. Why not explore the streets of Iga Ueno dressed as a ninja? It’s sure to be a unique and enjoyable experience unlike anything in everyday life. Make unforgettable memories in Iga with this special opportunity! Location 289 Akasakacho, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0871 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:30 AM–6:00 PM Regular Holiday Thursday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Sugawara Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, revered as the patron deity of scholarship, the guardian deity of cattle and horses, and the guardian of childbirth for the 6,000 households of the former Ueno Town. The exact date of the shrine’s founding is unknown, but it originally enshrined agricultural deities and served as the guardian deity of Ueno-yama (the present site of Iga Ueno Castle) and the garangami (protective deities of temple complexes) of Heirakuji Temple. After the upheaval of the Tenshō Iga War in 1581 (Tenshō 9), the shrine was relocated to its current site in 1611 (Keichō 16) by Tōdō Takatora during the construction of the castle town, becoming the protective shrine for the castle grounds. Sugawara Shrine gained further renown as a deity of literature when Matsuo Basho, at the age of 29, dedicated his first poetry collection, Kai Oi (The Seashell Game), before departing for Edo. A stone monument titled "Site of the Kai Oi Dedication" stands in front of the torii gate and was designated a municipal historic site on April 27, 1972 (Showa 47). The Ueno Tenjin Festival, with over 400 years of history, is the shrine’s annual autumn festival held in October. In 2002 (Heisei 14), it was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the Japanese government. Additionally, on December 1, 2016, the festival’s Danjiri Float Event was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity under the "Yama, Hoko, and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan." Location 2929 Higashimachi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0861 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours Regular Holiday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Founded in 1909 (Meiji 42), our shop in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, specializes in tea and tea ceremony utensils. We also offer Iga souvenirs and operate a café for visitors to enjoy. On-site is the Iga Ninja Dojo’s Shuriken Throwing Arena, where you can experience the art of ninja weaponry firsthand. Location 3130 Kodamacho, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0866 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:00 AM–7:30 PM (Cafe: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM) Regular Holiday Every Thursday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

A specialty store dedicated to ninja goods, located in Iga Ueno, the birthplace of Iga-style ninjutsu. This unique ninja shop stands out in the heart of Ninja Village, offering a wide array of products, including ninja costumes, merchandise, and T-shirts, all packed into its cozy interior. Most items are original and exclusively available at this store. The shop enjoys broad appeal, attracting tourists and devoted ninja enthusiasts from around the globe. Popular items include stylish ninja T-shirts and authentic ninja tools like shuriken. Location 1938 Atagocho, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0846 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:00 AM–6:00 PM Regular Holiday Wednesday, December 31, January 1 Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

Opened in 2001 on Ginza Street, this stylish establishment offers a relaxing space where you can enjoy a meal with your beloved dog. The dog menu reflects the owner’s philosophy of providing "safe and trustworthy food I’d give to my own dog," ensuring careful attention to ingredients and preparation. The shop corner features a wide selection of curated dog items, including dog wear, food, and grooming products. Uniquely rooted in the ninja heritage of Iga, the facility also doubles as a Ninja Dog Transformation Center, offering rental and sales of ninja costumes for dogs! Location 2678-1 Shinobicho, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0854 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:00 AM–7:30 PM (Weekdays) / 9:00 AM–7:00 PM (Weekends and Holidays) Regular Holiday Tuesday Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

The former Sūkōdō was established in 1821 (Bunsei 4) by Tōdō Takasawa, the 10th lord of the Ise-Tsu domain. It served as a branch school of the domain’s main academy, Yūzōkan, to educate the youth of Iga, Yamato, and Yamashiro regions. In 1854 (Kaei 7), the Ansei Iga Ueno Earthquake destroyed most of the buildings except for the lecture hall, which was later restored. Historical drawings show that the eastern section housed the academic area (bunkyōjō) and the western section was for martial arts (budōjō), separated by a moat. Today, the academic section remains, featuring structures such as the Red Gate (Bengara-mon), also known as the Front Gate, the Onarimon (Gate for the domain lord’s visits), the Ugakiryō (student dormitory), the entrance hall, the lecture hall, the northern quarters, the kitchen, and the library. This is the only surviving domain school in the Kinki and Tokai regions with such an extensive array of original buildings. Notably, the lecture hall’s façade bears a plaque inscribed by Uesugi Yōzan, the feudal lord of the Yonezawa domain, adding to its historical significance. Location 78-1 Marunouchi, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0873 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:00 AM–4:30 PM Regular Holiday Tuesdays (except holidays) and December 29 to January 3 Admission Fee Adults: 300 yen (200 yen) Elementary to High School Students: 100 yen (60 yen) (Amounts in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more) Discount for Persons with Disabilities: Free Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

During the Edo period, most samurai residences were owned by the domain and rented out to its retainers. Samurai lived in homes that matched their duties and stipends. The Irikō Residence was granted to Irikō Kampei during a property reassignment in the Kansei era (1789 – 1800). The gate of the Irikō Residence is a nagaya-mon (row house gate), a distinctive feature of samurai residences, highlighting its historical and architectural significance. Location 2828 Aioicho, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0859 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM) Regular Holiday Every Tuesday and December 29 to January 3 Admission Fee General Admission: 300 yen (200 yen) Elementary to High School Students: 100 yen (60 yen) (Amounts in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more) Discount for Persons with Disabilities: Free Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS

The Akai Residence, located in Iga City’s Ueno Shinobi-machi, is a former samurai residence that has been renovated and registered as a Tangible Cultural Property (building), making it accessible for public use. Within the facility, visitors can explore structures that evoke the atmosphere of a castle town, including the main house, storehouse, and tea room, as well as a garden preserved and maintained from the residence's previous owners. The individual rooms are available for rent, and the garden is open for free viewing. The Akai family originally served as lords of Kuroi Castle in Tanba Province. After a period of house arrest in Kyoto, they were invited by Tōdō Takatora to settle in Iga, where they were granted a stipend of 1,000 koku and appointed as captains of foot soldiers. Ueno Shinobi-machi, where the residence is located, was a samurai district that spanned the southern part of the castle town’s Sansuji-machi area. The Akai Residence itself is situated on the western side of Nakanotate-machi Street, which runs north to south through the heart of the castle town. Location 2491-1 Shinobicho, Ueno, Iga City, Mie 518-0854 Google Map Check with Google Maps Access Parking Business Hours 9:00 AM–10:00 PM (Subject to change during events) Regular Holiday Every Wednesday and December 29 to January 3 Admission Fee Phone Number Official Website Official Website SNS