Mie, Japan: Things to do in Iga-Ueno

While planning for this trip in Mie, I have two options on where to experience ninja activities. One is Ninja Kingdom Ise in Futamicho Mitsu.  But I chose the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum in Uenomarunouchi due to its location which is on my way to Seki Post the next day.  And other reasons listed below are the things you can do in Iga-Ueno.

Hunt the ninjas on your way

I suggest that you use the Uenoshi Station or Ninja City Station when you visit Iga-Ueno.  There are a lot of ninja mannequins around the station.

Was also able to collect some travelling stamps.

I've been travelling around Japan since 2012, but this my first time to see a Pokemon manhole.  Check Oshawott. 

Was able to continue to see ninjas on the streets and shops.

Able to collect other stamps from Iga Tourist center.

Visit Iga-ryu Ninja Museum

While waiting for the schedule of ninja house tour, we were sent to Ninja Folklore Museum.

Close-up photos were not allowed, but the text includes English.

Next, were allowed to enter Iga-ryu Ninja Museum.

伊賀流忍者博物館

117 Uenomarunouchi, Iga, Mie 518-0873, Japan

Videos are not allowed, but photos are permitted.  Among all the exhibitions, my favorite is he allowed us to try the sliding door.  And received high remarks among the three guests during that time. 

We also tried the peeping hole when checking visitors on the door. 

After the house tour, we went to a tunnel or basement like museum.  

English text are available on the museum.  Plus, some exhibits are allowed to be physically touched. 

I suggest that you watch House of Ninja in Netflix before visiting a Ninja city. 

They also have shuriken throwing experience, but for safety I have not tried it. 

There is also a section for series of torii gates - Shiroyama Inari Shinto Shrine.

Moving to my next destination is like having a hike and adventure to a deep forest.  

Go to Iga Ueno Castle

More of this overlooking view when you reach the top of the castle. 

伊賀上野城 

106 Uenomarunouchi, Iga, Mie 518-0873, Japan

Got my second stamp of 100 castles to visit in Japan.  My first time seeing this stamp was from Matsuyama castle. 

You'll find these familiar if you watched House of Ninjas.  

Ceiling of the third floor of the castle has 46 pieces of large card that were from renowned politicians, painters and poets.

Also, surrounding the third floor are bows and arrows for interior decoration symbolizes the peaceful years.

Hiking the steep stairs will give you this overlooking view in the end. 

Additional stamps available at the castle. 

Pass by another deep forest scene when leaving the castle and going back to the townscape. 

Cross the train tracks

Going to provinces and even going further into the back streets, I find myself being into train tracks.  I really do not recommend taking a photo of these scenes, but if you do it someday, please be careful, be mindful, always follow the traffic rules and love your life.

Discover the back streets

Read the map to be familiar with where you want to go.  Visit local stores, try local snacks.

Be respectful to the locals when taking backshots. Appreciate the local street scene.

If you have more available time, try to check or create your personal handicrafts. 

Visit the older streets

Facade of Sankeiji in Uenoebisumachi

Have a walk along Teramachi Dori.

Here you'll see places of worship, Shinto shrine and multiple Buddhist temples.

Pay respect and be thankful, visit Catholic Ueno Church

伊賀流忍者博物館    幼きイエス カトリック上野教会 

133 Uenomarunouchi, Iga, Mie 518-0873, Japan  

Check Google for the open schedule; Close on Monday,Thursday, Friday.

Fill-up your tummy, enjoy the food

Check the restaurants and cafe I have visited in Iga-Ueno. 

Spend a night at Nipponia Hotel

End your day by spending a night at Nipponia Hotel.