Overview
Iga (伊賀), also called Iga-Ueno (伊賀上野), is a compact city in Mie prefecture famous as the birthplace of legendary ninja Hanzō Hattori and haiku poet Matsuo Bashō. The town centers on Ueno Park (上野公園), where you can explore ninja museums, a reconstructed castle, and follow in Bashō's literary footsteps.
Architecture · Budget Travel · Culture · Day Trips · History
Before you go
Connectivity
Japan uses Type A/B power plugs (same as US). Pocket WiFi rentals are available at airports. SIM cards sold at convenience stores.
Culture
Respectful behavior at temples and museums is expected. Remove shoes when indicated. Photography rules vary by attraction.
Money
Japan uses yen (¥). ATMs at convenience stores accept foreign cards. Most establishments take cash and some accept credit cards.
Safety
Iga is a quiet, safe city. Standard urban precautions apply. Ninja museum demonstrations involve real weapons; observe safety instructions.
Transport
Iga-Kanbe and Iga-Ueno are the main stations, connected by Kintetsu Iga Line to Ueno-shi Station (¥220, 5 min). Osaka via Kintetsu takes 45-90 min depending on train type.