What to know
Iga City (Iga-shi) was formed in 2004 through the merger of Ueno City and five surrounding towns and villages. The city takes its name from the former Iga Province, which covered part of what is now Mie Prefecture. To avoid confusion with other places named Ueno, the area is commonly called Iga Ueno.
Iga Ueno is best known for its ninja heritage. The Iga school of ninjutsu, based in the former Ueno City, was one of Japan's two leading ninja schools during the feudal era (the Koka school in neighboring Shiga Prefecture was the other). Today, visitors flock to Iga Ueno to explore its excellent ninja museum.
Iga Ueno is also the birthplace of one of Japan's greatest poets, Matsuo Basho, who lived during the early Edo Period. A memorial museum, his birth home, and a former hermitage are among the city's Basho-related sites.
