Iga Ninja Museum

What to know

Ninja were a type of warrior in feudal Japan, specializing in gathering enemy intelligence and carrying out espionage and sabotage. The Iga School of ninjutsu (the art of stealth), based in Iga Ueno, was one of Japan's leading ninja schools, alongside the Koka School in neighboring Shiga Prefecture.

The compact but well-executed Iga Ninja Museum (忍者博物館, Ninja Hakubutsukan) offers a comprehensive ninja experience: it includes a ninja residence, two exhibition halls, and a stage for ninja shows. The ninja house looks ordinary from the outside, but inside it features revolving walls, trap doors, and hidden compartments. Visitors receive a guided tour of the house with explanations of its various tricks.

The exhibition halls display ninja tools, gadgets, costumes, and weapons. They also provide insights into the ninja way of life and practical techniques, such as telling time by observing a cat's pupils. Exhibits include signs in Japanese and English.

The ninja show showcases authentic ninja skills and real weapons, including an impressive demonstration of throwing stars. Although the shows are conducted only in Japanese, they are highly entertaining for non-Japanese speakers as the action speaks for itself.

The Iga Ninja Museum is located in Ueno Park, a 5-10 minute walk north of Uenoshi Station.