What to know
Iga City (伊賀市, 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 present-day Mie Prefecture. To avoid confusion with other places named Ueno, the area is commonly called Iga Ueno (伊賀上野).
Iga Ueno is best known for its ninja heritage. During the feudal era, the Iga school of ninjutsu—the art of stealth—was based in what was once Ueno City. Along with the Koka school in neighboring Shiga Prefecture, it was one of Japan's two leading ninja schools. Today, visitors flock to Iga Ueno to explore its excellent ninja museum.
Iga Ueno is also the birthplace of Basho Matsuo, one of Japan's greatest poets, who lived during the early Edo period. The city features several sites related to Basho, including a memorial museum, his birth home, and a former hermitage.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Closed
- Admission
- English name
- Original name
- Iga Ueno
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