Iga City, in Mie Prefecture, is best known as the historic home of the Iga-ryū ninja, set within a compact and walkable castle town. Highlights include Iga Ueno Castle in Ueno Park and the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum, where interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and a traditional ninja house bring local history to life. The city is also the birthplace of Matsuo Basho, Japan’s most celebrated haiku poet, with museums and memorials dedicated to his life and work, adding cultural depth beyond the ninja legacy.
Iga appeals to a wide range of travellers. History and culture lovers will enjoy the preserved streets, museums and seasonal festivals such as the Ueno Tenjin Festival. Families and first-time visitors are drawn to the hands-on ninja experiences, while food and craft enthusiasts can explore local sake, Iga beef and traditional crafts like Iga-yaki pottery. For nature lovers, the nearby Akame 48 Waterfalls offers scenic hiking in a landscape once used for ninja training, making Iga an easy and rewarding addition to a central Japan itinerary.