Iga is the birthplace of the ninja — and a full day here goes far beyond what any textbook or movie could show. At the Iga-Ueno Ninja Museum, costumed guides reveal the secrets of a real shinobi house: hidden doors, concealed weapons, and rooms designed to trap intruders. Then try throwing real shuriken yourself.
The day also includes Iga-Ueno Castle, one of Japan's most dramatic hilltop fortresses with Japan's highest stone walls. Your English or Chinese speaking guide brings the history alive throughout the day.
- Bansenshukai Ninja Experience — hands-on activities in an authentic setting
- Iga-Ryu Ninja Museum with live demonstrations by costumed ninja
- Real shuriken (ninja star) throwing experience
- 400-year-old authentic ninja residence with hidden rooms
- Iga-Ueno Castle grounds — scenic hilltop walk
- Private door-to-door vehicle from your hotel in Nagoya
- English or Chinese speaking guide
Tour Price
per group
+ Expressway tolls, fuel & parking (approx. ¥14,000)
Bansenshukai admission ¥4,000/person · Ninja Museum ¥1,000/person
Lunch not included
What to Expect
Your Day, Step by Step
Departure from Your Hotel in Nagoya
Your guide picks you up at your hotel. The drive to Iga takes approximately 1.5 hours by expressway.
Bansenshukai — Ninja Experience
Dive into an immersive ninja experience at Bansenshukai. Try on ninja gear, learn the basics of stealth and survival, and discover the real world of the shinobi — far more nuanced than any movie portrayal.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Iga. Your guide will recommend options based on your group's preference.
Iga-Ryu Ninja Museum
Explore a real 400-year-old ninja residence with costumed guides revealing hidden doors, concealed weapons, and clever traps. Watch live ninja demonstrations and try throwing real shuriken yourself.
Iga-Ueno Castle Grounds — Scenic Walk
Stroll the hilltop castle grounds and enjoy the panoramic views over the castle town. (Castle interior not included.)
Departure for Nagoya
Head back to Nagoya with memories — and possibly a shuriken or two — to take home.
Arrive Back at Your Hotel in Nagoya
Approximate return time. Actual times may vary depending on traffic.
Inside the Iga-Ueno Ninja Museum
What's Covered
Included & Not Included
Private Vehicle
Door-to-door pickup and drop-off at your Nagoya hotel. Comfortable private car for up to 7 guests.
English or Chinese Guide
Your guide accompanies you throughout the day, translating demonstrations and explaining the ninja world in English or Chinese.
Shuriken Experience
Real shuriken throwing included as part of the Ninja Museum visit.
Not Included
Expressway tolls · Fuel & parking (approx. ¥14,000) · Bansenshukai admission ¥4,000/person · Ninja Museum ¥1,000/person · Lunch & drinks
Why Iga, with Misae
A guide certified by
Mie Prefecture itself.
Misae is a certified member of the MIE Navigators — a programme run by Mie Prefecture to train official regional guides. Iga is in Mie Prefecture, and Misae's deep knowledge of the region's history and culture means she can bring the ninja story to life in a way that no guidebook can. You're not just visiting a museum — you're understanding why Iga became the home of ninjutsu.
Learn about MIE Navigators →In the Moment
A day that looks like this.
Iga Ueno Castle & the Town
Strolling toward the castle under late cherry blossoms
Iga Ueno Castle — one of Japan's most distinctive keeps
The castle grounds make for a perfect family photo
Taking in the view from the castle ruins
The white walls of Iga Castle rise above the trees
Inside the Ninja Museum
伊賀流忍者体験施設 — where the day's adventure begins
The Ninshuden — ninjutsu training centre, steeped in atmosphere
18 ninja arts listed above — each one taught in this region
An original scroll — the history of Iga's ninja clans
The Bansenshukai — the most complete ninja manual ever written
Real shuriken in every shape — not just the star kind
The Experience
Everyone gets dressed as a ninja — kids especially love this part
Inside the immersive cave — feeling like real ninja recruits
Ready for training
Fully absorbed — learning the secrets of ninjutsu
Learning the kuji-in — ninja hand signs, step by step
Shuriken — Up Close
That look of concentration — a moment they won't forget
Even the little ones get to hold a real shuriken
The real thing — iron shuriken, centuries of history in your hands
Shuriken came in dozens of shapes — most people never knew
Inside the Museum — More Moments
Misae translates everything — the museum labels are all in Japanese
Real historical ninja attire — not the black suit you imagined
The ninja face board — impossible to resist
Mizugumo — the mud shoes ninjas used to cross swamps
He came prepared — the Total Ninja t-shirt says it all
The Ninja House — Hidden Doors & Surprises
The moment the hidden staircase appeared — pure joy
The ninja guide reveals another secret — there are many
That laugh — the hidden doors get everyone
A live demonstration of a ninja rope technique
The ninja performer joins the family — a crowd favourite moment
The Shrine Visit
A tunnel of torii — one of those moments that stops you still
Learning how to offer a proper Japanese prayer
The quiet beauty of a local shrine in spring
A paper shuriken to take home — for the youngest ninja in the group
The End of the Day
Not quite ready to say goodbye — that's a good sign
The masu — a personalised cedar sake cup, engraved with each guest's name
One last smile, one lasting memory
Good to Know
Practical Information
Great for Families
This tour is especially popular with families. Children love the shuriken throwing and ninja demonstrations. The pace is relaxed and fully adaptable to your group.
Meeting Point
Your hotel lobby in the Nagoya area. Pickup from Nagoya Station area can also be arranged. Please confirm your hotel at booking.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes. The castle involves steep stair climbing. A small bag for souvenirs is recommended — the ninja shop is hard to leave empty-handed.
Cancellation
Please see our cancellation policy for full details. We recommend booking in advance during school holidays.