Iga City in Mie Prefecture is the birthplace of the " Iga-ryu Ninja," widely known both in Japan and internationally. The mysterious and fascinating ninja culture is still passed down today, attracting many tourists from all over the world. This article provides detailed information about transportation access and tourist attractions in Iga City.
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The Mie Kotsu Group connects the attractions of Mie Prefecture, such as Ise Shrine, the natural beauty of Ise - Shima, and Matsusaka beef, through our transportation and tourism businesses, providing everyone with comfortable travel experiences and local information.
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Table of Contents
- Access to Iga
- Tourist Spot ①: Iga Castle
- Tourist Spot ②: Iga-ryu Ninja Museum
- Tourist Spot ③: Iga-ryu Ninja Experience Facility "Bansen Shukai"
- Enjoy a trip to Iga with Mie .
Access to Iga
Iga City is a day-trip destination accessible from Nagoya in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can reach Iga mainly by train or highway bus. This article will provide detailed information on each access method!
Train (departing from Nagoya)
From Nagoya , you can access Ueno shi Station on the Iga Railway by taking the JR or Kintetsu line.
If you're visiting by train, you absolutely must ride the Iga Railway's famous "Ninja Train." Introduced in 2018, the "Ninja Train" was designed by Japanese manga artist Matsumoto Matsumoto and features three distinctive body designs in blue, green, and pink. Its unique design, expressing the world of ninjas, has made it a popular attraction for many tourists.
However, if you use the train, you need to pay attention to transfer times and the frequency of trains. For those who want to reduce the hassle of transfers and access Iga more comfortably, the express bus is recommended.
Highway bus
The express bus operated by Mie connects Nagoya and Iga in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes (travel time may vary depending on road conditions). Advance reservations are not required; you can purchase tickets on the day of travel. Furthermore, the service operates even with just one passenger, making it a convenient option for daily use. It's a recommended mode of transportation for those who want comfortable and smooth access to Iga.
The express bus stop is located on the 3rd floor of the Meitetsu Bus Center, adjacent to Nagoya Station, making it easily accessible and convenient. For more detailed information, please check the Mie official website.
Tourist Spot ①: Iga Castle
Iga Castle is one of Iga's most representative tourist attractions and is affectionately known as "Hakuhō Castle" (White Phoenix Castle) due to its beautiful white exterior. Furthermore, Ishigaki, which boast a height of approximately 30 meters, are among the tallest existing Ishigaki in Japan, and offer an overwhelming sense of grandeur.
Iga Castle was renovated by Todo Takatora, a renowned general who served Tokugawa Ieyasu. Currently, the castle houses exhibits of armor and swords associated with the Todo family, as well as materials introducing the history of Iga. When you visit Iga, be sure to enjoy the beautiful view of the castle town from the castle tower while soaking up the historical atmosphere.
Tourist Spot ②: Iga-ryu Ninja Museum
The Iga-ryu Ninja Museum is located within Ueno Castle Park, near Iga Castle. It is accessible in about 5 minutes on foot from Ueno shi Station on the Iga Railway. Inside the museum, you can experience ninja tricks and hiding techniques in the "Ninja House," the "Ninja Museum" which introduces the history and culture of Iga ninjas, and enjoy an exciting ninja show. You can also participate in a shuriken throwing experience and fully enjoy the charm of ninja culture.
*Separate tickets are required for the ninja show and shuriken throwing experience.
Tourist Spot ③: Iga-ryu Ninja Experience Facility "Bansen Shukai"
"Bansenshukai" is a new interactive facility that opened in August 2025. Its name is derived from "Bansenshukai," a secret manual of ninja techniques passed down through the Iga ninja clan. Inside the facility, visitors can learn more about the history and culture of the Iga ninja through various experiences.
We currently offer two types of experience plans, allowing you to experience the allure of ninjas through various ninja activities, such as changing into ninja costumes and trying your hand at throwing shuriken. All experiences take place indoors, and the facility is equipped with air conditioning and heating, so you can enjoy them comfortably even on rainy, hot, or cold days.
Enjoy a trip to Iga with Mie .
For a more convenient and enjoyable sightseeing experience in Iga, we recommend Mie's special discount tickets. These tickets include transportation, museum admission, or a ninja experience, allowing you to combine transportation and sightseeing into one package. For details and reservations, please visit the official website.
Easily accessible from Nagoya, Iga is a perfect day trip destination. Why not take a Mie express bus and explore Iga, a place steeped in history, culture, and the allure of ninjas? Enjoy a truly memorable and special trip.
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