Iga Ninja Museum (Iga-ryu Ninja Museum)

The Iga Ninja Museum (伊賀流忍者博物館) in Iga Ueno offers an immersive experience into Japan’s mysterious world of ninjas. Once home to the renowned Iga School of ninjutsu, this museum brings to life the secrets of these stealthy warriors. Explore the ninja residence, which may appear ordinary at first but is filled with hidden compartments, trap doors, and revolving walls designed for covert operations. Visitors can join a guided tour to discover the fascinating mechanisms used by ninjas to outsmart their enemies.

In addition to the ninja house, the museum showcases a collection of authentic ninja tools, weapons, and costumes. Exhibits explain the various techniques and skills used by these warriors, such as telling time by observing a cat's pupils. The excitement reaches its peak during the live ninja shows, where skilled performers demonstrate the use of real ninja weapons, including throwing stars. Though the shows are in Japanese, the action-packed performances are universally captivating, making the Iga Ninja Museum a must-visit for those interested in Japan’s rich history and martial arts.