This video will feature the Iga Ninja Museum in Iga City and the Ninja Show (ninja martial arts demonstration). This museum, which welcomes visitors from around the world each year, details the history, tools and techniques of the ninja, who are said to have influenced 500 years of Japanese history.

The ninja are known for their impressive physical prowess and ninjutsu—ninja unique martial arts, knowledge and techniques used for information gathering, etc. To learn more about this fascinating art, head to Iga!

The first stop on a trip to the Iga Ninja Museum is the Ninja House. At first glance,it looks like a normal, traditionally built Japanese house, but hidden in its walls and floors are the secret doors and weapon compartments that the ninjas used.

Kunoichi (female ninja) and ninja guide visitors through the house, explaining the fascinating ways that the ninja defended and hid themselves using the secret mechanisms embedded in the building.

After visiting the Ninja House, visitors move on to the Ninja Experience Hall, where clothing, tools and weapons used by the ninja are on display. The artifacts on display are well preserved, and many have explanations in English, Japanese, Chinese and other languages regarding their purpose.

After leaving the Ninja Experience Hall, visitors enter the Ninja Tradition Hall. This exhibit explains various ninjutsu techniques. Visitors can also view models of secret tunnels that the ninjas dug beneath the villages where they lived. There is also plenty of information about the everyday life and wisdom of the ninja on display.

Ninja goods are also on sale at the museum shop.

Ninja Show

The ninja troupe “Ashura” demonstrates ninjutsu techniques using real ninja tools during this breathtaking show. It takes 5 years of training to be recognized as a part of this group, which performs internationally.

What a spectacular performance! Children in the audience will marvel at the the display of ninja techniques and even adults will be amazed by the performer’s abilities. Take a look at this demonstration using a real sword.

The ninja performers are quick and agile, using real ninja tools to demonstrate battle techniques before your eyes. Each show is about 20 minutes long.

Before leaving the Ninjutsu Demonstration, you can try your hand at throwing shuriken, the well-known star-shaped throwing weapons used by the ninja.

Admission to the Iga Ninja Museum is 700 yen for adults and 400 yen for children. Admission to the Ninjutsu demonstration is separate and costs 300 yen. Shuriken throwing costs 200 yen for 5 throws.

You can also buy a comprehensive ticket that covers admission to the Iga Ninja Museum, Iga Ueno Castle, and the Danjiri Museum for 1450 yen (800 yen for children and 500 yen for infants).

The Iga Ninja Museum is open from 9AM to 5PM each day. Last admission is at 4:30 PM.

Getting to the Iga Ninja Museum

The Iga Ninja Museum is located in the heart of Iga City, in the same area as Iga Ueno Castle.

Those arriving by train should take the Kintetsu Osaka Line to Iga-Kanbe station, transfer to the Iga Railway, and get off at Uenoshi Station. The museum is a 7 minute walk from the station.

Alternatively, visitors using the JR line should get off at Iga Ueno Station and transfer to either the Iga Railway or the bus and ride to Uenoshi Station.

To reach the museum by car, take the Meihan National Highway to the Nakase IC(Exit 13) and exit onto National Road 163 heading west. Or head north after exiting at the Ueno Higashi IC (exit 15). The museum is a 5 minute drive from both of these exits.

Iga-ryu Ninja Museum (伊賀流忍者博物館) Home Page: http://iganinja.jp/