Iga Ninja Experience: Dress Up, Throw Shuriken & Explore a Samurai Castle (4h Private)
Discover the real world of ninja in Iga, the birthplace of the Iga-ryu Ninja.
This tour combines a visit to Iga-ryu Ninja Museum and Iga Ueno Castle with a walk through the historic castle town.
With a nationally licensed guide, you will learn the difference between the popular image of ninja and their real historical role.
Optional activities such as a ninja show, shuriken throwing, and costume experience are available.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At Uenoshi Station (Iga Railway)
- Hotel pick-up available upon request / Pick-up from Kintetsu Nabari Station available for groups up to 4 (by private car : Honda FIT)
Optional: Ninja Costume Experience
Transform into a ninja (JPY 1,500)
Iga-ryu Ninja Museum
Explore the ninja house with hidden doors and secret mechanisms
・Learn real ninja tools and techniques
Optional activities:
・Ninja show (JPY 600, schedule varies)
・Shuriken throwing experience (JPY 300)
・Ninja experience (20 minutes: JPY 2,000 / 2 hours: JPY 6,000)
Iga Ueno Castle
One of Japan’s Top 100 Castles
・Built by the famous feudal lord Todo Takatora
・Features 30-meter-high stone walls
Castle Town Walk & Lunch (Flexible)
Walk through the historic castle town
・Grid-pattern streets and preserved architecture
・Traditional houses and local shops
You can choose to:
・Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, or
・Skip lunch and focus on walking and exploring
Recommended local specialties:
・Iga beef
・Iga rice
・Local sake
・Traditional sweets (sweet bean jelly / yokan)
Back to the station
Ending Point
At Uenoshi Station (or customizable)
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
・Guide fee (National licensed guide)
・Gasoline, parking fee and car fee (if using private car)
・Transportation costs
・Entrance fees (Museum: JPY 1,000 / Castle: JPY 600)
・Optional experience fees
・Meals and drinks
Tour Important Information
Please note that extending the tour for optional activities will cost an additional JPY 5,000 per hour.
Some optional ninja activities may not be available depending on the day.
You are recommended to bring the following items:
・Comfortable walking shoes, as we will walk through the castle park and castle town
・A foldable umbrella (if you have one), in case of sudden rain
・Some cash for lunch and small purchases
Access to Uenoshi Station
・From Nagoya:
Take the Kintetsu Limited Express from Kintetsu Nagoya Station to Iga-Kambe Station (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes), then transfer to the Iga Railway to Uenoshi Station (approx. 20 minutes).
Total travel time: approx. 1 hour 40 minutes
・From Kyoto:
Take the Kintetsu Limited Express from Kyoto Station to Iga-Kambe Station (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes), then transfer to the Iga Railway to Uenoshi Station (approx. 20 minutes).
Total travel time: approx. 1 hour 50 minutes
・From Osaka:
Take the Kintetsu Limited Express from Osaka-Namba Station to Iga-Kambe Station (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes), then transfer to the Iga Railway to Uenoshi Station (approx. 20 minutes).
Total travel time: approx. 1 hour 50 minutes
Optional Pick-up Service
Most Kintetsu Limited Express trains stop at Nabari Station.
For groups of up to 4 people, pick-up and drop-off service from Nabari Station is available upon request.
This option allows you to reach Iga more conveniently and comfortably without transfers.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Naoto O.
Hello, my name is Naoto, a local guide based in Mie, Japan.
I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (2026), offering private tours that go beyond typical sightseeing. My goal is to help you experience Japan, not just visit it.
Before becoming a licensed guide, I completed an official tourism training program organized by the Mie Prefectural Government (2025). Through this program, I developed a strong foundation in Japanese history and culture, as well as practical skills in guiding and tour planning.
■Background and Language Skills
I studied in Kyoto and also lived in Canada and New Zealand. I hold EIKEN Grade 1 and a TOEIC score of 925. My academic background is in law and international relations, so I am comfortable discussing both Japanese culture and global topics.
■Specialized Areas: Hidden Japan Experiences
I specialize in guiding visitors to less-crowded, culturally rich destinations such as the Iga region, the birthplace of ninja, and the quiet historical areas of eastern Nara Prefecture. These locations offer a deeper and more authentic understanding of Japan.
I can also guide you to Ise Grand Shrine, one of the most sacred and important sites in Japan.
■Comfortable Private Tours
Since public transportation is limited in these rural areas, tours are conducted by private car to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.
■Local Food Experience
If you are interested, I can introduce you to local restaurants where you can enjoy fresh, organic vegetables from this region.
I look forward to creating a personalized and memorable experience for you.
Feel free to message me anytime to customize your tour.
$179/ per group
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