12 Sightseeing Spots in Iga-Ueno, Mie Prefecture! Iga Ware and Kumihimo (braided cord) Experience!

The Iga Ueno area isIga Ueno Castle, the Ninja Museum famous for Iga Ninja, and many modern buildings built from the Meiji to Showa periods.remain.

Also,There are various hands-on facilities such as ninja shuriken throwing, Iga pottery, and braiding, and Iga Ueno is recommended as a sightseeing spot.It is.

In this article,Introducing 12 recommended spots in Iga UenoI will.

west side of a river

The state of each facility, the highlight, and the map are also posted. If you are planning to visit Iga Ueno, please refer to it when deciding on your sightseeing course.

Also this month"Present Campaign"It will be held. Don't miss the campaign details at the end of this article!
*This campaign has ended. Thank you very much for your application.

*This time, I visited Iga-Ueno as a one-day company trip. Each spot is introduced by a member who actually visited the spot.

Sightseeing spots in Iga Ueno introduced this time

①Iga Ueno Castle　②Iga Ninja Museum　③Historic Site Former Suuko-do Hall　④Bukeyashiki Akai Residence　⑤Minomushi hermitage　⑥Iga Traditional Tradition Center Iga Kumihimo Kumihimo no Sato　⑦ Former Oda Elementary School Main Building　⑧ Grill Stork　⑨ Kikyoya Ori　⑩Cafe wakaya　⑪Kamata Confectionery　⑫Igayaki Museum of Traditional Crafts (about 20 minutes by car from Uenoshi Station)

Recommended Iga Ueno sightseeing spots for families

Iga Ueno Castle

Iga Ueno Castle was originally built in the Muromachi period on the site of Heirakuji Temple.was built in

It was during the Tokugawa era that a 30-meter high stone wall was built in the castle and it reached its current size. It was renovated by Takatora Todo.

Unfortunately, the castle tower from that time does not remain,The current composite castle tower, consisting of a three-story large castle tower and a two-story small castle tower, was built in 1935 by a local celebrity.It is.

Iga Ueno Castle is also called Hakuho Castle because of its appearance.A spectacular castle that has been selected as one of the 100 best castles in JapanIt is.

Cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, red leaves in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter.

Osaka Castle and Iga-Ueno Castle Competing for No. 1 in Japan? ! high stone wall

As written on the sign near the castle tower,The stone walls of Iga Ueno Castle are the tallest in Japan.proud of

When I saw this sign, I honestly wondered, "Which one is the best in Japan?"

That's why.

Then why do you know Japan's number one? Speaking of which, among the castles where the approximate height of the stone wall is currently known,Osaka Castle and Iga Ueno Castle are the only castles with high stone walls over 30m.That's why.

Stone walls over 30m are not easy to see, so be sure to see them with your own eyes.

Just walking around while being overwhelmed by the sheer size of the stone wall is unreal and fun.

as a side note,It is often used as a filming location for movies and TV dramas such as Akira Kurosawa's movie "Kagemusha".So if you are interested, please check it out!

Overlooking the castle town of Iga! Feel like a castle lord at the castle tower

Iga Ueno Castle has a highlight in the castle tower.

The entrance fee for the castle tower is 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for junior high school students and younger.Check out the three-museum common ticket (a set of admission tickets for Iga Ueno Castle, Ninja Museum, and Danjiri Kaikan)you know!

A panoramic view of the castle town of Iga from the castle towercan. It would be nice to take a look at the castle town as if you were the lord of the castle.

From the windows of the castle, you can get a closer look at the shachihoko and roof tiles of the castle tower, which you can't see in detail just by looking at it from below.

Other,Inside the castle tower, there are displays of art related to Iga, such as weapons and armor related to the Todo family, and ceiling picture scrolls.The company has been

The picture scroll on the ceiling is decorated with colored papers donated by famous painters, calligraphers, politicians, etc., including Taikan Yokoyama, the master of Japanese painting, so please check it out.

Igaryu Ninja Museum

A ninja museum boasting the world's best ninjutsu materials!

There are "Ninjutsu Experience Hall" and "Ninja Tradition Hall" where valuable materials related to ninja are collected, and you can see real ninja tools and materials.can do.

At the "Ninja House", which was relocated from the late Edo period,A ninja brother carefully guides you through various tricksThey will do it for you.

"Ninjutsu Demonstration Show" to appreciate ninja techniques that have been passed down to the present day

You can also watch a ninja show that lasts about 20 minutes (extra charge for admission, 500 yen). *Click here for the schedule

Demonstration with detailed explanations such as hidden weapons and shuriken used by ninja, the reason why the weapons were created, and the scenes where they are used.They will do it for you.

Above all,The Amazing Throwing of Shuriken and KunaiI naturally raised my voice!

They threw three shurikens, each of which weighed as much as a smartphone, at the same time, and threw a kunai from the side of the stage to the target on the opposite side, accurately shooting through the target.

I was watching it nervously, thinking that it might fail, but there was no need to worry about that.

with childrenChildren will definitely enjoy watching the powerful real ninja techniques.world!

Iga-Ueno sightseeing spot full of atmosphere where you can learn history

Former Sukodo Historic Site

Former Suuko-do, a historic site,A domain school built during the Edo period to educate the children of samurai who lived in the territories of Iga, Yamato, and Yamashiro.It is.

It was built as a branch school of Yuzokan, a clan school in Tsu.See the auditorium as it was originally builtcan do.

As expected of a domain school, the building was unexpectedly large, with many spacious rooms, and multiple buildings connected by connecting corridors.

In the kitchen, there was a pot clay that was used at that time.

note that,You can visit the facility by paying an admission fee, and you can also rent out the auditorium and Ariko dormitory by making a reservation and applying.It is.

When I visited this time, the “Life Crafts Exhibition 2022” was being held. (*Currently closed)

At this exhibition, vessels and objects of 70 craftsmen who are active all over the country were displayed.

The number of exhibits was overwhelming, and there were many works that could be purchased.

I wanted to take a closer look at the exhibits, but it was almost time to go home, so I left the facility in tears.

Bukeyashiki Akai Family Residence

The Akai Family Residence is a samurai residence located in the center of the castle town of Iga-Ueno.A Japanese-style room overlooking a beautiful garden is a historic mansionIt is

The Akai family used to be the lords of Kuroi, Tanba Province (Tanba City, Hyogo Prefecture), but when they were confined in Kyoto, they were taken in by Takatora Todo and moved to Iga. , was appointed Ashigaru general with a high stipend of Sengoku.

This samurai residenceDesignated as a facility of special tangible cultural property in 2010 and donated to Mr. IgaThe first time he was asked to do so, he said, "I was told that I was a good person.

The building, which includes the main house, storehouse, tea room, etc., has the appearance of a castle town. (※BeforehandReservation procedureis required)

There is also an exhibition room, eating and drinking and kitchen space, so it seems to be good for small exhibitions and events.

The materials exhibition room and garden are free to viewYou can

Also, when I visited this time, there were no other users, so the person in charge told me about the Akai family in detail, and I was able to walk around the premises with them and show them around each facility. I did.

Also, thisAbout 500 meters away from the Akai family residence is another samurai residence, the Irimajuku residence.There are

Due to time constraints, I wasn't able to go there, but if you like samurai residences, I highly recommend visiting both.

Minomushian

At the thatched hut of Doho Hattori, a disciple of Basho Matsuo, as a celebration of the opening of the hermitage in March, 1688.It was named after the haiku given by Basho, "Here is the hermitage of koyo grass to hear the sound of insects."The following is a list of the most common problems with the

When Basho returned to his hometown, he temporarily lived in a disciple's hermitage in addition to his older brother's birthplace. In such a hermitage,The only extant one is this Minomu-an.It is.

This is the entrance of Minomu-an. It is surrounded by a fence made of wooden boards, and compared to the surrounding buildings, you can see that it is overgrown with trees.

When you check in at the administration building, you will receive a map of the grounds and a pamphlet explaining Minomu-an, along with some brief explanations.I received

Because there are many trees and a pond, there are mosquitoes, so I borrowed an insect repellent spray.

Proceed to the center of the site immediately. The first thing that comes into view is the middle gate with thatched roof.

The premises areThe road is made of paving stones, so you can proceed without getting lost.The following is a list of the most common problems with the

However, there are places where moss grows on the paving stones and the ground, so be careful not to slip.

The next thing you see is Koikezuka.

Speaking of Basho Matsuo,

is famous, isn't it?

If you look closely at the haiku monument, it is carved with a frog jumping into a pond. There's something charming about it, and it's cute.

There are five mounds on the grounds of Minomushi-an, including this old pond mound.there is. In the northeast of the site, there is a memorial grave for Doyoshi Hattori.

The building in the center of the site is Minomushi-an. On the day I visited, a sheet was put on the roof, probably because part of it was under renovation.

As with buildings,The large garden is also carefully tended and managed.I can tell you.

This is Bashodo. It is said that it was built in 1930 by the owner of the hermitage at that time.

Looking inside,A statue of Basho is enshrined in the front, and the mortuary tablet of Tsuchiyoshi Hattori is placed on the side samurai (both sides of the statue).is enshrined.

A tea room located in the northwest of the site.The large windows are impressive, and the scenery of the garden reflected in the windows is wonderful.It is.

From here, return to the management building and enter the building, where you can take a short break as you can see exhibits of Minomushi-an and goods for sale.

This time, I visited Minomu-an in the heat of over 30 degrees Celsius.

However, when I entered Minomushian, I was surrounded by many trees, and the entire site was shaded, so I felt cool.

Suddenly, from the modern townscape where I was just a moment ago,A lovely space that makes you feel like you're lost in another worldIt was.

Iga Ueno sightseeing spots that can be enjoyed even on rainy days

Igayaki Museum of Traditional Crafts

Speaking of Iga,A production area for Iga ware, characterized by the texture of the soil and unique colors and shapesIt is.

At the Igayaki Museum of Traditional Crafts introduced this time,Anyone can experience Iga ware by making a reservationworld.

The Iga-yaki Museum of Traditional Crafts is located in the Marubashira district, where Iga-yaki potteries gather, about 20 minutes by car from the center of Iga city.

There are multiple courses available for the Iga pottery experience, and you can choose according to your itinerary, from within one hour to two hours.world.

the reservationOfficial website of the Igayaki Museum of Traditional CraftsYou can do it from here, so please check it out.

Have fun and feel a sense of accomplishment! Iga ware experience

This time, I have experienced a 1-hour course made by hand-twisting (hand-rolling), so I will introduce it!

It was my first pottery experience, but the staffExperience with peace of mind because you can teach kindly and politelyI made it.

First,Whether to make a plate or a cup (teacup, mug, etc.)I choose.

I chose a cup. The cup is made by the following process.

Do you have enough time? I was a little worried, but I was able to experience it leisurely without rushing.

What you madeIt is fired in a kiln and completed in one month. Mail the completedYou can do it.

By the way, it shrinks when baked, so it will be a little more compact than it looks after the experience.

Also, I was told that the color and other things would be different depending on the kiln where the kiln was fired, so I didn't know what it would look like until the end, so I was really looking forward to the next month.

in the buildingThere is also an Iga ware sales office, so it is perfect for looking for wonderful souvenirs.It is.

The vessel for the Iga ware experience is complete!

About 3 weeks after the Iga ware experience, the pottery I made was fired and arrived at the office!

As I heard in the explanation, it's certainly a little smaller than when I made the pottery in the hands-on experience.

this time,"Hand twist course" that does not use a potter's wheelI made a vessel with (* There is also an "electric potter's wheel course" that uses a potter's wheel.)

By shaping the shape by hand, unlike mass-produced vessels on the market,Overall slight unevenness and distortionthere is. In addition, on the surface of the vesselThe pattern emerges, and the shade of coloris appearing.

The expression changes depending on the viewing angle, so it has a unique taste and is interesting.is not it.

Hurry up and pour some tea and drink it.

I see, it might have been easier to drink if the edges were a little thinner.

But this is what I've grown to love. I would like to use it carefully.

Iga Museum of Traditional Tradition Iga Kumihimo Kumihimo no Sato

Obijime etc.Iga Kumihimo, which has been popular as a kimono accessoryThe following is a list of the most common problems with the

At Iga Kumihimo Kumihimo no Sato,Exhibition of Iga Kumihimo, a traditional craftare doing

Create original accessories! Kumihimo experience

At the Iga Traditional Tradition Museum,You can experience kumihimoSo, I have actually experienced it.

It takes about 40 minutes to make one accessory from among key chains, bracelets, and straps.

I made a reservation in advance, so after completing the reception, I will guide you to the Japanese-style room at the back of the exhibition and sales space on the first floor.

A room with a tasteful atmosphere that naturally lifts your spirits.

This is the braiding stand used in the Kumihimo experience.

Kumidai has types such as round, flat, and square, and it seems that there are more detailed classifications from there. In this kumihimo experience, we used Marugumi Marudai.

The base gold thread and the silk thread, which is a bundle of two types of colored threads, are wound around a ball called a "thread ball" and hung around the braiding stand.

The silk thread is glossy and lustrous, and I am looking forward to seeing how it will be woven.

The room has a lot of kumidai.

Each one is braided with different colored threads, so first of all,Choose one Kumidai wrapped with your favorite colored threadThe following is a list of the most common problems with the

If you look under the Kumidai, only a few centimeters are assembled. A weight is tied to the tip and hangs.

The braided string extends downward from the hole in the center of the braided stand.It is.

After receiving an explanation of how to assemble from the instructor, each person immediately begins work.

This time, there were 5 of us, and we were working under the supervision of two instructors, so we were able to proceed without making mistakes.

As you get used to it,Hands learn to move, so don't think about it with your head, just build it upwill be

After that, everyone quietly puts it together. Finally, attach metal fittings for each accessory to complete.

Here are the completed works (bracelet and key holder).

The impression is different depending on the combination of colored threads.

Among those who experience Kumihimo,Some people experience it several times a day in a row, and some people visit again and experience it.That's right.

I totally understand how you feel!

Maybe because I was carelessly assembling it,Time flew by and I wanted to continue workingThe following is a list of the most common problems with the

On the second floor of the facility, more types of colored threads were used, and braids that were made in complicated ways were exhibited.

There was also a venue where groups could experience it. (*Advance reservationis required)

This Kumihimo experience was very satisfying! When you go sightseeing in Iga Ueno, please try it!

Former Oda Elementary School Main Building

It was built in 1881 (Meiji 14).The oldest existing elementary school building in Mie PrefectureIt is.

Simple and unique designs, such as the symbol of Western-style architecture, the Taikoro, have survived repeated floods to this day.

It was used as an active school building until 1965.

Currently,About 300 items are exhibited from the textbooks, certificates, children's works, and learning tools donated by the citizens of Iga from the early Meiji period to around 1965.The company has been

In addition, desks, chairs, teaching materials and musical instruments used at that time,Some exhibits can be touched and experiencedThat's right.

The classroom at that time. Compasses, abacuses, and globes used in class were displayed.

Here are a variety of nostalgic toys. Some of the toys, such as beanbags and daruma removers, I remember playing with at my grandparents' house when I was a child.

You can actually pick up the things in the corner here.

What you can see in the back are animal specimens and human models.

Use these stairs to go up to the second floor. The steps are higher and steeper than the staircases of modern structures.

When I went up the stairs, there was a piano. It's not tuned, but you can play it freely.

On the second floor, there were many exhibits such as textbooks, stationery, and group photos of students at the time. A few of the remaining pieces of colored glass from Giyaman (a term used to refer to diamonds in the Edo period, and was the name given to glassware in the olden days) are now installed in the windows on the front of the building.

A slightly nostalgic atmosphere, unlike the buildings of the Edo periodI tasted

Gourmet and Souvenir Information Recommended by Locals

grill stoke

We had lunch at Grillstoke!

A long-established western restaurant founded in 1956, the store name "Stoke" is a "stork" that carries happiness.It seems that it is about.

The demi-glace sauce, which has been continuously replenished and aged since its founding, is the store's "treasure" and its taste is exquisite.It is.

The menu I received this time isThe restaurant's famous menus are "One Plate Lunch" and "Whole Pudding."

One plate lunch is limited to 10 servings per day.

Tonkatsu has a soft texture and sweet fat. The crispy batter goes well with the demi-glace sauce.

In addition, the slowly stewed beef melted as soon as you put it in your mouth.

This is a whole pudding limited to 2 per day.

usually,You don't see the whole pudding, so it's powerful and somewhat divineI even feel . .

We cut this into portions for the number of people and ate it after pouring plenty of caramel sauce on it.

Even though we were in the middle of a large number of people, the shop staff was kind and gave us a lot of consideration.

Enjoy delicious food and relaxI was able to.

Mr. Grillstoke, thank you for the meal!

Kikyoya Orii

Kikyoya Ori,A long-established Japanese confectionery store that has been in business for 420 years since the beginning of the Edo periodIt is.

in the old daysAs a purveyor of the Todo Domain, which ruled Iga Province, he was a supplier of sweets.Yes.

It is characterized by Japanese sweets made by craftsmen using traditional methods.

This time, I stopped by Kikyoya Orii to take a break during the sightseeing.

First of all, when you enter the shop, there is a sales corner for Japanese sweets, and a wide variety of Japanese sweets are sold.There is also Iga's specialty "Katayaki", which is also recommended for souvenir selectionIt is.

At the cafe corner right next to it, you can see the Japanese sweets manufacturing factory through the glass. I immediately got the "Matcha set (700 yen including tax)" where you can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets.

You can choose one of 5 or 6 types of Japanese sweets. NoneIt looks like a work of art with colors that can be felt in the season and a delicate appearance.It was.

It's a waste to eat anymore. (I've been looking at it from different angles for a while...)

I can't just stare at it forever, so I make up my mind to cut it into bite-sized pieces using Kuromoji (a tool that cuts Japanese sweets and brings them to my mouth).

And when I bring it to my mouth,Refined sweetness throughout the mouthwill spread. Naturally, it goes well with matcha.

Thanks to you, I had a relaxing time. Thank you for the meal, Kikyoya Orii.

Cafe wakaya (Ueno Cultural Center)

A renovated building from the Ueno Cultural Center, which was registered as a registered tangible cultural property in 1922.It is.

There is a cafe called "Cafe wakaya" on the 1st floor, and handmade miscellaneous goods and accessories are sold on the 2nd floor.The company has been

The interior of the store, which is based on white, has a vaulted ceiling and a sense of openness.

Due to time constraints, I was only able to see the miscellaneous goods on the 2nd floor this time.

The next time I visit Iga Ueno, I want to enjoy the cafe in a quaint atmosphere!

Katayaki from Kamada Confectionery

"Katayaki" is one of Iga Ueno's specialties.is. hundreds of years ago,Various theories that the portable food that ninja carried around was the prototypeThere are

This time, I went to Kamata Seika, which manufactures and sells this "Katayaki", to buy some souvenirs.

The appearance and interior look of a long-established storedrifts.

Depending on the time of day, it is possible to observe the manufacturing process, but unfortunately, it was not being manufactured when I visited that day.

This time, when I tried eating "Katayaki" that I bought as a souvenir,A gentle taste with a nostalgic and simple sweetnesswas. Also, the flavor of black sesame is a good accent.

However, the hardness is not easy at all! It's solid and thick, so it's still hard.

Please be careful not to chip your teeth while eating.

Bonus｜Scenery of Iga Ueno

lemi (Nestor notatus)

Iga Ueno is a wonderful town!

Gift campaign｜Katayaki (hard-baked) rice crackers

*This campaign has ended. Thank you very much for your application.

Thank you for your daily gratitude and I want more people to know the existence of MieL! With that in mind, this month also"MieL gift campaign"will be held!

The contents of the campaign are as follows.

Campaign details

This is the 4th time,Kamata Seika's "Katayaki" introduced in this article will be presented to 5 people by lottery.I will do so!

Please experience the nostalgic taste and firmness.

Summary | Sightseeing Spots in Ueno, Iga, Mie Prefecture

This time, we went around the city of Iga Ueno as a company excursion.

It has a good reputation within the company, and there are voices saying that they want to go sightseeing in Iga Ueno again.

Most of the tourist spots introduced in this article areIt is concentrated in the Iga-Ueno castle town area and can be easily explored on foot.The following is a list of the most common problems with the

If you want to visit many sightseeing spots efficiently, Iga Ueno is recommended as a tourist destination.It is.

In addition to the places introduced so far, there are still more interesting sightseeing spots. Unfortunately, I could not visit this time because it was about half a day of sightseeing.

Next, when I go sightseeing in Iga Ueno, I definitely want to go there!

lemi (Nestor notatus)

I want you to use it as a reference for sightseeing in Iga Ueno!

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Sightseeing spots in Iga Ueno introduced this time

①Iga Ueno Castle　②Iga Ninja Museum　③Historic Site Former Suuko-do Hall　④Bukeyashiki Akai Residence　⑤Minomushi hermitage　⑥Iga Traditional Tradition Center Iga Kumihimo Kumihimo no Sato　⑦ Former Oda Elementary School Main Building　⑧ Grill Stork　⑨ Kikyoya Ori　⑩Cafe wakaya　⑪Kamata Confectionery　⑫Igayaki Museum of Traditional Crafts (about 20 minutes by car from Uenoshi Station)