A journey through the history of Iganabari

Iga-Yaki developed as a full-fledged pottery from the end of the Heian period to the beginning of the Kamakura period, and came to attract attention as a unique tea utensil during the Momoyama period. Currently, a wide variety of items are being made, including earthenware pots, Yukihira, tableware, and tea pottery, mainly in the Ayama district IgaCity.

At the Iga-Yaki Traditional Industry Center, you can enjoy ``tatara molding'', ``potter's wheel molding'' (electric potter's wheel, hand-rotated potter's wheel), ``hand twist molding'', and ``painting'' as part of the experience menu.

A long-established Iga meat restaurant that is ranked alongside Matsusaka beef. Many foodies and meat connoisseurs praise Iga meat's unique flavor and unique cooking methods, such as sukiyaki and butter grilling, that bring out the quality of the ingredients.

TakatoraTodo, and today the inner moat, stone walls, and castle tower built in 1930 remain. Inside the three-story castle, there are weapons and armor, belongings of the Todo family, and 46 colored paper ceiling paintings by famous people, including Yokoyama Taikan. It is also called ``Hakuho Castle'' because of its beautiful three-story white exterior. The stone wall of the inner moat, which is approximately 30 meters high and boasts one of the highest heights in Japan, is also a must-see and has been used as a filming location for movies.

In addition, local materials from IgaCity are on display. The current three-story castle tower was built by Mr. Katsu Kawasaki in 1935 (Showa 10), but the interior of the wooden building retains the atmosphere of the Sengoku period. It is also called Iga Cultural and Industrial Castle and is a designated cultural property of the city.

This is a former wealthy Iga mansion relocated to Ueno Park. From the outside, it looks like an ordinary thatched-roofed farmhouse, but there are defensive mechanisms installed throughout the mansion. Inside the mansion, a kunoichi (female ninja) will guide you and explain things such as don-den-gaeshi, trick doors, and hiding things, including demonstrations.

There is also a ``Ninjutsu Experience Square'' where you can experience shuriken throwing (for a fee) and Don Dengeshi, a ``Ninja Experience Hall/Ninja Tradition Hall'' where you can see real ninja tools and experience ninjutsu, and ``Ninjabo'' which sells original ninja goods. It has been.

In addition, the ninja group "Asura" will be holding an impressive ninja show at the Ninjutsu Plaza! This is also very popular (fees apply; check the calendar for dates).

Haiku saint MatsuoBasho was born in IgaCity in 1644, and this haiku hall was built in 1942 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Basho's birth.

Haisei-den was built to represent Basho's travels, with the round roof as a hat, the wooden plaque of the Haisei-den as his face, the octagonal eaves as his hat and clothes, the legs of the hall, and the pillars of the cloister. represents a staff and a foot. Iga-Yaki life-sized seated statue of Basho, which is designated as a cultural property by the city, located inside the shrine, is only open to the public during the Basho Festival, which is held on the anniversary of Basho's death.

Founded in the first year of Keio. Yokitsuzuke Miyazakiya has been making Iga's specialty "Yokitsuzuke" for six generations using a family-traditional fermentation method.

At the natural hot spring "Basho-no-Yu", men and women can enjoy Japanese-style and Western-style baths on alternate days. There is also tennis (all year), massages, a pool (summer), and a skating rink (winter). Igaru Shuriken Dojo and Ninja Transformation Department are permanently set up.

An old temple built in the Kamakura period. It enshrines a wooden Great Buddha that is over 4 meters tall and has the same appearance as the Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple, as well as a statue of Fudo Buddha that is 6 meters tall. In addition, flowers such as cherry blossoms in spring, green leaves in May, hydrangeas in June, and autumn chrysanthemums and maples in autumn are in full bloom.

TheAkame48Falls is a beautiful piece of natural art created by numerous waterfalls connected upstream of the Takigawa River that flows on the border between Iga and Yamato. It is located in the center of Murou Akame-Aoyama Quasi-National Park and is approximately 4 kilometers long.

The mysterious nature of Akame has been selected as one of the 100 best waters of the Heisei era, 100 best waterfalls in Japan, 100 best forests for forest bathing, and 100 best walks. The harmony of the sounds will make you enjoy nature even more. Enjoy a walk while bathing your whole body in negative ions! The walking courses include a leisurely walking course, a valley hiking course, and a Mt. Nagasaka trekking course.