Take a moment in between donning the costume and throwing ninja stars to learn the history of these mysterious figures.
In 2017, Iga and Koka officially gained the “Japan Heritage” status from the Japanese government. …delving into the ninja’s arcane past is even more fascinating than the myths and fantasies. Although believed to have been founded more than 1,300 years ago, much of its current architecture was built between the 14th and 16th centuries. This is where Koka ninjas gathered to worship war gods and strengthen their bonds through celebration. Eerie energy hangs in the air of its hallowed grounds.
IGA UENO NINJA VILLAGE TV
It’s easy to see why numerous movies and TV programs have been filmed at this mysterious shrine in Koka. You can even rent a costume for your dog (which has no historic value whatsoever but is undeniably cute).
The shogunate retained Iga and Koka ninjas as personal guards until around the end of the Edo period in the mid-1800s.ĭuring the annual five-week-long Iga Ueno Ninja Festival from April to May, visitors can stroll through the castle town in ninja apparel and enjoy family-friendly demonstrations. They were led by the Iga-born legendary samurai, Hattori Hanzo (who is referenced in Quentin Tarantino’s film Kill Bill ). In the late 1500s, the soon-to-be shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, recruited a force of Iga and Koka ninjas. These jobs dwindled when Western cannons were introduced to Japan, and many ninjas turned to guarding castles instead. Ueno Castle’s 30-meter stone walls are amongst the tallest in Japan-not surprising, considering it was surrounded by so many nimble ninjas! Iga and Koka ninjas were renowned for their abilities to break into castles, so warlords wanting to avoid costly sieges often employed them for their stealth.