Iga Ueno Castle

Japan's Tallest Stone Walls

Iga Ueno Castle's stone walls stand about 30 meters tall, boasting Japan's greatest height. Built by Todo Takatora in 1612, these walls served both military defense purposes and to demonstrate the lord's power.

Views from the Castle Tower

The current castle tower is a wooden three-story keep rebuilt in 1935 with a local businessman's private funds, designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The view of Iga Basin and surrounding mountains from the tower is spectacular.

Connection to Matsuo Basho

The castle park contains the "Basho Okina Memorial Museum" honoring haiku master Matsuo Basho, a native of this area. Haijo-den (National Important Cultural Property), an octagonal building modeled after Basho's traveling figure, is impressive.

Castle Town Strolling

The castle surroundings retain the atmosphere of Iga Ueno's castle town with old merchant and samurai houses, enjoyable to explore. Visiting together with the Ninja Museum is the standard course.