After Hyogo, the next stop was Ninja territory in Mie Prefecture.
The last train was the special "One Man" Ninja Train.
The inside was also ninja themed.
Iga Ueno Castle is walking distance from the train station.
History Notes from J-Castle
Takigawa Katsutoshi started construction of Iga Ueno Castle in 1585. He was followed by Tsutsui Sadatsugu who built the honmaru and three level main keep. After the Battle of Sekigahara (1608), Sadatsugu's lands were confiscated by the Tokugawa and given to Todo Takatora. Todo Takatora initiated a great renovation of the castle to fortify the defenses against a resurgance of Toyotomi's followers. The new design created a new honmaru, the huge stone walls and completely engulfed the original castle. After the destruction of the Toyotomi, however, the renovation plans were mostly abandoned and the main keep, which was destroyed by high winds, was never rebuilt.
Shoes had to be removed to visit this museum inside the castle, and again there were no crowds and the visit was very safe.
There was a wonderful hina doll exhibit on the first floor.
There were many interesting historical items and a few ninjas.
Castle picture made from postage stamps.
From the castle, we followed this road to the Ninja Museum - next post.
