Legend of Iga Ninjas & Spirits of IseTravel with Kintetsu Railway: Year-Round Departures
Tour Route
Your journey through Japan's most iconic destinations
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About This Tour
Journey beyond Japan’s famous tourist destinations to discover the authentic traditions of Iga and Ise-Shima. Explore Iga, the historic home of the ninja, with a local English-speaking guide, visiting Iga Ueno Castle, the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum and experiencing the traditional craft of kumihimo. Continue to Ise-Shima to discover the deep spiritual heritage of Ise Jingu and the region’s unique coastal culture. Learn about Japan’s traditional food culture and sustainable relationship with the sea, from the centuries-old craft of katsuobushi to an intimate seafood lunch at an ama hut.
Tour Highlights
- A carefully designed 4-day journey combining Kintetsu Railway, private taxi and local guides to discover the authentic history of Iga Ninja, and sustainable food culture of Ise-Shima.
- Planned by a team from one of Japan’s leading travel groups.
- Accommodation and transportation pre-arranged before departure.
- Travel insurance and 24-hour support for peace of mind throughout your journey.
What Makes This Tour Special
Experience the best of Japan's cultural heritage through this carefully crafted journey that combines iconic destinations with authentic local experiences.
Our expertly designed itinerary ensures you witness the perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation that defines Japan's unique character.
Day 1 - Into the Land of the Ninja
Welcome to Japan! Choose the starting point of your journey from Osaka or Nagoya. Our staff will be waiting for you at the designated meeting point, where you will receive a set of travel necessities for this trip. After the briefing, you are ready to head out to Nabari, the gateway to Iga by Kintetsu Limited Express. Get on the private taxi waiting at Nabari Station. After lunch, start exploring the natural beauty of the region. <Iga Taxi Tour Highlights> - Akame 48 Waterfalls – Walk through a peaceful forest valley of waterfalls and streams, in an area traditionally associated with the training grounds of Iga’s ninja. Hotel check-in
Day 2 - Iga- the Real Home of the Ninja Culture
Breakfast at the hotel, then check-out. Meet your English-speaking guide and explore the historic heart of Iga by a private taxi. Rather than a theme-park version of ninja culture, discover Iga as the region where the Iga-ryu tradition developed and learn about the history, skills and culture behind the legendary ninja. <Iga Taxi Tour Highlights> - Iga Ueno Castle: Explore the historic castle overlooking Iga, a region once ruled by powerful samurai clans and closely connected to the history of ninja. - Iga-ryu Ninja Museum: Learn about the history and techniques of the Iga-ryu ninja through demonstrations, exhibits and a traditional ninja residence. - Kumihimo Experience: Try your hand at kumihimo, a traditional Japanese braiding craft with a long history of producing cords used for kimono and other cultural items. After sightseeing, travel by Kintetsu Limited Express to Kashikojima in Ise-Shima. Choose from four distinctive hotels in Kashikojima, each offering a different style of stay and experience. Check in to the hotel and enjoy dinner
Day 3 - Sacred Ise & the Spirit of the Sea
Breakfast at the hotel Explore Ise-Shima all day by private taxi with an English-speaking guide, discovering the region’s spiritual heritage, historic streets and spectacular coastal scenery. <Ise Taxi Tour Highlights> - Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks): Two sacred rocks standing in the sea, symbolizing the bond between husband and wife and traditionally connected with purification before visiting Ise Jingu. - Ise Jingu Outer Shrine: One of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, dedicated to Toyouke Omikami, the deity of food, clothing, shelter, and industry. - Okage Yokocho: For lunch, we recommend trying local dishes such as tekone-zushi (hand-kneaded sushi) or Ise Udon. - Ise Jingu Inner Shrine: Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine, dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess and one of the most important deities in Japanese mythology. - Yokoyama Observatory: Take in breathtaking views across Ago Bay, where green islands and calm blue waters create one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in Ise-Shima. Return to your hotel for a second night, and enjoy dinner.
Day 4 - From the Sea to the Table
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then check out. Today, discover centuries-old food traditions that are closely related to Ise Jingu and the offerings. <Ise Taxi Tour Highlights> - Tenpaku: Visit a historic katsuobushi (bonito flakes) workshop and discover how this traditional Japanese ingredient is made and why it has played such an important role in Japanese cuisine. Learn about the region’s food culture before tasting katsuobushi. - Satoumian (women divers' hut): You can meet local ama (women divers) and enjoy a seafood lunch while hearing stories about their traditional way of life and their long-standing and sustainable relationship with the sea. After the taxi tour, head to your desired destination (Osaka or Nagoya) in the afternoon by Kintetsu limited express train, where the journey ends. Thank you for joining our tour! We look forward to seeing you again.
Accommodation
Hakusen
1 nightIga Ueno
Accommodation
Miyako Resort Shima Bayside Terrace
2 nightsKashikojima
Kashikojima Hojoen
2 nightsKashikojima
Shima Kanko Hotel The Classic
2 nightsKashikojima
Shima Kanko Hotel The Bay Suites
2 nightsKashikojima
Day 1 - Iga
Lunch during taxi tour (Iga-beef or sushi, details available after booking)
Day 2 - Kashikojima
hotel breakfast
Lunch at local diner (details available after booking)
hotel dinner
Day 3 - Kashikojima
hotel breakfast
hotel dinner
Day 4 - Osaka
hotel breakfast
seafood lunch at ama hut
Tour Price
US$2,800 ~ US$5,500
From
US$2,800 ~ US$5,500