Iga-Ueno Castle

**Stone wall viewing:** The castle's 30-meter stone walls are best viewed from the moat's edge on the west side (opposite the main entrance). The sheer vertical drop and massive scale of the walls are most impressive from this angle — bring a wide-angle lens to capture the full height. The walls were built using 'uchikomihagi' (打込接ぎ) technique where stones are shaped to fit tightly without mortar, creating interlocking structural integrity. Information plaques (English available) explain the engineering techniques. **Interior highlights:** The castle keep's interior is a modern reconstruction (1935) — not historically authentic but functional as a museum. The third floor displays samurai armor and swords from the Todo clan. The top floor observation deck offers views over Iga City, the ninja museum, and distant mountains. The climb involves steep wooden stairs (typical of Japanese castles). Photography is allowed inside (no flash). The museum is modest — focus on exterior architecture and stone walls rather than interior exhibits. **Combined visit:** Iga-Ueno Castle and the Ninja Museum are 5 minutes apart on foot — combine both for a half-day Iga itinerary (3–4 hours total). Visit the castle first (less crowded in early morning), then the ninja museum for the 13:00 or 14:00 ninja show. Lunch at nearby restaurants (Iga beef or udon shops near the castle) completes the visit. Iga is a day trip from Kyoto, Osaka, or Nagoya (90 minutes by train).