Iga, in Mie prefecture, is famously one of the centres of the not-so-secret art of ninjitsu and home to the Ninja Museum next to Iga-Ueno castle. Undoubtedly because of the name connection, the Iga-Ueno Ninja Festival will be making a trip to Tokyo’s very own Ueno park.
There will be singing, dancing, magic shows, shuriken throwing-star throwing competitions, and sales of Iga produce but don’t expect demonstrations of the assassins’ deadly arts, this is more of a family festival.Kids can hire colourful ninja outfits for ¥1,000 but a cheapo pro-tip is to buy them in Tokyu-hands or Don Quixote in advance—they may cost more but your kids will get to keep them.
The park section of this event will take place from the 22nd to the 24th between 10am and 6pm. On the 23rd there will be a Ninja parade, a bar event on the evening of the the 18th and 19th, a group run on the 22nd and a clay-pot workshop on the 15th. The full details are available here.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
