Nipponia Hotel Iga Ueno Castle Town's location itself is historic. It's in the castle of Iga, which was built around Iga Ueno Castle. During the Edo Period, Iga used to be a popular stop for people traveling between Osaka and Nagoya. However, it soon lost significance after the emergence of newer, more modern cities and towns. The traditional buildings in Iga, belonging to different eras, were abandoned, which gradually led to their dilapidation.

The Nipponia Hotel group saw an opportunity to salvage the town's rich heritage by renovating the old houses and transforming them into heritage hotels. Since they started the venture in 2020, the group has been able to restore several historic buildings. One of them is the hotel's main building, Kanmuri, which is designated as a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property. The buildings used to play totally different roles in the past. For example, one of them was a hardware store, one was a lumber store, while another was a medicinal herb wholesaler.

Design and Architecture

Although recently renovated, the hotel retains most of its period features from the Edo and Meiji eras, including wood-framed ceilings. Local designers and artisans have also contributed to enhancing its heritage vibe.

You can find hand-crafted furniture and folk artwork adorning the property. Moreover, the walls of Kanmuri showcase a unique raised plaster technique called tsutsumi tsunagi. The building named Kourai offers distinct architecture as well. Under the architectural firm Kirin, it was meticulously restored with features such as red-eye pine finishes. You'll find artwork here as well, created by Gallery Yamahon. This building also has a quintessential Japanese garden. Another building, Mitake, which used to be a lumber store, retains its tsuba-shaped Mushiko windows and box staircases. Meanwhile, the building Nomatsu stands out with its latticework.

Iga is located in a basin tucked amidst verdant mountains. This stunning location with mineral-rich soil and pure underground water works in favor of its gastronomy. The castle town produces some excellent products unique to the area, such as Koshihikari rice and a local variant of wagyu beef. The beef is so rare that many travelers visit just to taste it! You'll also find Iga sake, made with the excellent-quality rice of Iga. All these fresh local products are used in preparing delectable Japanese-French cuisine or Igamono at Le Un, the on-site restaurant.

Headed by Chef Yukihiro Ishii, Le Un offers a memorable experience with its traditional decor and presentation. It's housed in Eirakukan, a former ryokan from the Edo era. You'll enjoy kaiseki meals made with French techniques here, served in Iga ware. Enjoy scrumptious breakfasts with Iga rice, Iga beef, and soup. In-room drinking sets are also available, featuring sake and three specialty snacks. The items on the menu have been carefully selected after consulting with locals, only to bring the area's best produce to your plates. All the products are sourced from local producers.

Opening hours: 7:30 am - 10 am (breakfast), 11:30 am - 3 pm (lunch), 5:30 pm - 10 pm (dinner)
Reservation: Reservations can be made on the hotel's official website.

Cultural Experiences

Iga offers cultural experiences for all ages, and Nippono Hotel Iga Ueno Castle Town is the perfect home base to explore it all. Start by diving into the town's ninja heritage. You can join ninja training, wear ninja costumes, throw shurikens, tour a ninja house, or go on a ninja rickshaw ride with a local guide. The town is also known for its Ueno Tenjin Festival, and you can experience this UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage with assistance from the hotel. Enjoy participating in the Yoiyama Procession or indulge in the night music experience during this festival. Artistic travelers can try their hand at pottery by taking an Iga-yaki pottery class at Mitagama. Whatever you create will be delivered to your address later!

Visiting Iga Ueno Castle is a must if you wish to learn more about the castle town. Meanwhile, outdoor lovers can embark on a hiking trail to explore the Reizan mountain and admire the scenic Reizan Temple. You can also enjoy an outdoor bath at the nearby Oyamada Onsen.

Other Celebrations

Nippono Hotel Iga Ueno Castle Town welcomes private events and celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries. The restaurant, Le Un, offers special plans, such as lunch/dinner plus cake with a message or lunch/dinner plus a glass of sparkling wine. Private rooms can also be booked for your event.