Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, Iga is wild. I woke up, and the sun was blazin’ through my window. I was like, “Great, another day in this ninja town.” Yeah, Iga is famous for ninjas, but lemme tell ya, it’s got way more than just that.
So, I hit the streets, right? First stop, I’m cruisin’ down Ueno Street. It’s got this chill vibe, but then BAM! I trip over a loose cobblestone. Like, seriously? Who’s in charge of this place? I’m not here for a ninja training session, I just wanna walk!
Anyway, I finally make it to the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum. I’m pumped! I mean, who wouldn’t wanna see some ninja stuff? But then, I get there, and it’s packed. Like, I’m talkin’ wall-to-wall tourists. I can’t even see the exhibits! I’m like, “Excuse me, can I just squeeze by?” But nooo, everyone’s too busy takin’ selfies with the ninja statues. Ugh!
After that, I’m feelin’ a bit hangry, so I hit up this little ramen joint on Kōka Street. Best decision ever! I order the tonkotsu ramen, and it’s like a hug in a bowl. Seriously, I could’ve cried. The broth was rich, the noodles were perfect. I was in heaven. But then, the guy next to me starts slurping like he’s in a competition. I mean, c’mon dude, chill!
So, I’m sittin’ there, slurpin’ my ramen, and I overhear this convo about the Iga Ueno Castle. Apparently, it’s got some crazy history. I’m like, “I gotta check that out!” So, I finish my meal, pay, and head over.
The castle is beautiful, right? But it’s also kinda eerie. I’m walkin’ around, and I swear I can feel the ghosts of samurais past. I’m not even jokin’. I get to the top, and the view is insane! You can see all of Iga. I’m takin’ pics, feelin’ like a tourist, when suddenly, it starts to rain. Like, outta nowhere! I’m soaked in seconds. I’m like, “Really, Iga? You’re gonna do me like this?”
So, I duck into a little shop on Kōka Street to escape the rain. It’s a cute place, full of local crafts. I’m lookin’ around, and I spot this awesome ninja star keychain. I’m like, “I need this!” But then, I realize I left my wallet at the ramen place. Ugh! I’m so mad at myself.
I run back, dodging raindrops like I’m in a ninja movie. I finally get my wallet, and the lady at the ramen place is like, “You again?” I just laugh it off. I mean, what else can ya do?
After that, I decide to check out the Iga Ninja Festival. It’s a blast! There are performances, food stalls, and people dressed as ninjas everywhere. I’m lovin’ it! I even try my hand at throwing shurikens. Spoiler alert: I’m terrible. I hit the target once, but it was pure luck.
As the day winds down, I’m walkin’ back to my place, and I can’t help but smile. Iga is quirky, chaotic, and full of surprises. I mean, who knew a day could be so wild? I’m exhausted but happy. I can’t wait to tell my friends about my ninja adventures.
So yeah, that was my day in Iga. Full of ups and downs, but mostly just a whole lotta fun. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!