Other than Kumihimo, Iga is rich in special products such as Iga-ware, local Sake and abundant ingredients including Iga beef, rice and vegetables. The Iga potteries are concentrated in the Marubashira area, and the Iga-ware Hall located at the center of the area exhibits the samples and history of each pottery. As a representing pottery, Nagatanien has a 16-connected climbing kiln (in operation from1832 to 1970s), which, as well as the houses and office (Taishokan), are designated as a cultural assets of the country. Iga-ware products can be purchased at galleries within walking distance from Haitopia.
Each of the seven Iga brewery has a history of over 100 years and is accepting tours. Characteristic habits of producing Iga Sake are a small-scale production obsessed with hand-working, the cultivation of the pesticide-free rice Yamada-Nishiki in their own fields and use of the sake rice named Kamino-ho developed by the prefecture. Sake from each brewery can be purchased nearby shops.
There are more than 30 Iga cattle ranches in the suburbs, and each Japanese cow is a female heifer who has been bred for 12 months or more in Iga. In addition, a meat shop buys a single head directly from a ranch and offers it to local consumers. As a result, there are advantages such as reduction of distribution costs and close information exchange between producers and consumers. The drawback is that we can not relish this. Luckily, there is a branch of known meat seller on the ground floor of the Haitopia, and the main store is within walking distance. A 7-minute walk will take you to the famous sukiyaki restaurant Kanaya, and on the second floor of Haitopia, there is a steak specialty restaurant Grazie. A comprehensive Iga gourmet map is provided by the Iga-Ueno Tourism Association and it is also in the conference goody bag.
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| Ninja house | Iga pottery, Nagatanien | Iga Sake brewery | Akame 48 falls |
Iga-Ueno Castle, Ninja Museum, Danjiri Museum and a Samurai’s House are within walking distance of the venue, and the Braids 2019 participants will be provided with an unified pass for your visit at vacant times. In this city, there are many places linked with a famous haiku poet Matsuo Basho including his birthplace and museums. There are shops that sell and rent Ninja costumes for tourists (Danjiri Museum, etc.) and hotels (Iga-Ueno City Hotel, Sunpia Iga, etc.). If you use a car, you can visit the hand-made natural food theme park Mokomoku Farm, the Aoyama plateau, the above-mentioned sake breweries and the potteries of Iga-ware. However, it is also a good idea to take a walk through the townscape unique to the town called “Petit Kyoto.” The Iga local government will invite the registered accompanied persons another bus tour on 17th daytime inspecting the Iga local business sites including Iga-ware, Iga brewery (tasting) and organic foods theme park (lunch). Information for the registration of this interesting tour and other evening programs will be e-mailed in September. Ask the conference secretary for the deadline.
Attractions nearby
Akame Forty-eight Waterfalls in Nabari City is a two-hour hiking trail that takes you through numerous waterfalls. You may meet Giant Salamanders, the world biggest amphibia, in the river.
The Ise Shrine in Ise City with a history of 2000 years ended its periodical move in 2013 when 714 types of 1500 votive objects including Karakumi Hirao have been replaced with new ones by the master craftsmen of today. It was a customary for old ones to be buried in the ground until now, but some old Karakumi Hirao were on display at the Sengukan museum newly built on the occasion of the last periodical move. However it is currently closed and moved to the Jingu Choukokan. Reopen of the Sengukan will not be in time for the visits of Braids 2019 participants.