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Iga    The Home of Ninjas, Poetry, and Kind People

Iga is a small city in Mie Prefecture, Japan. It is famous for something very exciting: ninjas! A long time ago, Iga was the home of real ninjas who were smart and brave. They knew how to move quietly, climb walls, and hide in the forest. Today, you can visit the Iga Ninja Museum. There, you can see ninja houses with secret doors, try throwing shuriken (ninja stars), and even wear a ninja costume!

But Iga is not only about ninjas. It is also the hometown of a very famous poet named Matsuo Bash?. He wrote short poems called haiku that talk about nature and feelings. Here is one of his most famous haiku:

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ふるいけや かわずとびこむ みずのおと
(Furu ike ya / kawazu tobikomu / mizu no oto)
“An old pond?
a frog jumps in,
the sound of water.”

閑さや 岩にしみ入る 蝉の声
“Shizukesa ya / Iwa ni shimiiru / Semi no koe”
“Such stillness— / the cicadas’ voices / sink into the rocks.”

What does it mean?
This haiku was written by Matsuo Bashō in the quiet mountains.

It was so peaceful and still that the sound of the cicadas (semi) felt like it was soaking into the rocks.

Bashō was not just hearing the sound. He was feeling it with his heart.

Why is it special?
Even though cicadas are usually loud, in this poem, their sound makes the silence feel even deeper.

Bashō shows how we can feel nature with our hearts, not just with our ears or eyes.

The poem is quiet, beautiful, and full of feeling.

This poem sounds very simple, but it tells us something deep. Basho was sitting near a quiet, old pond. Everything was still. Then, a little frog jumped into the water? plop! The sound broke the silence. This haiku makes us feel calm, like we are there too, listening to nature. It shows how something very small can be beautiful and important.
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In Iga, you can visit the Basho Memorial Museum or walk along quiet paths he once walked on. The trees, mountains, and rivers in Iga are just like the ones in his poems.

There is also a small but pretty Iga Castle. Long ago, it protected the town. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around it. In autumn, red and orange leaves fall like a dream.

Another special place in Iga is Ueki Shrine. This is a quiet and peaceful shrine in the forest. People come here to pray for good health and happiness. Big trees surround it, and during festivals, many families come. Children laugh, eat festival snacks, and enjoy fun games.

People in Iga are very kind. They make a special type of pottery called Iga-yaki. Each bowl or cup is made by hand, with care and love. When you walk around Iga, people smile and say hello.

Iga is different from big, busy cities. It’s a place full of green nature, interesting history, and warm hearts. In Iga, you can feel like a ninja, a poet, and a good friend all in one day. It’s a place that will stay in your heart forever.

Questions

1.What is Iga most famous for?

2.What can you do at the Iga Ninja Museum?
a. Ride a roller coaster
b. Eat ninja food
c. Wear a ninja costume and throw shuriken
d. Climb a real mountain

3.Who was Matsuo Bashō?

4.What is special about Ueki Shrine?

5.What kind of people live in Iga?
a. Mean and busy
b. Quiet and shy
c. Rich and famous
d. Kind and friendly