NIPPONIA HOTEL 伊賀上野 城下町 (NIPPONIA HOTEL Iga Ueno Castle Town), a heritage-property hotel in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, will open a new wing called "NAIKI" on April 29, 2026. The expansion adds a private sauna converted from a 110-year-old storehouse and two dog-friendly suites with dedicated garden areas.
The official website is available at: https://www.vmg-igaueno.com/
Background
NIPPONIA HOTEL Iga Ueno Castle Town opened in 2020 as a dispersed-style hotel, blending seamlessly into the surrounding town. It was developed by preserving and restoring historic buildings in the area — including nationally registered tangible cultural properties built approximately 150 years ago. With this expansion, the number of historic buildings in use grows from 5 to 6, and the total room count increases from 14 to 16 rooms. A private sauna facility has also been added.
Iga is well known as the home of the ninja, but it was also a prosperous castle town and a key transportation hub. The region carefully preserves its history, with local crafts and agricultural products earning the collective name "IGAMONO." The hotel has been recognized by travelers seeking authentic experiences for offering immersive access to Iga's lesser-known culture, history, and gastronomy.
As more travelers seek rest and renewal through their journeys, demand has also grown for private, unhurried retreat experiences. In response, the new NAIKI wing offers guests the chance to recharge in a fully private sauna or spend quality time with their dogs, while still celebrating the history and culture of IGAMONO.
New NAIKI Wing Highlights
A former Meiji-era fruit wholesale building transformed into a kura sauna and dog-friendly suites
The new NAIKI wing is located along the Yamato Kaido road, historically used by feudal lords traveling through the region during the Edo period. The building was established around 1870 as the "Tanaka Seika Tonya" (Tanaka Fruit Wholesale Store) and has served as the company's office and workshop to this day. Named "NAIKI" after the traditional braiding pattern "Naiki-gumi," the building's tenement section and garden have been converted into dog-friendly suites, while the storehouse has been transformed into a sauna.
A fully private "Kura Sauna" in a 110-year-old storehouse — a sanctuary for deep relaxation
The old fruit wholesale storehouse, which carries over 110 years of history, has been converted into a genuine private sauna. Retaining its dignified atmosphere, the space offers complete privacy. Sessions are fully reserved in 90-minute private blocks, allowing guests to enjoy the sauna at their own pace. The facility is equipped with a self-löyly set, sauna hats, mats, and other sauna accessories. After the sauna, guests can step out to an open outdoor area overlooking the courtyard for a cold bath and outdoor bath surrounded by the changing seasons.
The sauna is available to guests staying in eligible rooms.
Dog-Friendly Suite — Exploring History with Your Dog in a Room with a Private Garden
The NAIKI wing includes two dog-friendly suites that preserve the architectural character of the historic building while providing a comfortable stay for guests and their dogs. The rooms are located within walking distance of Iga Ueno Castle. With lush greenery and a historic atmosphere, the location is ideal for leisurely walks with a dog. Each room comes fully equipped with amenities selected with dog owners in mind, including a crate, food bowls, dog treats, toilet sheets, etiquette bags, wet wipes, deodorizing spray, odor-blocking waste bins, and lint rollers. The rooms offer views of the private garden and feature Iga-ware ceramics and art, with natural materials and soft light through the garden providing a restorative ambiance.
New Wing Opening Details
Opening Date: April 29, 2026
New Additions: Dog-Friendly Suite (2 rooms), Kura Sauna
Kura Sauna Details
The sauna operates on a fully reserved, private-use basis with guaranteed 90-minute exclusive access for guests staying in eligible rooms.
- Price: ¥8,800 (tax included) per 90-minute session for up to 2 guests; additional guests are charged ¥1,650/person (tax included)
- Facilities: Löyly sauna, cold bath, outdoor bath, shower room
- Eligible rooms: KANMURI Wing (101–103), NOMATSU Wing (401–403), NAIKI Wing (601–602)
- Reservation plan: https://go-vmg.reservation.jp/ja/hotels/vmg-igaueno/plans/10188413
Dog-Friendly Suite Details
The suites are situated at the foot of Iga Ueno Castle, in a townscape steeped in history — perfect for creating special memories with a dog.
- Price: From ¥65,670/person with two meals included (based on 2 guests per room)
Prices are as of the press release date and may vary based on demand and season. Please check the official website for the latest pricing. - Capacity: NAIKI Room 601: up to 4 guests / NAIKI Room 602: up to 3 guests
- Amenities: Private garden, crate, two food bowls, dog treats, toilet sheets, etiquette bags, wet wipes, deodorizing/antibacterial/insect-repellent spray, odor-blocking waste bin, lint roller
15% Off Expansion Commemorative Coupon
To celebrate the new wing opening, a coupon offering 15% off the listed price on the official booking site is available for guests who stay by the end of July 2026.
- Coupon details: https://www.vmg-igaueno.com/news/naiki-open
- Official booking site: https://go-vmg.reservation.jp/ja/hotels/vmg-igaueno/plans
Applicable only to reservations made through the official booking site by the end of June 2026.
Room and sauna images shown are for illustrative purposes.
About NIPPONIA HOTEL Iga Ueno Castle Town
NIPPONIA HOTEL Iga Ueno Castle Town treats the entire town of Iga Ueno as its hotel. The property features six buildings and 16 rooms in total, with historic buildings — including nationally registered tangible cultural properties built approximately 150 years ago — carefully restored to preserve their original design while offering comfortable, high-quality accommodations. The hotel also provides immersive access to Iga's gastronomy, history, and culture, including soy sauce brewery tours.
Official website: https://www.vmg-igaueno.com/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nipponia_igaueno/
