Ninja, Japan's feudal mercenaries, are mainly known abroad as the stuff of legend and intrigue, while modern-day incarnations in Asia have gained widespread popular appeal through mediums such as anime and manga, or games and movies.
But tourists traveling to Japan who wish to familiarize themselves with the lore of this covert clan can find its heart and soul in a museum located in Iga, Mie Prefecture, dedicated to the history of the ninja.
For Japan, which seeks to boost its number of foreign tourists in the lead-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics and help stimulate local economies, it presents a destination of choice and a win-win for the region and tourists alike.