Get Outdoors in Mie

In Japan, nature and spirituality are inextricably intertwined and Mie prefecture is the embodiment of this philosophy. Arguably the spiritual center of Japan, Mie’s natural sights will enchant you with their almost mystic quality. With 65% of the prefecture consisting of forest, over 1000 km of rugged coastline and a variety of climates within the prefecture, Mie is complex geographically. It is this variety that makes Mie such a draw for nature loving tourists who wish to step off the beaten track into ancient, authentic, Japan. From the romantic twin rocks Meoto Iwa on the Shima peninsula, to the stunning Akame waterfalls 100km inland, if you want nature, Mie has you covered.

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Meoto Iwa

Meota Iwa, located just off the coastline of Futami, is a perfect photo location. Situated nearby the Futami Okitama Shrine, the name means ‘wedded rocks’, with the larger rock representing the husband, the smaller the wife. They are linked by a shimenawa - the sacred rope often found strung across the gates to shrines. Fortunate travelers who view the rocks at sunrise may just get an elusive glimpse of Mt Fuji rising between the two rocks.

Meoto Iwa (Husband and Wife Rocks)

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: Mie Pref. Iseshi Futamichoue 575 Meoto Iwa in

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Travel Guide

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Kumano Kodo

Mie is well known for its pilgrimages. Historically, the walking routes were not just seen as a way to get to Mie’s many important shrines but as a spiritual experience themselves, where pilgrims could take inspiration from Mie’s stunning countryside while journeying. The Kumano Kodo consists of several trails, and the Iseji route runs through Mie’s hyper rural districts such as Odai-cho to connect Kumano with Ise Jingu. Much of the original stone trails have been paved over but parts remain beautifully preserved, such as the Magose Toge near Owase.

Kumano Furumichi Iseji

: Mie Owase-shi

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Akame 48 Falls

In Akame in the picturesque Nabari district lie the Akame 48 Falls, a series of stunning waterfalls each with their own unique personalities. The best way to enjoy the Akame waterfalls is to walk the 4 km hiking trail that showcases them as well as some lush greenery. Interestingly, there are actually less than 48 waterfalls in total. In old Japanese, the number 48 was previously used to denote ‘a lot’ rather than a precise number. Regardless, of the total waterfall series, there are five which are the most impressive. Don’t miss Fudo, Senju, Nunobiki, Ninai and Biwa, but the path itself is well worth the walk on its own, especially in the hot summer when the mist cools you down.

Akame 48 Waterfalls

: Mie Pref. Nabarishi Akamechou Nagasaka

: 0595633004

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05

Rice and Tea

Mie is Japan’s third largest producer of tea, and produces some well-known rice especially in the northern areas. If you want to spend time in the fields and see how these local products are made, grab a car and head to Odai-cho, in the mountains behind Ise and Matsusaka. Here you can see endless tea fields, beautiful all year round, but particularly nice in the first week or two of May when the first harvest occurs.

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Onigajo

In southern Mie, Kumano is a seaside town famous for its importance on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. On the beautiful coast, you can find the onigajo area, translated as ‘devil’s castle.’ This area is made up of incredible rock formations, worn down over thousands of years. Both the rocks themselves and the sight of the water lapping up against them make the trip worthwhile, but you can then spend plenty of time exploring the coastlines as well.

Onigajyo Center

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