While worlds apart in atmosphere from the bustling cityscapes of Nara, Kyoto, and Osaka, the charming villages of East Nara and Nabari are surprisingly close. In fact, you can journey from these popular tourist hubs to this tranquil rural escape in under an hour and a half by train.

 

Nara may be widely known for its deers but its allure extends far beyond this. East Nara unveils a soft side of natural beauty, and here, serene valleys and hills unfold, promising quiet escapes and rejuvenating encounters with nature.

 

A nature enthusiast's paradise in central Japan, Mie Prefecture also offers a variety of landscapes, ranging from vibrant autumn hues to captivatingly indented coastlines and mountains perfect for hiking and climbing. With an intricate blend of natural wonders, the prefecture is a must-see destination for adventure-seekers. 

 

Among Mie's jewels, the city of Nabari stands out in the northwestern part of the prefecture, bordering on Nara. Majestic mountains, winding rivers, and dense forests surround this picturesque enclave. With crystal-clear waters, astounding rocky mountains, and a community of welcoming people, Nabari encapsulates the very essence of richness in nature.

 

With this guide, immerse yourself in nature and explore East Nara and Nabari.

 

 

Renowned for its rich natural treasures, Nabari is home to the mesmerizing Akame 48 Waterfalls or the Akame Shijuhachi Taki. During the early morning hours, the sun filters through the dense forest, revealing the ethereal beauty of the cascading waters.

 

The Akame 48 Waterfalls are a string of waterfalls. The name “Akame”, which means red eyes, comes from the legend that Fudo Myo-o (in the world of Buddhism, he is known to be an incarnation of Dainichi Nyorai, the center of all things) appeared here riding a red-eyed cow. There are numerous scaled waterfalls in Akame, and this is why the number “48” is used as it means “many” in Japanese.

 

Among these, Akame boasts its Akame-go-baku or the 5 best waterfalls with stunning views. These are the Fudo, Senju, Nunobiki, Ninai, and Biwa Falls – all of which you can see when you walk the hiking trail. Ninai Falls, in particular, has earned its reputation as the waterfall with the most captivating scenery. It takes approximately 3 hours for a round-trip hike along a 4 km trail connecting the falls.

 

Near the falls, you will also find the Akamedaki Aquarium*, which breeds and exhibits the special natural monument and the world’s largest amphibian, the Japanese Giant Salamander.

 

*To be renovated into an aquarium from the 20th of April 2024.

 

Ninja Training Experience

 

 

The abundance of nature in the Akame Valley, formerly part of Iga, was the perfect training ground for ninjas. Ninjas were intelligence agents active from the 15th to the 18th century. It is believed that Momochi Sandayu, the founder of the Iga ninja, used to train and mold skilled ninjas in this site. Located around 3 kilometers west of Akame, the remnants of Momochi Sandayu's mansion highlight the region's connection to its ninja heritage.

 

If you’re up for a unique and thrilling adventure, a Ninja Training Experience is being offered at the falls for adults and children ages 4 and up. Immerse yourself with the way of the ninja and learn Iga-style ninjutsu or ninja techniques such as shuriken throwing, wall climbing, and water crossing. Ninja costumes are also available for rent. To make your ninja experience more fun, you can rent a ninja outfit before visiting the falls.

 

Akame 48 Waterfalls Campground

 

Akame 48 Waterfalls also surround the Akame 48 Waterfalls Campground, where the sounds of flowing water serve as the background for an unforgettable camping experience. The campground offers overnight and day camps with available tent sites, bungalow rooms, and a training building for meetings or event purposes. You can maximize your camping experience with the free barbecue area or play in the river in front of the campsite.

 

The adventure in Nabari continues as we explore Lake Shorenji, a picturesque and peaceful scenery perfect for escaping the busy city life. Lake Shorenji is an artificial lake created by a dam on the Shorenji River. You will also see the blue Shorenji Bridge and the red Benten Bridge connecting the lush greenery across the lake. Its calm waters reflect the changing seasons with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful autumn leaves in fall.

 

The lake is surrounded by parks that allow various activities like bird watching and bass fishing. You can also taste the freshest grapes and strawberries at the Lake Shorenji Tourist Village. Grape picking starts from mid-July to October and strawberry picking from January to late May.

 

 

Past the Shorenji River is Kaochi-dani Valley, also known as the “Yabakei of Kansai”. The entrance welcomes the columnar jointed rocks that look like they were split with an ax stretching over about 8 km. The magnificent rock formations such as Byobu Iwa, Kotaro Iwa, and Momiji-dani can be also found nearby. In spring, the yellow kerria and azaleas bloom vividly, and in autumn, the entire mountain is covered with fiery red autumn leaves. It’s an ideal scenic spot for hiking and driving while enjoying the scenery in front of you.

 

 

 

Iga-mai Rice

 

 

In the lush fields of Nabari, Iga-mai Rice takes center stage, being ranked as top grade in the Japan Rice Contest. The rich clay soils from the lakebed of Lake Biwa, combined with the clean water from the upstream Kizu-gawa River and the unique climate of the basin region, make it the perfect place to cultivate delicious Iga Rice. This special combination of factors results in top-notch rice renowned for its quality and taste.

 

Iga Beef

 

 

Iga Beef, also known as “Niku no Yokozuna” meaning “The Champion of the World of Meat” in Japan, is a top-tier Wagyu beef celebrated for its exceptional quality. Produced in the Iga region with its extreme seasonal temperature differences, this beef features luxurious, A5-rated marbling, offering a rich aroma, unparalleled flavor, and a unique tenderness that melts effortlessly in your mouth.

 

The origins of Iga Beef can be traced back to the end of the Kamakura period in Japan circa 1300. It is said that the Iga Ninjas carried dried meat as their rations.  Despite the fact that Iga Beef is delicious, cattle farmers produce very little quantity and only sell it in the local community, therefore, it is also referred to as the "phantom beef".

 

 

Katayaki "Ninja's Portable Food"

 

 

When in Nabari, be sure to bring home some Katayaki cookies as a unique souvenir. Crafted from flour and sugar, these cookies are renowned as the toughest in Japan. In fact, they are occasionally sold with a wooden hammer for cracking, a testament to their rock-hard texture. These cookies once served as portable sustenance for ninjas on secret missions. Despite their firmness, they are surprisingly light and boast a long shelf life, making them a highly sought-after gift in Nabari and Iga.

 

 

Where to Stay in Nabari

 

To make your Nabari adventure worthwhile, here is a recommendation that will surely bring you not just a comfortable place to stay, but also the best nature trip experience.

 

A "Slightly Inconvenient Hotel": ume, yamazoe 

 

©ume, yamazoe Official Website

 

If most hotels provide comfort and convenience, ume, yamazoe offers a “slightly inconvenient” accommodation with no cellular reception and convenience stores. The resort is situated in the eastern corner of Yamazoe village, across the border of Mie and Nara prefectures. Its remote location, away from the conveniences of the city, appeals to those who cherish a simpler, more connected way of life.

 

This three-roomed stay in Yamazoe's tranquil village offers a chance to immerse yourself in a rural lifestyle. Visitors are encouraged to experience the rich expressions of nature, savor local seasonal foods, and engage in face-to-face communication with local elders. The resort fosters a clear connection with one's thoughts, feelings, and the world around, emphasizing the importance of immaterial over material possessions. 

 

At ume, yamazoe, the resort values the tradition of communal dining, emphasizing the Japanese concept of "Washoku" with its five aspects of summation, harmony, calmness, softness, and peacefulness. Meals, made from ingredients grown in the surrounding area, aim to evoke a sense of the present moment unique to that time and place. The resort also strives to be inclusive, adapting meals to accommodate allergies, vegetarians, and halal diets. 

 

Straying from the modern pursuit of convenience and luxury, ume promotes the idea that the most interesting and fulfilling experiences often arise from immersing oneself in nature. The resort encourages guests to partake in seasonal activities and explore the beauty of Yamazoe village. It also features an outdoor Finnish-style sauna that stands out as one of the few of its kind in Japan, offering an exceptional experience surrounded by the serenity of the natural environment.

 

ume endeavors to be a place where people can connect beyond titles and garments, fostering a community that values kindness, acceptance of differences, and the harmonious coexistence of diverse individuals. The resort aims to create memorable experiences that transcend the ordinary and leave a lasting impact on the hearts of its visitors.

 

 

Nature’s Paradise

 

East Nara and Nabari serve as sanctuaries for nature enthusiasts, attracting those with a profound appreciation for the outdoors with captivating landscapes and cultural riches. Here, you can create unforgettable memories and explore Japan’s wonders while resonating with its spirit of adventure and timeless beauty.