Red coloring of leaves in autumn, cherry blossoms, plums……Photogenic picture taking spots are all here!

In March every year, "Inabe Plum Festival" is held at the plum trees park. 

The recommended picture taking spot is the view from the outlook point. 

When the plum trees are viewed from above, the view is like an extensive patchwork of plums of different colors. 

With the background of Suzuka mountain range topped with the snow of early spring and the gradation of red and white colors the plum trees park, the comforting fragrance of plum welcomes the visitors.

Related link:
> Inabe City Nogyokoen     

The scene of flowers blooming on the weeping plum trees with the Suzuka Mountain range in the background is spectacular!  

About 200 weeping plum trees were collected from various parts of Japan over many years and the trees have been taken care by renowned Japanese gardeners who are called masters. 

The oldest plum tree of the Kureha Shidare specie is also found in the garden and is named "Ten no Ryu".

It is estimated to be over 100 years old and is believed to be the oldest in Japan.  

"Ten no Ryu" and other magnificent plum trees are most certainly worth seeing.  

While the trees look beatiful during the day, the trees lit up at night look mystical.  

The lampstands placed at the base of the trees will light up the plum trees softly.

Related link:
> Suzuka Forest Garden     

Iga, which is famous as the village of ninjas, has a long history as a castle town, and "Iga Ueno Castle" built by a master castle builder stands majestically in the middle of the town. 

The castle is also called "Hakuho Castle" (White Phoenix Castle) because of the elegant three layered structure.  

The approximately 30 meter high stone wall of the inner moat, which is the highest in Japan, is a must-see and have been used as a place for filming movies.

Related link:
> Iga Ueno Castle     

"Shourenjiko" is surrounded by mountains.  

In spring, cherry blossoms bloom along the lakeside and the contrast between the blue surface of the lake and pink cherry blossoms look so beautiful.  

The red bridge which reflects on the lake's surface is also photogenic.  

It will be a good time to quietly take a walk and spend a serene moment at the coffe shop on the lakeside.  

At the "Shourenjiko Tourist Village" near the lake, you can also experience fruit picking.  

Strawberry picking is held during January through May and grape picking is held during late July through October.  

Please enjoy the hand-picked fresh and juicy fruit.

Related link: Shourenjiko (Lake Shourenji)     

Maruyamasenmaida is chosen as one of the 100 most beautiful terraced rice fields. 

It is also called as Japan's most beautiful terraced rice field.  

In spring, you see the rice paddy with abundant water.  

In summer, you see the growing rice. 

 In autumn, you see the golden ears of rice which have ripen.  

In winter, you see the bare soil after the rice has been harvested. 

You could see the different faces through the four seasons.  

The amazing view from the lookout point will definitely capture the heart of the visitor.  

There are so many small paddies in multiple layers that there is even a joke saying "I thought one paddy was missing, but it was hiding under my bamboo hat".  

The number of the paddies are approximately 1,340.

Related link:
> Maruyamasenmaida (Maruyama Terraced Rice Fields)    

A lookout point with a panoramic view of the complexly indented rias coastline and 60 islands on the Ago Bay.  

You can enjoy the superb view of one of Japan's most beautiful rias coasts from the elevation of 140 m. 

The view overlooking the Ago Bay extending to the south is the best you can get in Ise-Shima. 

There are No.1 through No.3 Lookout Points along the ridge of the hill, and a pathway is available which makes the place also ideal for hiking and trekking.

Related link:
> Yokoyama Tenboudai (Yokoyama Lookout Point)     

"Meotoiwa" is famous matchmaking power spot.  

The place has been known since ancient times as the place to worship the sunrise and people have believed that it is a sacred place where god would stop by.  

During May through July, sunrise can be seen between the two rocks.  

In particular, on clear days just before or after summer solstice, the place gets crowed with many photographers and worshippers because the sun can be seen rising from the back of Mt. Fuji in the far distance.  

During November through January, the recommended time to visit is nighttime.  

This is because the full moon can be soon between the two rocks.  

Meotoiwa has been known since ancient times as a place to worship the sunrise.

Related link:
> Meotoiwa (Rocks of the married couple)    

The grand panorama of Isewan Bay is magnificent!  

There is a foot bath at the lookout point, which is grateful for the visitors to be able to get the superb view while having the feet in the bath. In the huge land of 150,000 m2 at the mountain top, you will be able to see plants and flowers of each season such as Asakuma-nanakusa (seven herbs of Asakuma) and Jingu azaleas. 

The hammocks and the pathways to take a walk are also available. 

You will get a magnificent panoramic view of Isewan Bay and Chubu International Airport. 

On a clear and sunny day, you will get a distant view of the magnificent mountain ranges of Japan Alps and Mt. Fuji.

Related link:
> Ise-Shima Skyline     

Akame 48 Falls are an beautiful art of great nature created by the many falls that connect to the upstream river. 

In spring, there are mountain cherry blossoms and Japanese globeflowers and azaleas. 

In early summer, there is the fresh green. 

In autumn, there is the red coloring of leaves.  

In winter, there are the snow covered scenery and ice fall.  

Each season shows you a different scenery and you can also receive a full charge of negative ion in the forest.  

The length of the pathway is approximately 4 km. 

The mystic nature in Akame is the reason for the place to be chosen as one of "100 selected falls of Japan", "100 selected forests for forest bathing" and "100 selected places to stroll".  

The gracious harmony of colors and sounds created by the trees, streams and falls in the valley will make the nature there even more enjoyable.

Related link:
> The Akame 48 Falls    

A large valley designated as a Special National Scenic Spot.  

The serene beauty of its water has been known since the old times and visitors will be overwhelmed by the large valley's nature dating back to the prehistoric times.  

The wild vertical cliffs and massive rocks.  

The color of the river is a mysterious emerald green.  

In autumn, the contrast against the red coloring of leaves is spectacular.  

In May, the small azaleas bloom on the vertical cliffs as if they are glued on the cliffs.  

Dorokyou can be toured from on board the jet boats.  

Dorokyou is also known by the name of "Dorohacchou" and is designated as Japan's natural monument.

Related link:
> Dorokyou (Dorohacchou)     

The illuminations at Nabana-no-sato attracts people from all over the world with its overwhelming scale and beauty.  

The most famous is the 200m long illuminated tunnel. 

Covered by the relaxing lights, you will proceed the tunnel.  

Through the 4 seasons, various flowers and trees can be observed, and flowers such as tulips, dahlias, cosmoses and roses bloom all over the large site and the red coloring of leaves being lit up in autumn are all so breathtakingly beautiful.

Related link:
> Nabana no Sato     

Mt. Gozaisho constitutes the main part of the Suzuka Mountain range. 

At the foot of the mountain, there is the Yunoyama-Onsen hot springs. 

Mt. Gozaisho is a magnificent mountain park with one of the world's longest ropeway operating from the foot of the mountain to the mountain top. 

The spectacles to see are the frost-covered trees during January to February and the red coloring of leaves during October to November. 

The mountain stream has many falls. Also, the place is known to have a large variety of vegetation and at the foot of the mountain, a unique natural environment is sustained where various species of vegetation of various parts of Japan can be observed.  

Having the altitude of 1,212m and many mountain climbing courses, the mountain attracts many mountain climbers all year round.

Related link
> Mt. Gozaisho/Gozaisho Roapway    

■Suggested model route for March.

10:00 Visit the plum trees park in Inabe City Nogyokoen. 

The best hour to take pictures is during the morning!

12:00 Have lunch at Aquaignis. 

Strawberries in season for desert will be satisfying. 

It is also a good idea to enjoy bathing at Kataoka Onsen hot springs on a day trip basis.

17:00 Visit Suzuka Forest Garden and enjoy the romantic mood of the light up of weeping plum trees.

■Suggested model route for April.

10:00 Take pictures of the beautiful white structure of Iga Ueno Castle. Stroll the castle town of Iga Ueno as the town has many unique architectures. 

A visit to the Ninja Museum of Iga-ryu is also a must!

12:00 Try the legendary-quality beef, the Iga beef, which you can only eat in Iga area.

14:00 Take a walk along Shorenjiko and relax at the coffee shop on the lakeside.

■Suggested model route for May - October  Part-1

09:00 Visit Yokoyama Lookout Point and get a panoramic view of the Agowan Bay, where the G7 Summit was held in 2016. 

You will be able to enjoy hiking on a wooden pathway or a spectacular view from three different outlook decks.

12:30 Enjoy the all-you-can-eat-menu of oysters at Uramura area of Toba! You could experience the atmosphere of a fishing village by the view of oyster cultivation rafts.

15:30 Take the Ise-Shima Skyline and take a break at the lookout point with the footbath on top of Asama Mountain. 

This is definitely the footbath with the most spectacular view as it overlooks the Isewan Bay.

17:00 Take pictures of the sunset at Meotoiwa. 

The time of sunset is about 18:30 in May, about 19:00 at summer solstice (June 22) and about 17:00 in October.  Stay overnight in Toba area.

■Suggested model route for May - October  Part-2

10:00 Get on board the Sandanbo (river sail boat). 

The river boat that moves by the river winds and the emerald green color of Kumano River are so picturesque.

12:00 Please try "Saury Sushi" for lunch. 

This is a local cuisine prepared by first pickling a healthy saury in salt and then pickling it in mandarin orange vinegar, a local specialty product.

14:00 Visit Maruyamasenmaida as this is the season that the green rice looks beautiful.

■Suggested model route for November  Part-1

10:00 Get on board a water jet ship at Dorokyou.  

This is the season when the contrast of the emerald green colored river and red coloring of leaves is beautiful.

12:00 Try "Mehari Sushi" for lunch.  

This is an onigiri (rice ball) which is wrapped around with a pickle called leaf mustard.  

It is called "Mehari" because it is so tasty that your eyes will be focused on it for a while (Mewoharu or Mehari has such a meaning).

14:00 Visit Onigajyo and enjoy the unique view of the blue color of the Kumanonada Sea and the cliffs that look like demons.

■Suggested model route for November  Part-2

10:00 Visit Akame 48 Falls and enjoy hiking along the mountain stream. 

The red coloring of leaves and the falls are spectacular.

12:00 For lunch, you should try the local delicacy of Nabari, the Beef Soup. 

The top quality brand Iga Beef  and a Japanese style soy sause-based stock is used for the soup. 

The Iga Beef Soup will warm you up.

14:30 See the red coloring of the leaves at Shorenjiko and relax at the coffee shop on the lakeside.

■Suggested model route for December - February

10:00 Take the Gozaisho Ropeway to the top of Mt. Gozaisho. 

If you are lucky with the weather conditions, you might be able to see trees covered with frosts, which is an art of nature in the world of snow!

12:00 Lunch at Aquaignis. 

Strawberries in season for desert will be satisfying.

15:00 Visit Nabana-no-sato and enjoy watching the fantastic illuminations which have one of the biggest scale in Japan.