Ninja Training in the Ninja Forest of Akame 48 Waterfalls in Mie Prefecture
After visiting the ninja city of Iga in Mie Prefecture to learn all about the shadow warriors that are ninja, I was dying to become a ninja myself. Luckily, I found the perfect place, Akame 48 Waterfalls in Nabari, just up the road from Iga. This beautiful scenic spot with its secluded moss-covered forests is the ideal place to experience ninja training in an area where real ninja used to train in secrecy.
Waterfalls and More Waterfalls
There are several beautiful waterfalls to enjoy along the way of the short and easy course including Fudo Falls, Senju Falls and Nunobiki Falls, three of the five most famous waterfalls.
Fudo Falls is named after Fudo-Myo-o, the God of Fire. This 15-meter-high waterfall is spectacular with magnificent views of the cascade from the bridge over the ravine.
The spectacular Fudo Falls from the ravine
Senju Falls is named after Senju Kannon, the Goddess with a thousand hands as it looks like there are a lot of hands splitting the water, which flows over rocks in different directions.
The beautiful 15-meter-high Senju Falls
Nunobiki Falls looks like a long strip of cloth and the water from this powerful waterfall descends from a height of thirty meters.
The powerful Nunobiki Falls
Ninja Burgers and Farting Buns
After the hike, we were feeling a little hungry again, so we decided to try the ninja burger at the restaurant/pudding shop near the start of the trail.
The ninja burger with its cute wrapping
A visit to Akame 48 Waterfalls is also not complete, without trying the famous farting buns. These tasty treats come in eight different flavors including sweet potato, apple, sweet red beans, and cheese. The name comes from an old Japanese proverb which says, “Good fortune and happiness will come to those who smile.” The owner of the shop decided to make people laugh by creating this silly name. We chose traditional red bean paste and an interesting combination of cranberry and cream cheese.
Sweet red beans & cranberry and cream cheese
Close up of the cute but deadly farting buns
The last part of our day was spent strolling along the quiet streets checking out the small souvenir shops and restaurants.
Wrap Up
This stunning nature spot is a great place to discover the real Japan with a unique mix of ninja adventure, picturesque hiking trails and mysterious ancient waterfalls.
How to Get There
From Nagoya, take the Kintetsu Line from Kintetsu Nagoya Station to Akameguchi Station. The trip takes around 100 minutes and costs ¥3380. From Osaka, take the Kintetsu Line from Osaka Namba Station to Akameguchi Station. The trip takes around 60 minutes and costs ¥1830. From Akameguchi Station take the Sanko Bus to Akametaki which is about 10 minutes away.