VISON: Experience the freshness of nature

You know you want fresh foods for better flavor and good health. Well… How about trying the very freshest food this time? Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to lunch at VISON located in Taki Town, Mie Prefecture, and that is exactly what...

Summer activities by the sea in Tsu

During the COVID-19 pandemic I always had the urge to go overseas and enjoy the sun and the beach. That urge seemed too good to come true when I found out about an amazing place in Tsu City where I would be able to enjoy the sun, the sea, the beac...

Taiki private lodging and countryside E-bike tour: A traditional Japanese mountainside life experience through interaction with the locals.

The town of Taiki in Mie Prefecture has long been a transit point between the sacred Kumano and Ise areas. Although it is a small town, it is colored with a deep history and diverse culture that has developed under the watchful eye of the spectacu...

Taking the first step! The story of Takigawa YORIAI, a general incorporated association running the “Akame 48 Waterfalls Campsite”, a fun community stopover

Nabari City, located in the Iga region of western Mie Prefecture, is within an hour's train ride to Osaka. Located halfway between the city and countryside, it’s blessed with an abundance of water and forest villages. Here, the Akame 48 Waterfalls...

Sustainability and Forest Tourism in Mie

Japan is an island nation covered 70% by forests and mountains and Mie in particular has an ancient history and culture of forestry and wood artistry. Connect in a deeper way with local mountain culture and gain a unique perspective during your ad...

Wellness, Connecting with Nature, and a “Grand” Stay in Mie

Mie is full of natural wonders, delicious food, and kind hospitality. The coastal towns, ocean spirit and deep forests can be a wonderful place to relax, refresh and discover moments of peace and connection. Enjoying a unique yoga program and then...

Finding Adventure in the Forests of Mie

The forests of Mie are famous in history and legend. Trees and forestry are a big part of the culture throughout the prefecture. There are also new and exciting ways to celebrate the natural wonders of Mie and learn about yourself along the way. E...

Cycling and A Spa Stay That Was So Much more

Spending the day and an overnight in Komono Town, Mie was filled with explorations, relaxation and delicious discoveries. It was amazing to pedal around “off the beaten track” and then enjoy all the amazing options and possibilities at Aqua Ignis ...

Kayaking the Coast of Kihoku

For my final day in Mie, I’ll be exploring the Kihoku area on a bright and sunny day. We’ll start the day with a kayak ride on the coast, passing by multiple remote islands, then having lunch at a local Hawaiian cafe ”Douze Shokudo”with the be...

River Activities at Mie’s Beautiful Nature: Odai

River activities are one of my favorite activities during summer. It’s a great way to escape the summer heat and refresh yourself while being active and enjoying the great outdoors. Last summer, I had the opportunity to try some interesting ri...

The Sacred Shirataki Meditation and Temple in the Sky

Within the mountains of Toba lies a sacred waterfall where people have come to meditate for the past 1000 years. The mountain range expands out from the Ise Grand shrine and in this area, nature itself was once worshiped as a god. Many resolve...

Outdoor Activities at Meiwacho

After spending the whole morning and afternoon cycling around Meiwacho and visiting many different cultural spots, it was now time to head over to the coast to enjoy some barbecue at a campsite and try out a tent sauna. Finally, to end the day...

Cycling around Mie’s Historic Town: Meiwacho

For my first day in Mie, I visited the historic town of Meiwacho! For a small town overshadowed between 2 big cities: Matsusaka and Ise, Meiwacho had so much to offer and played an incredibly important role in Japan’s history. We rented some...

VISON: A place of health, relaxation and becoming one with nature

I recently had the pleasure of visiting a newly opened, on June 5, section of the expanding VISON, well-being and relaxation resort facilities located in Taki Town. So what is VISON? VISON is a bit of a play on words in Japanese and means “beaut...

Explore the natural wonder and rich culture of Mie Prefecture on a two-day adventure.

The journey from Osaka to Mie Prefecture will take you into a completely different part of Japan. Over a two-day visit, you can hike the Hajikami-toge Pass on the World Heritage Site Kumano-kodo pilgrimage trails, relax in an outdoor onsen surroun...

In the Aoyamakogen Highlands, sustainable energy is being produced in harmony with nature.

Japanese culture has always had a deep respect for the natural world and the country is committed to developing renewable energy sources. This focus on achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will help to ensure that future generations have...

Hiking the Hajikami-toge Pass on the Historic Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails

The Kumano kodo is an extensive network of pilgrimage trails that has been in use for over 1,000 years and visitors can experience a special combination of nature and tradition on these routes. It is one of only two pilgrimage routes in the world ...

See the Unique Rock Formations of Tategasaki and the Stunning Blue Grotto Up Close from a Pleasure Boat

Tategasaki is the largest columnar rock formation in Nigishima Bay in Kumano City with a height of about 80 meters and a circumference of about 550 meters. The best way to see this incredible natural structure is from the deck of a pleasure boat. ...

ILLUMINATION SUP – A BEAUTIFUL COMBINATION OF WATER AND LIGHT - All Ages Can Enjoy Beautiful Scenery and Twinkling Lights While Experiencing SUP Near Odai Town

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is an activity that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves the outdoors. Participants who sign up for the Illumination SUP experience in Odai will head out on the calm waters of the Miyagawa River at night on a paddleboar...

NIGHT WATERFALL TOUR “NIGHT ADVENTURE TOUR AIMING FOR A SUPERB WATERFALL FROM REAL DARKNESS” - Make Your Way in the Dark Alongside a Rushing Mountain Stream to See Fudo-daki

Fudo-daki is a powerful 30-meter high waterfall in the mountains of Okuise near Odai Town in Mie Prefecture. Bold adventurers looking for a new experience can hike up the mountain from the Okuise Forestpia hotel parking lot to the falls in total d...