Like a UNESCO Eco‑Park—11 Must‑See Tourist Spots in Ōdai Town, Mie Prefecture

Do you know the Miyagawa River? This river was ranked first in the national water quality survey for six consecutive years from 2006 (although the ranking was discontinued in 2012). In Ōdai Town, the Miyagawa River runs through the center of the town from east to west, with its tributaries flowing through every corner to create a beautiful, clear stream.

Ōdai Town is located in Taki District and is surrounded by mountains. It is situated in the northern to central part of Mie Prefecture, stretching long from north to south. With its stunning clear streams, Ōsugidani—a National Natural Monument situated on the Miyagawa—is part of a UNESCO Eco-Park that, in 2016, included Ōdaigahara, Mount Ōmine, and Ōsugidani across the entire town. In Japan, this UNESCO Eco-Park is registered along with six other sites: Ayama in Miyazaki Prefecture, Shiga Kōgen, Hakusan, Yakushima/Kuchinara Island, Tadami, and the Southern Alps. Let’s take a closer look at this hidden gem of Ōdai Town.

1. Breathtaking Scenery Woven by Nature! “Ōsugidani”

Ōsugidani, a tourist spot in Ōdai Town, Taki District, Mie Prefecture, is located in one of the rainiest regions in the country. The abundant natural blessings here have created dramatic waterfalls and V-shaped gorges that are the highlights of this area. The landscape, repeatedly carved by landslides, and the massive waterfall that appears to pour down from above offer a breathtaking view. The river flowing nearby is equally beautiful, making it a favorite destination for photographers.

That said, the hiking trail here is very steep due to the heavy rainfall, so beginners should proceed with extra caution—this course is recommended for intermediate and advanced hikers. It is not a casual stroll but a planned mountain climb. Please follow proper mountain climbing rules and enjoy your ascent!

2. The Miyagawa Dam Lake Sightseeing Boat, Resumed After 10 Years in 2014

One of the famous tourist attractions in Ōdai Town, Taki District, Mie Prefecture, is the “Miyagawa Dam Lake Sightseeing Boat.” The remote, dramatic Ōsugidani Gorge is renowned as one of Japan’s three major gorges. In 2014, after a 10‑year hiatus, the hiking trail was reopened and, along with improved access to the trailhead, the Miyagawa Dam Lake Sightseeing Boat resumed operation.

The boat is named “Bōkyomaru” (望郷丸); it is 11.26 meters long, 3.1 meters wide, weighs 9.1 tons, and has a passenger capacity of 40 people. Both the hiking-connecting boat and the dam lake sightseeing boat require reservations for groups of four or more at least three days in advance. There are seven large waterfalls in Ōsugidani, and by taking the boat from the Ōsugi boarding area and walking the Ōsugi hiking trail, you can view these waterfalls. Since the boat’s operating time is fixed, it is recommended to make inquiries beforehand.

3. Unique to Oku-Ise! Enjoy Water Leisure with “Riverboard Oku-Ise”

Are you familiar with “riverboarding,” a water leisure activity where you ride a board designed to glide down a river? On a riverboard (hydrospeed river buggy), you can have fun as you make your way downstream.

This thrilling activity will make your everyday fatigue vanish in an instant. It is open to beginners as long as you are high school age or older. Additionally, there are plans that include both barbecue and hot springs. At Riverboard Oku-Ise, one of Ōdai Town’s tourist attractions, you can enjoy yourself to the fullest as time permits.

4. Spend a Leisurely Day in Ōdai Town at “Oku-Ise Forestpia”

Also located in Ōdai Town, Taki District, Mie Prefecture, “Oku-Ise Forestpia” is a facility that offers two services: the “Forest Experience Workshop” and the “Miyagawa Mountain Lodge.” In the experience workshop, you can try your hand at pottery, woodworking, bread making, and more.

Within the facility, there is also an athletic area where you can rent bicycles for cycling or enjoy fishing at the fishing pond. It’s a tourist spot where both children and adults can spend an entire day leisurely. Inside the lodge, you’ll find a restaurant, onsen, lounge, and accommodations, all thoughtfully designed to let you feel connected with nature even indoors. Outdoors, there are cottages and a barbecue area—making Oku-Ise Forestpia an ideal destination for summer fun. Bring your whole family and enjoy a relaxed day together.

5. Create Memories with Hands-On Experiences at “Forest Experience Workshop, Muraku”

Within Oku-Ise Forestpia, the Forest Experience Workshop (Muraku) offers activities such as bread making, pottery, fishing pond experiences, and in summer, even catching fish in the river. The popular bread-making experience, conducted by Tsurugi no Pan, teaches you how to bake bread—the workshop even allows you to bring your own toppings if you wish.

In the pottery workshop (Hyakuhō Kiln), even beginners are given careful instruction on making bowls, tea cups, or plates. This is a tourist spot that can create lasting memories of your summer vacation.

6. Enjoy Autumn! “Yamatani Gorge” – A Must-See for Fall Foliage

Yamatani Gorge, where the maple leaves dye the canyon red, is located on the northwestern side of Miyagawa Dam Lake, on the north side of Kunimi Mountain. Every year from mid-November to early December, beautiful autumn foliage—such as maples, mizunara, and Hime-Shara—paints the sheer canyon walls in vivid colors. The view of the gorge, bathed in brilliant red from the Silver Bridge over the dam lake’s upstream, is truly spectacular.

Miyagawa Dam to the Silver Bridge is 2.0 km, but the road is narrow, so drivers need to exercise caution. If you are not comfortable driving, consider taking the dam lake sightseeing boat. With scenic views that change with the seasons, Yamatani Gorge is a highly recommended spot in Ōdai Town.

7. A Hidden Cherry Blossom Spot! “Aitsu Pass Mountain Cherry Blossoms”

Aitsu Pass Mountain Cherry Blossoms is a hidden gem in Ōdai Town, Taki District, Mie Prefecture. Even locals in Mie may not know much about this spot. Aitsu Pass refers to Prefectural Route 710, which connects Matsusaka City and Ōdai Town, and it is famous locally as a spot to view the first sunrise. From Ōdai Town, the mountains overlooking Matsusaka burst into bloom with mountain cherry blossoms, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Yoshino’s thousands of cherry trees—but without the crowds of tourist buses.

Additionally, Oku-Ise Forestpia sometimes offers a “Aitsu Pass Cherry Blossom Viewing” tour exclusively for its lodging guests via a free shuttle bus. As these cherry blossoms are in a remote area, it is recommended to check with the local tourism association for bloom information. Enjoy this hidden spot!

8. A Historic Park with Scenic Views – “Kitabatake Historic Park”

Kitabatake Tomonori was the 8th head of the Kitabatake family, Ise Kuni-shi, who fiercely resisted Oda Nobunaga during the Sengoku period. Although he was ultimately defeated by Nobunaga, he adopted Nobunaga’s second son, Oda Nobuo, as his heir and valiantly fought through the turbulent Sengoku era.

It is said that Tomonori was a master swordsman—so much so that he is mentioned in the story of Miyamoto Musashi and was taught the “first sword” technique by Tsukahara Toden. In 1570, he became a monk and moved to present-day Ōdai Town but refused to pass the family headship to Nobuo. Perhaps as a result, in 1576 he and his sons were killed, and the Kitabatake family vanished from the ranks of Sengoku daimyō.

Kitabatake’s final resting place is marked at Kitabatake Historic Park in Ōdai Town. This site, which includes a mound marking his burial, is now a park where you can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and maples in autumn. Visit to learn about history and enjoy the scenery.

9. The Legend of the Ox Demon of Western Japan: “Chichigayatsu Ushioni-fuchi”

Are you familiar with the yokai (demon) known as the “Ox Demon” (Gyūki)? Many regions in western Japan have their own Ox Demon legends, and the area of Chichigayatsu Ushioni-fuchi in Ōdai Town carries its own folk tale. Did you know that a story from this location was broadcast on the manga series “Japanese Folktales”?

The site is located at the western end of Ōdai Town along a tributary of the Miyagawa Dam Lake. After crossing a beautiful gorge, you will encounter Ushioni-fuchi. This term refers to the deep pools at the base of waterfalls; sometimes the names Ichinotsubo (First Pot), Kamagaki Taki, or Ninotsubo (Second Pot) are used, and collectively these are referred to as Ushioni-fuchi. However, since there is no established route and information is limited, if you plan to visit, please prepare in advance and equip yourself properly for gorge climbing.

10. For Day or Night Camping, Enjoy at “Yumaku Ikoi-no-Yakata”

“Yumaku Ikoi-no-Yakata” is an experiential facility created by local residents of the Kuritani area in Ōdai Town, Taki District, Mie Prefecture, with the idea of “a place where people can casually gather.” It is one of the unmissable attractions in the area. For lunch, there is a limited one-day offering of 15 servings of a local specialty meal enjoyed around a traditional irori (hearth).

Behind the facility, you can also find a charcoal grill shed, and for those wishing to relax, there is a treehouse available. The treehouse can be used in two shifts—daytime and nighttime—with a very reasonable fee of 1,000 yen per person. This makes day and night camping an attractive and affordable option. Experience something different from your everyday life and create lasting memories at Yumaku Ikoi-no-Yakata.

11. A Nature Experience School for Children – “Ōsugidani Nature School”

Ōsugidani Nature School is run by an NPO and operates out of the now-closed Ōsugi Elementary School. It offers an experiential education program that integrates local culture and the surrounding natural environment. In this facility, children can play and learn in the abundant nature of Ōsugidani.

Experiences available include traditional fishing method “shakuri,” winter camping, long summer camps, fishing with campfire-cooked sweet potatoes, and outdoor cooking classes using seasonal ingredients in the mountains and rivers. Other programs include outdoor yoga and rural living courses (homemade tea making, beehive construction). Programs vary by age, and schedules and content may change, so please contact the facility before your visit.

◎ Summary

How did you find our introduction to the tourist spots in Ōdai Town, Taki District, Mie Prefecture? This region stands apart from urban theme parks and refined tourist areas. In vertically elongated Mie, surrounded by mountains and rivers, a long vacation may be the best time to visit. There are still many wonderful attractions scattered across the prefecture from east to west, north to south.

Because the region is relatively warm, you’ll find plenty of spots where families—from small children to adults—can fully enjoy every season. Whether you’re searching for delicious food, a relaxing hot spring, refreshing water and air, or grand scenic views, set out to explore and create unforgettable memories.

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Like a UNESCO Eco‑Park—11 Must‑See Tourist Spots in Ōdai Town, Mie Prefecture