1. Explore the hidden natural wonder of Akame Waterfalls
Akame 48 Waterfalls in Mie Prefecture is home to endless waterfalls lining a four kilometre stretch along Akame Valley. The walk takes around 4 hours to complete and allows visitors to immerse themselves amongst the serenity of the falls. The waterfalls are considered one of Mie’s hidden natural wonders, with the forested Akame Valley holding a historic past as a training ground for ninjas between the 15th and 18th centuries.
Every season Akame 48 Waterfalls greets visitors with new scenery. In spring, cherry blossoms come into bloom, while in autumn the changing colour of the forest leaves see it painted in red and brown hues. In the summertime, the valley is a luscious green, and in winter visitors may be rewarded with frozen waterfalls and icy outlooks.
The falls can be reached with the Kintetsu Railway by alighting at Akameguchi Station and a 10-minute bus ride.
2. Find endless fields of flowers at Menard Aoyama Resort Herb Garden
Nestled in a national park in Mie Prefecture’s west is Menard Aoyama Resort. The resort houses an eight-hectare herb garden that is home to 300 different varieties of herbs and flowers including lavender and camomile.
Menard Aoyama Resort can be accessed from Kintetsu Railway’s Iga-Kambe station, with a transfer on a free shuttle bus (reservation required).
3. Explore cedar forests and ancient structures at Murouji Temple
Murouji Temple stands on Mt. Muro on the border of Nara and Mie Prefectures. The temple is hidden in an almost magical cedar forest which covers the surrounding mountain area.
Get to Murouji Temple from Kintetsu Muroguchi-Ono Station, followed by a bus bound for Murouji-mae, alighting at the last stop.
4. Discover the Japanese countryside at Soni Village Highlands
Soni Village Highlands offers a rare outlook of expansive green fields reminiscent of the old Japanese countryside. The almost never-ending grassland is covered with Japanese pampas grass, which was traditionally used as roofing material in early Japanese houses.
After a day of hiking, visitors can soothe their muscles with a relaxing hot spring soak at Okame-no-yu Onsen which offers panoramic mountain views as you bathe.
Access Soni Highland from Nabari Station using the Kintetsu Railway line. During peak season a bus will take you to the highlands from the station, but it is recommended to access the area by car if you wish to experience the sunset views and explore the surrounding village after dark as buses stop mid-afternoon.
About the Kintetsu Rail Pass
The Kintetsu Rail Pass gives travellers unlimited rides on all Kintetsu Railway lines for 5 days.
Available for visitors from overseas at a discounted price of 3,700yen, pre-purchase your passes online or buy at any Kintetsu Station in Japan.
For information on the pass, please visit:
https://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/ticket/
Founded in 1910, Kintetsu Railway was originally an electric tram system operating between Nara and Osaka. Over the past 110 years, the company has become one of Japan’s largest operating railway networks that connects major cities in the Kansai region including Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Tsu, Ise and Yoshino. For more information, visit: www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/
Tags: #Travel, #japan, #railtravel, #RailJourney, #kansai, #travel #inspiration, #Kintetsu, #KintetsuRailwayRailway
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