2025 Mihama Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

This is a Marriott hotel that is built near roadside stations all over the country. The hotel is simple and does not have a restaurant or large public bath. Although it is simple, I think it is very convenient to be able to stay in a hotel of this quality all over the country. The hotel is fully equipped with self-service drinks and microwaves. There is a roadside station nearby so you can also get locally produced meals there. ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ information Name of facility📍Fairfield by Marriott Mie Kumano Kodo Mihama Address📍6115-13 Atawa, Mihama-cho, Minamimuro-gun, Mie Prefecture Check-in/out📍15:00/11:00 Access📍Right next to JR Atawa Station ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ #Hotel review #Fairfield by Marriott #Marriott chain #Family trip #Solo trip #Girls trip #Mie Prefecture #Kumano Kodo #Shingu

A 2-Day, 1-Night Tour of the Secret Places in Owase City, Japan Recommended seasons: Spring (cherry blossoms), Autumn (red leaves), Winter (clear skies) Day 1: Dialogue between the ancient road and the sea Route: Kumano Kodo Iseji → Shichiri Mihama Coast → Owase Morning Market → Hot Spring Healing Transportation: JR Kisei Main Line "Owase Station" + bus / walking Morning: Traveling through the Millennium Divine Realm 1. 8:0011:30 Kumano Kodo Ise Road (Magoshi Pass Section) Must-see highlights: Magesotoge Stone Path: Hike 2 kilometers along the moss-covered ancient path and touch the 800-year-old "Couple Sugi" (photo suggestion: light spots in the forest in the morning mist sprinkled on the stone path). Hakkiyama Observatory: Climb to the top and overlook the azure blue where Owase Bay meets the Pacific Ocean (photo: drone aerial view of the coastline and archipelago). Tips: Wear non-slip shoes, there are no supply points along the way, bring enough drinking water. Noon: Gift from the fishing port 2. 12:0013:30 Owase Morning Market (weekends only) Recommended experience: Freshly grilled "Bonito Tatsuo" (photo: the moment the fish skin is grilled by flames). Buy "Persimmon Leaf Sushi" (Photo: Close-up of the sushi platter wrapped in green leaves). Afternoon: Breath of the Pacific 3. 14:3016:30 Nanari Mihama Coast How to play: Shiomasaki Lighthouse: The southernmost landmark on the Japanese mainland, capture the collision of cliffs and raging waves (illustration: white lighthouse and deep blue waves captured by a wide-angle lens). Chaoyin Cave: Explore the sea caves carved by waves at low tide (photo: light and shadows inside the cave and silhouettes of tourists). Night: Hot springs and starry sky 4. Stay at Owase Onsen Seiryuso Features: Open-air bath facing Kumano Beach, looking up at the starry sky without light pollution when bathing at night Day 2: Symphony of Jingu and craftsmanship Route: Yanokawa Gorge → Sugali Shrine → Kishu Binchotan Workshop → Return Transportation: Bus + Walking Morning: Canyon Zen 1. 8:0010:00 Yanokawa Gorge Secret highlights: Longshen Waterfall: A waterfall with a drop of 50 meters, it often presents the wonder of icefall in winter (photo: slow shutter speed to capture the silky texture of the water). Suspension Bridge Autumn Leaves: Autumn maple leaves dye the canyon red 2. 10:3012:00 Sugali Shrine Experience: Pay homage to the "Guardian of the Sea" and ask for a whale-shaped amulet (pictured: vermilion torii gate and sea level in the background). Try the "Seaweed Chazuke Rice" at the Shrine Teahouse Afternoon: The inheritance of the thousand-year-old fire 3. 13:0015:00 Kishu Binchotan Workshop In-depth gameplay: Boil charcoal and boil water in a hammer-shaped iron kettle (photo: the red light of the charcoal fire reflects the craftsman's side). Buy cypress charcoal soap (photo: black charcoal soap vs. white foam). Useful Tips 1. Transportation: It takes about 3 hours to take the JR Limited Express "Nanki" from Nagoya to Owase Station. It is recommended to buy the "Ise Kumano Wakayama Tourist Pass". 2. Language: There are English signboards at major attractions, and it is recommended to download the "VoiceTra" real-time translation app. 3. Limited experience: Every January, the "Owase Yosakoi Festival" features dancers dressed as fishermen holding wooden oars and dancing (picture suggestion: use motion blur to show the dancers' sense of power). Budget reference Mid-range free travel: 35,000 yen per person (about 1,600 yuan), including transportation/hot spring hotel/experience projects. Ways to save money: Stay in a youth hostel and have simple meals at convenience stores, 20,000 yen per person (about 900 yuan).

I. Must-See Attractions & Experiences 1. Kumano Kodo Iseji 🥾 - Highlight: The eastern branch of the World Heritage "Kumano Kodo" pilgrimage route. The Owase section is known for its bamboo forests and stone steps, perfect for light hiking. - Recommended Route: Magose-toge Pass, approximately a 2-hour walk, featuring a serene path covered with moss. - Tips: Wear non-slip shoes and bring plenty of water. Free maps (English versions available) can be obtained at the visitor center. 2. Shichiri Mihama 🌅 - Highlight: One of Japan's longest gravel coastlines. Enjoy cycling or walking while listening to the "singing sand" created by the waves crashing against the pebbles. - Activities: Sunrise viewing, collecting uniquely patterned stones along the coast (taking large pebbles is prohibited). 3. Owase Onsen ♨️ - Highlight: Natural hot springs rich in minerals. Umi-no-Yu is recommended for its Pacific Ocean views. - Cost: Public baths are approximately JPY 500. Japanese inns (Ryokans) offer private baths with accommodations. 4. Furuichi District 🏯 - Highlight: Preserved Edo-era merchant town atmosphere with wooden houses and latticed shop windows. Kajita Residence (a National Important Cultural Property) is a must-see. - Opening Hours: The streets are open all day. Some old houses require reservations for visits. 5. Osugidani Nature Park 🌳 - Highlight: Primeval forests and waterfalls. A summer retreat perfect for playing in the streams. - Transportation: Driving or taking the sightseeing bus (departing from Owase Station, 1-2 times daily) is recommended. II. Recommended Local Cuisine 🍣🐟 1. Local Flavors - Owase Katsuo 🐟: Charcoal-grilled skipjack tuna sashimi (tataki) served with garlic slices and yuzu vinegar. Exquisitely delicious! - Ise Ebi Miso Soup 🦐: Made with Ise lobster, a specialty of the Kii Peninsula. Rich and flavorful. - Kakinoha-zushi 🍙: Fermented sushi wrapped in salted persimmon leaves, offering a unique sweet and sour taste. 2. Recommended Restaurants - Isami 🍤: Family-friendly seafood restaurant with ocean views. The "Katsuo Three Ways Set Meal" (approx. JPY 2,000) is a must-try. - Café Kajita ☕: A café in a renovated old house, serving hand-drip coffee and Japanese sweets. 3. Market Experience - Owase Morning Market 🍅: Every Sunday morning (7:00-10:00), local farmers and fishermen set up stalls selling fresh seafood and mountain vegetables. III. Accommodation Recommendations 🏨 1. Hot Spring Inns (Ryokans) - Umioto 🌊: Traditional Japanese inn with rooms facing the Pacific Ocean, including breakfast and dinner (Kaiseki cuisine), approximately JPY 15,000 per person. - Kokuminshukusha Osugidani 🏕️: Simple accommodation within the nature park, suitable for hikers, approximately JPY 6,000 per night. 2. Budget-Friendly Options - APA Hotel Owase Ekimae 🚉: Conveniently located near Owase Station, offering standard business hotel amenities, approximately JPY 7,000 per night. IV. Transportation Guide 🚄🚗 1. External Transportation - Train 🚞: Take the JR Limited Express "Nanki" from Nagoya (approx. 3 hours) directly to Owase Station. From Osaka, transfer at Shingu Station. - Bus 🚌: Mie Kotsu buses connect Ise City and Owase (approx. 2 hours). 2. Local Transportation - Rental Bicycles 🚲: Available for rent near Owase Station (approx. JPY 1,000 per day), ideal for cycling along the coastline. - Sightseeing Taxis 🚕: Chartered taxis for exploring the Kumano Kodo and mountain areas (approx. JPY 8,000 for 4 hours). V. Useful Tips 📌 1. Best Time to Visit: - Spring and Autumn (April-May, October-November): Pleasant weather, avoiding the rainy season (June) and typhoon season (September). - Winter (December-February): Seafood is at its best, but some mountain roads may be closed. 2. Language & Payment 💴: - English is not widely spoken. A translation app is recommended. Cash is primarily used, with credit cards accepted at some restaurants and hotels. 3. Cultural Etiquette 🙇: - Wash your hands at the temizuya (water pavilion) before entering shrines along the Kumano Kodo. Swimsuits are prohibited in onsen areas; bathing is done nude. 4. Environmental Considerations ♻️: - Littering is prohibited along the Kumano Kodo. Bring your own trash bag. Do not remove plants or animals from protected areas. VI. Itinerary Suggestions 📅 - 2-Day/1-Night Highlights Tour: Day 1: Nagoya → Owase Station → Hike Magose-toge Pass on the Kumano Kodo → Overnight stay at Owase Onsen. Day 2: Cycle along Shichiri Mihama → Stroll through the old streets → Owase Morning Market → Return trip. - Extended Trip: Add a day to explore Osugidani Nature Park or extend your journey to the Kumano Sanzan (Nachi Taisha, Hongu Taisha). Summary 🌟 Owase City is a hidden "treasure trove of mountains and sea" in the Kansai region of Japan. Here, you'll find moss-covered ancient trails, the whispers of the waves, and the lively atmosphere of the fish market, all without the crowds. Perfect for travelers seeking an escape from the city and immersion in nature and history. Pack your hiking boots and a relaxed mindset, and experience the profound charm of the Kii Peninsula! Have a wonderful and peaceful journey! 🍃🗻