[Summer trip in Mie] Cool off in the mountains! 2 model courses for the little-known summer resort in the "Okuise area" 30 minutes from Matsusaka and Ise

Article Production / Mie Travel Ambassador Caster Mami
Photo shoot cooperation: Mie Travel Ambassador Sanpei

▼Table of contents

• What is the Okuise area?
• [Waterfall Tour] A model itinerary for a day trip to the summer resort of OdaiTown
• 9:00 Rokujufutoki Falls
• 10:00 Miyagawa Dam
• 11:00 Seiryuu Chaya
• 13:00 Ryonai Gorge
• 13:30 Takigashira Fudo Falls
• 14:30 Okuise Forest Pier
• 16:00 Mitsugedani Dam
• 16:30 Okuise Terrace / Okuise Odai Michi-no-eki
• 17:00 Kamisanze Fudoson Kiyotaki Waterfall
• [For the active] Summer experience and camping trip in TaikiTown
• [Day 1] 8:00 Caving tour
• 11:00 Asoyu no Sato
• 12:30 Mountain and Sea Village
• 13:30 OuchiyamaMilkVillage
• 14:00 Shiki no Mori Campsite
• [Day 2] 10:00 Tonomiya Shiho Shrine
• 11:00OkuiseKitsutsukikan Michi-no-eki
• Summer gourmet in the Okuise area
• Iroha ~Taiki Kitchen~ "Cream Soda"
• Cafe Tora8 -Toraya- "Milk cream puffs"
• Sake and Medicine Village "Handmade Popsicles"
• Goen Cafe TAKIHARA "Special Ise GreenTea Float"
• Forest Sweets Shop Spica "Shaved Ice"
• BURGER & DONUTS BOUQUET "Two types of shaved ice"
• cafe.muku "Lemon Tea Soda"
• Love Tail. "Melon Ball Shaved Ice"
• Kanaeta Bread and Coffee "Shaved Ice Lemonade"
• Enjoy a cool summer at the Okuise resort

What is the Okuise area?

Okutama, Okuhida, Okunikko, Okuizumo... Sightseeing spots with “oku” in them While there are many throughout Japan, Ise In the depths, there is a strong image of the sea. Mie Prefecture of Mountainous region This time we will introduce the one located in "Okuise" is.

In autumn, we told you about autumn foliage spots such as the Enkianthus Tunnel in Maruyama Park, and in spring we told you about famous places such as weeping cherry trees and cherry blossom tree-lined streets, and many people visited the magnificent views of the naturally rich Okuise area!

The largest prefectural park in Mie Prefecture, designated in 1967 "Okuisemiyagawakyo Prefectural Natural Park" Area of, TaikiTown (Taikicho) and OdaiTown (Odaicho). The river originates from Odaigahara. Miyagawa The upper and middle reaches of the river and its tributaries ouchiyama And many other deep V-shaped Gorge The majestic River Landscape This is one of the attractions of Okuise.

TaikiTown for world heritage Registered in Kumano Kodo TsuZurato-togePass There are also OdaiTown The whole town UNESCO Ecopark It is surrounded by nature and beautiful mountains. Okuise area If you use the expressway, 30 minutes from Ise and Matsusaka That Easy access It is also a place where...

This time, we will introduce summer resorts in the Okuise area where you can encounter breathtaking views you have never seen before, and cold gourmet foods that you will want to eat in the summer, which we recommend to all those who are new to Okuise!

[Waterfall Tour] A model itinerary for a day trip to the summer resort of OdaiTown

First to introduce Model itinerary First thing in the morning OdaiTown Located in the deepest mountain area of Osugidani area While moving from the mountains to the villages, waterfall or Clear Stream Such as the scenic spots Summer-only gourmet Enjoy the car Used Day trip plan is.

9:00 Rokujufutoki Falls

The nearest interchange is Kisei Expressway "Omiya Odai IC" from 40km This waterfall is located in a remote area. It is also famous as a spot to view autumn leaves. 7km before Osugidani hiking trail is located.

At this time Rokujufu Falls To get to Before 8:00 To Omiya Odai IC Make a plan that allows you to get out.

After about a three-minute walk, you'll see the large waterfall. You can hear the roar of the waterfall even from the starting point. If you go further in and climb up the rocks, you can get close enough to be showered with water spray.

Only 2-3 cars can be parked in front of the sign and gazebo. Please be considerate to others when viewing the site.

On the way back from Rokujubo Falls, be sure to enjoy the scenery of bridges and tunnels.

When you look at the Miyagawa Dam Lake from this green bridge, it looks like a cute heart. It's one of my favorite spots, but it seems not many people know about it.

Next is this big bridge commonly known as "Red Bridge." We recommend you get out of the car and walk across it.

This bridge is made of grating, so you can see the dam lake when you look down. It's a thrilling experience, but it might be tough for people with a fear of heights!

Please enjoy the park while being careful not to drop your smartphone or belongings through the gaps.

10:30 Miyagawa Dam

It was completed in May 1957 and has been in operation for over 60 years, making it one of the oldest dams in Japan.

From this spot, which has a parking lot, you can see the whole view of Miyagawa Dam. Maple trees are planted here, so it's beautiful in the autumn when the leaves turn red.

You can get a dam card at the Miyagawa Dam Management Office. Just ring the intercom and say, "I'd like a dam card."​

Also, Miyagawa Dam So Advance reservation required in Inside tour We accept applications. It is pitch black inside the dam unless the lights are turned on. This cool experience where children can learn about dams is Summer vacation homework It's also perfect for this!

Miyagawa Dam Management Office

Address: 506 Kuzu, Odai-OdaiTown
Dam card distribution time: 8:00-17:15
Telephone number: Mie Prefecture Matsusaka Construction Office Miyagawa Dam Management Office 0598-78-3221
General Affairs, Management and Construction Office: 0598-50-0586

11:00 Seiryuu Chaya

About 16 minutes by car from Miyagawa Dam. This is a restaurant specializing in sweetfish dishes that is open only during the summer from June 1st to the end of September every year.

This restaurant is directly managed by the Miyagawa Upstream Fisheries Cooperative Association, and offers fresh and delicious ayu-filled set meals at reasonable prices. As queues are expected to form, especially on weekends, we recommend visiting at opening time of 11:00 or after 13:30 when the restaurant is quieter. Reservations are not accepted.

・Seiryu Gozen meal ¥2,800
・Seiryu set meal ¥2,000
・Sweetfish tempura bowl ¥1,000 etc.

Reservations required in Catching sweetfish We also hold a special event where you can enjoy the sweetfish you caught on the spot. Grill and eat That is also take away can also do.

Come along with a group of friends and enjoy this cool summer experience!

More details are also provided in the following topics:

13:00 Ryonai Gorge

6 minutes by car from Seiryu Chaya, Miyagawa The most desired Scenic spots Here it is. Sandwiched between greenery Deep V-shaped canyon is beautiful "Ryoinaikyo" It's a place called.

From the top of the old bridge called Ryonai Bridge Miyagawa of Upstream The view from the bridge is recommended. The old light blue bridge, which vehicles cannot pass through, also adds a nice touch.

Please note that the parking space is small.

13:30 Takigashira Fudo Falls

Next, we passed by Okuise Forest Pier and headed to the second waterfall of the day. It was a 25-minute drive from Ryonai Bridge into the mountains.

Local volunteers have set up an easy-to-walk walking trail and a waterfall viewing tower, allowing you to get a close-up look at the 30-meter waterfall and the beautiful rock surfaces polished by the flowing water.

14:30 Okuise Forest Pier

​Okuise Forestpia, a hotel in the forest, can be enjoyed even on a day trip.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday only At a business cafe Break Time How about this? chiffon cake Or old-fashioned Pudding You can enjoy it.

A tributary of the clear Miyagawa River flows through the grounds like a private river, and is a popular spot for families to splash around in. There is also a fishing pond nearby, so you can enjoy fishing without having to bring anything with you.

16:00 Mitsugedani Dam

In the morning, it is located upstream of Miyagawa River. Miyagawa Dam There is another one in OdaiTown. "Misedani Dam" There is. Go after this "Okuise Odai Michi-no-eki" from 15 minutes walk You can go there by car, so park your car at Michi-no-eki walking It's also nice to enjoy it.

From the top of the dam Railroad enthusiasts Popular with Iron bridge over Miyagawa River If you're lucky, you'll be able to run through the greenery. View the vehicle That too!

Now, Dam card To get it, Misedani Dam Pictures Take a photo and head towards Michi-no-eki.

16:30 Okuise Terrace / Okuise Odai Michi-no-eki

Next to Michi-no-eki "Okuise Terrace" in Misedani Dam When I showed him a photo of Dam card You will receive: 9:00 Open on weekdays 16:00 Until Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 17:00 So if you absolutely want to get the card, Pay attention to business hours please.

"Okuise Odai Michi-no-eki" teeth 18:00 Open until 12:00. Souvenirs from Okuise To, tea or sweets,delicious Processed goods Please gather the following items.

17:00 Kamisanze Fudoson Kiyotaki Waterfall

On the way home, at the end The third waterfall Let's go over there. "Okuise Odai Michi-no-eki" from 4 minutes by car This Unknown waterfall Located in Kamisanze Kiyotaki Waterfall at Otani Fudo Myoo.

Located along the Kumano Kodo Iseji route, you can reach the waterfall by passing through a torii gate and going down a paved road. It is a recommended waterfall that is close to Michi-no-eki and can be easily accessed without any equipment.

This concludes our guide to the three waterfalls in the day trip OdaiTown. Please be careful on your way home.

[For the active] Summer experience and camping trip in TaikiTown

The next model course will take you to the only cave exploration experience in Mie Prefecture, "caving,"​ ​a campsite that opened in 2024, and shrines and souvenir spots that you should visit if you go to TaikiTown.

[Day 1] 8:00 Caving tour

​Limestone caves created by nature over a long period of time. Did you know that such a mysterious world is located in TaikiTown, Okuise? This is the only place in Mie Prefecture where you can take a caving tour!

The temperature inside the cave is about 15°C. The underground space is filled with coolness and unknown scenery that is unimaginable compared to the heat outside.

Children from elementary school age are welcome to try this out! All equipment, including overalls and helmets, is included in the fee.

Caving tour company "Yamano Rhythm" also offers "Packraft Tours" where you can go down the river in a lightweight foldable boat. If you want to try an exciting experience in the great outdoors of Okuise, this is the place to go!

Yamano Rhythm

Meeting place address: 429 Aso, Taiki TaikiTown Mie Prefecture
Telephone number: 080-5854-7808
Participation fee: from 10,000 yen
Number of participants: 1 to 6
Yamano Rhythm official website

11:00 Asoyu no Sato

The meeting point for the caving tour, Yamano Rhythm, is located within the grounds of Asoyu no Sato.

"Aso Yu no Sato" is a facility where you can experience the life and culture of a mountain village, centering around the "Natural Hot Spring Aso Onsen" which uses the old elementary school building as it is. After cave exploration, you can wash off the sweat in the hot spring surrounded by a nostalgic atmosphere.

12:30 Mountain and Sea Village Kisei

Before heading to the campsite, you'll want to pick up some local ingredients. Matsuda Shoten, which serves as an antenna shop for TaikiTown, is located in Sankai no Sato Kisei, an eight-minute drive from Asoyu no Sato.

We recommend the dried fish from Nishiki, TaikiTown. Be sure to enjoy the flavors of TaikiTown a town by the sea, at a BBQ! You can also get sweets and specialty products that have been loved by locals for a long time here.

13:30 OuchiyamaMilkVillage

A 6-minute drive from Sankai no Sato Kisei, OuchiyamaMilkVillage stocks almost all of Ouchiyama​ ​ouchiyama Farm 's products. Get your hands on milk and other drinks for your camping trip, as well as sweets for dessert, and enjoy the wide variety of soft serve ice creams.

They also sell homemade bread, so you can buy some to have for breakfast the next morning.

14:00 Shiki no Mori Campsite

5 minutes by car from "OuchiyamaMilkVillage" Green Park ouchiyama A new campsite will open in its place in April 2024. "Four Seasons Forest Campsite" So, in spring there are cherry blossoms, in summer there are lush greenery, in autumn there are autumn leaves, and in winter there are starry skies. Nature in every season In the hot season, you can enjoy the clear stream that flows through the campsite. "ouchiyama" In the tributaries of Swimming in the river is the best you know!

There are also three cottages equipped with air conditioning, private showers and table stoves.

The campsites are spacious and well designed, making them ideal for beginners.

Shiki no Mori Campsite

Address: 3385-2 ouchiyama, Taiki-cho TaikiTown Mie Prefecture
Telephone number: 0598-89-4488
Access: 15 minutes by car from ouchiyama IC on the Kisei Expressway
​Click here for the Shiki no Mori Campsite website

[Day 2] 10:00 Tonomiya Shiho Shrine

After a pleasant night, you will wake up refreshed in the morning. On your second day, why not visit some of the famous shrines in TaikiTown?

A 3-minute drive or 12-minute walk from Shiki no Mori Campsite is Kobe no Miyayomou Shrine, Japan's only shrine to the god of the head.

This shrine enshrines Karahashi Chujo Mitsumori, a descendant of Emperor Kanmu who built Heian-kyo, and is said to have been founded at the end of the Heian period.

The Head Stone is a mysterious stone that looks like several human faces, and is called "Okashira-san." It is said that if you stroke this stone while praying for recovery from your physical ailments, you will receive divine help.

Near the head stone Head Water There is a sacred spring called "Goshou-sui" (Holy Water Spring). "May wisdom come to you" To make a wish Candidates People continue to visit the shrine, mainly for worship.

In recent years, it seems that purification ceremonies for helmets, which protect riders' heads, have also been held as a prayer for good riding.

11:00 OkuiseKitsutsukikan Michi-no-eki

At the end of the day, you'll want to buy lots of souvenirs before heading home. The OkuiseKitsutsukikan Michi-no-eki, located in front of the gates of Takiharanomiya, is Michi-no-eki with a tree theme, as its name suggests.

From woodworking and wooden goods made by mainly local artists, to large furniture and materials for them, there are plenty of items to choose from. They are great for gifts for yourself, your family, and your loved ones. The best-selling items are the cute zodiac ornaments.

Michi-no-eki also has a wide selection of Okuise gourmet foods that make great souvenirs.

Matsusaka beef Okuise is also a production area of. "Matsusaka heavy" Including lunch You can also enjoy it.

Summer gourmet in the Okuise area

If you visit Okuise, we'd like to introduce you to some cold summer delicacies loved by locals that you should definitely try.

*Information from the time of coverage in June 2024. Store information such as prices and business hours may have changed, so please check the official website for the latest information.

Iroha ~Taiki Kitchen~ "Cream Soda"

Iroha Taiki Kitchen, a locally-based cafe that opened on March 31, 2024 within Sankai no Sato Kisei, sells retro Showa-era floats.

The green represents "mountain," the blue represents "sea," and the red represents "town,"​ ​so it was created as a local float to represent "town of the mountains and sea." In addition to the fizzy cream soda topped with a large ouchiyama ice cream, there is also a coffee float.

・Cream soda ￥400
・Coffee float ￥400

Iroha ~Taiki Kitchen~

Address: 2154-1 Saki, Taiki TaikiTown, inside "Kise, the Village of the Mountains and Seas"
Business hours: 10:00-16:00 *Sankai no Sato is open until 18:00
Closed on Tuesdays
Access: 3 minutes by car from Kisei ouchiyama IC on the Kisei Expressway

 

 

 

 

 

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Cafe Tora8 -Toraya- "Milk cream puffs"

The "Milk Cream Puffs", which are only sold on weekends, are made with three layers of fresh cream, custard cream, and milk cream wrapped in a fluffy choux pastry.

"Milk cream puffs" are a popular sweet from the days of "Toraya Confectionery" near JR ouchiyama Station, which started out as a delivery service for ouchiyama milk. This is also sold on Saturdays only at "Matsuda Shoten" in "Sankai no Sato Kisei" and is extremely popular.

The shop's proud "Tora8 Crepes," an adaptation of a product from that time, also use plenty of milk and butter from ouchiyama Dairy Farm. We recommend taking your time to enjoy the cute-looking crepes, which are filled with sweet castella, custard, and bananas, in the cool interior of the shop. The spaghetti lunch with chunky meatballs blended with Matsusaka beef, the teppanyaki Neapolitan, the baked egg sandwich, and the morning set are all available during business hours, so it's okay if you miss lunchtime!

・Milk cream puffs ¥210
・Tora8 Crepe ¥680

Cafe Tora8 -Toraya-

Address: 727-1 ouchiyama TaikiTown Mie Prefecture
Telephone number: 090-7043-0740
Business hours: 8:00-16:00
Closed Wednesday
Access: 5 minutes by car from Kisei ouchiyama IC on the Kisei Expressway
Cafe Tora8 -Toraya- Instagram

Sake and Medicine Village "Handmade Popsicles"

Just after exiting ouchiyama Interchange, along National Route 42, there is the "Sake and Medicine Village," which sells the nostalgic popsicle sticks that were sold in the 1940s and 50s by a man carrying a wooden box on a bicycle with a flag plastered on it, ringing a bell.

There are 10 different flavors to choose from - milk, strawberry milk, zunda milk, matcha milk, soda, orange, pineapple, grape, red bean, and chocolate - so it's hard to decide which one to choose!

"In order to differentiate ourselves from other stores in Okuise, where the population is aging, we sell retro ice cream instead of the kind you can get anywhere. Even in the digital age, I believe the human heart is analog. We hope to provide some soothing comfort in these busy times," says the store owner.

Be sure to also visit the shops frequented by locals.

・Handmade popsicles ¥150

Sake/medicine village

Address: 2010-2 Saki, Taiki TaikiTown
Telephone number: 0598-74-1025
Business hours: 9:00-19:00
Irregular holidays​
Access: 1 minute by car from Kisei ouchiyama IC on the Kisei Expressway
Sake and Medicine Village Homepage

Goen Cafe TAKIHARA "Special Ise GreenTea Float"

The summer recommendation at Goen Cafe TAKIHARA, a traditional Japanese cafe located just a two-minute walk from OkuiseKitsutsukikan Michi-no-eki, is the "Special Ise GreenTea Float," an Ise GreenTea au lait made with ouchiyama milk. The Ise Ise GreenTea au lait is made by pouring Ise GreenTea freshly made to order into the drink, and is topped with Ise GreenTea bean paste, boiled azuki beans, Iwato salt ice cream, and auspicious monaka wafers with a treasure ship design. This popular drink lets you fully enjoy the flavor of the tea. There is also a roasted green tea version available.

Other items on the menu include homemade lemonade soda and strawberry and banana shakes, all made with local ingredients.

We also recommend the cold-brewed iced coffee made with beans from Nakamura Coffee House IseCity. The ice freezes the coffee, so it doesn't get diluted, but rather increases the amount of coffee you get, allowing you to enjoy it cold until the very end. It's also great to enjoy it with a local muffin!

・Special Ise GreenTea float ¥750
・Special roasted green tea float ￥700
・Homemade lemonade soda ￥500
・Strawberry and banana shake ￥750
・Cold-brewed iced coffee ¥500

Goen Cafe TAKIHARA

Address: 886 Takihara TaikiTown Mie Prefecture
Business hours: 10:00-16:00
Opening days: Friday, Saturday and Sunday only
Access: 6 minutes by car from Omiya Odai IC on the Kisei Expressway
Goen Cafe TAKIHARA Instagram

Forest Sweets Shop Spica "Shaved Ice"

"Forest Sweets Shop Spica," a popular local shop with delicious cakes, is now offering fluffy shaved ice for the summer. At first, they will only be selling one type of shaved ice with homemade strawberry syrup, which is made in the strawberry season.

The special syrup allows you to enjoy the texture of the fruit, and it is topped with plenty of fresh cream. The shaved ice tastes just like strawberry shortcake, and is something only a cake shop can offer. You can cool off by eating in a stylish cafe, or take it out and enjoy it in the heat while looking out at the Miyagawa River. Please enjoy this summer tradition of Okuise, which I also love.

・Shaved ice ¥900

Forest Sweets Shop Spica Instagram

BURGER & DONUTS BOUQUET "Two types of shaved ice"

Burger & Donuts Bouquet, a shop serving gourmet burgers and fluffy donuts, has started serving two types of shaved ice that are only available during the hot season. The red one is strawberry milk, and the white one is lemon milk. Both of these red and white shaved ice are fluffy and topped with fruit syrup, so you'll want to try them both!

・Shaved Ice Strawberry Milk ￥680
・Shaved Ice Lemon Milk ￥680

cafe.muku "Lemon Tea Soda"

5 minutes walk from JR Mitsuya Station Hideaway Cafe"cafe.muku" A summer staple "Lemon Tea Soda" is a refreshing drink made with homemade tea syrup and soda. Lemon sorbet As time passes, the sherbet melts, Taste change You can also enjoy. Take-out You can also do that.

The summer-only shaved ice lineup includes ice strawberry, ice melon, ice mango, ice Daidai tea, and ice citrus black tea.

For more information on cafe.muku's famous pancakes, coffee, lunch, and more, please see this article introduced by the author, Caster Mami.

Love Tail. "Melon Ball Shaved Ice"

​A striking shaved ice topped with a round cut-out melon!

Kumano Kodo Iseji In OdaiTown along the Hideaway Cafe"A tail in love." You can enjoy shaved ice all year round. Our summer recommendations are: Is this enough? And it was served generously. Melon Shaved Ice Depending on the availability of melons, they may have orange or green flesh depending on the day.

For more information about the food menu at Koisuru Shippo, which also operates as a cafe at night, please see this article introduced by the author, Caster Mami.

Kanaeta Bread and Coffee "Shaved Ice Lemonade"

Fluffy bread is delicious Cafe in OdaiTown"Kanaeta" From Lemonade Shaved Ice We would like to introduce you to: Homemade syrup To Lemon jelly Served with a light and refreshing shaved ice is.

In addition to lemonade, there are three kinds of shaved ice: strawberry and plum. There are also plenty of cold drinks available!

Enjoy a cool summer at the Okuise resort

waterfall or cave Such, A spectacular view yet to be seen Meet A summer resort in the Okuise area Tour Two model courses I want to eat it in the summer. Cold gourmet food We told you about:

Beach or Pool compared to, Vacant No doubt about that! Mie Prefecture of Cool spots in the mountains So, why not enjoy this summer?