Kizuro village
Kizuro village

Exploring a hidden area in Mie?! Introducing the Kizuro village, which is becoming famous for its unique topography

掲載日:2024.05.28

Do you like "unexplored places" and "exploring"?

"Famous tourist spots are nice, but if possible, I'd like to go to some rare places that the people around me haven't been to!"

We would like to introduce you to Kizuro Village, a hidden gem in Mie Prefecture, which is perfect for such people.

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Kizuro village is located in Kiwa Town, KumanoCity, Mie Prefecture, downstream of Doro-kyoGorge in Dorokyo Gorge, one of the most famous valleys on the Kii Peninsula.

It is an unusually shaped piece of land, surrounded by the large, meandering Kitayama River.

In recent years, the area's unique topography has been attracting attention, and it has been featured in the media and used as a filming location for movies. It is also said to be a power spot with good feng shui conditions!

From National Route 311 to the village!

Tunnel at the entrance to the village

A little north of National Route 311, there is a bridge that crosses the Itaya River, and behind it is this tunnel.

The road that continues into the tunnel is the only road that leads to Kizuro village.

It suddenly feels adventurous and exciting!

column

Road surface covered with fallen leaves
A powerful cut
Cut-through surface
The state of the rockfall

Be careful on narrow roads!

The road to the village is narrow, only wide enough for one normal passenger car. There are many sections without guardrails, and in most sections it is not possible to pass other vehicles, so please use the waiting areas and be considerate to others as you proceed!


There are many falling rocks and moss-covered roads, so be careful.

A scenic spot overlooking Doro-kyoGorge

Spectacular view point
The blue water surface is beautiful
Overlooking the mountains

There are several great scenic spots at the end of the road to the village!

Be sure to check the safety of your surroundings and enjoy the spectacular view.

In spring, wild cherry blossoms bloom, turning the slopes pink in places, and in early summer you can enjoy the beautiful deep green color.

Now, into the village!

Distant view
Mountains seen from the village
Scenery of the village
Former site of Kizuro branch school of Iruka Elementary School
Oranges and a ship
On the banks of the Kitayama River
The clear Kitayama River
Amano Shrine Motomiya

The Kizuro settlement is surrounded by beautiful mountain village scenery.

The area is surrounded by mountains, has historic stonework, traces of life along the river, and fields of mandarin oranges, the fruit representative of Kumano. The area is a picturesque rural landscape far from the city.

There are no convenience stores, public toilets, or vending machines.

In the forest at the center of the circular formation sits a shrine called Amanoiwa Shrine.

Although we cannot introduce it this time, the trail also passes through an old forest road called "Shimazu's Rafters' Road," which is certified as part of the Nanki Kumano Geopark.

Access to Kizuro Village

By car: From Kumano Otomari IC on the Kumano Owase Road, take National Route 42 and National Route 311 for about 45 minutes.

 

Please park your car on the grounds of the former Kizuro Branch School of Iruka Elementary School.

*This parking lot will be used by local residents, so please be careful not to obstruct vehicle entry and exit.

 

Nearby spots

Click here for preparations before entering Kizuro village!

 

Michi-no-eki Kumano/Itaya Kurobei no Sato

Address: 82 Itaya, Kiwacho, KumanoCity, 519-5413

・Business hours: Weekdays 10:00 to 16:00

Weekends and holidays 10:00 to 17:00

・Telephone: 0597-97-0968

Michi-no-eki Kumano/Itaya Kurobei no Sato

Michi-no-eki ``Kumano Itaya Kurobee no Sato'' is a newly opened Michi-no-eki in KumanoCity Kumano City on April 7, 2018. Located in the beautiful town of "Kiwacho" in the mountains of KumanoCity, it is full of charms that cannot be described enough, such as MaruyamaSenmaida said to be the most beautiful rice terrace in Japan, and TakatoraTodo, built by the master castle builder Todo Takatora!

At Michi-no-eki Kumano Itaya Kurobee no Sato, you can purchase locally grown vegetables and souvenirs. The juice is made using Niihime, a new type of citrus fruit discovered in KumanoCity, and is perfect for those who are tired of driving as it has a refreshing citrus aroma.

In the dining space, you can enjoy menus using KumanoJidori(TheLocalBrandChicken).

There is also bouldering equipment on the premises.

lastly

Please observe the following when exploring Kizuro Village.

①Even though it is a remote area, people still live there. Please refrain from trespassing on private property, making noise, and other nuisances.

②As mentioned above, there are no public toilets, vending machines, or shops. Make sure you prepare thoroughly at a nearby Michi-no-eki before visiting.

③As shown at the top of this page, Kizuro village is famous for the view from the mountain on the opposite bank.

However, the mountain is currently off-limits. In the past, there were tours conducted by local guides, but these have now been suspended. Please refrain from entering the mountain without permission.

There is an aerial video taken by a drone, so please enjoy the bird's-eye view of Kizuro village in this video!

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Yuki's images

Yuki

My first visit to Kizuro village was in the spring of 2020.
I visited this area to see Kumano-zakuracherrytree, which was announced as a new species in March 2018, and on the way back I discovered the tunnel I introduced this time. I wondered where it would lead to, and continued along the road until I arrived at the Kizuro village.
The village, tucked away in a tangled mountain area, is worthy of being called a hidden village, and I was fascinated by the unique atmosphere of the place. It's hard to get there, but the topography is so unique that you feel a sense of accomplishment when you arrive.
I have traveled by motorcycle to Japan's three most remote areas and declining villages, and I have found that these remote and unique places can sometimes have their own unique culture.
I recommend it because it's fun not only to see the scenery but also to learn about the lives of the people in that area.

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