The Akame 48 Waterfalls
A Relaxing Hike to experience Japanese Nature
What are the Akame 48 Waterfalls?
The Akame 48 Waterfalls are located in a valley in Akame-cho, Nabari City, Mie Prefecture. The area is a nature spot selected as one of the top 100 waterfalls and top 100 forest bathing areas in Japan. A 4km walking trail runs through the valley, letting visitors see many waterfalls of different sizes. At the entrance, you will find the Japan Salamander Center, where you can see the Japanese giant salamander, which is protected as a Special Natural Monument. Visitors come throughout the year to see the green leaves in spring, the changing colors in autumn, and the frozen waterfalls in winter.
Highlights of the Akame 48 Waterfalls
The main feature is the hiking trail that lets you walk right next to the waterfalls. Among them, the five main waterfalls of Akame, which are Fudo, Senju, Nunobiki, Ninai, and Biwa, are the most notable. Because the path is mostly flat and well maintained, beginners and people who are not used to hiking can walk it safely. Listening to the sound of the river and birds while walking in the fresh air is a great way to relax your mind and body.
You can enjoy the area’s changing beauty in every season, from the fresh green of spring and the autumn leaves to the dramatic frozen waterfalls of winter!
How to Enjoy Your Visit
The entrance to the valley is a 10-minute bus ride from Kintetsu Akameguchi Station, followed by a 5-minute walk from the final bus stop. You can start your walk by looking at the giant salamanders at the Japan Salamander Center, which serves as the entrance gate. Walking the entire trail to the very end takes about an hour and a half one way. You can turn back whenever you like based on your time and energy, so you can go at your own pace. Since some parts of the path can be wet and slippery, you should wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes like sneakers.
Aside from hiking, there are other activities nearby. At the Ninja Forest at the base of the mountain, you can try real Iga ninja training. Activities like throwing shuriken and walking on water are fun for both children and adults. There are also seasonal events, such as eco-tours from summer to autumn where you can stand under a waterfall, and candle nights or light-up events in autumn and winter.
After your hike, a popular local option is to visit a nearby hot spring for a day-use bath, such as Akame Onsen Kakure-no-Yu Taisenkou right near the waterfalls. Soaking in a hot spring surrounded by nature is a perfect way to rest your body. With nature walks, ninja experiences, and hot springs, you can easily spend a full day enjoying the area.
Basic Information
・Name: Akame 48 Waterfalls
・Operating Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (9:00 AM to 4:30 PM from December to March) *These hours can change depending on the season.
・Closed: December 28th to December 31st (The site may also close on Thursdays during winter).
・Price: The valley conservation fee includes entry to the trail and admission to the Japan Salamander Center. It is 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for elementary and junior high school students.
・Parking: Available (Please use the paid parking lots nearby)
Access
・Address: 861-1 Akamecho Nagasaka, Nabari City, Mie
・By public transport: Take the Mie Kotsu Bus from Kintetsu Osaka Line Akameguchi Station for about 10 minutes, get off at Akame Taki, and walk for about 5 minutes.
・By Car: About 40 minutes from the Meihan National Highway Ueno IC via Route 368 and Route 165.
