Uda City and Nabari City are dotted with numerous spots rich in nature. Here are some of the top recommended places carefully selected by Hinotori. First is the “Soni Highlands,” where you can enjoy vast nature and beautiful scenery. Next is the “Yatagarasu Shrine,” which exudes a mystical atmosphere. We also recommend “Byobuiwa Park,” popular among families, and “Akame 48 Waterfalls,” where you can enjoy nature in all four seasons. Furthermore, “Ryuo-ga-fuchi,” with its beautiful landscape reflected on the water’s surface, the historic “Muro-ji Temple,” and “Murou Ryuketsu Shrine,” known as a spiritual power spot, are all well worth a visit. “Muro Art Forest,” which fuses nature and art, “Matabei-zakura (Hongo no Taki-zakura),” famous for its stunning cherry blossoms in spring, and “Uchimaki Citizen’s Forest,” where you can enjoy a quiet forest bath, are also spots you should definitely visit when coming to Uda and Nabari.
Soni Highlands
Soni Highlands is known for its magnificent natural scenery. It is famous for its autumn pampas grass seen from mid-September to late November, but it attracts many visitors throughout the year as you can enjoy different expressions across all four seasons. In particular, the view from the highlands is breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of mountain ranges in the distance and a refreshing highland breeze. Take a deep breath in nature to forget daily fatigue and enjoy a relaxing time to refresh yourself.
Yatagarasu Shrine
This shrine has long been cherished by local residents and welcomes visitors with a mystical atmosphere. Yatagarasu Shrine is dedicated to Yatagarasu, the three-legged crow appearing in Japanese mythology, and is known as a popular spiritual power spot, especially for those involved in sports. This is because Yatagarasu appears in ancient texts as the guide that led Emperor Jimmu from Kumano to Yamato. When you visit, please be sure to feel the deep history and culture of the shrine.
Byobuiwa Park
As the name suggests, this is a natural park featured by an impressive, huge folding-screen-like cliff (Byobuiwa), where you can enjoy beautiful scenery in all four seasons. You can enjoy stunning views adorned with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, and walking along the path creates a mystical atmosphere as if you have wandered into another world. It is also a popular spot for photographers and is recommended for those who want to spend a quiet, peaceful time.
Akame 48 Waterfalls
Located in Nabari City, Mie Prefecture, “Akame 48 Waterfalls” is a sightseeing spot filled with the charm of the pure streams of the Taki River and beautiful forests. The fresh green in spring and the autumn leaves are particularly beautiful, captivating many visitors. The well-maintained walking trail is suitable for families and beginners alike. Among the waterfalls, “Fudou Waterfall” is especially famous, allowing you to enjoy a powerful view with an abundant volume of water. Listen to the sounds of nature while enjoying a refreshing forest bath in a soothing spot to forget daily life.
Ryuo-ga-fuchi
The highly transparent lake water and the surrounding lush green forest leave a deep impression, offering visitors tranquility and healing. The scenery of the sky and mountains reflected on the lake’s surface makes you feel as though you have strayed into another world. In addition, walking trails are established around the lake, allowing you to take a leisurely stroll while taking in nature. Especially in the early morning and at dusk, the changing light reflected on the water creates a fantastical atmosphere, making it a highly popular photo spot.
Muro-ji Temple
Muro-ji Temple stands as an ancient temple in Uda City, boasting a history that dates back to the Nara period. Surrounded by beautiful nature throughout the four seasons, it is colored by cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall. The main hall and the five-story pagoda are designated as National Treasures, conveying the beauty of ancient architecture and exuding a solemn atmosphere. Many cultural assets are preserved in the temple, and the Buddhist statues designated as Important Cultural Properties are particularly worth seeing. Spend a peaceful time woven by history and nature at Muro-ji Temple, which brings peace of mind to its visitors.
Murou Ryuketsu Shrine
Murou Ryuketsu Shrine is a place where nature and history breathe together, characterized by its mystical “Ryuketsu” (Dragon Cave) cavern. According to legend, it is said to be the place where a dragon once lived. Important festivals are held throughout the year, starting with the autumn festival, playing a vital role in passing down local culture and traditions to the present day.
Matabei-zakura (Hongo no Taki-zakura)
Matabei-zakura (Hongo no Taki-zakura) is a famous cherry blossom spot boasting a 300-year history that brings color to spring in Uda City. Its elegant branch structure and pale pink petals enchant visitors, and when in full bloom, it bustles with families and couples enjoying blossom viewing under the tree. Popular not only with locals but also with photographers and tourists, it is cherished as a classic spring tradition.
7 Selected Restaurants and Cafes in Uda and Nabari
The Uda and Nabari area is not only blessed with scenic natural landscapes, but also dotted with restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy the local food culture. First, at “Obanzai Hikari,” you can enjoy home-style Japanese side dishes (obanzai) made with fresh, seasonal local ingredients. Next, “Yuno Cafe” is located on the shores of Lake Shourenji, offering exquisite coffee while gazing out over the lake. Additionally, “Hekoki Manju Tamakiya” serves the locally beloved Hekoki Manju, which brings joy to many visiting travelers. Furthermore, “Yumoto Akame Sansuien” is known for allowing guests to dine while immersing themselves in nature, and “Ten Coffee” offers hand-roasted coffee. These establishments are spots you should definitely drop by when visiting Uda City and Nabari City.
Obanzai Hikari
Here, you can taste “obanzai” prepared with fresh local ingredients, making it popular not only among locals but also with tourists. The interior overflows with the warmth of wood, allowing you to enjoy your meal in a calm atmosphere. The seasonal small vegetable dishes are particularly recommended, offering delicate flavors.
Yuno Cafe
Located on the shores of Lake Shourenji, “Yuno Cafe” is a cozy coffee shop filled with the warmth of wood, operated by carpenters from a local construction company in Nabari City. Situated right by the lake, its space where you can relax while admiring the magnificent view is truly appealing. Colorful, health-conscious lunch plates and homemade scones are delicious. Pets are welcome on the terrace seats, and it is also a friendly cafe for families with small children. Enjoy a pleasant time taking in the beautiful scenery and fine coffee.
Hekoki Manju Tamakiya
This shop is a locally beloved Japanese confectionery store in Nabari City, especially famous for its “Hekoki Manju.” These are ninja-shaped pastries stuffed with sweet red bean paste or custard inside a batter made with plenty of sweet potato. The shop’s catchphrase is: “Laugh at the name, satisfy your taste!” It is an unforgettable delicacy once you try it, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Be sure to stop by when visiting Akame 48 Waterfalls.
Ten Coffee
“Ten Coffee” in Nabari City is a hideaway cafe for coffee enthusiasts. Coffee beans are carefully roasted in small batches using a small hand-cranked roaster. Homemade baked treats are also popular, offering several types of baked goods that change daily. The interior provides a tranquil space where you can feel the warmth of wood and spend a relaxing time. Please enjoy a supreme cup of coffee in a comfortable atmosphere.
Gohan cafe SOU
At this cafe, you can enjoy dishes that utilize local seasonal ingredients changing with each season; its meals, which focus strongly on local production for local consumption, receive high praise from visitors. The interior features a bright, open space filled with wood and natural light, creating a comforting atmosphere with decor that evokes nostalgia. With healthy, delicious meals and warm hospitality, it provides a healing time for all guests.
Yomogi-iri Kaitenyaki Eikichi
This shop is famous for its kaitenyaki (Japanese wheel cakes) made with locally harvested mugwort (yomogi). Because the mugwort is processed to remove bitterness on the very night it is picked, it has a rich aroma and vibrant flavor. Between the chewy dough, sweet red bean paste is balanced so as not to overpower the mugwort flavor. The famous local grandmother bakes each one carefully from early morning. The moment you take a bite, you will surely feel a sense of nostalgia. Visiting after a walk around Muro-ji Temple will blow away your fatigue.
Cafe Kaede
This cafe allows you to enjoy handmade lunch plates and carefully crafted sweets in a quiet space surrounded by nature. Since it repurposes an old school building, stepping inside makes you feel as though you have traveled back in time to an elementary school. The facility is planted with 3,000 maple trees, allowing guests to enjoy brightly colored autumn foliage from late October to late November.
4 Selected Inns in Uda and Nabari
Here are several healing accommodations that make full use of the local natural environment. “Uda Yakuto no Yado Yatakiya,” true to its name, boasts herbal medicinal baths. Along with hot springs, you can also enjoy cuisine made with local ingredients. Next, “Tsukihi” is an inn where modern design and tradition merge, making it particularly popular among couples and families. Additionally, “Soni Kodama Resort ~tawa~” is a resort facility where you can spend a relaxing time in nature, offering a wide variety of activities. At “Kamakurayama Farm,” you can experience local food culture through Satoyama mountain-village experiences. The charm of inns in Uda City and Nabari City lies in the ability to spend a peaceful time surrounded by nature.
Uda Yakuto no Yado Yatakiya
This is a traditional Japanese inn where you can enjoy special herbal baths in a environment rich with nature. The biggest attraction of this inn is the medicinal bath utilizing herbs collected locally in Uda City. These herbs are selected based on traditional knowledge passed down since ancient times, providing health and healing to many visiting guests. Furthermore, the inn’s proud cuisine serves seasonal flavors that make the most of fresh local ingredients to delight the palates of visitors. Guest rooms are unified with a calm Japanese atmosphere, offering views of the natural beauty of Uda City from every room.
Tsukihi
This inn is situated in a quiet location with the natural beauty of Uda City as its backdrop, offering visitors a serene time. The interior of the inn features a modern and refined design, beautifully blending Japanese traditional beauty with contemporary comfort. In addition, the inn serves creative cuisine made with local ingredients, with flavors that never fail to enchant guests. Visitors can also experience flower arrangement and relaxation treatments. With its tranquility, rich nature, and high-quality hospitality, it provides a special time for everyone who visits.
Soni Kodama Resort ~tawa~
This facility is known as a place where guests can spend a relaxing time in an environment rich in nature. Within the resort, there are guest rooms surrounded by trees, where you can enjoy seasonal natural landscapes right from the window. Furthermore, meals made abundantly with local ingredients are a point of pride, offering fresh flavors to visitors. Here, you can step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and heal both mind and body in a quiet environment. A wide variety of activities to become one with nature—such as walking through nature and stargazing—are available to offer an unforgettable experience to all who visit.
Kamakurayama Farm
This lodging is a 100-year-old traditional folk house (kominka) located in a village rich in nature surrounded by mountains. It offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy local food culture along with Satoyama mountain-village experiences. Inside the traditional building, conversations and memories will flourish around the irori hearth. Look up at the night sky to observe the stars, and wake up early in the morning to join your hands in prayer toward the dazzling sunrise rising from the opposite mountain peak. An experience that cannot be tasted in the city awaits you.
