Odai: Nature along the Miyagawa and culture on the Kumano Kodō Iseji

In Odai, nature experiences along the Miyagawa meet places along the Kumano Kodō Iseji. The entire area is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; in Japan, the term UNESCO Eco Park is used for this designation. You can choose different focuses for your trip: water and outdoor activities, nature programmes connected with local life, or cultural stops along the historic pilgrimage route.

Nature and experiences along the Miyagawa

The Miyagawa has been named Japan’s cleanest river eleven times in water-quality surveys by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The river is also part of the family programme run by the Ōsugidani Nature School NPO. Activities include swimming and jumping into the Miyagawa, followed by grilled ayu for lunch. The NPO runs a range of nature-experience programmes throughout the year, connected with Odai’s natural environment and the lives of local residents.

Other offerings are for people who want to experience Odai actively outdoors. RocaRoca offers SUP and dog SUP activities in Odai’s natural surroundings, in the Osugidani area and on the Miyagawa Dam reservoir. Verde Ōdai Tourism runs outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, walking and hikes along the Kumano Kodō. Verde Ōdai Tourism works with guides and instructors who know the area. The different options give you concrete points to consider when deciding whether to focus your trip on water activities, exercise or nature experiences connected with the local area.

The Miyagawa Dam is also a landmark in the landscape: it can be seen on the upper reaches of the Miyagawa, in the most remote part of Odai, on the way to the Osugidani hiking trail. Odai therefore offers a choice of different themes for planning your trip, from organised activities to striking natural landmarks.

Temples, festivals and historic sites

The Kumano Kodō Iseji connects several of these cultural sites as part of a historic route. Yanagihara Kannon Senpukuji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Odai’s Yanagihara district and lies along a section of the Kumano Kodō Iseji. Those interested in religious sites and the course of the pilgrimage route will find a different focus here from the riverside activities.

The Gomisokake Festival is held every year at Kawazoe Shrine in Tochihara: it is celebrated on a Sunday close to 19 February and takes place along the Kumano Kodō Iseji. Another sight along the route is Bakamagari Bridge, which was restored again in 2022. Both places add specific stops to your view of Odai, each connected with the historic route.

The ruins of Mitsuse Castle were designated a prefectural historic site in 1941. At the same time, they are a popular local spot for viewing cherry blossoms and autumn colours. Odai thus brings together historic remains and seasonal interests in nature. If you are looking for a holiday rental or holiday home in Odai, you can consider whether to centre your trip more on nature and water activities, the Kumano Kodō Iseji, or these cultural and landscape themes.

Discover more destinations

If you would also like to explore other destinations: Kameyama, Toba, Kumano, Iga, Ise, Suzuka, Owase, Tsu.

For the main travel overview: Mie Prefecture.