There are several themes to consider for a stay in Odai: nature along the Miyagawa, cultural sites on the Kumano Kodō Iseji, and seasonal visits to the castle ruins. Possible reasons to visit include year-round nature programs, an annual festival, and the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. If you are looking for accommodation, you can first consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay.
Nature and the river around Odai
The entire Odai area is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known in Japan as a UNESCO Eco Park. One specific natural feature is the Miyagawa: in water quality surveys conducted by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the river has been named Japan’s cleanest river eleven times. The Biosphere Reserve designation applies to the entire area, while the river accolade applies to the Miyagawa.
The Miyagawa Dam can be seen on the upper reaches of the Miyagawa, in Odai’s most remote area, on the way to the Osugidani hiking trail. This connects a clearly identified stretch of river with the direction of the trail. If you are interested in Osugidani, this provides a specific geographic reference to help you find your way.
Nature programs and activities
The NPO Ōsugidani Nature School runs a variety of nature experience programs throughout the year, connected with Odai’s natural environment and the lives of local residents. One family program includes swimming and jumping into the Miyagawa, followed by grilled ayu fish for lunch. This offering combines river activities with a meal shared together. For specific plans, it is worth checking the details of each program.
RocaRoca offers SUP and Dog SUP activities in Odai’s natural surroundings, in the Osugidani area, and on the Miyagawa Dam lake. Verde Ōdai Tourism offers outdoor events such as hiking, cycling, walking, and hikes on the Kumano Kodō, working with guides and instructors who know the area. This gives you a choice of different types of activities, from on-the-water offerings to outdoor events on land.
Cultural sites on the Kumano Kodō Iseji
Yanagihara Kannon Senpukuji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Odai’s Yanagihara district, located along a section of the Kumano Kodō Iseji. Bakamagari Bridge is also a point of interest along the route in Odai; it was restored again in 2022. The Gomisokake Festival is held annually on a Sunday near February 19 at Kawazoe Shrine in Tochihara, along the Kumano Kodō Iseji. If the festival is important to your trip, check the exact Sunday in advance.
Mitsuse: history and seasons
The Mitsuse Castle ruins were designated a prefectural historic site in 1941. They are also a popular local spot for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. This gives you two distinct seasonal occasions to consider when planning: the cherry blossoms or the autumn leaves.
Find hotels in Odai to suit your reason for travelling
When looking for hotels in Odai, you can compare your travel dates with your planned focus. The NPO Ōsugidani Nature School’s nature experience programs run throughout the year; the Gomisokake Festival is held on a Sunday near February 19, while the Mitsuse ruins are associated with cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. Decide which theme you want to shape your stay, and check the relevant information for your travel dates for the festival or specific activities.
Discover more destinations: Nabari, Shima, Tsu, Owase, Kameyama, Kumano, Iga, Toba
For the main travel overview: Mie Prefecture.
