Odai: Nature Experiences, the Miyagawa River, and the Kumano Kodō Iseji

Odai combines nature experiences along the Miyagawa River with places along the Kumano Kodō Iseji and cultural sites in town. If you’re looking for a hotel in Odai, you can choose your destination based on the themes that interest you most: water and outdoor activities, scenery, or temples and festivals.

Scenery and the Miyagawa River

The entire Odai area is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; in Japan, it is also referred to as a UNESCO Eco Park. The Miyagawa River shapes the region’s nature-focused attractions. In water-quality surveys conducted by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, it has been named Japan’s cleanest river eleven times.

The Miyagawa Dam is also a landmark in the area: located on the upper reaches of the Miyagawa River, it lies in the most remote part of Odai and can be seen on the way to the Osugidani hiking trail. This gives you a choice between activities on the water and an excursion centered on the Osugidani area when planning your trip.

Nature Programs and Outdoor Activities

The NPO Ōsugidani Nature School runs a variety of nature-experience programs throughout the year, connected to Odai’s natural environment and the lives of local residents. One family program includes swimming and jumping into the Miyagawa River, as well as grilled ayu fish for lunch. This activity brings together both a river experience and a meal shared as a group.

For water activities, RocaRoca offers SUP and Dog SUP experiences in the Osugidani area and on the Miyagawa Dam reservoir. These differ from the Nature School’s family program, which combines swimming, jumping, and an ayu lunch. You can weigh up what kind of water experience you’re looking for based on the activities described and where they take place.

Verde Ōdai Tourism offers outdoor events such as hiking, cycling, walking, and hikes along the Kumano Kodō, and works with knowledgeable local guides and instructors. The options range from water activities to excursions on foot or by bicycle. When planning a specific trip, you can check which event best matches your interests.

Temples, Festivals, and Stops Along the Kumano Kodō Iseji

Yanagihara Kannon Senpukuji Temple is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Odai’s Yanagihara district, along a section of the Kumano Kodō Iseji. Another stop along the route is the Bakamagari Bridge, restored again in 2022 and considered a point of interest on the Kumano Kodō Iseji in Odai. Both places offer a specific connection to the region’s culture for those interested in temples and walking routes.

The Gomisokake Festival is held every year on a Sunday near February 19 at Kawazoe Shrine in Tochihara, along the Kumano Kodō Iseji. If you’d like to include the festival in your travel plans, check the exact date. The ruins of Mitsuse Castle were designated a prefectural historic site in 1941 and are a popular local spot for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.

The seasonal highlights vary: the Ōsugidani Nature School’s programs are offered year-round, while the festival takes place on a Sunday near February 19. Cherry blossoms and autumn foliage give the ruins of Mitsuse Castle a seasonal appeal. This can help you choose between a general nature program and a trip focused on a particular cultural event or time of year.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Yokkaichi, Iga, Suzuka, Nabari, Kameyama, Ise, Owase, Shima

For the broader travel overview: Mie Prefecture.