Japan’s healing wonderland is here – A soul-renewing journey through “East Yamato & West Mie”

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Japan has long been one of the top travel destinations for people from our country. Beyond bustling urban centers like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, there are also many lesser-known, uniquely mysterious spots waiting to be explored.“East Yamato & West Mie”is a place where you can be cleansed by nature, heal your body and mind, experience the path of ascetic practice followed by monks, and renew yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually.

“East Yamato & West Mie” actually refers collectively to the areas between Nara Prefecture and Mie Prefecture in Japan. While the names may be unfamiliar, visiting this region allows you to immerse yourself in stunning natural scenery, explore rich history and culture, and enjoy delicious local cuisine. This area also lies within the “Muro-Akame-Aoyama Quasi-National Park.” Influenced by the Muro Volcanic Group, the landscape features majestic cliffs, steep valleys, enchanting waterfalls, and hot springs—making this natural paradise even more alluring.

▲Flowers bloom near the temple, and Muro-ji Temple stands as the guardian of this hidden sanctuary.

Women’s Koya – Muro-ji Temple
Nestled within a deep mountain valley, “Muro-Koya” (also known as Muro-ji) is said to have been a dwelling place of the dragon god since ancient times and a sacred site for rain-making rituals, traditionally off-limits to women. Muro-ji Temple, however, is legendary for being established in the late 8th century by the monk Kanken to pray for the recovery of an ailing crown prince. Women were specially permitted to worship here, which earned the temple deep devotion among females and the nickname “Women’s Koya.” The main hall houses nationally designated Important Cultural Properties including the standing statue of Shakyamuni Buddha (a National Treasure), the Eleven-Headed Kannon, and the Yakushi Nyorai. The Miroku Hall, located further up the mountain, enshrines a seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Additionally, the five-story pagoda, also a National Treasure, stands at 16 meters tall and is the smallest of its kind in Japan. Unlike the often crowded famous temples, Muro-ji offers a serene encounter with solemn, centuries-old statues, bringing a profound sense of inner peace.

▲Waterfalls echo through the tranquil valley, cleansing both body and soul.

The Ninja Training Ground – Akame 48 Waterfalls
The Akame 48 Waterfalls are spread along about 4 kilometers of the Nagara River tributary. The number 48 isn’t exact, but rather symbolic. The first waterfall is just a 15-minute walk from the entrance. Legend has it that a mountain ascetic named En no Gyōja once trained here. One day, he encountered Fudō Myōō (the Immovable One), regarded as the savior of mankind, riding a red-eyed ox through the area—hence the name “Akame” (Red Eyes). Further upstream, a continuous series of large and small waterfalls, pools, and rapids unfold. Among them are the so-called “Akame Five Waterfalls”: Fudō, Senju, Fusen, Katsute, and Biwa. Trails run alongside the falls, offering a chance to experience the mystical beauty of the valley and its rich phytoncide-filled air. With the refreshing sound of cascading water, both body and spirit are purified.

For those looking to embark on a hidden paradise healing journey, Kole Travel recommends group tours such as “Love Ise-Shima ~ Cable Car Gassho Village, Spanish Sightseeing Cruise, Ama Pearl Show, Futami-Oshima Married Rocks (5 Days)” and “Southern Kii Nostalgia ~ Kuroshio Tuna Show, Kishu Wakayama, Ama Pearl Diving, Onsen & Fragrant Beauty (5 Days),” allowing you to experience the charm of East Yamato & West Mie in a guided tour format.Enquiry: 02-25672626

For independent travelers, you can also purchase a “Kansai Thru Pass” to freely ride designated Kintetsu trains, Iga Railway, Mie Kotsu buses, and Toba City Seagull Buses within a 5-day period, making it easy to explore popular sites in Osaka, Nara, Mie, and more.