From Mie Guidebook
Hiking, particularly mountain hiking (山登り yama nobori), is an extremely popular weekend or holiday activity through much of Japan and Mie is no exception. Mountain hikers and small hiking clubs can be found all over the prefecture. It is a great way to take in the prefecture's natural scenery as well as get some of the best views the area has to offer.
Though most impressive mountains within Mie tend to be along the Mie/Shiga border in the north, and the Mie/Nara border in the central and southern areas, every region of Mie is covered with mountains and thus there are opportunities to be found all over the prefecture.
Tips
- A pair of high ankle hiking boots is recommended at best, and absolutely essential for serious hikes on the taller peaks.
- It’s advisable to have an experienced hiker guide you on the more dangerous routes. Search online for hiking clubs near you or ask your friends/work colleagues if they hike.
- Bears – Yes, there are bears in Mie. So invest in a bear whistle or bell lest you get mistaken for Goldilocks.
- You can hike all year round in parts of Mie but weather conditions dramatically alter even the easiest trails.
- Kintetsu stations sometimes have information on local hikes. Papers with routes drawn on them are available at major stations, and during the spring/summer there will be info on when various plants in the area are flowering.
- Trails are well utilised so don’t be concerned about hiking in remote areas. Rest assured you will not be the only one there.
Recommended Routes
Northern Mie
- Komono : Mount Gozaisho
- One of the premier mountain hiking routes in Mie. Leads up and down the Suzuka Mountain Range's most famous peak which stands at over 1200m.
Central Mie
- Tsu : Kyōgamine
- Easy hike just outside of Tsu, accessible from Tsu-Shinmachi Station by bus.
- Tsu : Mount Aoyama
- Mountain that separates old Ise (Tsu) and Iga provinces. Has a very flat area at the top that is home to about 20 wind turbines which can be seen from far and wide.
Eastern Mie
- Ise : Mount Asama
- At 555m, the tallest mountain in the Ise-Shima area, and also with a hiking route very easily accessed by train. Has a temple and great lookout point at the very top.
Western Mie
Southern Mie
- Owase & Kumano : Kumano Kodō
- Ancient pilgrimage path running between Ise Grand Shrine and Mount Kōya, still preserved along certain sections. Mie Prefecture's only registered UNESCO world heritage site!
Outside Mie
- Gifu & Nagano : Magome Pass
- Relaxed hike along the old mountain road that was established to connect Tokyo and Kyoto in the old days. Well-preserved, with Edo-era inn towns at both ends.
