5-Day Itinerary in Osaka, Mie and Nagoya: Enjoy a Cost-Effective Trip with the KINTETSU RAIL PASSA Trip to Enjoy Mie, Easily Accessible from Osaka and Nagoya

The journey begins at Kintetsu Railway’s Osaka-Namba Station. First, take the Nara Line’s semi-express train to Tsuruhashi Station, then transfer to the Osaka Line’s express train to reach Akameguchi Station. The total travel time from Osaka-Namba Station to Akameguchi Station is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From there, board a Mie Kotsu bus and get off at the Akame Daki bus stop, which will bring you to the first destination — Akame 48 Waterfalls.

Akame 48 Waterfalls is a sacred site historically used by monks and ninjas for training. Located upstream along the waterfall river, this popular tourist destination features multiple waterfalls scattered throughout the valley. For an enjoyable walk, it’s recommended to take the 3.3 km trail, which is designed to guide visitors around the waterfalls. Along this route, you’ll also see the five famous waterfalls known as the “Akame Gobaku.” You’ll definitely be enchanted by the changing beauty of nature, from fresh greenery in spring to vibrant autumn leaves. Additionally, in the Akame Komachi area near the entrance, there are restaurants and souvenir shops, making it a perfect spot to stop by.

When exploring Akame 48 Waterfalls, a visit to Akame Onsen for a quick bath is also highly recommended. Iga no Kakureyado Akame Onsen Kakure-no-Yu Taisenkaku offers day-use bathing. Soaking in the high-quality waters, known for their skin-beautifying effects, is a truly blissful experience. The outdoor bath overlooking Akame Valley, along with the large communal bath and post-bath lounge, has been renovated to provide guests with an even closer connection to the surrounding valley while they bathe.

A must-try experience at Akame 48 Waterfalls, a place where ninjas once trained, is the Ninja Training Experience! At the Ninja no Mori (Ninja Forest) near the entrance of the walking trail, various ninja training activities are available. You can dress up in ninja attire and immerse yourself in the world of ninja training.

Complete your registration 30 minutes before departure, change into your ninja outfit and begin your training! You will take part in various experiences, including the use of ninja tools, chosen from over 20 types of training activities within the Ninja no Sato (Ninja Village) attractions. Through the training, you’ll also learn about the history and culture of how the Iga ninjas trained at Akame 48 Waterfalls. After completing the training, you will be awarded a certificate of achievement! It’s sure to be a memorable part of your journey.

After finishing the ninja training experience, you'll leave Akame 48 Waterfalls and head back to Osaka. From the Akame Daki bus stop, take the bus to Akameguchi Station. From there, board the Osaka Line express train, transfer at Tsuruhashi Station to the Nara Line, and in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, you’ll arrive at Osaka-Namba Station. From the station, it’s just a 5-minute walk to Okonomiyaki Mizuno.

Founded in 1945, Mizuno is a beloved, long-established okonomiyaki restaurant. It is also well-known for being selected as a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide for 8 consecutive years. The ingredients for the okonomiyaki are carefully sourced from Osaka's kitchen, including the renowned Kuromon Market, highlighting the restaurant's attention to detail.
Try the most popular Yamaimo-yaki, made without flour—only yam is used for the batter. Another highly recommended dish is their signature Mizuno-yaki, which features six different ingredients, including pork and squid.

On the second day, you’ll start activities early! At 8 a.m., take the Nara Line from Osaka-Namba Station, transfer to the express train at Tsuruhashi Station, and travel for about 1 hour and 10 minutes to Iga-Kambe Station. From there, transfer to the Iga Railway and travel for about 30 minutes to Iga Railway Ueno City Station. After a 10-minute walk, you’ll arrive at the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum!

At the museum, you can learn about and explore the world of Iga ninjas, with attractions such as the "Karakuri Ninja House," featuring revolving doors and hidden staircases, and the "Ninjutsu Experience Hall," where you can see real ninja tools, including shuriken. After exploring the Karakuri House and other exhibits, be sure to catch the Ninjutsu Performance Show by the Iga ninja special group Ashura. The thrilling stage performance using authentic ninja tools is truly impressive!

After experiencing the Iga-ryu ninja, the next stop is Iga Ueno Castle Keep, located about a 10-minute walk away.

Iga Ueno Castle, built in 1585, was renovated and expanded by the famous castle architect Tōdō Takatora. Due to its beautiful appearance, it is also known as Hakuhō Castle (White Phoenix Castle). The current keep was rebuilt in 1935 and now serves as a museum, where you can learn about the culture and history of Iga. The castle is also famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, offering a atmospheric scene of the castle and sakura, embodying the traditional beauty of Japan.

After enjoying the ninja experiences and the castle, you’re sure to be hungry! From Ueno City Station, take the Iga Railway to Iga-Kambe Station. Then, transfer to the Kintetsu Osaka Line express train, and after about 30 minutes, arrive at Ise-Nakagawa Station. From there, transfer to the Yamada Line and travel for about 10 minutes to Matsusaka Station. After a 10-minute walk from the station, you'll reach Matsusaka Maruyoshi Kamada Honten, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch featuring the famous Matsusaka beef!

Founded in 1961, Matsusaka Maruyoshi Kamada Honten is a specialty butcher shop and popular dining establishment renowned for its world-famous Matsusaka beef. The quality of the beef is top-notch, and you can savor it in various dishes like steak, sukiyaki and shabu-shabu.
In addition, the attached butcher shop offers a selection of Matsusaka beef delicacies and even Matsusaka beef chips, making it the perfect place to pick up souvenirs. Be sure to check it out!

The final stop on the second day is Nabana no Sato. From Matsusaka Station, take the Yamada Line for about 1 hour and 10 minutes to Kuwana Station, then take a local bus for about 20 minutes to reach the destination.
Please note that during the illumination period, especially in winter, the bus operates from Nagashima Station instead.

Nabana no Sato is one of Japan's largest flower theme parks, adorned with seasonal blooms such as tulips in spring and cosmos in autumn. The Begonia Garden, a large greenhouse featuring flowers from around the world, allows visitors to enjoy flowers throughout the year. Additionally, the park hosts one of Japan's largest illumination events, which runs from mid-October to late May, attracting visitors from both Japan and abroad.
The park also offers a variety of dining options, including Japanese, Western and Chinese cuisine, ensuring a fulfilling culinary experience. A day-use hot spring facility is also available, providing a diverse range of ways to enjoy your visit.

The third day starts with a refreshing morning aerial walk! From Kuwana Station, take the Nagoya Line express train to Kintetsu-Yokkaichi Station. Then, transfer to the Yunoyama Line and get off at Yunoyama-Onsen Station. The total travel time from Kuwana Station to Yunoyama-Onsen Station is about 55 minutes. After that, switch to the Mie Kotsu bus for about 10 minutes and get off at the Yunoyama-Onsen - Gozaisho Ropeway bus stop. You've arrived at the ropeway station for the Gozaisho Ropeway!

The Gozaisho Ropeway spans the main peak of the Suzuka Mountains, Mount Gozaisho, at an elevation of 1,212 meters. It connects the Yunoyama-Onsen Station at the foothills, located 400 meters above sea level, with the Yamagami Park Station at 1,180 meters. Visitors can enjoy a 15-minute aerial stroll while admiring stunning views of the changing seasons, including the autumn foliage and winter's ice-covered trees.

Next, you'll visit Aquaignis, a multi-theme hot spring resort facility combining healing and food. It takes about 15 minutes by Mie Kotsu bus from the Yunoyama-Onsen - Gozaisho Ropeway bus stop to reach the destination.

The vast 49,000㎡ area features a variety of offerings, including sweets and stone-baked bread by Chef Hironobu Tsujiguchi, Italian cuisine by Chef Masayuki Okuda, Japanese dishes by Chef Masahiro Kasahara, as well as hot springs and a hotel.
Among these, the Strawberry House, where you can enjoy strawberry picking from mid-December to mid-June each year, stands out. Here, you can pick and eat 22 different varieties of strawberries, carefully cultivated with reduced pesticide and organic fertilizers, some of which are also used in Chef Tsujiguchi's sweets.

The next stop is the famous Suzuka Circuit, which has a racing course. From Aquaignis, take an 8-minute walk to Yunoyama-Onsen Station, then take the Yunoyama Line to Kintetsu-Yokkaichi Station. From there, transfer to the Nagoya Line Express, which takes about 1 hour. Get off at Shiroko Station, and transfer to a Mie Kotsu Bus. After a 20-minute ride, get off at the Suzuka Circuit bus stop.

The Suzuka Circuit, known for hosting the F1 Japanese Grand Prix, also features an amusement park, hotel and restaurants, making it a popular destination as a theme park. The amusement park offers a variety of attractions unique to Suzuka Circuit, including the “Putti Grand Prix,” which is modeled after a racing course, along with other rides where kids can operate them themselves, making it an especially appealing experience.

After enjoying yourself thoroughly at the Suzuka Circuit Park, it's time to head to the accommodation for the third day. Take a bus to Shiroko Station, then ride the limited express train for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to arrive at Kashikojima Station. From there, a shuttle bus is available to take you to the hotel.

Shima Kanko Hotel, known for being the venue of the G7 Ise-Shima Summit 2016, consists of two buildings: "The Classic" and "The Bay Suites." Located in Kashikojima, facing Ago Bay, the hotel offers stunning views of the bay with its 60 islands of various sizes. The hotel's restaurants serve dishes made with plenty of fresh seafood from the Ise area.

On the fourth day, nearing the end of the journey, we start at the Yokoyama View Point. From Kashikojima Station, take the Shima Line for two stations and get off at Ugata Station. From there, take a taxi to the Yokoyama View Point.

Located on Mount Yokoyama at an elevation of 140 meters in Ise-Shima National Park, the Yokoyama View Point offers a panoramic view of the stunning coastline of Ago Bay. There is also a takeout-style cafe called "Yokoyama Tenku Cafe Terrace Mirador Shima" at the observatory, where you can enjoy a relaxing cafe time while admiring the stunning scenery. Below the observatory, you'll find a visitor center that introduces the Ise-Shima National Park, which is definitely worth a visit as well.

After enjoying the refreshing morning view, you'll take a taxi back to Ugata Station. From there, take the Shima Line for about 35 minutes to Toba Station. It's a 10-minute walk from the station to the Toba Aquarium.

Toba Aquarium, with around 1,200 species and 25,000 individual creatures across 12 zones, is home to the largest variety of species in Japan. It is the only aquarium in Japan where you can see the dugong, the creature that inspired the mermaid legend.
The aquarium features various exhibits, including the "Ise-Shima Sea & Japanese Sea" section and the "Strange Creatures Research Lab," which showcases unique and unusual animals. In addition to these exhibits, you can also enjoy performances such as sea lion shows. Visitors can watch feeding times for sea otters, seals and other animals, so it's recommended to check the schedule on the website before exploring the aquarium.

After being healed by the adorable creatures, it's time for lunch! Take the shuttle bus from in front of Toba Station to "Ama Hut HACHIMAN." This popular spot allows you to interact with real ama divers while enjoying a variety of fresh seafood.

Ama divers dive into the sea to gather shellfish and seaweed, a traditional occupation that was recognized as part of Japan's Heritage in 2019. At Ama Hut HACHIMAN, you can enjoy a meal or tea time while listening to stories from active ama divers and savoring freshly grilled seafood prepared over a charcoal fire by the divers themselves. By making a reservation in advance, you can also experience wearing the ama diver's costume and learn more about this fascinating culture, making it a unique and educational experience.

After returning to Toba Station by shuttle bus, take a 10-minute walk to the Toba Aquarium/Mikimoto Pearl Island bus stop. From there, board a Mie Kotsu bus and get off at Meotoiwa Higashiguchi bus stop, where the famous "Meotoiwa" (Wedded Rocks) awaits just a short walk away.

The Meotoiwa (Wedded Rocks), visible from the approach to Futamiokitama Shrine, are considered a symbol of marital harmony and a spiritual power spot. It is known for the sight of two rocks standing along the Futamiura coastline—one being the 9-meter-tall “male rock” and the other the 4-meter-tall “female rock”—bound together by a large sacred rope (shimenawa). It has long been a site of worship, as the rocks are believed to be a torii for praying to the rising sun and the Okitama Shinseki, a sacred stone resting 700 meters offshore in the sea. From May to July, you can witness the breathtaking sight of the sun rising between the Meotoiwa. Planning your trip around this stunning sunrise experience is highly recommended.

After returning to Toba Station from the Meotoiwa Higashiguchi bus stop, take the Kintetsu Limited Express for about 1 hour and 35 minutes to arrive at Kintetsu-Nagoya Station. For dinner, head to "Hitsumabushi Ino Esca Shop," located in the underground shopping street directly connected to the station.

This is a popular restaurant serving Nagoya’s famous gourmet dish, “hitsumabushi” (grilled eel over rice). Made with carefully selected ingredients, the eel is grilled without steaming, giving it a crispy, fragrant skin that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce and rice.
There are three ways to enjoy hitsumabushi. First, savor the eel and rice as they are. For the second serving, sprinkle green onions and wasabi for an added kick. Lastly, pour dashi broth over the eel and rice to enjoy it ochazuke-style. The ability to experience different flavors in one dish is a great delight of hitsumabushi.

On the final day of the trip, head to Ise Jingu, known as the spiritual home of the Japanese people. From Kintetsu Nagoya Station, take the limited express to Uji-Yamada Station. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. From the station, take a Mie Kotsu bus and get off at the Naiku-mae bus stop.

Ise Jingu, affectionately known as "O-Ise-san," is a sacred site cherished by the Japanese people. With a history of over 2,000 years, this divine domain embodies the essence of Japan's history, nature and architectural origins.
The Naiku enshrines Amaterasu Ōmikami, the sun goddess and the ancestral deity of the imperial family, with the sacred mirror, Yata no Kagami, one of the Three Sacred Treasures, as the sacred object. The Geku is dedicated to Toyo'uke-no-Ōmikami, the deity responsible for providing food to Amaterasu. The customary practice is to visit the Geku, followed by the Naiku.

After visiting Ise Shrine, take a short walk to Oharaimachi and Okage Yokocho located in the middle of the town. This area is lined with various shops, including souvenir stores and restaurants. The area known as "Okage Yokocho" features buildings from the Edo and Meiji periods along the Iseji road that have been relocated and recreated, allowing visitors to stroll through a nostalgic townscape.

One must-visit spot in Oharaimachi is the historic Akafuku Honten, which has been serving its delicious sweets since 1707. The Akafuku mochi, with its chewy rice cake topped with smooth, sweet red bean paste, is a local specialty. In addition to the classic Akafuku mochi, the shop also offers seasonal treats like Akafuku ice and Akafuku zenzai (sweet red bean soup), making it a perfect place to take a break during your stroll.

If you want to try the famous Ise udon, head to “Fukusuke.” You can enjoy traditional Ise udon, featuring thick, chewy and soft noodles topped with a homemade sauce made from rich tamari (thick) soy sauce and natural dashi. Additionally, they offer a variety of toppings, including Matsusaka beef and tempura.