VOL.197 OCTOBER 2024
JAPAN’S HEALING FORESTS (PART 2)
Autumn Forests with Colorful Leaves
Enjoy the Autumn Colors of Akame 48 Waterfalls, where Ninja Once Trained
The eight-meter-tall Ninai Falls area is famous for its autumn colors.
Photo: Akame 48 Falls Gorge Conservation Association
Located in the western part of Mie Prefecture, Akame 48 Waterfalls in Nabari City boast magnificent scenery that changes with the seasons. Its walking trails are popular as a hiking course, taking about an hour and a half one way. This article explores how to enjoy the stunning autumn colors in the gorge.
In Akame Town, Nabari City, Mie Prefecture, there is a gorge where a series of waterfalls stretches along a clear river for four kilometers, collectively known as Akame 48 Waterfalls*. According to OIE Takakazu, who is responsible for public relations and promotion at the NPO Akame 48 Falls Gorge Conservation Association, a walking trail approximately 3.3 kilometers long connects the waterfalls and has become a popular tourist attraction.
Photo: Akame 48 Falls Gorge Conservation Association
“The Akame 48 Waterfalls area has been selected as one of the top 100 waterfalls and one of the top 100 places for forest bathing in Japan. Visitors can enjoy the rich and varied natural environment created by the pure flow of the waterfalls and rivers, as well as the deep forests. It is an ideal gorge for hiking and forest bathing,” explains OIE. On the walking trail, there are said to be 23 notable waterfalls to see.
“Near the Akame 48 Waterfalls area, you can find rock formations known as ‘columnar joints,’ which consist of hexagonal or polygonal columns formed when lava cools due to volcanic activity. These formations have been revealed through the erosion of the gorge. One of the features of this area is the unique landscape created by the combination of these rock formations and the waterfalls. The gorge is also home to a variety of native plants, particularly ferns and mosses, resulting in a beautiful scenery of moss-covered rocks.”
On the walking trail, visitors can enjoy dynamic waterfall views, such as the eight-meter-tall Ninai Falls, renowned as the finest in the gorge, and the picturesque Senju Falls, celebrated for its beauty.
Photo: Akame 48 Falls Gorge Conservation Association
Photo: Akame 48 Falls Gorge Conservation Association
“As you stroll along the path lined with lush greenery and moss-covered rocks, you can absorb the harmonious sounds of nature, where the rush of the waterfalls and gentle sounds of streams blend with the calls of birds and frogs, providing a truly relaxing experience. From early to late November, trees such as Iroha and Kaede Japanese maples as well as the Japanese mountain cherry showcase vibrant autumn colors that beautifully adorn the gorge. The sight of fallen leaves in shades of red and yellow flowing down the stream adds charm, allowing you to enjoy the unique beauty of autumn,” says OIE.
Photo: Akame 48 Falls Gorge Conservation Association
The number of tourists visiting from overseas has been increasing recently. “We have seen a year-on-year increase in foreign visitors. We also provide English maps, so they can feel comfortable exploring the area.”
In addition, the ninja training activities offered at the Akame Natural History Museum are reportedly very popular among foreign visitors to Japan.
“Actually, Akame 48 Waterfalls was once the training ground of Iga ninjas**. As this became known, the training program was launched and has been very well received. Participants can take on various challenges, such as crossing tightropes and throwing shuriken***. It is open to children from around four years old, making it a fun activity for the whole family,” comments OIE.
If you have the opportunity, be sure to visit Akame 48 Waterfalls, a gorge where you can enjoy the incredible beauty of numerous waterfalls and experience the history of being a former home to Iga ninjas.
* The term shijuhachi, meaning ‘forty-eight,’ in the Japanese name for Akame Shijuhachi Waterfalls does not refer to a specific number. Instead, it signifies a multitude or abundance, indicating that there are many waterfalls in the area.
** A ninja school rooted in the Iga region of Mie Prefecture, known for its exceptional skills in ninjutsu and combat abilities.
*** Shuriken refers to small weapons that can be held in hand and thrown at enemies. Originally, they primarily utilized small blades, but in the early modern period, various shapes such as nail-shaped and cross-shaped shuriken were developed. They are well-known for being used by ninjas, and the techniques for using them, known as shurikenjutsu, have since been established as a form of martial art.
By MOROHASHI Kumiko
Photo: Akame 48 Falls Gorge Conservation Association
