The Land of Miraculous Craftsmanship: The Millennium Mortise and Tenon Code of Owase Carpenter

A 2-Day, 1-Night Tour of the Secret Places in Owase City, Japan Recommended seasons: Spring (cherry blossoms), Autumn (red leaves), Winter (clear skies) Day 1: Dialogue between the ancient road and the sea Route: Kumano Kodo Iseji → Shichiri Mihama Coast → Owase Morning Market → Hot Spring Healing Transportation: JR Kisei Main Line "Owase Station" + bus / walking Morning: Traveling through the Millennium Divine Realm 1. 8:0011:30 Kumano Kodo Ise Road (Magoshi Pass Section) Must-see highlights: Magesotoge Stone Path: Hike 2 kilometers along the moss-covered ancient path and touch the 800-year-old "Couple Sugi" (photo suggestion: light spots in the forest in the morning mist sprinkled on the stone path). Hakkiyama Observatory: Climb to the top and overlook the azure blue where Owase Bay meets the Pacific Ocean (photo: drone aerial view of the coastline and archipelago). Tips: Wear non-slip shoes, there are no supply points along the way, bring enough drinking water. Noon: Gift from the fishing port 2. 12:0013:30 Owase Morning Market (weekends only) Recommended experience: Freshly grilled "Bonito Tatsuo" (photo: the moment the fish skin is grilled by flames). Buy "Persimmon Leaf Sushi" (Photo: Close-up of the sushi platter wrapped in green leaves). Afternoon: Breath of the Pacific 3. 14:3016:30 Nanari Mihama Coast How to play: Shiomasaki Lighthouse: The southernmost landmark on the Japanese mainland, capture the collision of cliffs and raging waves (illustration: white lighthouse and deep blue waves captured by a wide-angle lens). Chaoyin Cave: Explore the sea caves carved by waves at low tide (photo: light and shadows inside the cave and silhouettes of tourists). Night: Hot springs and starry sky 4. Stay at Owase Onsen Seiryuso Features: Open-air bath facing Kumano Beach, looking up at the starry sky without light pollution when bathing at night Day 2: Symphony of Jingu and craftsmanship Route: Yanokawa Gorge → Sugali Shrine → Kishu Binchotan Workshop → Return Transportation: Bus + Walking Morning: Canyon Zen 1. 8:0010:00 Yanokawa Gorge Secret highlights: Longshen Waterfall: A waterfall with a drop of 50 meters, it often presents the wonder of icefall in winter (photo: slow shutter speed to capture the silky texture of the water). Suspension Bridge Autumn Leaves: Autumn maple leaves dye the canyon red 2. 10:3012:00 Sugali Shrine Experience: Pay homage to the "Guardian of the Sea" and ask for a whale-shaped amulet (pictured: vermilion torii gate and sea level in the background). Try the "Seaweed Chazuke Rice" at the Shrine Teahouse Afternoon: The inheritance of the thousand-year-old fire 3. 13:0015:00 Kishu Binchotan Workshop In-depth gameplay: Boil charcoal and boil water in a hammer-shaped iron kettle (photo: the red light of the charcoal fire reflects the craftsman's side). Buy cypress charcoal soap (photo: black charcoal soap vs. white foam). Useful Tips 1. Transportation: It takes about 3 hours to take the JR Limited Express "Nanki" from Nagoya to Owase Station. It is recommended to buy the "Ise Kumano Wakayama Tourist Pass". 2. Language: There are English signboards at major attractions, and it is recommended to download the "VoiceTra" real-time translation app. 3. Limited experience: Every January, the "Owase Yosakoi Festival" features dancers dressed as fishermen holding wooden oars and dancing (picture suggestion: use motion blur to show the dancers' sense of power). Budget reference Mid-range free travel: 35,000 yen per person (about 1,600 yuan), including transportation/hot spring hotel/experience projects. Ways to save money: Stay in a youth hostel and have simple meals at convenience stores, 20,000 yen per person (about 900 yuan).