Oiwase City, Japan: A Comprehensive Travel Guide to a Hidden Gem

📍Location: Oiwase City, Mie Prefecture, Japan, a small city favored by mountains and seas, with a forest coverage rate of 90%, humid and rainy, with an average annual rainfall of 3850mm, like a secret place hidden in the clouds and mist. 🚗Transportation: - External Transportation: First arrive in Japan, then take the JR Line from Tokyo, Osaka, etc. to Oiwase City, enjoying the scenery along the way. - City Transportation: Rent a bicycle and freely shuttle through the streets and alleys; you can also choose to take a taxi, which is convenient and fast, but the cost is slightly higher. 🏠Accommodation: - Oiwase Onsen Hotel: Soaking in the hot spring and listening to the rain outside the window is very pleasant. The hotel also has a hearty Japanese breakfast to start your day full of energy. - Kumano Kodo Guesthouse: Experience tatami mats and feel the charm of traditional Japanese houses. The guesthouse owner is warm and hospitable and will share many niche local attractions. 🌟Must-See Attractions: Kumano Kodo Center: The building is made of 6,500 Owase cypress trees, simple yet grand. Standing in front of the panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kumano Beach; at dusk, the orange lights are lit up, creating a great atmosphere, perfect for taking photos. Sugari-cho Fishing Village: Selected as one of the "100 Best Villages in Japan", 200 old houses are scattered in an orderly manner, and the sloping tiles exude a simple atmosphere, as if you have walked into the world of Hayao Miyazaki's animation. Go to the pier in the early morning to watch fishermen harvest fresh sea fish and experience the purest fishing village life. Maki Gonbei no Sato: Built in memory of the Edo samurai Gonbei, it is the largest Japanese garden in Mie Prefecture. In autumn, the maple leaves are like fire, reflected in the pool, so beautiful that it's hard to take your eyes away; put on a kimono and take some traditional photos, the atmosphere is amazing. Kumano Kodo: A World Cultural Heritage site, the ancient road used by nobles to visit Kumano Shrine and ascetics to Ise Shrine. Along the way, there are dense forests, gurgling streams, ancient stone steps, and shrines. Walking along it, you can feel the blend of history and nature. Oiwase Shrine: With a long history, it preserves traditional architecture and cultural heritage, such as the unique lion mask. Here, you can experience the rich Japanese shrine culture, and maybe even encounter a traditional festival. 🍱Food Recommendations: Kaisen-don: Freshly caught sashimi is spread on rice. One bite is full of the taste of the sea, especially the sweet shrimp and tuna, which are fresh, sweet, and chewy. Charcoal-grilled Wagyu Beef: Grilled with local Owase beef, the fat sizzles on the charcoal fire, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Paired with a special sauce, it's amazing! Wagashi: Delicate and small, with various flavors, such as red bean paste and matcha paste, perfect for afternoon tea. 💡Practical Tips: Remember to bring rain gear, as it often rains in Oiwase City, and the small city in the rain and fog has a unique charm. Tickets for some attractions can be purchased online in advance to save queuing time. Try to speak some simple Japanese, such as "Thank you (ありがとう)" and "Hello (こんにちは)", which will make your trip smoother.