October, 2011
Looking for some relaxation and pampering? Make your way to the Nagashima Spa, an outstanding hot spring bath complex with indoor and outdoor baths. They have recreated scenery from the Kurobe Gorge and the Oiras Stream. Yes, strangers bathe naked together, which may be a bit peculiar for our Western culture. There are also Jacuzzis, saunas, and massage services available, along with various restaurants. Easily accessible within 40 minutes from the Meitetsu Bus Centre taking the bus bound for the Nagashima Onsen. Spend the afternoon enjoying the hot springs relaxing, entering the lounge area for a snack and some tea and back to the springs to explore all the baths. Book yourself a massage, and then enjoy some local cuisine. An authentic Japanese experience for the day.
Looking for somewhere quieter with less tourists, than the Mie Prefecture is the perfect spot off the beaten bath. The peninsula is designated as the Ise-Shima National Park and consists of cities of Ise, Toba and Shima and the town of Minami-Ise. Explore the Inner Shrine of Ise starting with the traditional approach, Oharaimachi, which is approximately 1km long with authentic houses, shops and restaurants. My first Sake experience was on this approach. Personally, I will stick to Napa Valley, Bordeaux, and Rijoa reds – rice wine is not my thing. The Inner Shrine is considered to be Japan’s most sacred shrine and believed to be established over 2000 years ago. The grounds will fascinate you, leaving you feeling as though you are in an enchanted forest making your way to the shrine. Using the water from the sacred Isuzugawa River, you have the chance to cleanse and purify yourself.
Set aside some time to explore the small seaside town of Toba, where you will find the sacred rocks of the Futami Okitama Shrine. These rocks are located at the entrance of the Ise Bay where the sea water connects to the Pacific Ocean. It is said the big rock represents a man and the small rock represents a woman symbolizing the bond of marriage with the rocks connected by a shimenawa rope, which acts as the division between the spiritual and earthly realms. Interestingly, I felt drawn to these rocks despite the recent dissolution of my own marital bond. Continue past the rocks for other shrines including the Ryugu Shrine, dragon god of the seas, eventually leading to a restaurant complex that features an aquarium. Enjoy spending part of day exploring this little sea side town! From here, venture to Mikimoto Pearl Island which features a museum about pearl cultivation built on an island in the Bay of Toba. You can learn the life story of a pearl farmer, Mikimoto Kokichi, who started this business in 1893. You can watch female “ama” divers wearing traditional diving costumes and feel like you are years away from the hustle of Toyko.
My final day trip recommendation is Korankei Gorge or Valley. While most tourists envision Japan during the spring filled with cherry blossoms, picture a valley best visited in the fall, full of maple trees, turning this gorge into something magical in late November every year. Visiting here made me feel like I was back home in Canada surrounded by maple trees and fall foliage of 11 different types. Starting at the Tomoe River, the valley forms an S shape around the mountain terrain. Enjoy the hike, rumbling river and magnificent views under a beautiful canopy of leaves. You will want to stay until later in the day to take advantage of the magical illumination, which is usually from sunset till 9:00 p.m. where millions of lights installed below the trees come to life, giving the trees an additional magical glow – absolutely stunning. There are plenty of local food vendors along the way – I sampled the Momoji Manju which is a type of Imagawaki – a small cake made of buckwheat and rice, shaped like a maple leave and stuffed with that delicious red bean filling. The perfect snack in this autumn setting.
