Northern Area Trekking Course

Begin with a visit to Ise Jingu Naiku, where you can pray for a safe journey. From Uji-bashi Bridge, walk through "Oharaimachi" known as Toriimae-machi, then continue past the Ryogu Joyato stone lantern on your left, heading toward Furuichi, which was once one of Japan’s most renowned entertainment districts.

In Furuichi, Makichi Ryokan, a historical inn that preserves the atmosphere of the past, still stands. If time permits, consider visiting the Ise Furuichi Sangu Kaido Museum to learn more about this historic area. After visiting Ise Jingu Geku, you may also want to stop by Sengu-kan, where you can learn about the Shikinen Sengu ritual. Walking along the Miyagawa River embankment, cross Watarai-bashi Bridge to the opposite bank and continue toward Tamaru, enjoying the rural landscape of Ise Plain along the way. For a more immersive experience, consider strolling through Ise City the day before your walk and staying overnight.

Passing through the townscape of Tamaru, a town that once prospered as both a castle town and a post town, you will head westward. Along the way to Sekibutsu-an, you will pass by Settai Jizo statue, the Kano Matsubara remains, where persimmon orchards once stood.

After offering prayers at Sekibutsu-an, the journey continues through Eisho-ji and Narikawa Daishido, leading to the northern entrance of Meki-toge Pass, the first mountain pass on this route. At an elevation of 120 meters and a distance of approximately 2 km, Meki-toge Pass is one of the shortest and lowest passes along the Iseji. However, despite its modest size, it offers an authentic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage experience. After crossing the pass, the trail descends into the village of Aikase, passes by Yanaibara Kannon Senpuku-ji, and finally arrives at Tochihara.

Starting from Tochihara Sta. or Tochihara bus stop, the journey begins with a walk along Bakamagari. This is a short 700-meter unpaved section where you pass through a dark tunnel beneath the railway tracks, follow the Fudodani-gawa River, and cross a wooden bridge. Next, after a brief 200-meter ascent and descent of Saruki-zaka, you will reach the Tonosama Ido well remains, where the feudal lord is said to have rested during falconry.

Beyond this point, you will encounter a series of Pilgrims Gravestones, evoking thoughts of the harsh conditions of pilgrimage in the past. Passing by Kannon-ji, you can visit the Dohyo Jizo statue in Takana and the Dochu Anzen Kigan Jizo statue before ascending Sada-toge Pass. Past Keiun-ji, you will find the Mise-toride Fort ruins and Otani Fudomyoo. If time permits, consider stopping for a visit. If you choose to take the Mise-no-Watashi Ferry, you will cross Misesaka-toge Pass and make your way to pay respects at Takihara-no-Miya before staying overnight in Takihara.

This is a route that takes you over Misesaka-toge Pass to visit Takihara-no-Miya. First, depart from Misedani Sta. or Michi-no-Eki Okuise Odai, and cross Funaki-bashi Bridge, which spans a deep valley. From the northern trailhead of Misesaka-toge Pass, take a slight detour towards Miyagawa River to visit Takihara-jinja, a sub-shrine of Ise Jingu Naiku.

After crossing the steep switchbacks of Misesaka-toge Pass, enter the tranquil precincts and pay a visit to Takihara-no-Miya. Continue walking along the old road while passing Omiya Elementary School, Sekkaika travertine, and Aso Kannon-do Temple, before arriving at Aso Sta.. Nearby is Aso bus stop. From Aso bus stop, alternate between Route 42 & the old road, passing Tsushima-jinja, Hozo-ji, crossing Kashiwano-ohashi Bridge. Walk past Ise-Kashiwazaki Sta., then take a moment to visit the precincts of Dairen-ji.

Depart from Dairen-ji and cross Ichinotani train crossing, which lies directly beneath Kisei Expressway, heading towards Kokusho-ji. Upon reaching Ouchiyama-no-Ichirizuka Milestone, walk along Ashitani-michi, the first and last unpaved section of this segment. Continue along the old road in front of Ouchiyama Sta., and after crossing to the opposite side at Mayumi crosswalk, you will soon arrive at Umegadani Sta..

Since there are no accommodations in Umegadani, consider taking the train or bus to stay at lodgings available along the route. For those with sufficient stamina, it is also possible to continue walking further to Kii-Nagashima and find accommodations there.