After arriving at Chubu Centrair International Airport, rent a car and set off on an unforgettable road trip through Japan. This article introduces a compelling itinerary featuring two hotels from the Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki Project in Mie Prefecture. You'll savor the finest Matsusaka beef, visit the sacred Ise Jingu, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Ise-Shima, and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes.

Day 1

Matsusaka Beef and Samurai Residences

After landing at Centrair, enjoy a scenic 1 hour and 40-minute drive around Ise Bay to Matsusaka IC in Mie Prefecture.

Matsusaka City is renowned as the home of premium Matsusaka beef and historically flourished as a key point along the Ise Kaido route. While Matsusaka Castle no longer stands, its imposing stone walls remain, offering a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.

Adjacent to Matsusaka Castle lies Gojoban Yashiki, a district of samurai residences once inhabited by warriors who guarded the castle. Today, their descendants still live in and maintain these houses (only the northernmost house in the west wing is open to the public). Walking along the stone-paved street lined with samurai residences on both sides, you'll feel transported back to the age of the samurai.

For lunch, treat yourself to the pinnacle of Japanese beef at Gyugin Honten. Whether you prefer sukiyaki or shabu-shabu, the melt-in-your-mouth Matsusaka beef will redefine your understanding of culinary excellence. The restaurant's century-old wooden building adds to the authentic experience.

Ise Jingu and Oharai-machi / Okage Yokocho

After satisfying your appetite with a luxurious Matsusaka beef lunch, head to Ise Jingu (Inner Shrine). It's about a 30-minute drive from Matsusaka IC to Ise Jingu.

Ise Jingu is considered Japan's most prestigious shrine. During the Edo period, pilgrimages to Ise Jingu, known as Oise Mairi, became immensely popular, drawing travelers from all over Japan. As you pass through the grand torii gate and cross the Uji Bridge, you enter the sacred precinct. Take a moment to absorb the solemn atmosphere that has been cherished by the Japanese people for centuries.

Surrounding Ise Jingu, you'll find Oharai-machi, a lively district that flourished as the town in front of Ise Jingu's torii gate, and Okage Yokocho, which recreates the traditional townscape of Ise. Perhaps the travelers of the Edo period also enjoyed shopping for souvenirs and dining in a similar atmosphere.

Pearl Road and Yokoyama Observatory

From Ise Jingu, head towards Toba and then on to Shima. This route is one of Japan's most popular scenic drives. The 23.8km road connecting Toba and Shima is called Pearl Road, offering numerous scenic spots overlooking the coastline and providing a pleasant driving experience.

As you emerge from Pearl Road, you'll come upon Yokoyama Observatory, known as one of the most photogenic viewpoints. The vista of islands dotting Ago Bay and the intricately indented coastline is truly spectacular. It's about a 50-minute drive from Ise Jingu to Yokoyama Observatory via Pearl Road.

Fairfield by Marriott Mie Okuise Odai

From Yokoyama Observatory, drive for about an hour to check in at Fairfield by Marriott Mie Okuise Odai, your accommodation for the first night.

The Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki hotels are conveniently located near roadside stations, making them ideal for enjoying road trips while efficiently touring various sightseeing spots across Japan. While the hotels don't have their own restaurant facilities, you can experience the area's unique charm more deeply by dining at local restaurants or roadside stations nearby.

Day 2

Verde Odai Tourism

On your second day, if you'd like to enjoy outdoor activities amidst nature, why not participate in a program offered by Verde Odai Tourism, located about a 10-minute drive from the hotel?

Verde Odai Tourism conducts guided tours such as SUP, canoeing, and e-bike tours in the lush natural setting of the Oku-Ise area. Many activities are suitable even for young children, making it a great option for families.

Kumano Kodo Iseji Matsumoto-toge Pass and World Heritage Sites in Kumano City

After exploring the Odai area, drive for about an hour to the Onigajo Center parking lot in Kumano City.

Onigajo is a scenic spot naturally formed by wave erosion and weathering. It's registered as a World Heritage Site as part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. The Ristorante Marina on the second floor of the Onigajo Center is open for lunch, offering seafood bowls and oyakodon (chicken and egg bowl ) made with local fish and chicken.

Near the Onigajo Center parking lot, there's a well-maintained hiking course that takes about 90-120 minutes to complete, including the Kumano Kodo Matsumoto-toge Pass. The Matsumoto-toge Pass is popular not only for its easy access but also for its impressive stone-paved path that embodies the essence of Kumano Kodo. From the hilltop, you can enjoy views of the beautiful Shichiri-mihama coastline. Take the opportunity to walk this World Heritage pilgrimage route.

A 5-minute drive from the Onigajo Center brings you to Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine, also registered as a World Heritage Site. Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine is mentioned in the Nihon Shoki, considered Japan's first historical record, and has long been revered as a sacred site. A massive 45-meter-high rock is enshrined as the object of worship.

Leaving the coastline, follow the narrow mountain road for about 30 minutes to reach Maruyama Senmaida.

Maruyama Senmaida is one of Japan's largest terraced rice fields, with 1,340 small paddies spread across a slope with a 160-meter elevation difference. From spring planting to autumn harvest, it presents beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons.

Fairfield by Marriott Mie Kumano Kodo Mihama

Fairfield by Marriott Mie Kumano Kodo Mihama, your accommodation for the night, is about a 30-minute drive from Maruyama Senmaida, or about 25 minutes directly from Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine. The Shichiri-mihama coast stretches out in front of the hotel, offering beautiful coastal views from the rooms.

Mihama Town in Mie Prefecture is known for its year-round citrus fruit harvests, thanks to its warm and rainy climate. At the adjacent Michi-no-Eki Park Shichiri-mihama, enjoy comparing various types of citrus juices. In one corner of the Park Shichiri-mihama parking lot, there's a local izakaya called Men Sakaba Benkei, where you can savor izakaya dishes that highlight fish and ramen.

Day 3

Kumano Sanzan Pilgrimage

On the third day of your trip, visit the Kumano Sanzan, the goal of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage.

Kumano Sanzan consists of three shrines, Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha, and one temple, Seiganto-ji. Although the three shrines are about 20-40km apart, it's possible to visit all of them in a day by car. Fairfield by Marriott Mie Kumano Kodo Mihama is conveniently located near the border of Mie and Wakayama prefectures, making it a great starting point for the Kumano Sanzan pilgrimage.

First, head to Kumano Hongu Taisha, about a 50-minute drive from the hotel. Kumano Hongu Taisha is one of the grand shrines that make up Kumano Sanzan, characterized by its solemn cypress bark-roofed main hall.

A 10-minute walk from the main shrine brings you to Oyunohara, a spiritual site where Kumano Hongu Taisha was originally located and a massive torii gate said to be the tallest in Japan.

After Kumano Hongu Taisha, drive along the Kumano River for about 40 minutes to reach Kumano Hayatama Taisha. In stark contrast to the brown cypress bark-roofed main hall of Kumano Hongu Taisha, this shrine features a vibrant vermilion main hall.

About 1 kilometer from Kumano Hayatama Taisha is Kamikura Shrine, considered the original shrine of Kumano Hayatama Taisha, the new shrine. Legend has it that Kamikura Shrine marks the spot where the deities of Kumano Sanzan first descended. Climb the very steep 538 stone steps to reach the object of worship.

The final destination in your Kumano Sanzan pilgrimage is Kumano Nachi Taisha.

If you're feeling hungry before heading to Kumano Nachi Taisha, consider stopping by the Katsuura Fishing Port Nigiwai Market. It's about a 30-minute drive from Kumano Hayatama Taisha to Katsuura Fishing Port. Katsuura Fishing Port is known as one of Japan's top ports for tuna landings, and the Nigiwai Market hosts daily tuna cutting shows. You can enjoy delicious, fresh tuna at this portside facility.

After leaving Katsuura Fishing Port, drive for about 15 minutes to reach the Daimon-zaka parking lot. From the parking lot to Kumano Nachi Taisha, you'll need to walk about 600 meters with an elevation change of about 100 meters. While different from Matsumoto-toge Pass, this section offers another taste of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, so it's worth taking a leisurely walk if you have time.

On the grounds of Kumano Nachi Taisha, you'll find Seiganto-ji Temple, which is also part of Kumano Sanzan. Beyond lies the famous Nachi Falls and a view of the vermilion three-storied pagoda.

Wrap-up

After visiting Kumano Sanzan, if you're heading directly back to Centrair, you'll need about 3 hours and 45 minutes of driving. If your schedule allows, consider staying another night at Fairfield by Marriott Mie Kumano Kodo Mihama and visiting other popular tourist spots in Mie Prefecture, such as the Ama huts in Toba or the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum in Iga, on your way back to Centrair.

Alternatively, you could continue west along the scenic Kii Peninsula coastline, exploring Wakayama Prefecture before heading towards Osaka. You could stay at the Fairfield by Marriott hotels in Kushimoto or Susami in Wakayama Prefecture. Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kushimoto is adjacent to the Michi-no-Eki Kushimoto Hashigui-iwa, which offers views of the Hashigui-iwa rocks, designated as a National Scenic Spot and a Natural Monument. Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kumano Kodo Susami offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, with various activities available in the surrounding area. Discover your own travel style using Fairfield by Marriott hotels to suit your itinerary.