The Akame 48 Waterfalls are a beautiful forested ravine in western Mie where a well-built riverside trail threads past a long succession of cascades — not literally 48, but dozens, including several named grand falls — over a round-trip of roughly 4 kilometres. The valley is lushly green and cool, home to the protected Japanese giant salamander (which can be seen at a small centre at the entrance), and steeped in legend as a training ground of the Iga ninja, a heritage that lives on in ninja-experience programs offered on site. It’s one of Kansai’s finest easy hikes, at its most spectacular in fresh spring green and autumn colour.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Nabari, Mie (near Iga) |
| Hours | ~8:30–17:00 (seasonal) |
| Admission | ~¥500 trail entry |
| Time needed | 2–4 hours round trip |
| Best time | Fresh green early summer; autumn foliage |
What to See
- A 4 km trail past dozens of forest waterfalls.
- Emerald plunge pools and named grand cascades.
- The protected Japanese giant salamander at the entrance centre.
- The valley’s history as an Iga ninja training ground.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Iga Ueno and its ninja museum.
- Pair with a ninja experience offered on site.
- Read our Mie overview .
Getting There
- By train: Kintetsu to Akameguchi Station, then a ~10-minute bus or taxi to the trailhead.
- By car: parking near the entrance and salamander centre.
Tips
The full trail is a there-and-back of around 4 km on well-made but sometimes wet, uneven paths, so wear proper shoes and allow 2–4 hours; you can turn back at any of the major falls if time is short. Early summer’s fresh green and November’s foliage are the peak seasons, and the entrance salamander centre is worth a look for a glimpse of Japan’s largest amphibian before you set off.
