“Inabe – Journey into life.”
About
Values and Aims to Achieve
“Inabe – Journey into life” serves as both the town’s editorial team sharing Inabe’s charm and as a guide for travelers.
What we value most is our interaction with the people living in Inabe. From interviews and research to shared experiences at events and festivals, greetings and small talk on the streets, shopping, or simply expressing appreciation for the local meat and vegetables we enjoy—these are all important forms of communication. Long-time residents bring wisdom and history, while newcomers offer fresh perspectives and values. We stand at the intersection of these contributions, weaving the charm of Inabe through the lens of “daily life.”
The unique perspectives, senses, thoughts, and attachments that arise from living here allow us to see and communicate Inabe’s charm in authentic, relatable words and images, free from external interests. This is our role.
Guided by “Inabe – Journey into life,” travelers visiting Inabe stroll through the town as if blending into its daily life. They enjoy the scenery, savor the local cuisine and nature, and engage in conversations with the people of Inabe. This exchange is one of the values we hold dear.
Through interactions between residents and travelers, new discoveries and a renewed appreciation for Inabe’s unique value emerge, fueling us as “travel guides.”
We aim to serve as a platform for these meaningful exchanges between those who live in Inabe and those who visit. Above all, as passionate fans of Inabe, we aspire to share its charm with the world.
Let’s go to Inabe.
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Geography and Climate of Inabe
Inabe City, located at the northernmost tip of Mie Prefecture and bordering Gifu and Shiga, is a land rich in nature, surrounded by the Suzuka and Yoro mountain ranges. With 58% of its area covered by forests, it enjoys relatively easy access from Nagoya and is recognized as a town where life and nature harmonize. Inabe experiences significant temperature variations in spring and autumn, with snowfall in winter. The richness of its four distinct seasons is one of its many charms.
How to get to Inabe City -
Inabe’s Specialty Products
Inabe’s cuisine features fresh ingredients and game meat produced by its rich natural environment and the blessing of mountain water. Notably, tea recognized as a “Cultural Agency 100-Year Food” and buckwheat (soba), the largest production in Mie Prefecture, are highly acclaimed both domestically and internationally. In recent years, products made from plums harvested in Plum Grove Park have been actively developed.
View souvenirs from Inabe
Inabe Souvenirs -
History and Culture of Inabe
Ruins and earthenware from the Jomon and Yayoi periods have been discovered in Inabe City, and it is believed that people have lived here since prehistoric times. Historically significant sites still remain, such as the Hatta Mine, where silver and bronze were mined in the Edo period, the Katahi Mambo, which was used as agricultural water and was the largest in Japan, and the Nejiri Bridge, which was recognized as a Civil Engineering Heritage Site.
Inabe City Official Website -
City Government and Life in Inabe
Inabe City, formed by the merger of four towns in 2004, has been promoting sustainable initiatives as an SDGs Future City and Fair Trade Town, and an increasing number of people are moving to Inabe to live in the natural beauty of Inabe. City planning by “GCI (Green Creative Inabe)” has been selected as a “Municipal SDGs Model Project”.
GCI Official Website
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Places to remember history. -
Famous ‘Ishi-gure tea’. -
Nostalgic streets. -
changing of the season. -
Places to remember history. -
Famous ‘Ishi-gure tea’. -
Nostalgic streets. -
changing of the season.
Highlights of Inabe
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“Sangi Railway” with its nostalgic
sceneryThe Sanki Line, the only one in Japan where freight trains carrying cement run, and the Hokusei Line, one of only three remaining “narrow gauge” (narrow track width) railroads in Japan, boast a history of over 100 years. There are also scenic points to enjoy the retro appearance and the only freight railroad museum in Japan.
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Bairin Park, one of the largest plum orchards in Japan
Inabe’s Barin Park is one of the largest plum orchards in the Tokai region, with approximately 4,000 plum trees in full bloom. In March, the best time to view the flowers , a patchwork of plum blossoms of various colors in beautiful shades of gray. The park is a popular spot for visitors to enjoy the spectacular view of the surrounding mountains from the park, which looks like a Shangri-La.
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“Nigiwai-no-mori” that attracts tourists from outside the prefecture as well.
A complex facility where visitors can enjoy Inabe’s food attractions. It is a collection of cafes, bakeries, food boutiques, and souvenir stores that are unique to Inabe. Located next to the City Hall, it also plays a role as a base for Inabe’s urban development and human resources development.
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Mt. Fujiwara and Mt. Ryugatake, recommended for mountain climbing
Fujiwaradake and Ryugatake are both located in Suzuka National Park. Fujiwaradake is selected as one of the 100 most famous mountains for its flowers, and Ryugadake is famous for its white rhododendrons. The mountains are blessed with rich geographical features and abundant flora due to the intersection of the climates of the Pacific and Japan Sea sides. Fujiwaradake, with its unique mountain surface, is a symbol of Inabe.
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“Outdoor Field,” a hot topic in the media
Outdoor fields popular among campers and outdoor enthusiasts, such as “Aogawa Gorge Camping Park,” one of the best in western Japan, “Nordisk Hygge Circles UGAKEI” and “Yamaterasu,” a popular dog run, have been attracting attention recently.
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Hot springs are also a popular attraction in the central town of “Agaki
Ageki is a town with a long history that has developed as a commercial center since the Edo period. Even today, the buildings of merchant shops and the Torinkan, a national cultural property, still remain. In recent years, new stores and other facilities, centering on hot spring facilities, have lined the streets, creating a fusion of old and new sights.
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The “Tour of Japan,” the largest of its kind in Japan
Inabe is one of Japan’s major cycling events and the third stage of the “Tour of Japan,” the largest bicycle road race in Japan, and is also a mecca for cyclists, taking advantage of the richness of its landscape.
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“Ageki no Ohinasan” decorates the entire town.
In February, Ageki no Ohina-san is held in the town of Ageki, the center of Inabe, where many hina dolls are displayed at the Ageki Kaikan, in the eaves of houses and stores, etc. Hanging banners and tiered decorations are displayed. The entire town is decorated with hanging ornaments and stepped decorations.
By train
If you use public transportation, please come to “Ageki Station,” the terminal station of the Hokusei Line of the Sangi Railway. Access from distant locations requires multiple transfers. From Kuwana Station, there is also a bus route to Ageki Station.
By car
From Nagoya : Higashi-Meihan Expressway, Tokai-Kanjo Expressway（~50 mins.）
From Nagoya: Meishin and Shin-Meishin Expressways/Tokai-Kanjo Expressway (~1 hrs 30 mins.)
From Kyoto: Meishin and Shin-Meishin Expressways/Tokai-Kanjo Expressway（~2 hrs.）
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CONCEPT
“Inabe – Journey into life.” About Values and Aims to Achieve “Inabe – Journey into life” serves as both the town’s editorial team sharing Inabe’s charm and as a guide for travelers.What we value most is our interaction with the people living in Inabe. From interviews and research to shared experiences at events and festivals,...
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CONCEPT
“Inabe – Journey into life.” About Values and Aims to Achieve “Inabe – Journey into life” serves as both the town’s editorial team sharing Inabe’s charm and as a guide for travelers.What we value most is our interaction with the people living in Inabe. From interviews and research to shared experiences at events and festivals,...
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CONCEPT
“Inabe – Journey into life.” About Values and Aims to Achieve “Inabe – Journey into life” serves as both the town’s editorial team sharing Inabe’s charm and as a guide for travelers.What we value most is our interaction with the people living in Inabe. From interviews and research to shared experiences at events and festivals,...