Odaki & Medaki Falls — Mifune Valley
A pair of sacred waterfalls in the deep cedar forests of Odai-cho — the male fall (Odaki, 60m) and female fall (Medaki, 30m) face each other across a moss-carpeted valley. Used for centuries as training grounds by ascetic Shugendo monks who stood under the falls in meditation. The area is part of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park.
2–3 hours
Free
Always open (outdoor nature site)
April–November
Bus from Matsusaka or rental car from Tsu
Location
Why Visit
- 1
A sacred pair of falls used for shugendo ascetic training — visitors may still find monks meditating under them
- 2
The cedar forest approach is completely wild — no souvenir shops or tour buses
- 3
Part of Yoshino-Kumano National Park — the forest quality rivals anywhere in Kansai
Local Tips
The male and female falls (Odaki and Medaki) tumble into a moss-covered gorge that has been sacred since ancient times. The cedar forest approach path takes 20 minutes from the car park. The falls are within a designated national forest and feel genuinely remote despite being accessible. Combine with the nearby Akame 48 Waterfalls for a full Mie waterfall day.
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