Inabe(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For first-time visitors, staying near Owase Onsen District offers the most authentic experience. The area is home to Owase Onsen Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with private hot springs and kaiseki dining. It’s also close to Owase Castle Ruins, where you can explore ancient fortifications and enjoy panoramic views of the Yama River. For modern comfort, Holiday Inn Express Owase Mie provides excellent amenities and easy access to local attractions. Both areas are safe, walkable, and rich in cultural charm.

Yes, Owase Onsen Ryokan is a premier choice offering authentic Japanese onsen experiences. Its mineral-rich baths feature soft, alkaline water high in sodium bicarbonate, known for skin rejuvenation. Guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor open-air baths, including private garden baths with views of surrounding mountains. Many rooms include tatami flooring and sliding shoji screens, while meals consist of seasonal kaiseki cuisine using local ingredients. The ryokan also organizes guided walks along the Yama River trail, blending relaxation with nature immersion.

Key cultural sites in Owase City include Owase Castle Ruins, a historic site from the Sengoku period featuring preserved stone walls and earthen ramparts. The nearby Yama River Cultural Museum displays traditional farming tools, pottery, and artifacts reflecting local life in Mie Prefecture. Don’t miss the annual Owase Castle Festival, held in spring, featuring samurai processions, taiko drumming, and costumed reenactments. For nature lovers, the Owase River Greenway offers scenic walking and cycling paths along the Yama River, perfect for experiencing rural Japanese tranquility.

Absolutely! Owase City is highly family-friendly. The Yama River Greenway features bike rentals for children, picnic spots, and interactive nature signage ideal for young explorers. At Owase Onsen Ryokan, kids can participate in traditional yukata dressing and making wagashi (Japanese sweets) workshops. The summer River Fun Festival includes water gun battles, paper boat races, and free soba noodle tastings. The Owase Civic Center also hosts child-friendly events like storytelling sessions and craft classes in a welcoming, safe environment.

Must-try dishes in Owase City include Yama River Eel, tender and glazed with sweet soy sauce, served over fresh Mie-grown Koshihikari rice. Another highlight is Owase Soba Noodles, made from locally milled buckwheat flour—light, earthy, and perfect in cold or hot broth. At Owase Onsen Ryokan, the seasonal kaiseki menu features wild mountain vegetables, fresh seafood, and foraged mushrooms. For souvenirs, try Owase plum dried fruit or handmade tea eggs—both popular among locals and visitors alike.

The best time to visit Owase City is spring (March–May), when cherry blossoms bloom around Owase Castle Ruins, creating picturesque reflections on the Yama River. This is also when the annual Owase Castle Festival takes place, featuring traditional ceremonies and folk performances. Autumn (September–November) offers stunning maple foliage along the Yama River Greenway, ideal for hiking and photography. Summer brings cool relief at Owase Onsen, while winter showcases snow-covered ruins—a serene, photogenic experience for nature and history enthusiasts.