Deep South

The Deep South is the southernmost region in Mie and is known for fantastic hikes, beautiful beaches, warmer weather than the rest of Mie, mikans, fireworks, and camping. It is composed of all cities/towns/villages from Kihoku in the north to Kiho in the south. Despite being part of Wakayama prefecture, Shingu city (just south of Kiho) is also considered to be part of the Deep South.

Name

Referred to by the JETs of the area as the 'Deep South,' also occasionally known as:

• 紀州 （きしゅう) kisyuu - meaning "The Province of Kii". Kii is the name of the mountain range running through this part of Japan.

• 紀南 (きなん) kinan - meaning "South Kii." See above.

• 熊野 (くまの) kumano - long ago this entire area was known collectively as "Kumano." Now, that distinction belongs only to one small part of the area. The Kumano Sanzan, three very famous local shrines, are all technically located outside of what is now Kumano city.

JET Positions

There are only 13 JETs in the Deep South, making them the most spread out group of JETs in the prefecture. From north to south they are broken down as follows:

• Kihoku - 2 JETs (both ES/JHS mix)
• Owase - 3 JETs (1 SHS, 2 ES/JHS mix)
• Kumano - 4 JETs (1 SHS, 3 ES/JHS mix)
• Mihama - 2 JETs (1 SHS, 1 ES/JHS mix)
• Kiho - 2 JETs (both ES/JHS mix)

Transportation

Car

Route 42, which generally snakes down the coastline of the prefecture, is the main access point into the Deep South. It crosses through all major areas of the Deep South but can be a bit perilous at times (the pass just north of Kii-Nagashima and the rugged mountains between Owase and Kumano in particular).

In 2013 the Kisei expressway was finally extended into the Deep South (its intended target) with the opening of Kii-Nagashima IC. Further extensions are currently under construction (with estimated extension to Owase in October 2013 and Kumano in 2014). All segments north of and including Kii-Nagashima IC are toll roads, while everything to the south will always be free.

Train

The Deep South is served only by JR and its famously slow Kisei Main Line. The Deep South encompasses all stations from Kihoku's Kii-Nagashima station in the north to either Kiho's Udono station or Wakayama's Shingu station in the south (depending on who you ask).

Trains come roughly once every hour and a half (at best), and the only options are locals or the insanely expensive Nanki Wideview Limited Express. Nevertheless, the ride is arguably the most breathtaking in the prefecture and you haven't TRULY experienced rural Mie until you've made the journey.

Express and Night Buses

Sanco Bus offers daily bus runs to Nagoya and Tsu, as well as an overnight bus to Tokyo. These can be a reasonable alternative to taking the train - travelling to Nagoya by bus is often quicker than travelling by train, and slightly cheaper.

Sanco's website (Japanese)

Attractions

JET Events

• Camp Inn Miyama

  This event is held every year in Kihoku in late June and is a good send-off for those JETs who will leave in July.

• Kumano Fireworks

  Generally held on August 17th every year in Kumano, this spectacular fireworks show is the best in the prefecture and must be seen at least once during your tenure as a JET.

• The Drunkathalon

  Held yearly in Kiho in early February, this tradition began in 2012 as a way to celebrate one JETs birthday. It may also entail the enjoyment of adult beverages.