Forty-Eight Waterfalls of Akame

The Forty-Eight Waterfalls of Akame (赤目四十八滝 Akame Shijūhachi Taki), often transcribed as the Akame 48 Waterfalls, is a hiking trail in Nabari near the border between Mie and Nara Prefectures. The hike follows a waterfall-laden trail up a mountain providing for some spectacular scenery.

It is particularly nice (and popular) in the fall when the leaves change colors, typically in mid-November.

Prices

• Entry fee: ¥300

Map

• Google map

Directions

By train

First, make your way to Akameguchi (赤目口) Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line. It is one local stop west of Nabari Station, and is the last station in Mie before entering Nara Prefecture.

Once at the station, you will need to take a bus to the entrance of the hiking trail. Look for the bus bound for Akemetaki (赤目滝). This bus generally only runs once an hour so it may be wise to pick a train in advance that matches up well with the bus schedule

By car

The best way to access the Akame Falls is via Rt 165, the main road that runs between Nabari and Sakurai in Nara.

If heading west (towards Nara), a few minutes after you pass through Nabari you'll come to an intersection with Rt. 543 -- turn left here. This road will take you all the way to the path entry area, it is about a 6km drive. The turn may come up on you quickly, so after passing out of the Nabari city center, keep your eyes peeled for signs to the falls (all in Japanese).