Station Misugi

Discover Serenity in the Heart of Nature

Nestled in the tranquil village of Misugi within Mie Prefecture, this roadside station offers a rare blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and sustainable design. Built with pure wood and designed with accessibility in mind, Misugi stands as a welcoming sanctuary where travelers can pause, recharge, and connect with the rhythms of rural Japan. Located just off National Route 368 and adjacent to the historic Ise Main Road, it serves as a gateway to the region’s scenic landscapes and historical sites.

What sets Misugi apart is its role as a certified Forest Therapy Base—Japan’s first in the region—offering guided wellness walks and informative resources for mindful exploration. Visitors can browse locally crafted wooden goods, sample regional specialties like konjac and sweet-preserved ayu fish, or enjoy a refreshing treat at the on-site café. With free electric-assist bicycle rentals and nearby access to ancient ruins, serene gardens, and walking trails, Misugi invites travelers to slow down and embrace the healing power of nature.

Visit Misugi roadside station to experience the only forest therapy base in the Tōkai region, certified since 2008, offering guided nature walks through ancient woodland trails that follow the historic Ise Kaidō. Here, you’ll find the exclusive Misugi character merchandise—handcrafted T-shirts and whimsical souvenirs—only available at this location, celebrating the region’s heritage of the North Hata clan.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure one of the limited parking spots near the entrance, as the facility fills up quickly after 10:00 AM despite having 64 standard parking spaces.

• Hidden Gems: Stop at the deli counter to try the locally made konjac and amago sweet stew, which are only available during the seasonal harvest months of July through September.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, pick up a free forest therapy course pamphlet at the "Forest Therapy Corner" and follow the "Hiraoka Course" trail, which begins just 100 meters from the roadside station entrance and offers panoramic views of the historic Kitabatake village.

• Free Rental Tip: Use the free electric-assist bicycle rental at the roadside station itself—located directly beside the parking area—after arriving via the JR Meihan Line to Ise Okutsu Station, and ride along the old Ise Main Road (18 km route) for a full immersive experience.

• Best Souvenir Purchase: Buy the "Misugin" character merchandise—especially the limited edition T-shirt with a forest-themed design—before 12:00 PM on Saturdays, as it sells out by early afternoon.

• Foodie Tip: Order the homemade soft cream from the on-site café between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, as this is when the fresh batch is served and the line is shortest due to the lunchtime rush.

• Experience Highlight: Participate in the free guided forest therapy session offered every Thursday at 10:30 AM at the "Forest Therapy Corner" where staff provide handouts and lead short walks through the adjacent woodland, focusing on sensory engagement with nature.

Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms bloom in nearby Kashi no Sakura around late March to early April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the roadside station market through May.

Summer (June–August): The forest therapy courses are most popular from June to August, offering cool, shaded walks through mature woods.

Autumn (September–November): Red leaves peak at Kita-Hata Shrine Garden in mid-November, coinciding with autumn menus at local restaurants.

Winter (December–February): The seasonal highlight is the New Year’s Eve bell-ringing ceremony at Hokozan Shrine on December 31, followed by winter forest walks.