Bellybutton of Iseji
The coastal city of Owase is considered the belly button of the Iseji because of its central location. It is famous for its seafood served fresh at local restaurants.
Owase-jinja Shrine features a 1,000-year-old camphor tree and impressive local festivals during the year. The Kumano Kodo Center is an impressive visitor center made with 6,500 locally harvested cypress trees, located on the outskirts of town. There are both permanent and temporary exhibits about the history and nature of Owase. Behind the center is Yumekodo Owase featuring café, restaurant and hot spring baths. Get oriented at the Owase Tourist Information Center, just 10 minutes from Owase Station.