Halal Wagyu & Scenic Hike: The Best of Nabari in One Trip

As the crisp December air rolled through the windows, Akiko-san and I set off from Tsu City, Mie Prefecture for an exciting adventure in Nabari. The hour-long drive treated us to stunning views of rolling hills and lush countryside. As we sing along to our favourite song, my mind was wandering to the tales of premium Wagyu beef that waiting for us in Nabari. Known as the “hometown of ninjas,” this charming city promises an escape from the urban grind. But first, food!

The aroma of sizzling meat hit us like a warm hug the moment we stepped into Yakiniku Restaurant Okuda. My eyes widening at the sight of Halal-certified Wagyu menu. With a big grin, I told Akiko-san “This is it!” as I pointed to the ‘Assorted Premium Meat’ on the list.

For a Muslim traveler like me, finding Halal Wagyu in Japan felt like hitting the jackpot. Grilling the marbled cuts on the smokeless roaster was mesmerizing. “I am no chef, but this is my masterpiece” I giggled, proudly showing Akiko-san my perfectly grilled slice of beef snugly wrapped in a crisp cabbage leaf.

Between bites of melt-in-your-mouth A5 Wagyu, paired with Iga’s award-winning Koshihikari rice, we dove into deep chats. I couldn’t stop appreciating the rare opportunity to enjoy such Halal-certified delicacies guilt-free. “This is happiness,” I declared, holding up a perfectly cooked slice of beef.

This gem offers a dining experience like no other, but for the Halal options, be sure to make a reservation at least a week before your trip!

A Magical Winter Trek at Akame 48 Falls

With our bellies full and spirits high, we headed to Akame 48 Waterfalls, Nabari’s crown jewel. “We are ‘fuelled’ with Wagyu, this should be an easy hike!” I joked, while Akiko-san rolled her eyes. The tickets were a steal! Only 1,000¥ for adults and 500¥ for children, which will be used as the maintenance fees. As we went in, the sight of the Akame Waterfalls Aquarium at the entrance immediately captured our attention. “Giant salamanders? This place just keeps getting better,” I told myself, snapping a photo of the shy creatures.

The trail was magical. Rustic stone steps led us deeper into the forest. Just like in Ghibli movies every step is a delight for hikers and photographers alike.

As the sun dipped lower, we decided to head back to the entrance as it was getting darker. That’s when we saw it! The little bamboo lanterns that greeted us on our way to Fudo Falls suddenly glowing with their warm magical lights.

“Am I dreaming?” I whispered to myself. As Akiko-san came approaching, catching her breath, she said “The Bamboo Lantern Illumination had just begun!” I was struck in awe to see the trail was bathed in golden light. Intricate carvings on bamboo cylinders cast mesmerizing patterns across the forest floor. “This... is unreal,” I said, barely able to contain my excitement.

For 45 minutes, we wandered through what felt like a living fairytale. The calm ambiance, the magical illumination, the soft crashing sound of the waterfall, the bubbling streams, “This is the kind of magic you never forget.” I told myself.

A Sweet Treat to End Your Hike Right

Before leaving, we made a pit stop at the Ninpo Akame Pudding Café. “You need to try this,” Akiko said, handing me a spoonful of their famous pudding made with eggs from the Aoyama Plateau. Rich, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet, it was the perfect way to end our hike. The café also offers refreshing shaved ice and homemade drinks, making it an ideal spot to unwind after exploring the trail.

As we exited the park, we couldn’t resist grabbing some Hekoki Manju, locally known as "Fart Buns". Made from sweet potatoes, these delightful snacks come in a variety of flavours, including plain, bean, matcha, apple, and cream cheese & cranberry. “Sweet potatoes have never been this fun,” I laughed, biting into the fluffy treat. Enjoying them on the drive home was the perfect way to end our day, as we reflected on the incredible experiences Nabari had offered.

From Halal Wagyu to breathtaking waterfalls and magical lanterns, Nabari really is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or simply someone looking for a new adventure, this quaint city has something for everyone. “I will definitely come back and finish that trail!” I told Akiko as we drove home with the last bits of Hekoki Manju in my hands.