ROCKETNEWS
 
On the border between Wakayama and Mie prefectures, nature has created a fantastical terrain. The secluded Kizuro Village is encircled by a river and pebble beaches, turning it into a half-island paradise that’s also abundant in good qi.
 
Location
 
This hidden gem of natural beauty can be found in the area of Kiwacho,  Kumano City, Mie Prefecture. It’s surprising that a community exists in such a place, and life seems like it can be pretty tough there. Around half of the homes in Kizuro Village are now empty, and it’s rapidly becoming a depopulated village where most of the inhabitants are elderly. Exactly 46 years ago there were houses and fields right in the center of the peak, and in the past there was even an elementary school. However, the decline in the population hasn’t made the place any less stunning.
 
Feng Shui
 
Kizuro Village is situated on a raised area of land that’s almost completely surrounded by the river that curves around it, so that it sticks out like a peninsula. The arrangement of land and buildings is unique and has been the subject of studies, and it’s also known as a powerful feng shui spot. Mountains and rivers are very important in feng shui, and when an area faces a body of water while being protected by mountains from behind it has naturally good qi.

In feng shui, mountains are referred to as dragons, and a mountain range like the one around this area allows good energy to flow smoothly. Kizuro Village is located where the mountain range naturally falls back down to ground level, creating a ‘dragon hole’ which gives it great power in feng shui terms.
 
Viewing
 
The river divides the prefectures of Mie and Wakayama, and the best views can be gotten from walking up into the mountains and looking down from the Wakayama side. The hiking route contains steep inclines and intersections with ridges, so it’s not recommended for beginners. However, you can also travel along the river by jet boat for sightseeing for a more relaxed but just as beautiful experience.