Introduction to Mie Prefecture
Mie Prefecture is a place that attracts a lot of international attention because it was the site of the G7 Ise-Shima Summit in 2016. There are many elements to enjoy in terms of sightseeing, activities, and food, such as Ise Jingu Shrine and Okage Yokocho for sightseeing, Suzuka Circuit and Nagashima Spa Land for enjoying activities, and Ise lobsters and Matsusaka beef for dining. The Iga region of Mie is known as the birthplace of the ninja, and there is a ninja museum where visitors can learn about and experience ninja culture. Mie’s neighbors include Nagoya, Osaka, and other large cities, making it easy to incorporate Mie into your travel plans.
Geographic location
Mie Prefecture faces Ise Bay and is easily accessible from Nagoya and Osaka.
History & culture
Mie Prefecture has the following history and culture.
- Ise Jingu: This shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu, the ancestral deity of the imperial family, and every 20 years all shrine buildings are rebuilt in a new ceremony.
- Ninja: The area is known as the birthplace of ninja, including Iga- and Koga-style ninja.
- Suzuka Circuit: Opened in 1962, the Japanese car manufacturer Honda built the Suzuka Circuit with the idea of racing to research and develop fast cars.
Tourist attraction
Mie Prefecture has many tourist attractions.
Ise Jingu
Ise Jingu is the oldest shrine in Japan and is visited by many worshippers every year. It is believed to bring good luck, ward off bad luck, protect agriculture and fishery, and promote industry.
Toba Aquarium
It is one of the largest aquariums in the world, where you can see many marine creatures. It is the only aquarium in Japan that keeps dugongs.
Nagashima Spa land
It is one of the leading attraction facilities in Japan, combining numerous roller coasters, water slides, swimming pools, hot spring facilities, and accommodations.
Suzuka Circuit
Opened in 1962 by Honda, a Japanese car manufacturer, this prestigious circuit has hosted famous races such as Formula 1 and the Suzuka 8 Hours. During normal business hours, the circuit is equipped with attractions so that visitors can spend a whole day here.
Ninja Museum Of Igaryu
The exterior is a typical Japanese farmhouse, but inside are hidden various tricks in preparation for enemy attacks. Inside the facility, visitors can learn about the ninja, see ninja techniques and demonstrations, and even try their hand at ninjutsu.
Nagoya Anpanman Children’s Museum & Park
Nagoya Anpanman Children’s Museum & Park is a dream space where visitors can participate in and experience the world of Anpanman, one of Japan’s most popular children’s cartoons. There are many attractions such as a diorama depicting the world of Anpanman, a slide for kids, and an Anpanman show.
Food culture
Mie Prefecture’s food culture is characterized by fresh seafood and traditional Japanese cuisine.
Ise lobster
Ise lobster is known as a luxury food and can be tasted in the Ise-Shima region. Unlike lobster, it is recommended to be eaten raw and has a sweet, rich flavor.
Ise Udon
Thick udon noodles, a specialty of Mie Prefecture, with a rich broth.
Matsusaka beef
This brand of Japanese beef is raised in Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, and is known as one of Japan’s three major beef breeds. You can enjoy a luxurious steak.
Sukiyaki/Shabu-Shabu
Sukiyaki and shabu-shabu using Matsuzaka beef are recommended, as Mie Prefecture is famous for Matsuzaka beef.
Matsusaka beef hormone
Matsuzaka beef, one of Japan’s top three cuts of beef, is of course delicious, but its offal is also very tasty. The fresh offal has no stench and is perfect as a snack with beer.
Sanma-zushi
It is a local dish from the Higashi-Kishu region. It is said that the saury caught in this region is suitable for sushi due to its low fat content, which is why sanma-zushi became popular. Sushi restaurants in the city are of course good, but you may also want to experience the unique sushi that can only be had in the countryside using ingredients from the countryside.
Activities
Mie Prefecture offers a wide variety of activities.
Ise Jingu Shrine visit
The shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu, the ancestral deity of the imperial family, and every 20 years all the shrine buildings are rebuilt in a ceremonial relocation ceremony.
Toba Aquarium
This is the only aquarium in Japan that keeps dugongs. Why don’t you go see the rare dugongs?
Ise-Shima Skyline
It is a beautiful drive or bike ride on a mountain road. I have not been there yet, but it is one of my dream roads that I would like to visit by bike someday.
Theme park
There are several theme parks in Mie Prefecture. The Ise Jingu Shrine is a must-visit recommendation, but if you are not sure how to spend your time after visiting the Ise Jingu Shrine, you can go to a theme park.
The theme parks in Mie Prefecture are as follows
Ninja Show
Visitors can enjoy performances by ninja, including Iga- and Koga-style ninja, such as shuriken throwing and sword fighting.
Pearl Extraction Experience
Shima City in Mie Prefecture is famous for its pearls. Try making your own unique jewelry.
Seasonal Recommendations
Mie Prefecture is a place where beautiful scenery and events can be enjoyed in each of the four seasons.
Spring
- Cherry blossoms: Cherry blossoms can be enjoyed at Ise Jingu Shrine, Toba Aquarium, and other locations throughout the prefecture.
- Strawberry picking: There are many sightseeing farms where visitors can enjoy strawberry picking in Tsu City and Matsusaka City.
Summer
- Swimming: There are many beautiful beaches such as Iseshima and Toshi Island.
- Marine sports: Surfing, snorkeling, diving, and other marine sports can be enjoyed.
Autumn
- Autumn Foliage: You can enjoy autumn foliage at Ise Jingu Shrine, Mount Ibuki, and other places in the prefecture.
- Matsusaka beef: Matsusaka beef dishes can be enjoyed at restaurants in Matsusaka City.
Winter
- Winter Sports: You can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Gozaisho Ski Resort. Mie Prefecture is not a heavy snowfall area, so winter sports are limited.
Local Culture
Local culture in Mie Prefecture is rooted in traditional festivals and traditional crafts.
Festival
- Kannamesai of Ise Jingu: Held every October, this is the most important festival of the Ise Jingu Shrine.
- Tsu Festival: This is a summer festival held every July in Tsu City.
Traditional culture, traditional crafts
- Ninja: Iga City is famous as the home of the ninja, and visitors can experience traditional ninja culture.
- Matsusaka Cotton: A traditional fabric produced in Matsusaka City.
Transportation
Access to Mie Prefecture is very convenient.
Airplane
It takes about one hour from Haneda Airport to Central Japan International Airport. Unless you are a big fan of flying, we recommend that you use the Shinkansen.
Shinkansen
It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station by Shinkansen bullet train. From Nagoya Station to Ise-shi Station on the Kintetsu limited express train takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Railway
It takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Ise-shi Station by limited express train. From Tokyo Station, please consider using the Shinkansen together. Also, from Osaka, it takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes by Kintetsu limited express train. If you are coming from the Kansai region, trains are convenient.
Express Bus
It takes about 6 hours from Tokyo Station to Ise City Station by highway bus. It is a cheap way to get there, but it takes time.
Lastly
Mie Prefecture offers a wide variety of sightseeing spots, such as Ise Jingu Shrine, Shima Spain Village, and ninja shows, as well as a rich natural environment surrounded by the sea and mountains, where you can enjoy a variety of activities. Please visit Mie Prefecture to enjoy the scenery and culture of the four seasons.