Ever thought about exploring the less-travelled parts of Japan?
Mie Prefecture might be the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Finding Mie Prefecture’s hidden treasures promises an exciting experience.
Here are some fun things to do if you visit Mie Prefecture:
It’s far from the beaten tourist paths.
Although Mie Prefecture may not be as famous as Kyoto or Nara, it has charm and wonder.
This article will uncover lesser-known facts about Mie prefecture that will pique your curiosity and inspire a visit.
- 1) Ise Grand Shrine: Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine
- 2) Toba Aquarium: Home to rare marine life
- 3) Matsusaka Beef: Rival to Kobe Beef
- 4) Mikimoto Pearl Island: Birthplace of Cultured Pearls
- 5) Suzuka Circuit: Legendary Motorsport Track
- 6) Ago Bay: Stunning ria coastal landscape
- 7) Saiku Historical Museum: Ancient imperial relics
- 8) Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage: Historical spiritual trail
- 9) Yokkaichi: Most Polluted Place in Japan
- 10) Meoto Iwa: Famous 'wedded rocks' in Futami
- 11) Shima Spain Village: A slice of Spain in Japan
- 12) Kuwana: Flourishing garden city
- 13) Gozaisho Ropeway: Scenic mountain vistas
- 14) Ninja Museum of Igaryu: Everything ninja
- 15) Yunoyama Spring town
1) Ise Grand Shrine: Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine
Located in Mie Prefecture, Ise Grand Shrine is a must-visit spot.
It’s dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and is considered Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine.
The shrine complex includes two main shrines: Naikū (Inner Shrine) and Gekū (Outer Shrine).
Both are set within a serene forest, adding to their spiritual feel.
Shrines are rebuilt every 20 years in a tradition called Shikinen Sengu.
This practice has been carried out for centuries, symbolising renewal and continuity in Shinto beliefs.
2) Toba Aquarium: Home to rare marine life
If you love marine life, Toba Aquarium is a must-visit spot in Mie Prefecture.
It’s one of the largest in Japan, with 12 zones featuring different habitats.
You can see over 25,000 creatures from about 1,200 species.
The aquarium is known for its unique residents, including Japan’s only manatee.
3) Matsusaka Beef: Rival to Kobe Beef
You might have heard of Kobe beef, but Matsusaka beef is another top-tier Japanese wagyu worth knowing about.
In fact, it’s better despite being less well-known.
Matsusaka beef comes from Mie Prefecture and is famous for its rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
4) Mikimoto Pearl Island: Birthplace of Cultured Pearls
Mikimoto Pearl Island is in Ise Bay, just offshore from Toba in Mie Prefecture.
This small island is famous because it’s where pearl cultivation began.
Born in Toba, Kokichi Mikimoto made a breakthrough in 1893.
He discovered a way to culture pearls, transforming the island into a hub for pearl farming.
Today, the island features a museum, shops, and an exhibition of antique jewellery.
You can even watch Ama divers, skilled in traditional methods of collecting pearls.
5) Suzuka Circuit: Legendary Motorsport Track
If you’re a motorsport fan, you’re in for a treat. Suzuka Circuit, located in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, is legendary.
This track, designed by the Honda Motor Company in 1962, has hosted top-tier racing events for decades.
The track measures 5.807 km (3.608 mi) and is well-known for its unique figure-eight layout.
This design challenges drivers with a mix of tight corners and high-speed straights, making it a favourite among racers and fans alike.
6) Ago Bay: Stunning ria coastal landscape
Ago Bay is a beautiful spot in Mie Prefecture at the southern tip of the Shima Peninsula.
The coastline here is jagged and rugged.
It’s dotted with many little islands.
It’s famous for pearl cultivation.
You can see many oyster rafts floating in the water.
7) Saiku Historical Museum: Ancient imperial relics
When you visit the Saiku Historical Museum, you’re stepping into a piece of Japan’s ancient history.
The Saiku Historical Museum houses relics from the Saikū palace complex, established in the Nara period.
This palace was where the Saiō, an unmarried Imperial princess, lived and performed her duties.
Many artefacts tell the story of life at Saikū.
Items on display include clothing, tools, and ceremonial objects used by the Saiō and those who served her.
8) Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage: Historical spiritual trail
You’ve got to check out the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage if you’re in Mie Prefecture.
This ancient trail lets you walk in the footsteps of pilgrims from over a thousand years ago.
The Kumano Kodo is a network of trails weaving through the Kii Peninsula.
It connects several significant Shinto shrines, known as the Kumano Sanzan.
9) Yokkaichi: Most Polluted Place in Japan
Yokkaichi is a city in Mie Prefecture, Japan.
Located facing Ise Bay, Yokkaichi developed around a castle built in 1470.
By the Tokugawa period, it had become a bustling trade centre.
After the war, it became known for chemical production and was once the most polluted town in Japan.
In the 1960s, industrial activities in Yokkaichi released harmful pollutants, severely affecting air quality.
The emissions from petrochemical plants caused widespread respiratory issues among residents.
10) Meoto Iwa: Famous ‘wedded rocks’ in Futami
Meoto Iwa, also known as the “wedded rocks,” are found in the waters near Futami, a small town in Ise City.
These rocks are tied together with a sacred Shimenawa rope.
The larger rock represents the husband, while the smaller one represents the wife.
It’s a lovely sight, especially at sunrise.
Many visitors visit this spot to enjoy the scenic view and experience the spiritual atmosphere.
The rocks symbolise the union of the Shinto deities Izanagi and Izanami.
11) Shima Spain Village: A slice of Spain in Japan
Shima Spain Village is a unique theme park in Mie Prefecture that brings Spanish culture to Japan.
It opened in 1994 and offers a fun mix of attractions.
You can enjoy thrilling rides, delightful shows, and authentic Spanish food like paella and churros.
The park also features shops and restaurants with a Spanish flair.
Strolling through the park, you’ll feel like you’re in a charming Spanish town.
There are even flamenco dancing and bullfighting shows. It’s a great escape from a traditional Japanese experience.
12) Kuwana: Flourishing garden city
Kuwana, located in Mie Prefecture, is a delightful spot known for its beautiful gardens.
Nabana no Sato, one of the highlights, features stunning flower displays and light shows.
You can also visit the Nagashima beer garden there for a refreshing drink.
Another notable spot is the natural hot spring, which offers a relaxing experience.
13) Gozaisho Ropeway: Scenic mountain vistas
The Gozaisho Ropeway is located in Mie Prefecture. It takes you up Mount Gozaisho, which is 1,210 meters high.
The ropeway is 2.161 km long.
You’ll see stunning views from the gondola.
At the top, there are lookout platforms.
They offer amazing views that you can’t see anywhere else.
14) Ninja Museum of Igaryu: Everything ninja
You’ve got to visit the Ninja Museum of Igaryu, hidden in the forests of Iga, Mie Prefecture.
It’s the perfect spot to dive into the world of ninjas.
The museum has fascinating exhibits on the art of ninjutsu.
You’ll learn about the history of the Iga-ryū ninja clan and their incredible skills.
You can even check out real ninja tools and weapons.
It’s like stepping back to see how these mysterious warriors lived and trained.
15) Yunoyama Spring town
Yunoyama is a charming hilly town nestled picturesquely at the foot of Mt. Gozaisho.
It’s Perfect for an overnight getaway or even a relaxing trip from Nagoya.
Time forgot this place, which almost looks abandoned as you drive up there.
The hot spring was discovered sometime between 717 – 723!
