Mie Prefecture sits right next to Aichi, where I’ve lived for close to three decades.
For the longest time, I had a negative image of the place.
A few industrial towns like Yokkaichi (a port city north of Ise) gave it a bad reputation.
Factories and pollution dominated the landscape there.
But I was wrong.
Mie Prefecture is actually rich in culture and nature.
This magnificent region has everything from historic shrines and temples to dramatic coastlines and quiet mountain trails.
It might not top most tourist lists, but that’s exactly what makes it special.
If you’re looking for things to do in Mie that go beyond the usual Japan travel guide, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are the best experiences waiting for you.
Things to do in Mie prefecture:
Visit Ise Jingu
Ise Grand Shrine is Mie Prefecture’s crown jewel and Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine.
The complex includes two main shrines.
The inner shrine is called Naiku. The outer shrine is called Geku.
Both shrines feel incredibly peaceful.
Towering cedar trees shade quiet gravel paths.
The Japanese imperial family has connections to this shrine, which makes it deeply important to Japanese culture.
After you explore the shrine grounds, walk over to Okage-yokocho nearby.
This traditional shopping street recreates an Edo period town.
Japanese visitors and locals love browsing the craft shops and trying local snacks here.
Race to Suzuka Circuit
After exploring the spiritual heart of Mie, shift gears. Literally.
Suzuka Circuit hosts the Japanese Grand Prix and sits right here in Mie prefecture.
Even non-F1 fans know this legendary track.
You can visit even when races aren’t happening.
On regular days, guests can explore the facilities and sometimes drive parts of the circuit themselves.
The track also houses a Japanese motorsports museum.
Racing enthusiasts will love the collection of historic vehicles and memorabilia.
Discover Toba Aquarium
Toba feels like the land that time forgot. Not always in a good way, I must admit.
The worst hotel I ever stayed at was in Toba.
But Toba redeems itself with one massive attraction.
The Toba Aquarium houses 1,200 species.
That’s more than any other aquarium in Japan.
Plan for at least two hours here to see the main tanks and performances, though marine life enthusiasts could easily spend half a day.
The Project Exhibition showcases rare marine life.
Don’t miss the sea lion and walrus displays either.
These playful creatures put on quite a show during feeding times.
Explore Ise-Shima National Park
Ise-Shima National Park (about 2.5 hours from Nagoya by train) still honours its fishing roots.
Jagged cliffs and quiet coves stretch along the Shima Peninsula.
Ama divers still practise their ancient profession here.
These female divers gather seaweed and shellfish using techniques passed down through generations.
They follow strict fishing procedures and catch limits to protect marine resources.
Families might enjoy Shima Spain Village theme park within the national park.
This quirky attraction recreates a Spanish town with rides and entertainment.
The park’s beaches offer excellent swimming during warmer months.
Crystal clear water and dramatic coastlines make this area perfect for a day trip.
Experience Art at Mie Prefectural Art Museum
Mie Prefectural Art Museum punches well above its weight.
The collection includes oil paintings, watercolours, and bronze sculptures.
You might be startled to see works by Renoir, Monet, and Dali hanging on the walls.
The museum also showcases artists connected to Mie from the 17th century onwards.
Special exhibitions featuring local and international artists happen throughout the year.
Even if you’re not normally an art person, this museum makes for a pleasant rainy day activity.
Hike the Mountains
The Suzuka Mountain Range offers stunning hiking opportunities.
The Kameyama Hiking Trail winds through dense forest before opening to sweeping views of surrounding peaks and valleys.
Various difficulty levels mean both beginners and experienced hikers find suitable routes.
Mount Gozaisho (near Komono town) stands out as the most famous mountain in Mie.
At 1,212 metres tall, it attracts climbers year round.
Multiple routes lead to the summit.
If you prefer an easier option, take the ropeway cable car to the top.
A cafe, toilets, a gift shop, and walking paths wait at the summit.
After skiing or hiking, head down to Yunoyama Hot Spring at the mountain’s base.
Relax at Yunoyama Onsen
Just below Mount Gozaisho, Yunoyama Onsen’s hot springs have drawn visitors for centuries.
Getting there takes some effort.
The resort sits deep in the mountains.
But the journey rewards you with a feeling of stepping back in time.
On my last visit, the hotel still displayed posters from the 1970s.
People call it Deer Onsen because legend says the healing waters once cured injured local deer.
Yunoyama ranks among Japan’s rare radium hot spring resorts.
The radium waters reportedly reduce nerve pain and skin damage whilst rejuvenating your skin.
Whether you believe the health claims or not, soaking in mountain hot springs feels absolutely wonderful.
Try Your Hand at Fishing
Ago Bay teems with abundant marine life.
Both recreational and professional fishermen catch tuna, bonito, and mackerel here.
The bay’s calm waters make it accessible for beginners too.
Oyster rafts dot the bay. This area pioneered pearl farming in Japan.
Mikimoto Kokichi first successfully cultured pearls here in 1893.
He grew up on the nearby Shima Peninsula.
Today, you can visit pearl farms and learn about this fascinating industry.
Visit Nabana no Sato Flower Park
Spring and summer transform Nabana no Sato into a floral paradise.
This enormous park in Kuwana grows over 7 million flowers.
Tulips, poppies, and sunflowers create vast carpets of colour.
Cherry blossom season draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each spring.
Winter brings a different spectacle.
When darkness falls, 8 million LED lights illuminate the park.
Lit sculptures glow throughout the gardens.
The famous tunnel of light creates a magical experience.
This long corridor covered in twinkling lights feels like walking through a fairy tale.
Restaurants and gift shops make the park perfect for a full day out.
Savour the Local Food
Mie Prefecture deserves recognition for its exceptional seafood.
Fresh oysters are the regional speciality.
Toba’s oyster restaurants serve the plumpest, most flavourful oysters you’ll ever taste.
The cold coastal waters produce outstanding quality.
Try Ise udon when you visit.
These thick, soft noodles swim in a rich, dark sauce.
The texture differs completely from regular udon.
Suzuka soba offers another local favourite.
These buckwheat noodles have a distinctive nutty flavour.
Don’t leave without sampling the local seafood.
The proximity to the ocean means restaurants serve incredibly fresh fish daily.
Discover Wagunohama Beach
I absolutely love this hidden stretch of sand near Shima.
Wagunohama sits a little off the beaten path.
You need a car to reach it from Kashikojima Station, about 20 minutes away.
Limited parking spaces fill up quickly. Arrive early to claim your spot.
The effort pays off. This calm, peaceful beach feels perfect for families.
We went snorkelling and enjoyed amazingly clear water.
Few crowds mean you can actually relax and hear the waves.
How to Get There
Trains connect Nagoya to major Mie cities like Ise and Tsu in under two hours.
The Kintetsu Railway line offers the most convenient access.
If you’re coming from Osaka or Kyoto, direct trains make the journey simple.
Renting a car opens up more possibilities.
Many of the best spots require driving.
The coastal roads offer scenic routes between destinations.
When to Visit
Spring brings cherry blossoms and mild weather.
This is peak season, so expect crowds at popular sites.
Summer offers beach weather and mountain hiking.
Temperatures can get quite hot and humid.
Autumn provides comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage.
September through November works perfectly.
Winter sees fewer tourists.
The illuminations at Nabana no Sato make this season special.
Hot springs feel extra appealing in cold weather.
Before You Go
Everyone wants to visit Tokyo or Kyoto.
Those places are brilliant.
But adventuring beyond the usual circuit reveals a different Japan.
Mie Prefecture caters to all interests without the overwhelming crowds.
You’ll see temples, beaches, mountains, and cultural sites that most international visitors never experience.
If you want to experience Japan without the crowds yet with all its charm, Mie quietly offers both.
