Mie Prefecture | A Treasure Trove of History and Nature, Where Ise Grand Shrine and the Bounty of the Sea Thrive
Mie Prefecture | A Treasure Trove of History and Nature, Where Ise Grand Shrine and the Bounty of the Sea Thrive
Mie Prefecture is located on the eastern side of the Kii Peninsula, bordered by Ise Bay and the Kumano Sea, and is blessed with abundant natural beauty.
This land, long revered as the “Land of the Gods,” is home to Ise Grand Shrine and many other places steeped in myths and legends, where the culture of prayer remains deeply rooted to this day.
Ise Grand Shrine is Japan’s most prestigious shrine, enshrining Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess from Japanese mythology, as its main deity. Known affectionately as “O-Ise-san,” it has been cherished for centuries as a sacred site that people across the nation wish to visit at least once in their lifetime.
Blessed with both sea and mountains, Mie offers a diverse range of natural landscapes, including the ria coastline of the Shima Peninsula and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails. Ago Bay is famous for its thriving pearl cultivation, and traditional fishing village culture, living in harmony with nature, still flourishes here. The Kumano Kodo, registered as a World Heritage site, draws many visitors from Japan and abroad who come to walk these ancient pilgrimage routes.
The Iga region is also renowned as the home of ninja culture, preserving the history and traditions of Iga-style ninjutsu. Visitors to Iga Ueno Castle and the ninja houses can experience the wisdom and skills developed during the Sengoku period, making it a historical attraction enjoyed by both adults and children alike.
The fusion of faith, nature, and skill continues to live on as a symbol of Mie Prefecture’s spiritual culture.
- Tsu City
- Tsu city
- Yokkaichi city
- Ise city
- Approximately 1.8 million
- Ise Jingu
- Kumano Kodo
- Toba Aquarium
- Shima Peninsula
- Ise Udon
- Matsuzaka Beef
- Ise Katagami──Traditional paper stencils used for dyeing kimono fabrics.
- Iga Kumihimo (Iga Braided Cords)──Decorative braided cords traditionally used for kimono and samurai armor.
- Banko Ware
Okage Yokocho – A tourist district near Ise Grand Shrine that recreates townscapes from the Edo to Meiji periods.
Okage Yokocho – A tourist district near Ise Grand Shrine that recreates townscapes from the Edo to Meiji periods.
Maruyama Senmaida, Mie Prefecture – One of Japan’s largest terraced rice field landscapes, showcasing a beautiful rural scene.
Ise Udon – A local specialty featuring extra-thick, soft noodles served with a rich tamari soy sauce-based broth.
Kumano Kodo – A historic pilgrimage route leading to the Kumano Sanzan, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.