Most people who choose Mie prefecture as a destination for their trip to Japan will visit Ise Jingu. Ise Jingu is considered to be the highest rank among the many shrines in Japan, and has been the most sacred place for the Japanese since ancient times. Details will be introduced below, but Ise Jingu is not the only attraction of Mie Prefecture. Here you will find stunning natural scenery, rich history, and delicious food. On this page, we will guide you through the attractions of Mie Prefecture and places to visit.
Table of Contents
Outline of Mie
Nabana no Sato garden at night in winter, Mie Prefecture, Japan = Adobe Stock
Mie Prefecture
Mie Prefecture is located in the south of Aichi Prefecture. Located almost in the center of Japan, Mie Prefecture is home to many beautiful natural and historic sites, such as the famous Ise Jingu Shrine and the ria coastline of Ise-Shima.
Mie Prefecture is also famous for its delicious food, especially seafood. You can taste fresh seafood at local markets and restaurants, and spiny lobster is a famous local dish. Mie Prefecture is also famous for producing Matsusaka beef. Matsusaka beef is a premium Japanese beef characterized by its tenderness and marbling.
In recent years, Nagashima Resort, which has hot springs, amusement parks, and outlet malls, and Nabana no Sato, where you can enjoy one of Japan’s largest illuminations, have become popular.
Access from major cities
Mie Prefecture is a little difficult to get to. The closest big city to Mie is Nagoya.
From Nagoya
It takes about an hour to an hour and a half from Nagoya to Mie by express train. There is also a bus that connects Nagoya and Mie, which takes about 2 to 3 hours.
from Tokyo
The quickest way to get to Mie from Tokyo is to take the Shinkansen to Nagoya, then transfer to a limited express train to Mie. It takes about two and a half to three hours.
from Kyoto
To get to Mie from Kyoto, take a limited express train to Nagoya, then transfer to a limited express train bound for Mie. It takes about two to two and a half hours. Alternatively, there are direct limited express trains and express buses from Kyoto to Mie, which take about 3 hours.
From Osaka
If you are coming from Osaka, it takes about 2 hours by express train that goes directly to Mie. There is also a way to travel from Osaka to Mie by bus, which takes about 3 hours. From Kansai International Airport, it takes about 3-4 hours to Mie by train or bus.
There are rail passes that allow unlimited rides on Shinkansen and local trains. >>Check here to see if there is a pass for you.
Ise Jingu Shrine
Ise jingu Shrine in Mie Prefecture = Shutterstock
One of Mie’s most famous tourist attractions is Ise Jingu, one of Japan’s most sacred shrines. Ise Jingu is actually a complex of over 100 shrines, but the most important are the inner and outer shrines that enshrine Amaterasu Omikami. Jingu is surrounded by beautiful forests, and visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a sacred place.
On the page linked below, I will introduce you to one part of Ise Jingu with 10 photos. It is difficult to convey the sacredness of Ise Jingu in photographs. Please note that photography is prohibited in the most sacred areas here.
>>If you want to know the tour menu of Ise Jingu, click here!
Futami Okitama Shrine
Meotoiwa_Futami Okitama Shrine
Futami Okitama Shrine is said to bring blessings for marriage and marital harmony, and is known as the purification ground of the Ise Sangu Shrine. It is customary to visit here and head to Ise.
The two rocks standing side by side soaring in the sea near the main shrine are loved by the locals and have been given the nickname Meoto Iwa because of their appearance. The couple rocks (male rocks and female rocks) are tied together with five large shimenawa ropes. It is said that Okitama Jinseki is enshrined 700 meters offshore northeast of the Meoto-iwa rocks. Meotoiwa is a torii gate for worshiping Okitama Jinseki from a distance.
Nabana no Sato
Illumination of Nabana no Sato, Mie Prefecture = Shutterstock
Nabana no Sato is Japan’s largest flower, greenery and food theme park. It is located about 40 minutes by bus from Nagoya.
At Nabana no Sato, you can enjoy seasonal flowers from plum blossoms in spring to dahlias and cosmos in autumn. The indoor facility has a large greenhouse and begonia garden where hundreds of kinds of flowers bloom, and you can enjoy the flowers regardless of the season.
Also, from mid-October to early May every year, the park is illuminated with magnificent illuminations. The light art produced by the latest LED and the highest programming technology is very impressive.
In addition, there are hot springs, footbaths, restaurants, etc., so you can spend a full day.
Nagashima Spa Land
Nagashima spa land amusement park = shutterstock
Nagashima Spa Land is Japan’s largest amusement park. It is a treasure trove of screaming rides (thrilling playground equipment) that represent West Japan, and is touted as “Fujikyu in the East, Nagashima in the West” along with Fuji-Q Highland. The whole family can also have fun at Kids Town, which has plenty of attractions for children. There are hot springs, pools, and an outlet mall in the adjacent area, so you can’t enjoy it all in one day.
>>If you want to know the tour menu of Nagashima Spa Land, click here!
Thank you for reading to the end.
If you want to check the tour menu and deals for the entire Mie prefecture, click here.
Now, let’s plan to make your vacation in Japan the best experience ever!
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