Tokai Mie Home of the ninja and Japan's most sacred shrine
Mie has religious monuments, ninja-related activities and family-friendly amusements away from the big city
Mie Prefecture is home to the Ise-jingu Shrine, affectionately known as 'Oise-san' in Japan since ancient times. However, Mie is much more than a religious retreat. Iga Ueno and its environs has ninja exhibits and shops, while Shichiri Mihama Beach is home to an annual fireworks festival. Family options include Nagashima Spa Land amusement park and Toba Aquarium. Mie is the home of Matsusaka beef, one of the most famous and well-marbled varieties of wagyu.
How to Get There
Access the area by the JR and Kintetsu Railway from Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka. There are many bus and high-speed ferry connections to various points in Mie from Chubu Centrair International airport. Some services may be suspended or timetables may change, so check the individual transport company websites before travel.
Many of the attractions in and around Ise, Tsu and Matsusaka are around 1.5-2 hours by train from Nagoya and about 2 hours 30 minutes from Kyoto or Osaka. If you're coming from Tokyo, you can transfer to an express train or bus at Nagoya Station. Nagoya Station is less than two hours from Tokyo Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen.
Don’t Miss
- The atmospheric environment of Ise-jingu Shrine
- Ninja exhibits, shows, workshops and more in and around Iga Ueno
- Walking the Kumano-Kodo Iseji pilgrimage route
- The excitement of the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka
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Explore Mie by Area
Trending Attractions in Mie
Local Specialties
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Akafuku
These gooey rice cakes topped with sweet bean paste are a Japanese confectionery with a history of more than 300 years. Akafuku are formed into a shape symbolizing the Isuzu River, which runs through the grounds of Ise-Jingu Shrine.
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Ise Ebi
A prized food, Ise ebi is the name of a spiny lobster. Ise ebi can be eaten grilled, boiled or raw, and are sweet and firm when in season.
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Tekone Sushi
A wooden bowl filled with sushi rice and raw tuna marinated in soy sauce, topped with thinly sliced perilla leaves and ginger.
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Ise Udon
Famous for its thick noodles, Ise udon is usually served with a mixture of soy sauce, bonito flakes and raw egg, then topped with green onions.
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Matsusaka Beef
One of the most sought-after brands of beef in Japan. This particular breed of cattle is prized for its meat which has a marbled appearance and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Iga Hand-Braided Cords
Through the centuries, patterned silk cords have adorned everything from religious paraphernalia to court formal wear, and pillboxes to armor. Colorful Iga kumihimo still accessorize kimono, and these days, items like mobile phone straps.
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Iga Ware
Iga yaki is an unglazed type of ceramics that flourished with the tea ceremony. Natural finishes from the high-heat firing characterize this ruggedly expressive style of pottery, which is both porous and fireproof.
Seasonal Highlights
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Spring
Warm and comfortable weather makes spring an ideal time to visit Mie's theme parks and outdoor attractions. Other highlights include the Iga Ueno Ninja Festa and the cherry blossoms.
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Summer
Mie's beaches have more going on that just sea and sand. An annual firework display is held in August.
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Autumn
Autumn is a time for fall festivals and the the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
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Winter
Winter illuminations, plum trees and New Year visits to Ise-jingu Shrine are the major elements of winter in Mie.
