Rin's Review: Exploring Mie Prefecture – Land of Faith, Ninjas, and Breathtaking Nature

Hello everyone! Today, "Rin's Review" will take you off the beaten path to explore charming hidden gems and top highlights in Mie Prefecture in the Kansai-Chubu region. Many may be familiar with Nagoya or Osaka, but Mie is truly a hidden gem packed with delight: top-tier Wagyu beef, a thousand-year-old sacred shrine, a cool ninja town, and dazzling flower gardens.

It's easy to reach from Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) or from Osaka/Kyoto. Follow Rin to see it all!

Getting to Know Mie Prefecture and Getting There

Mie Prefecture is nestled between Nagoya and Osaka, making travel extremely convenient.

• From Chubu Centrair Airport (NGO): Take the high-speed ferry (Tsu Airport Line) in just 45 minutes, or take a connecting train conveniently.
• From Osaka (KIX) or Kyoto: An express train takes about 2 hours to reach central Mie.

1. Iga Area: Land of Ninjas and Mystique

• Iga-ryu Ninja Museum: The true birthplace of ninjas, featuring an exciting trick house. Rent a ninja costume to stroll around town and take photos with Iga Ueno Castle for an authentic experience.
• Ueno Tenjin Festival: A grand cultural festival featuring a unique procession of antique masks.

2. Ise-Shima Area: Faith, Sea, and Nature

• Ise Jingu: One of Japan's most sacred and important Shinto shrines, regarded as the "spiritual home" that Japanese people strive to visit at least once in their lifetime.
• Okage Yokocho Ancient District: An Edo-period atmosphere alley in front of Ise Jingu, perfect for strolling and enjoying beef buns, snacks, and souvenirs.
• Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks): Two sacred rocks tied together by a shimenawa rope in the sea, offering magnificent sunrise views.
• Mikimoto Pearl Island: The birthplace of cultured pearls in the world; watch traditional diving demonstrations by Ama divers (female free-divers without oxygen tanks).
• Mijumaru Park: An oceanfront park themed after Oshawott that Pokemon fans will love.

3. Northern Zone and Family Fun

• Gozaisho Ropeway: Admire mountain foliage and city views
• Nabana no Sato: One of Japan's largest flower gardens and illumination displays, super romantic
• Shima Spain Village and Suzuka Circuit Park: Legendary theme park and racing circuit, perfect for families and kids

Mie Flower Calendar: Hydrangeas at Kazahaya no Sato bloom from late May to early July, while Shima City Tourist Farm features seasonal blooms throughout the year: moss phlox from early to mid-April, nemophila from mid-April to early May, sunflowers from late July to early August, and green kochia from late September to October.

4. Must-Try Food Spots

• Matsusaka Beef: Top-grade wagyu with beautiful marbling that melts in your mouth—so delicious you'll say wow
• Fresh Seafood from an Ama Hut: Fresh grilled seafood prepared by traditional Ama divers right by the sea
• Seasonal Fruit Orchards: Pick strawberries, blueberries, grapes, and persimmons fresh from the tree. Check the harvesting seasons for each fruit in the calendar below

Recommended Itinerary Ideas

1. 6 Days 4 Nights Classic Mie Highlights: Highlights of Osaka, Kyoto, and Mie, including Ise Grand Shrine, Pearl Island, Iga Ninja, and Nabana no Sato

   

2. 6 Days 4 Nights Indulge South Kansai: A scenic and historical route south through Mie and Wakayama
3. 7 Days 5 Nights Chubu Flower Escape: For lovers of flowers and nature—flower fields, autumn foliage, and top-tier theme parks

Wrapping Up

I hope this review makes you fall in love with Mie Prefecture and pin it on your list for your next Japan trip! You're guaranteed to return with beautiful photos and countless memorable moments. Stay tuned to see where "Rin's Review" takes you next. Bye for now!

If you'd like to take a private trip to Japan with See You Again, feel free to chat with us or message Rin on LINE anytime!

Special thanks for information and photos from the Mie Prefecture Tourism Promotion Division and Grand Dragoon
Cover photo: Pixabay / Kanenori