Mie is one of Japan’s most spiritually significant prefectures — home to Ise Jingu, the holiest shrine in Shinto tradition, rebuilt every 20 years for over 1,300 years. It’s also the home of pearl cultivation (Mikimoto), stunning Ria coastlines, and exceptional seafood.
Top Attractions
1. Ise Jingu (Grand Shrines of Ise)
The most sacred site in Japan, Ise Jingu consists of two shrine complexes set in ancient cedar forests. The outer shrine (Geku) honors the deity of food and industry; the inner shrine (Naiku) enshrines Amaterasu, the sun goddess and ancestor of the imperial family. The spiritual atmosphere here is unlike anywhere else in Japan.
2. Toba & Ago Bay
The indented coastline of Ago Bay — dotted with pearl cultivation rafts — is where Mikimoto Kokichi invented the cultured pearl in 1893. The Toba Aquarium is Japan’s largest, and the female free divers (Ama) still harvest abalone and shellfish by traditional methods.
3. Kumano Kodo
The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails — shared with neighboring Wakayama — are one of the world’s great walking routes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has drawn pilgrims for over 1,000 years.
Food & Drink
Mie is Japan’s oyster capital — Matsuzaka Beef is one of Japan’s big three wagyu (alongside Kobe and Omi). Fresh Ise Ebi (spiny lobster) and Teco (abalone) are local delicacies.
Getting There
From Nagoya, the Kintetsu Limited Express reaches Ise in about 75 minutes.
