Mie
· JP

Mie

Mie, Japan

Discover the Hidden Charms of Mie, Japan Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the soaring Japanese Alps, Mie Prefecture offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and spiritual tranquility. Forge…

#Japan#Mie Prefecture#Historic sites#Cultural attractions#Nature reserves
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Mie.

Top Hotels in Mie

Top Flights to Mie

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Mie.

Tours

Ise Grand Shrine Visit

Visit the revered Ise Grand Shrine, an important Shinto temple known for its beautiful natural surroundings.

Mikimoto Pearl Island Tour

Explore Mikimoto Pearl Island, known for its pearl cultivation and museum.

Nabana no Sato Seasonal Illumination

Experience stunning seasonal light displays at Nabana no Sato, a flower-focused theme park.

Shopping

Shopping at Toba Ichibangai

Enjoy a shopping spree at Toba Ichibangai, a vibrant shopping and dining complex.

Outdoor

Hiking in Suzuka Mountains

Hike through the scenic Suzuka Mountains, offering trails for all skill levels.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Mie.

Currency
¥ | JPY | Japanese Yen
Population
1.8 million
Languages
Japanese, Japanese

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Mie.

What people love

Mie, located in Japan, is a beautiful prefecture with a lot to offer to travelers. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Mie:

  1. Ise Jingu: Mie is home to Ise Jingu, one of the most important and revered Shinto shrines in Japan. It consists of two main shrines, Naiku and Geku, set in a tranquil forest. Visitors can experience the spiritual ambiance and traditional architecture of these sacred sites.

  2. Mikimoto Pearl Island: Mie is known for its pearl cultivation, and Mikimoto Pearl Island is a must-visit for those interested in learning about pearls and witnessing pearl harvesting demonstrations. The island also has a museum dedicated to pearls and the history of pearl cultivation.

  3. Kumano Kodo: Mie is part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers can explore the ancient forested trails, visit historic shrines and temples, and enjoy the natural beauty of the region while walking along these pilgrimage routes.

  4. Ise-Shima National Park: Mie is home to the picturesque Ise-Shima National Park, which boasts rugged coastlines, beautiful beaches, and lush forests. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling while taking in the stunning scenery of the park.

  5. Local Cuisine: Mie is famous for its fresh seafood, particularly the region's specialty, Ise ebi (spiny lobster). Travelers can indulge in a variety of delicious seafood dishes, as well as other local delicacies such as Matsusaka beef and akafuku mochi.

Overall, Mie offers a unique blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions that make it a great destination for travelers looking to explore Japan off the beaten path.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Mie, Japan, could include:

  1. Limited public transportation options: Mie may not have as extensive public transportation infrastructure as larger cities in Japan, making it more difficult to get around without a car.

  2. Language barrier: English may not be as widely spoken in Mie as in more touristy areas of Japan, which could make communication challenging for travelers who do not speak Japanese.

  3. Limited dining options for international cuisine: While Mie is known for its delicious local cuisine, travelers who prefer international cuisine may find fewer options available compared to larger cities in Japan.

  4. Limited tourist attractions: Mie may not have as many well-known tourist attractions as other regions in Japan, which could lead to a more limited range of activities for travelers.

  5. Less developed tourist infrastructure: Mie may not have as many tourist facilities and amenities as more popular tourist destinations in Japan, which could impact the overall travel experience.

Please note that these are general cons and may not be applicable to all travelers. It's always a good idea to do thorough research and plan ahead to make the most of your trip to Mie, Japan.

Mie Prefecture, located in the Kansai region of Japan, has a rich history and cultural heritage. Here is a detailed overview of its significant events, historical figures, and landmarks:

Historical Background:

  1. Ancient Period:

    • Mie was part of the ancient provinces of Ise, Shima, and Iga. The Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan's most sacred Shinto shrines, has been a spiritual center since ancient times.

  2. Medieval Period:

    • During the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, Mie was under the influence of various samurai clans. The Kitabatake clan was a notable family during the Muromachi period, ruling the southern part of Ise Province.

  3. Edo Period:

    • Under the Tokugawa shogunate, Mie became important for its strategic location. Iga was known for its ninja, and the Iga-ryu school of ninjutsu is famous in Japanese history.

  4. Meiji Restoration:

    • The modern Mie Prefecture was established in 1876, following the Meiji Restoration. This period marked the integration of the former provinces into a single administrative unit.

Historical Figures:

  1. Kitabatake Chikafusa (1293–1354):

    • A prominent figure in the Kenmu Restoration, he was a scholar and court noble who contributed to the restoration of imperial rule.

  2. Hattori Hanzō (1542–1596):

    • A famous samurai and ninja of the Sengoku era, he served Tokugawa Ieyasu and is associated with the Iga region of Mie.

Important Landmarks:

  1. Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu):

    • One of Japan's most significant Shinto shrines, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. It's known for its ancient architectural style and rituals.

  2. Kumano Kodo:

    • A network of ancient pilgrimage routes, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, that includes paths through the Kii Mountain Range in Mie.

  3. Nabari:

    • Known for its scenic beauty and historical significance, including the Akame 48 Waterfalls, associated with ninja training.

  4. Matsusaka:

    • Famous for Matsusaka beef, it also has historical significance as a former castle town with preserved samurai residences.

  5. Toba:

    • Home to the Toba Aquarium and Mikimoto Pearl Island, significant for the development of the cultured pearl industry by Mikimoto Kōkichi.

  6. Suzuka Circuit:

    • A world-renowned motorsport race track, host to the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix.

Cultural Significance:

  • Mie hosts the annual "Okihiki" festival, a part of the Shinto rituals at Ise Jingu, and has a rich tradition of local crafts, including Iga pottery.

Mie Prefecture's history is deeply intertwined with both its natural beauty and its cultural heritage, making it a significant region in Japan's historical and spiritual landscape.