Source: Haruhiko Okumura
Mie is located in the Kansai region of Central Japan. This city is rich in culture, nature, and history. Beautiful mountains and stunning coastal areas are present here with attractions for travelers. Mie has both traditional and modern attractions. So, here are the top things to do if you are in Mie.
1. Visit Ise Shrine
The Ise Grand shrine, located in Mie, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. The Ise shrine is a complex shrine made up of a lot of Shinto shrines and contains two main shrines, Geku, and Naiku. The Ise Shrine is like an ancestral shrine for all the Japanese shrines. It’s simple architect and quiet surrounding give a spiritual outlook. Even the tourists appreciate its beauty. You cool down your feet by a nearby pond after walking through the shrine.
Information
- Name: Ise Shrine
- Address: Ise 516-0023 , Mie Prefecture
- Opening hour: 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Website: http://www.isejingu.or.jp/foreign/
2. Visit Akame 48 Falls
The Akame 48 waterfalls is the birthplace of Ninja and home of the giant salamander which is a spectacular prehistoric creature. There are many waterfalls and jungles in the area and it is the perfect place to discover the real Japan. You can freely walk in the area. There are also two food stops along the way, where you can sit and drink. The place is usually less crowded on weekends.
Information
- Name: Akame 48 Falls
- Address: Akamecho Nagasaka, Nabari 518-0469, Mie Prefecture
- Opening hour: 8:30 a..m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Website: http://ninja-valley.com/
3. Hang out at Nabana No Sato
Nabana No Sato is a theme park in Kawana on the island of Nagashima. The main focus is on flowers but there are also a number of other attractions, like traditional shops, restaurants and one of the Japan’s finest illuminations. There is an LED show at night which is quite fantastic. There are countable LEDs there. The whole effect of the place is quite spectacular, therefore, you should visit it.
Information
- Name: Nabana No Sato
- Address: 270 Komae Urushibata, Nagashimacho, Kuwana 511-1144, Mie Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Website: http://www.nagashima-onsen.co.jp/page.jsp?id=13894
4. Visit Toba Aquarium
Toba Aquarium is quite a huge aquarium in Japan. It is located along the sea side in the Toba city in Mie Prefecture. There are about 12 different zones which produce natural environments and house about 1,200 species and 30,000 marine animals from distant oceans and seas. The price is also reasonable, considering the fact that you are freely allowed to participate and interact with the animals.
Information
- Name: Toba Aquarium
- Address: 3-3-6 Toba, Toba 517-8517, Mie Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Website: http://www.aquarium.co.jp/english/
5. Visit Ninja Museum
Ninjas were a type of warriors during feudal era of Japan and took information from the enemy and committed many heinous acts. The Iga school of Ninjutsu was one of the leading Japan’s ninja schools. The Ninja museum is a bit small but is certainly quite entertaining. You should watch the ninja show and learn more about them. The surrounding region is also quite beautiful.
Information
- Name: Ninja Museum
- Address: 117 Ueno Marunochi, Iga 518-0873, Mie Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Website: http://www.iganinja.jp/en/
6. Visit Oharai-Machi
Oharai Machi is quite a fascinating and flourishing town in Ise. There are beautiful shops along the 800m stone pavement in this town. The area is filled with restaurants and shops, where visitors can enjoy themselves after visiting the shrine. The place is a good place to eat some quality beef. There are even some people selling lucky charms. It is a beautiful town and you shouldn’t miss it.
Information
- Name: Oharai Machi
- Address: Uji Nakanokiri-cho/Uji Imazaike-cho, Ise 516-0026, Mie Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Website: http://en.go-centraljapan.jp/place/detail_9.html
7. Visit Shinmei Shrine
The Shinmei shrine, which was founded in 710 is the oldest Shinto shrine. It is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. Many locals and tourists come here to worship. The shrine has been rebuilt recently and looks quite spectacular. There are a few shrines but you should visit the main shrine first. The road leading to the shrine has been rebuilt recently, so, you won’t face any problems getting there.
Information
- Name: Shinmei shrine
- Address: 1237 Osatsucho, Toba 517-0032, Mie Prefecture
- Opening hour: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
8. Visit Mikimoto Pearl Island
The Mikomoto Pearl Island is a beautiful museum about pearls, its cultivation and Mikimoto Kokichi, the first pioneer who was successful in making pearls. The island is accessible through a bridge. You should visit this place on spring days. You can also wonder about and visit the museums. The museum is quite interesting and fascinating and there are various designs of pearls. Anyone visiting the area should see this place.
Information
- Name: Mikomoto Pearl Island
- Address: 1-7-1 Toba, Toba 517-8511 , Mie Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Website: http://www.mikimoto-pearl-museum.co.jp/eng/
9. Visit Gozaisho-dake
Gozaisho-dake is a big Japanese mountain located in Mie and is the center of Suzuka Quasi-National Park. The mountain is just over 1000 m, which isn’t particularly high when compared with other mountains with a ropeway. You can enjoy skiing on the top of the mountain. You can also get awesome and breathtaking views from the top. The mountain looks quite beautiful during autumn, so visit it in this season.
Information
- Name: Gozaisho-Dake
- Address: Mie-gun, Komono-cho, Mie Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Website: http://www.japanguides.net/mie/mt-gozaisho-dake-peak-on-gozaisho-ropeway-yunoyama-spa.html
10. Dine at Himono Shokudo
Himono Shokudo is a worth-visiting restaurant in Mie. It is actually an old fashioned dining room. There is a lot of Tobacco and liquor use in the restaurant. Some decent might not find this place suitable. But the fish here is quite delicious. The main dish is one fried fish and there are two side dishes from which you can choose. It is available with rice and misso soup. Many workers come at this place for refreshment.
Information
- Name: Himono Shokudo
- Address: 2 Fuso, Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture
- Opening hour: 5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
11. Visit Ueno Castle
Ueno castle is a popular Japanese castle located in Mie. The castle was built in the latter half of the sixteen century. The castle was originally five-tiered but it collapsed and now it is only a three-tiered donjon. The ticket of the castle is 500 yen which is worth it. It is a quick walk from the Ninja museum. The surrounding garden is quite peaceful and presents a beautiful scenery. Therefore, you shouldn’t miss it.
Information
- Name: Ueno Castle
- Address: 106 Uenomarunouchi, Iga 518-0873, Mie Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Website: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4352.html
12. Dine at Unafuji
You should Unafuji as a side trip on your way to Ise Shrine. The place is quite popular in Mie and it is usually crowded, so you would have to wait in line for about 15 minutes. The fish is brilliantly cooked and is above average. The skin isn’t that much crisp but the sauce is delicious. The 1,300 yen price is cheap considering the meal quality and the quick service. There is also a parking space owned by the restaurant.
Information
- Name: Ise Shrine
- Address: 633-29 Takanoo, Tsu 514-2221, Mie Prefecture
- Opening hour: 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
13. Visit Nagashima Spa land
Nagashima is a major amusement park located close to Naban no Sato. It is one of the largest amusement parks in Japan with cool roller coasters, water park, and a giant Ferris wheel. There is also a shopping mall within the park. The food is also cheap and the entrance fee isn’t too much. The park has something for everyone whether it be couples, kids or adults.
Information
- Name: Nagashima Spa land
- Address: 333 Nagashimacho Urayasu, Kuwana 511-1192, Mie Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
14. Dine at Utaandon
Utaandon is another beautiful restaurant in Mie. The building is a bit small but the food quality and service is quite impressive. It is present on the upper floor of Isetan where you can find other Japanese restaurants too. The restaurant serves noodle soup with rice menus which mainly include chicken. Price is quite suitable and the food is delicious. You shouldn’t forget to bring home a free udon packet.
Information
- Name: Utaandon
- Address: 10 Edomachi, Kuwana, Mie Prefecture
- Opening hour: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
15. Visit Moku Moku Farm
If you want to get close to nature, there isn’t a better place than visiting Moku Moku farm. You can stay at the farm for one complete night. There is a large cottage in the farm and kids will enjoy in the farm. You can do different activities, like milking the cow and grazing the cattle. There are also quite fresh vegetables and local fruits in the farm. So you should visit it.
Information
- Name: Moku Moku farm
- Address: 3609 Nishiyubune, Iga 518-1392 , Mie Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Website:http://www.moku-moku.com/
Now you know the top things to do in Mie. This place is filled with restaurants, shrines and parks. Mie is one of those places which has made the Japanese culture popular. Now there isn’t a place in the world where you can’t buy Japanese food. Mie is also quite beautiful, so, you should plan your next trip to Mie.
Have a good trip and travel!
