Mie Hidden Gems
Home of Ise Grand Shrine, Shinto's most sacred site, plus pearl farming bays and a coastline of ama free-divers.
7 spots
Climate & Best Season
Warm and rainy, especially in the southern Kii mountains; mild winters. Spring and autumn are best for the pilgrimage routes.
Famous For (Food)
- Matsusaka beef
- Ise udon
- Tekone-zushi
- Oysters & spiny lobster
Signature Sights
- Ise Jingu
- Meoto Iwa wedded rocks
- Toba pearl islands
- Kumano Kodo trails
Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks) — Sacred Sunrise Torii
Meoto Iwa (夫婦岩, 'Wedded Rocks') are two sacred rocks in the ocean connected by a thick shimenawa (sacred rope) made of r…
Toba Aquarium — Japan's Only Dugong Exhibit
Toba Aquarium (鳥羽水族館) is Japan's largest aquarium by species diversity, housing over 1,200 species across 12 themed zone…
Nabana no Sato — Japan's Largest Winter Illumination Garden
Nabana no Sato (なばなの里) is a 230,000㎡ flower park that transforms into Japan's largest light festival each winter (Octobe…
Ago Bay — Pearl Cultivation & Scenic Ria Coast
Ago Bay (英虞湾) is a deeply indented ria coastline (drowned river valleys creating complex shoreline) dotted with over 60…
Kumano Kodo Iseji Route — Ancient Pilgrimage Trail
The Kumano Kodo (熊野古道) is a network of UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage trails crossing the Kii Peninsula to reach the s…
Matsusaka Castle Ruins & Former Merchant District
Matsusaka Castle (松坂城跡) was built in 1588 by Gamo Ujisato, a samurai lord who also designed Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle. Thoug…
Kashikojima Island — Scenic Resort Island & Bay Cruises
Kashikojima (賢島) is a small resort island in Ago Bay, connected to the mainland by bridge and serving as the gateway to…