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For foreign visitors to Japan, Mie Prefecture, with its exquisite blend of tradition, nature, and culinary culture, offers a truly special experience that goes beyond mere sightseeing. From the majesty of Ise Grand Shrine, the mysteries of the beautiful Kumano Kodo Trail, the history of the Iga-ryu ninja, and even the world-renowned Matsusaka beef and bountiful seafood, Mie is packed with diverse attractions to see, touch, and taste. This article will help foreign visitors choose Mie Prefecture for their domestic trip by providing comprehensive coverage, including cultural background, access, details on major tourist attractions, recommended activities, language support, accommodation, dining information, and traveler reviews. We provide a clear and thorough introduction in Japanese that is easy to understand for both foreigners living in Japan and international travelers planning a visit to Japan.

What is Mie Prefecture like? What is its appeal to foreigners?

Mie Prefecture is located almost in the center of Honshu, on the eastern side of the Kii Peninsula. Surrounded by Ise Bay to the east and the Kii Mountains to the west, it is a region rich in nature. For Japanese people, it is a familiar tourist destination with pilgrimages to Ise Grand Shrine, vacations on the Shima coast, and Iga, the home of ninjas. However, for foreign tourists, it is full of fresh surprises as a truly "undiscovered, authentic Japan." The mysticism symbolized by Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan's three great shrines, samurai and ninja culture, cuisine that makes use of the bounty of the mountains and sea, and the healing power of hot springs pique the curiosity of travelers from other cultural spheres. One of its appealing features is its easy access from famous tourist destinations such as Kyoto and Tokyo, whether as a day trip or a two-day trip.

Access: A comprehensive guide to convenient routes to Mie Prefecture

From the Kansai and Chubu areas, trains and express buses are convenient

Access to Mie Prefecture from major cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya is very smooth. From Nagoya, the Kintetsu and JR lines operate frequently, and it takes only about an hour and a half to reach Ise City by Kintetsu Limited Express. It also takes about two hours from Osaka/Namba by Kintetsu Limited Express. There are also direct services from Kyoto. There are also many express buses from Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo, which are easy to navigate for foreign tourists heading to major tourist destinations such as Ise Shrine and Toba. Due to the influence of inbound tourism, terminal signs with foreign language signage and buses with Wi-Fi are also on the rise.

Direct route from the airport: Access from Chubu Centrair International Airport and Kansai International Airport

Many foreigners arriving in Japan from overseas use either Narita, Kansai, or Chubu Centrair International Airport. Chubu Centrair International Airport is the closest to Mie Prefecture, and major tourist spots can be reached within about two hours by train. It's also easily accessible by train or bus from Kansai International Airport, and can be combined with sightseeing routes in the Western Japan area.

Ise Shrine: A power spot where you can feel the Japanese spirit

Ise Grand Shrine is a shrine that can be said to be the center of Japanese religion and culture, known for the "Oise Mairi" pilgrimage. Known among foreign tourists as the "Shrine of the Sun," it is a very impressive tourist destination with its mystical atmosphere, pure forests, and traditional architecture.

Geku and Naiku: Understanding the Order and Meaning of Worship

For foreigners, it will be a refreshing discovery to learn the meaning of the Geku and Naiku of Ise Grand Shrine and that they each enshrine different gods. When visiting, the basic order is Geku → Naiku, and learning the proper etiquette and manners will deepen your understanding of Japanese culture.

English-speaking guide service and audio guide

Currently, guided tours and smartphone apps are available in foreign languages, and pamphlets and toilet information are also available in English, Chinese, and Korean, so you can enjoy sightseeing with peace of mind. It is impressive how the traditions of Ise Shrine have been skillfully combined with modern convenience.

Iga: A place where you can experience the history of real ninjas

Iga City is known as one of Japan's leading "ninja villages" and is attracting attention from tourists from all over the world. At the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum, actual ninja tools and homes are recreated, and you can try on disguises and throw shuriken. It's a popular spot not only for children but also for adult foreign tourists.

Many ninja experience programs for foreigners

There are tours and experience corners with explanations in English, and the "Ninja Transformation Experience" where you can rent a ninja costume and walk around town is a great way to post photos on social media. Many tourists visit with their families, and authentic ninja goods are popular in souvenir shops.

Kumano Kodo: A Mysterious Pilgrimage Route and World Heritage Site

The Kumano Kodo, which stretches across southern Mie Prefecture, is an ancient pilgrimage route that is registered as a World Heritage Site. By walking through the mystical forests and ancient paths, foreign tourists can experience Japanese spirituality and a sense of unity with nature. It is also a popular activity as a hiking trail.

Very popular with foreigners who love hiking

The Kumano Kodo has a variety of routes, from beginner routes that can be enjoyed in light clothing to advanced routes that include elements of full-scale mountain climbing. With the current boom in hiking and spiritual experiences, the route is highly regarded by Western travelers as "Japan's most relaxing route."

Toba-Shima: A treasure trove of Ise-Shima nature and seafood

The Toba-Shima area, surrounded by Ise Bay and the Kumano Sea, is known for its beautiful coastline, ria coastline, and delicious seafood. It is also famous as a pearl farming area, and Toba is home to a pearl museum and experience facilities.

English-guided tour of female divers' culture

The introduction to the culture of local female divers (aquanauts) is popular with foreigners, and there are also sightseeing tours with English guides and programs where you can enjoy cooking while listening to the stories of the female divers.

Matsusaka: Home of the world-renowned Matsusaka beef

Matsusaka City is famous for producing Matsusaka beef, a globally renowned brand of beef. Even among Japanese beef, which is highly acclaimed overseas, the marbling and flavor of Matsusaka beef are considered exceptional, and many travelers have described the Matsusaka beef they ate here as "the best meal of their life."

A specialty store with a full menu in foreign languages

Matsusaka City is lined with restaurants serving Matsusaka beef, from high-end establishments to everyday eateries, and many of them have English and Chinese menus. Wagyu beef can be enjoyed in a variety of styles, including steak, sukiyaki, and shabu-shabu.

Accommodation: Information on hotels and inns that are safe for foreigners

Experience hospitality at a ryokan

Accommodation facilities in Mie Prefecture are making progress in inbound tourism measures, such as providing English-speaking staff and multilingual signage. Ryokan (Japanese-style inns) with hot springs in particular are popular for their "Japanese-style hospitality" that can be enjoyed through Japanese-style rooms, yukata robes, and Japanese-style meals.

Guesthouses and private lodgings are also on the rise

In urban areas, accommodation styles that allow foreign tourists to relax are popular, such as affordable guesthouses and traditional Japanese houses that can be rented as a whole and allow you to experience local life.

Language support, Wi-Fi, payment environment, and other infrastructure

Many tourist spots have multilingual information signs and tourist pamphlets, and free Wi-Fi is widely available in major facilities. Cashless payment is also widely accepted, with many stores accepting foreign credit cards and QR code payments.

Real voices of travelers: Impressive experiences in Mie

Many foreign tourists who have actually visited Mie Prefecture have said things like, "I was moved by the beauty of nature and the warmth of the people," "The quality of the food was amazing," and "I had a quieter, more relaxing time here than in Tokyo or Kyoto." There are also many repeat visitors who return to Mie as it remains a strong memory of their trip.

Events and seasonal highlights

Mie Prefecture shows a completely different side to each season: cherry blossoms in spring, beach activities in summer, autumn leaves, and hot springs in winter. There are many events that attract foreign visitors throughout the year, especially the first shrine visit of the year at Ise Grand Shrine, the fireworks festival in Shima, and the Matsusaka Beef Festival.

Cultural experiences and local exchange events

There are also plenty of opportunities to experience Japanese culture, such as the tea ceremony, calligraphy, and Japanese sweets-making classes. There are also homestay programs that allow you to interact with local residents, and walking tours led by local guides, allowing you to enjoy authentic intercultural exchange.

summary

Mie Prefecture captures the hearts of foreign tourists as a travel destination brimming with the "authentic" aspects of Japan, including Ise Grand Shrine, Kumano Kodo, Matsusaka beef, and ninja culture. With relatively smooth access, a well-developed tourist environment, and language support, it's an extremely easy region for foreigners to travel to. It's not too crowded, and that's precisely why you can discover the true charm of Japan. That's Mie Prefecture. With an increase in promotions and experiential tours aimed at foreigners, it's sure to attract even more attention in the future. Why not consider Mie Prefecture as your next domestic travel destination?

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