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A thorough explanation of the attractions and things to do in Mie Prefecture that foreign tourists can truly enjoy
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Mie Prefecture is gaining attention as a travel destination where you can fully experience Japanese traditions, nature, and cuisine. In recent years, in particular, foreign tourists from Asia, Europe, and the United States have increasingly added Mie to their lists of places to visit in Japan, drawn by its charms. However, compared to major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, Mie is still less well-known and information is limited, leading many to ask, "Where is Mie?" and "What does it have?" This article thoroughly covers recommended sightseeing spots, access methods, Japanese cultural experiences, accommodation, gourmet food, and event information in Mie Prefecture for foreign tourists, while also proposing a domestic travel plan that even first-time visitors to Japan can enjoy with peace of mind.
Table of Contents
What is Mie Prefecture? Basic information for foreigners to know
Mie Prefecture is located in the Chubu region of Japan, stretching out to the east of the Kii Peninsula. Facing the Pacific Ocean, it is characterized by a beautiful coastline and mountains rich in nature. The prefectural capital is Tsu City, but Ise City, Shima City, and Toba City are particularly popular among tourists.
Geographical Features of Mie Prefecture
Mie Prefecture is well-developed with the Tokaido Main Line and expressway network, making it a popular day trip destination from the Kansai region. The inland area is home to historic towns such as Iga and Nabari, and the southern part is dotted with World Heritage sites such as the Kumano Kodo.
Cultural and Historical Background
Mie Prefecture has flourished since ancient times as a sacred place of Shinto culture, centered around Ise Shrine. It is also the birthplace of the Iga-ryu ninja, and is a region rich in cultural diversity, with an ancient fishing culture, the tradition of female divers, and the Kumano Kodo, a World Heritage Site.
Japanese cultural experiences and the uniqueness of travelling to Mie Prefecture
What impresses foreign visitors to Japan most about Mie Prefecture is the "deep Japanese cultural experience" that cannot be found in other tourist destinations. It offers a truly moving experience that goes beyond simply touring tourist spots.
Experience the sacred atmosphere of Ise Shrine
Ise Grand Shrine is Mie Prefecture's largest tourist spot, attracting many worshippers throughout the year. Comprising the Inner Shrine (Naiku) and Outer Shrine (Geku), it is the central shrine of Japanese Shinto, enshrining Amaterasu Omikami. Walking along the approach surrounded by cedar forests, you can experience the spiritual culture of the Japanese people.
A symbol of Japanese culture: Ninja experience in Iga
In Iga City, you can experience the "Ninja Experience," which is popular among foreigners. It is a rare opportunity to experience Japanese history firsthand, dressed in ninja attire and experiencing demonstrations of throwing shuriken and hiding techniques. English support is available, so even beginners can enjoy it.
Fishing village culture and female divers' demonstrations
The culture of female divers is still preserved in the areas around Shima City and Toba City. Geotours at female diver huts and grilled seafood experiences are popular with foreign visitors. Listening to the stories of the female divers while eating is a rare experience that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time.
Popular tourist spots in Mie Prefecture that foreigners can enjoy
Shima Spain Village: A Fusion of Europe and Japan
This Spanish-themed theme park is popular with families from overseas. Many of the parades, shows, and attractions are available in English, making it a very foreign-friendly facility.
Toba Aquarium: A diverse range of exhibits, said to be the best in Japan
This is one of the largest aquariums in Japan, exhibiting approximately 1,200 species of marine life. Dugongs and manatees are particularly rare to see, even on a global scale. Bilingual audio guides and English booklets are available, so you can enjoy your visit with peace of mind.
Nabana no Sato: A scenic spot where you can enjoy flowers of all seasons
This illumination and flower theme park is crowded with millions of tourists, especially in the winter. Its design, which symbolizes Japanese aesthetics, is popular with foreign tourists, and it is also a highly rated photo spot.
Kumano Kodo: A Spiritual World Heritage Hike
This ancient road, which straddles Wakayama Prefecture, is one of Japan's few World Heritage trekking courses. With cobblestone roads, moss-covered forest paths, and small shrines along the road, it is home to a culture that lives on in the tranquility of Japan.
Access and Transportation: How to Get to Mie Prefecture
Access from major airports
Access is mainly via Chubu Centrair International Airport or Kansai International Airport. From either airport, you can reach the central area of Mie in about 2-3 hours by train or express bus.
Convenient train lines and sightseeing passes
Kintetsu Limited Express trains run through Mie Prefecture, directly connecting Ise-Shima with major cities such as Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto. Discount tickets such as the "Mawarianse Pass" are also available for foreign tourists, so be sure to take advantage of them.
Recommended accommodations for foreigners in Mie Prefecture
Experience staying at a Japanese-style inn
The appeal of Japanese-style inns is that they allow you to experience Japanese culture with all five senses, with tatami rooms, futons, yukata, and hot springs. The Ise-Shima area in particular is dotted with many highly rated inns that offer accommodation information in English.
Guesthouses and hostels: a base for international exchange
The number of guesthouses popular with backpackers is also increasing, and they not only offer multilingual support but also take on initiatives to connect with the local community, such as cooking classes and kimono dressing classes.
Luxury Ocean View Resort
There are also plenty of resort hotels that offer multilingual service, including English, Chinese, and Korean. They are also perfect for luxury trips, with Michelin-level restaurants and English-speaking concierges on hand.
Authentic Japanese cuisine to try in Mie Prefecture
Matsusaka Beef: A World-Famous Brand of Beef
Matsusaka beef is a high-quality Wagyu beef that Matsusaka City in Mie Prefecture is proud of. It is an exceptional product that consistently ranks highly in national gourmet tourism rankings, and is popular as steak, sukiyaki, and yakiniku.
Seafood such as spiny lobster and Matoya oysters
Surrounded by the sea, Mie Prefecture is home to plump spiny lobsters and rich Matoya oysters, both of which are caught in the nutrient-rich waters. In addition to sushi and sashimi, they are also delicious when grilled over charcoal in fishermen's huts.
Experience making your own Akafuku mochi
Akafuku, a specialty of Ise, is a simple sweet made of mochi rice cakes topped with sweet bean paste. There is also an "Akafuku Making Experience" for foreign tourists, which makes for a great souvenir of your trip while experiencing food culture.
Recommended seasonal events and festivals
Spring: Ise Grand Shrine's Spring Kagura Festival Summer: Kumano Fireworks Festival (one of Japan's three major fireworks festivals) Autumn: Iga Ueno NINJA Festa Winter: Nabana no Sato illuminations You can enjoy Mie's unique traditions and nature in every season.
Multilingual support for foreign tourists & Wi-Fi
Tourist spots, stations, and hotels in Mie Prefecture have information desks in English, Chinese, and Korean. Furthermore, major tourist areas offer free public Wi-Fi, so you won't have any trouble searching for information on your smartphone.
Recommended itinerary: 3-day itinerary for foreign tourists
Day 1: Arrive in Nagoya → Visit Ise Grand Shrine → Stroll around Oharaimachi and try Akafuku → Stay overnight in Ise city Day 2: Toba Aquarium → Lunch at a female diver's hut → Shima Spain Village → Stay overnight in Shima Day 3: Iga Ninja experience → Hot springs in Nabari → Return to Nagoya or Kansai Airport This tour is structured so that you can enjoy both Japanese culture and nature at a comfortable pace.
Manners and advice to be aware of when traveling to Mie Prefecture
Shrine Visitor Etiquette
There are rules to follow, such as walking on the edge of the approach to the shrine, and avoiding walking in the center of the torii gate without thinking.
Smartphone use on public transportation
Talking on the phone on the train is often prohibited, so please be quiet. If you are unsure about the signs, we recommend asking a station attendant.
summary
Mie Prefecture is a rare region where Japan's original landscape remains, making it an extremely attractive tourist destination for foreign tourists. It's packed with all the elements of a trip, including spiritual culture represented by Ise Shrine, traditional female divers' fishing, the world-famous Japanese cultural experience of ninjas, exquisite cuisine, and seasonal events. Mie Prefecture is the ideal destination for foreign travelers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and Osaka and experience a quieter, more profound Japanese culture. This region is expected to gain even more attention in the future, so be sure to use this article as a reference for ensuring a comfortable and unforgettable trip.
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