Mie Prefecture

Where is Mie Prefecture located?

Mie Prefecture is located in the Kansai region of Honshu, Japan’s main island, and boasts a vast protected area along with approximately 1,000 kilometers of coastline facing the Pacific.

What are some foods from Mie Prefecture?

Mie Prefecture is known for its delicious local cuisine. Some of the most famous dishes include:

Ise Udon

Mie Prefecture is known for its noodle dishes, which are characterized by thick, chewy noodles that are nearly twice as thick as standard udon. There are various flavors available that use broths or soy sauce, and locally, it’s even eaten for breakfast.

Ise-ebi Lobster 

Ise-ebi lobster, a famous seafood product of Mie Prefecture, is known for its plump and flavorful meat. It is considered a luxury dish and is often used as a high-end ingredient.

Matsusaka Beef

Matsusaka beef, a nationally recognized brand, comes from cattle of superior pedigree that have been allowed to grow slowly over a long period of time. The fine marbling of the beef is so exquisite that it’s called an “artwork of meat.” The beef is characterized by its high-quality fat, which melts in the palm of your hand, and its soft sweetness.

Akafuku Mochi

This mochi confectionery from Ise City is characterized by its soft and chewy texture. Typically eaten with sweet red bean paste, it is popular with tourists.

Manju

Mie Prefecture has many manju shops. One of the most famous is Okashi no Yamaguchiya, which is located along the approach to Ise Grand Shrine. Their manju comes in various flavors, including white bean paste, black sugar bean paste, and sweet potato paste.

What are some of the tourist spots in Mie Prefecture?

Mie Prefecture has many tourist attractions. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Ise Grand Shrine

Ise Grand Shrine is a Shinto shrine, with the sun goddess Amaterasu as its main deity. Considered the oldest shrine in Japan, it serves as the spiritual home of Shintoism. Every 20 years, the Shikinen Sengu ceremony takes place here, which involves rebuilding the shrine. There are specific rules of etiquette for visiting the shrine, such as cleansing oneself at the temizuya (purification fountain) and offering prayers while facing the shrine. Nearby attractions include Futamigaura Beach and Okage Yokocho, which draw many tourists. Ise Grand Shrine consists of various shrines, such as the Outer Shrine (Geku) and Inner Shrine (Naiku), each with its distinct atmosphere.

【Ise Grand Shrine】Jingu of Ise, considered the spiritual hometown of the Japanese people

Affectionately called Oisesan and Daijingusan, Ise Grand Shrine is officially named as Jingu. Jingu consists of the Inner Shrine (Kotaijingu), which enshrines the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, the ancestor of the Imperial Family and the national deity, and the Outer Shrine (Toyoukedaijingu), which enshrines the deity Toyouke Omikami, the protector of industry, including clothing, food, and shelter. In total, the Jingu comprises 125 shrines, including separate shrines, associated shrines, branch shrines, and affiliated shrines.

Ise-Shima Resort

Located in Ise and Shima Cities in Mie Prefecture, the Ise-Shima Resort is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty. It is in close proximity to some of Japan’s most iconic tourist spots, such as the Ise Grand Shrine and Futamigaura. The area also offers a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury hotels, condominiums, campgrounds, and golf courses, many of which are designed with accessibility in mind. Guests can enjoy outdoor sports in the ocean and mountains or relax in hot springs, and the resort offers a rich culinary scene with local seafood and Wagyu beef.

Suzuka Circuit

The Suzuka Circuit hosts a variety of international motorsports events, including the F1 Japanese Grand Prix, the All-Japan Super Formula Championship, the All-Japan Superbike Championship, and the All-Japan Road Race Championship. The facility also offers “Fun Runs” for everyday drivers to test their cars on the track as well as Kartland, an area for children and adults to enjoy. There are also restaurants and shops, making it an ideal leisure destination for families.

Nagashima Resort

This integrated resort combines a large theme park, hot springs, and a shopping mall. With a vast array of attractions, including roller coasters, Ferris wheels, pools, and aquariums, the resort caters to a wide range of guests, from families to couples. In addition, guests can unwind at the hot spring facilities or shop for local specialties and souvenirs and enjoy the diverse culinary offerings. Various events and fireworks displays are also held throughout the year, ensuring there’s always something fun to do.

【Nagashima Spa Land】A representative amusement park in Tokai, known for its thrilling roller coasters!

Nagashima Spa Land is one of Japan's largest amusement parks, with a vast area filled with famous giant roller coasters and other thrilling, high-speed attractions. Since its opening in 1966 in Nagashima-cho, Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, the park has continued to evolve, providing excitement for not only children but also adults. It is a popular spot, with facilities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and generations, attracting crowds throughout the year.

【Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima】Shop at one of Japan’s largest outlet malls

Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima is one of the largest outlet malls in Japan, featuring approximately 300 stores. The mall is divided into three areas: North, South, and Parkside. There are three entrances: the Main Entrance, near the huge parking lot, the Center Entrance, approached from Nagashima Spa Land, and the South Entrance, close to Yunami no Shima and the bus rotary.