The hidden charm of Meiwa Town, Mie Prefecture: Activities that overseas travelers can't miss

Meiwa-cho, Mie Prefecture, is a place where Japanese history and nature intersect. There are plenty of experiences that overseas travelers cannot miss here, such as the ruins of Saigū, where you can feel the romance of the Heian period, visiting shrines related to the Saiō, and even balloon glows that light up the sky.
-
Table of Contents
- Experience the romance of the Heian period! A historical tour of the Saigū and the Imperial Princess
- Spectacular views from the sky! Create special memories with a hot air balloon experience and balloon glow
- Experience traditional Japanese crafts! A workshop experience unique to Meiwa Town
- Gourmet paradise, Meiwa-cho! A special experience where you can enjoy local ingredients
- A trip to enjoy Meiwa Town's hidden sake and local charms
Experience the romance of the Heian period! A historical tour of the Saigū and the Imperial Princess

Meiwa Town in Mie Prefecture is a place where Japanese history and nature are interwoven.
Here, fascinating experiences await you, including a historical exploration of the Saiku ruins, which exudes the romance of the Heian period, a balloon glow that lights up the night sky with fantastical lights, and a visit to a shrine associated with the Saio.
In addition, there are a wide variety of activities on offer, including traditional craft workshops and luxurious Matsusaka beef gourmet experiences.
Discover the hidden charms of Meiwa Town and create unforgettable memories.
If you want to experience the aristocratic culture of the Heian period for the first time, you cannot miss the Saigū ruins in Meiwa-cho.
This historical spot allows you to experience the ancient Japanese court culture in a real way. Saigū was once where imperial princesses lived to serve Ise Shrine, and is a rare area where you can feel the weight of history.
In this article, we will introduce events held near Saigū in 2024.
Experience the feeling of nobility by wearing a Junihitoe kimono

At the Saigū Historical Museum, you can try on the gorgeous twelve-layered kimono worn by Heian period aristocrats.
This outfit combines delicate fabrics and vibrant colors, making you feel like a member of the aristocracy just by wearing it.
Even beginners can enjoy the experience with peace of mind, as specialized staff will provide careful instruction.
Experience history through a photo tour of the Saigū ruins and Masashi Asada

The charm of the Saigū ruins is that you can enjoy not only history but also photography.
The photography tours organized by photographer Masashi Asada are an innovative combination of ancient ruins and contemporary art, providing visitors with new discoveries.
Visiting a shrine associated with the Saio: A magical experience in the moonlight

Visiting a shrine at night allows you to enjoy a different, more mystical atmosphere than during the day.
At Takejinja Shrine, which can be accessed on foot from Saigū Station, the traditions associated with the Saiō and nature blend in harmony, creating a fantastical world as the moonlit approach to the shrine creates a magical atmosphere.
Spectacular views from the sky! Create special memories with a hot air balloon experience and balloon glow
If you want to enjoy the vast scenery of Meiwa Town, we recommend a hot air balloon ride.
The view of the rural landscape and Ise Bay from above is breathtaking, giving you a feeling of being out of the ordinary.
Enjoy the spectacular panorama of Mie Prefecture on a tethered flight

A tethered flight is a hot air balloon experience that is anchored to the ground.
It is stable, so it is safe for first-time visitors and those with children.
The spectacular view of the blue sky and the expansive rural landscape is sure to be Instagram-worthy.
A luxurious moment with balloon glows that light up the night sky and Matsusaka beef BBQ

Balloon Glow is a form of light art that floats in the night sky.
The brightly colored hot air balloons are lit up, creating a fantastical sight.
In addition, there will be an event that combines a Matsusaka beef barbecue with music listening, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious time.
Experience traditional Japanese crafts! A workshop experience unique to Meiwa Town
Meiwa Town is the perfect place to experience traditional Japanese crafts.
By enjoying crafting with local artisans, you can experience the depth of culture.
Take on ancient culture by making ink-inscribed pottery

In the ink-writing pottery making experience, you can draw patterns and letters with your own hands on pottery used by ancient people.
You can experience the feel of the earth firsthand and deepen your understanding of ancient culture.
Traditional craft workshop with female artisans

Learn intricate handicraft techniques at traditional craft workshops led by local women artisans.
There are a variety of experiences available, such as indigo dyeing and washi paper making, and you can take home your own original work.
Gourmet paradise, Meiwa-cho! A special experience where you can enjoy local ingredients
Meiwa Town is also known for its gourmet food made with fresh local ingredients.
The special dining experience that can only be had here will add to the memories of your trip.
A Michelin-starred dinner experience

Restaurant RYU, located in Meiwa-cho, Mie Prefecture, attracts many visitors with its cuisine that makes the most of local produce and its heartwarming hospitality.
At the heart of RYU is Chef Ogura, who honed his skills at Michelin-starred restaurants in France and Italy.
His theme is "expressing local delicacies with world-class techniques."
Using fresh ingredients carefully selected from Meiwa Town and throughout Mie Prefecture, we prepare each and every dish with respect for the ingredients.
A trip to enjoy Meiwa Town's hidden sake and local charms

In Meiwa Town, there are spots where you can enjoy hidden local sake. Tasting some sake while enjoying the charm of the region is the perfect way to end your trip.
"Shrine Prayer" is a famous sake made using underground water from the Isuzu River.
It has a delicate and deep flavor, making it an irresistible item for sake lovers.
You can discover new charms of sake by tasting it with local specialties. The pairing of food and sake unique to Meiwa Town is a luxurious experience that can only be experienced here.
The entrance to Oise-san, Meiwa-cho. Meiwa Town is a town where the Miyako ``Saikyu'', where the princess of the imperial family, ``Saio'', who served Amaterasu Omikami at Ise Grand Shrine in place of the Emperor, once lived, remains as a historical site.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.