Easy access from Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto! 6 hidden sightseeing spots in Mie Prefecture!

[About 70 minutes from Nagoya] Gozaisho Ropeway

The Gozaisho Ropeway is a scenic spot that can be reached in about an hour from Nagoya.

The ropeway ride is about 2 kilometers long and takes about 15 minutes one way. From the window, you may be able to see not only the mountains and the sea, but also Japanese serows.
There is an observation deck and a chairlift at the top of the mountain. There are also plenty of photo spots that are sure to look great on social media!

There is also a restaurant on the mountain. When you think of the Gozaisho Ropeway, you think of curry udon! They also have set meals and rice bowls. Make sure you go there with an empty stomach.

From Nagoya Station, we recommend taking the Kintetsu train or bus.

Gozaisho Ropeway

8546 Komono, Komono-cho, Mie-gun, Mie Prefecture 510-1233

The Gozaisho Ropeway is a cableway that connects Yunoyama Onsen in Komono Town, Mie District, Mie Prefecture to the summit of Mt. Gozaisho, the main peak of the Suzuka Mountains. It is operated by Gozaisho Ropeway Co., Ltd.

[About 110 minutes from Nagoya] Ise Shrine

Ise Shrine is a special shrine that all Japanese people are said to visit at least once in their lifetime.

It consists of a total of 125 shrines, with the Inner Shrine (Koutai Jingu) and the Outer Shrine (Toyouke Daijingu) being particularly famous.

It is surrounded by mountains and the air is filled with negative ions, making it a true power spot.

Ise Jingu Naiku Shrine (Kotaijingu)

516-0023 1 Ujidatecho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture

Picture courtesy of Jingushicho

[About 110 minutes from Nagoya] Okage Yokocho

"Okage Yokocho" is a tourist spot located next to Ise Shrine (Naiku).

The townscape will make you feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Edo period, and there are many souvenir shops and restaurants.

You can also eat croquettes, ice cream and other snacks while walking around.

Okage Yokocho

52 Ujinakanokiricho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture 516-8558

Okage Yokocho, located in the middle of the town in front of the Naiku Shrine of Ise Jingu, is a reconstructed and recreated streetscape from the Edo to Meiji periods, with around 50 stores lined up along the street. There are plenty of shops selling delicious food and local specialties from the Iseji route, making it the perfect place to eat, take a break, or look for souvenirs after visiting the shrine.

[About 110 minutes from Nagoya] Toba Aquarium

Toba Aquarium is one of the few aquariums in the world where you can see sea otters. What's more, you can see two sea otters eating here. You might even see the adorable sight of them eating with shellfish and fish resting on their bellies!

There are also about 1200 other species of creatures, including dugongs, penguins, and sea lions. If you like fish, one day may not be enough!

Tickets can be purchased online, making entry to the park a breeze.

Toba Aquarium

517-8517 3-3-6 Toba, Toba City, Mie Prefecture

Toba Aquarium is based in Toba City, Mie Prefecture, and is one of the largest aquariums in Japan. As of September 2024, it will house approximately 1,200 species, the largest number in Japan. There are 12 zones that recreate natural environments, and approximately 1,200 species of sea and river creatures are kept and exhibited. The approximately 1.5 km long corridor is a free passageway with no set viewing order.

[About 30 minutes from Nagoya] Nagashima Spa Land

Nagashima Spa Land is an amusement park famous for its many thrilling rides.

It has the most number of roller coasters in Japan, with over 50 different types!

Next door is the outlet mall "Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima," where you can go shopping after having fun at the amusement park.

You might be able to buy famous domestic and international brands at a low price!

[About 100 minutes from Osaka] Iga Ueno Castle

Iga Ueno Castle, built by the master castle builder, Todo Takatora

Its stone walls are the tallest or second tallest in Japan (approximately 30m).

The current castle tower was restored in 1935, but the interior of the wooden building retains the atmosphere of the Warring States period.

Inside the castle, items related to the Todo family, such as weapons and armor, are on display.

The ceiling on the top floor is decorated with 46 colored paper works by artists including Yokoyama Taikan, and the view overlooking the entire castle town from there is exceptional.

Iga Ueno Castle

106 Uenomarunouchi, Iga City, Mie Prefecture 518-0873