It's not just Ise Shrine! A thorough look at the attractions of Mie's tourism! Full of recommended spots and gourmet information

There's more to Mie than just Ise Shrine!

Mie's Features

Mie Prefecture is a fascinating place with rich nature, history, and a unique culture. Due to its long north-south geography, the climate and scenery vary from region to region, showing a variety of different faces.

There is a lot to see, including historical buildings such as Ise Shrine, beautiful coastlines, and majestic mountains. The prefecture is also blessed with seafood and mountain produce, and is rich in nationally famous delicacies such as Matsusaka beef and spiny lobster.

Recommended gourmet food in Mie

Don't miss out on the unique food culture of Mie Prefecture. Okage Yokocho, the town in front of Ise Shrine, is full of delicacies unique to Ise, such as Ise udon and hand-kneaded sushi.

Matsusaka beef is known as one of the three major wagyu beef varieties in Japan, and has a melt-in-the-mouth texture. In the Toba-Shima area, we recommend seafood dishes made with fresh seafood.

Mie's Specialties

Akafuku, which was born in the foothills of Ise Shrine, is a very popular souvenir.

You can also purchase beautiful pearl products in the Toba-Shima area, where pearl farming is thriving. Other Mie-specific specialties such as Ise tea and local sake are also great souvenirs worth checking out.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Mie

Besides Ise Shrine, Mie has many other attractive tourist spots. Here are some recommended tourist spots.

Senshu-ji Temple (Tsu City)

Takada Honzan Senshuji Temple

514-0114 2819 Ichimidacho, Tsu City, Mie Prefecture

This temple is located about 10 minutes by car from the west exit of Toyoko Inn Tsu Station. Mieido and Nyoraido are the first buildings in Mie Prefecture to be designated as national treasures. In addition, there are many nationally designated important cultural properties. Lotus flowers begin to bloom on the grounds from early July. Many people from all over the country gather here during the best time to see the lotuses.

Senshu-ji Temple is a Jodo Shinshu temple with vast grounds and a magnificent monastery. There are plenty of things to see, including national treasure buildings and beautiful gardens. You can experience history and culture in a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Ninja Kingdom (Ise City)

Ninja Kingdom is a theme park where you can experience ninja culture through ninja shows and shuriken experiences. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults, so it's recommended to visit with the whole family.

Ise Shrine (Ise City)

Ise Jingu Naiku Shrine (Kotaijingu)

516-0023 1 Ujidatecho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture

Picture courtesy of Jingushicho

Ise Grand Shrine is a sacred place that is said to be the spiritual home of the Japanese people. Be sure to visit the Inner Shrine and Outer Shrine and experience Japanese history and culture. In Okage Yokocho, the town in front of the shrine, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Ise cuisine.

Mikimoto Pearl Island (Toba City)

Mikimoto Pearl Island

1-7 Toba, Toba City, Mie Prefecture 517-0011

Mikimoto Pearl Island is a small island located in Toba Bay, Toba City, Mie Prefecture. It is the birthplace of cultured pearls, and the entire island is a leisure facility operated by Mikimoto Pearl Island Co., Ltd. Pearl crafts are exhibited on the island, and female divers' demonstrations are also held.

Hotels near Mikimoto Pearl Island

WISTERIAN LIFE CLUB TOBA

Mie Prefecture > Toba

4.1 /5

Very Good

56 reviews

$38～

Senpokaku

Mie Prefecture > Toba

4.0 /5

Very Good

12 reviews

$72～

Bali＆Resort Sayanokaze

Mie Prefecture > Toba

4.2 /5

Very Good

$342～

Mikimoto Pearl Island is a museum that introduces the history of Mikimoto Pearls, which established the pearl farming technique. You can purchase pearl accessories and cosmetics, and you are sure to be fascinated by the beauty of pearls.

Toba Aquarium (Toba City)

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.

Hotels near Toba Aquarium

Bali＆Resort Sayanokaze

Mie Prefecture > Toba

4.2 /5

Very Good

$342～

Izumigo Hotel Altia Toba

Mie Prefecture > Toba

4.0 /5

Very Good

26 reviews

$119～

Kisara Bettei Toki

Mie Prefecture > Toba

4.4 /5

Very Good

$637～

Toba Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Japan, boasting the largest number of species of fish kept. Among them, Toba Aquarium is the only place in Japan where you can see dugongs. In addition to dugongs, you can also see rare creatures such as sea otters and finless porpoises, so if you love aquariums, this is a place you should definitely visit.

A classic souvenir from Mie

Akafuku mochi

Akafuku has been loved for over 300 years in the foothills of Ise Shrine. Its signature confectionery, Akafuku Mochi, is made of soft mochi topped with a generous amount of smooth, strained bean paste, and is characterized by its refined sweetness.

Its shape imitates the murmuring of the Isuzu River that flows through the sacred grounds of Ise Shrine, and it is said that the three lines in the paste represent the clear stream, and the white mochi represents the pebbles on the riverbed. Freshly made Akafuku mochi is exceptional, and is a must-try souvenir or memento of your trip.

Hemba mochi

The name "Henba Mochi" comes from the fact that it was sold at the place where horses were "turned" during pilgrimages to Ise Shrine. It is a simple-tasting mochi snack with a fragrant browning that will whet your appetite.

The mochi wrapped in a thin skin is filled with a generous amount of sweet bean paste, making it the perfect snack to have with tea. Its gentle flavor will soothe your tired body after visiting the shrine.

Nagamochi

Nagamochi, a specialty of Yokkaichi City, is a rice cake snack made of long, thin rice cake wrapped around smooth bean paste. It has a fragrant browned finish, and with one bite, the chewy texture and refined sweetness spread throughout your mouth.

This traditional taste, which has been passed down since the Edo period, is loved by locals and tourists alike. It's a must-try souvenir, and a must-try souvenir for your trip.

Ise udon

"Ise udon" is a local dish of Ise, characterized by thick, soft noodles and a rich sauce. Fresh noodles, dried noodles, and sauces are also sold as souvenirs, so you can enjoy the taste of Ise at home.

The chewy noodles are mixed with the rich sauce, creating a flavor you'll never forget once you've tried it.

Pearl products

Toba and Shima are an area where pearl farming is thriving. There are many pearl specialty stores, including Mikimoto Pearl Island, where accessories such as necklaces and earrings, as well as cosmetics and miscellaneous goods made with pearls, are popular.

The beautiful, sparkling pearl products are recommended as souvenirs for loved ones or as a treat for yourself.

Ise tea

Tea cultivation is also thriving in Mie Prefecture. Ise tea is characterized by its mellow sweetness and aroma, and makes a great souvenir. Kabuse tea in particular is characterized by its elegant sweetness and deep green color, making it a perfect gift.

Matsusaka beef stew

Shigureni, made with Matsusaka beef, a brand of beef that represents Mie Prefecture, is the perfect accompaniment to rice or as a side dish for alcohol. The flavor of Matsusaka beef is tightly concentrated, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich taste.

Travel to Ise easily and quickly with a boat and private taxi!

45 minutes to Mie! What's the secret to a comfortable boat trip?

The high-speed ferry used by Tsu Airport Line is equipped with the latest facilities to provide a comfortable voyage. With spacious seats, free Wi-Fi, and clean toilets, you can be sure to have a pleasant trip.

From the large windows of the boat, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery of Ise Bay, and the boat doesn't rock much, which is a nice plus. It's also very quiet, so there's almost no risk of seasickness.

Convenience of chartered taxis

After arriving at Tsu Nagisamachi, a chartered taxi will take you smoothly to your destination. You can choose the type of taxi to suit the number of people and amount of luggage, and they are also equipped with child seats and luggage space.

Our experienced drivers will provide you with tourist information and local information, so you won't get bored during the trip. Traveling in a private space is also very relaxing, helping you to recover from the fatigue of your trip.

Another great feature is that you can choose the taxi dispatch location, so you can decide your route based on where you want to start your sightseeing.

The value of the plan

A plan that combines a speedboat and a private taxi is offered at a significant discount off the regular price.

There are also early booking discounts and limited-time campaigns, so we recommend checking the website frequently.

Use your time more efficiently

By using a high-speed ferry and a chartered taxi, you can significantly reduce travel time. A time schedule is very important when traveling. Make effective use of your time and enjoy visiting Ise Shrine and the surrounding tourist spots efficiently.

Arrives in as little as 105 minutes!

After arriving at Chubu Centrair International Airport, take a high-speed ferry to Nagisamachi.

From Nagisamachi, you will travel by taxi. You can choose from two types of vehicles depending on the number of passengers and the space required: a sedan type (up to 4 people) and a jumbo type (up to 9 people).

How to make a reservation

You can easily make a reservation on the official website of the Tsu Airport Line. You can also make a reservation by phone or fax. Below are the one-way fare details.

Other fare plans are also available for tickets and school and work commuter passes, so please see the official Tsu Airport Line website for details.

*Cash, credit card, and travel agency coupons are accepted. Fare payment is to be made on the day of boarding.

*Only online reservations can be paid by credit card at the time of booking (for those with discounts and one-day round trip tickets, online reservations can only be paid on the day)

Conclusion

What did you think?

Mie Prefecture's history and food culture are all closely related, and there are even local dishes that originated from the history of pilgrimages to Ise Shrine.

If you visit Mie Prefecture, be sure to visit Ise Shrine and the many other fascinating tourist spots.