Mie Travel Guide: 28 Sightseeing Spots, Food, Souvenirs, and More!

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Mie prefecture, located in the center of the Japanese archipelago, is a region with a great historical and cultural appeal. This article introduces all the important sightseeing destinations in Mie, as well as many other useful travel tips.

Latest update : 2022.03.07

The Location of Mie Prefecture

Mie Prefecture is located in the central area of the Japanese archipelago. Various historical and cultural monuments, such as Ise Grand Shrine, with its 2,000 year long history, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, which are a World Heritage Site, or Iga, the birthplace of ninjutsu (the way of the ninjas), are all located here.

The beautiful, deeply indented coastline, and the mountain ranges, where visitors can enjoy the autumn leaves, are another unique aspect of Mie. Seafood, such as lobsters, oysters and abalones, along with Matsusaka beef, one of the three best types of Japanese beef, are also popular.

5. 28 Sightseeing Spots in Mie

6. A Mie Sightseeing Itinerary

7. The Local Food in Mie

8. The Best Souvenirs from Mie

9. Local Climate and Clothing

10. Further Information about Mie

11. Mie Travel Tips

How to Get to Mie

Mie Travel Guide

From Tokyo to Mie

By Air

Route 1: Haneda Airport [airplane] -> Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) [Meitetsu μ-SKY Limited Express Train] -> Nagoya Station [Kintetsu Limited Express/ JR Rapid-Service Train "Mie"] -> Iseshi Station

The flight from Haneda to NGO Airport takes about 70 minutes, and the fare is approximately 9,000 to 25,000 yen. In order to reach Iseshi Station from Nagoya Station take the Kintetsu Limited Express or the JR Rapid-Service Train "Mie". The train ride will take about two hours, and the fare is approximately 4,000 yen.

Route 2: Haneda Airport [airplane] -> Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) [Tsu Airport Line] -> Tsu Nagisamachi Port [Mie Kotsu Airport Bus] -> Iseshi Station

The Tsu Airport Line, a high-speed boat, connects NGO Airport to the Ise area. The boat will arrive at Tsu Nagisamachi Port. The Mie Kotsu Airport Bus runs between the port and Iseshi Station. The whole ride takes about two hours, and the fare for both the boat and bus is 3,200 yen.

By Shinkansen

Tokyo Station [Tokaido Shinkansen Nozomi] -> Nagoya Station [Kintetsu Limited Express/ JR Rapid-Service Train "Mie"] -> Iseshi Station

Take the Tokaido Shinkansen Nozomi to Nagoya Station. From Nagoya, switch to either the Kintetsu Limited Express or the JR Rapid-Service Train "Mie". The train ride will take about three-and-a-half to four hours, and the fare is approximately 13,000 yen.

From Osaka to Mie

Osaka Nanba Station [Kintetsu Limited Express] -> Iseshi Station

Boarding the Kintetsu Limited Express from the Osaka Nanba Station to Iseshi Station is the fastest way to go. The train ride will take about one hour and 45 minutes, and the fare is approximately 3,000 yen. You don't even need to switch trains.

From Kyoto to Mie

Kintetsu Kyoto Station [Kintetsu Limited Express] -> Iseshi Station

The Kintetsu Limited Express headed for the Kashikojima area will take you directly to Iseshi Station. You can also switch trains at Yamato-Yagi Station. The train ride will take about two hours, and the fare is 3,620 yen, including the express ticket.

Also read:

Shimakaze Limited Express - Travel in Comfort From Nagoya to Mie

Airports Near Mie

If you plan to visit Mie directly from overseas, fly to Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) or Kansai International Airport (KIX), both located outside of Mie Prefecture. NGO, located in Aichi Prefecture, is convenient for those who also want to visit Nagoya or the Kanto area. If you plan to go to Osaka or Kyoto in the Kansai area after visiting Mie, using KIX Airport would be convenient.

三重の旅完全ガイド！観光スポット28選(伊勢神宮から忍者屋敷まで)・交通・グルメ情報など

Mie Travel Guide

Make sure you choose which airport to use according to your travel plans.

From NGO Airport to Mie (Iseshi Station)

Route 1: Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) [Meitetsu μ-SKY Limited Express Train] -> Nagoya Station [Kintetsu Limited Express/ JR Rapid-Service Train "Mie"] -> Iseshi Station

Riding a train to Mie is the most convenient way to go. Take the μ-SKY Limited Express Train headed for Meitetsu Gifu Station from Central Japan International Airport Station, and switch trains at Nagoya Station. From Nagoya, board either the Kintetsu Limited Express or the JR Rapid-Service Train "Mie", and get off at Iseshi Station. The ride will take about two hours. You will have to switch trains once, and the fare is approximately 4,000 yen.

Route 2: Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) [Tsu Airport Line] -> Tsu Nagisamachi Port [Mie Kotsu Airport Bus] -> Iseshi Station

From NGO, board the Tsu Airport Line, a high-speed boat. The boat will arrive at "Tsu Nagisamachi" Port, and the Mie Kotsu Airport Bus runs between the port and Iseshi Station. The ride takes about two hours, and the fare for both the boat and bus is 3,200 yen.

From KIX to Mie (Iseshi Station)

Route 1: Kansai International Airport (KIX) [Nanaki Limited Express Rapi:t] -> Osaka Nanba Station [Kintetsu Limited Express] -> Iseshi Station

Take the Nanaki Limited Express Rapi:t headed for Nankai Nanba Station from KIX, switch trains at the Osaka Nanba Station, and get off at Iseshi Station. The ride will take about three hours. You will have to switch trains once, and the fare is approximately 4,550 yen.

Transportation within Mie Prefecture

We recommend using a taxi or rental car to tour the sightseeing destinations in Mie. However, if you are going to use trains, it is convenient to use the Kintetsu Railways to go the Ise-Shima area, and the JR trains to reach the Iga and Kumano Kodo areas.

Mie Travel Guide

Using the Japan Rail Pass

Japan Rail Pass allows the user to ride all the trains and local buses operated by JR, while the users of the Kintestu Rail Pass can ride Kintetsu Railways and Iga Railway.

Kintestu Rail Pass
Price: Adults 3,800 yen, Children 1,900 yen (if purchased in Japan)
Adults 3,600 yen, Children 1,800 yen (if purchased overseas)
The pass is valid for five days.
Website: http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/ticket/krp.html

*For further information, please read the following page of the Kintetsu Railways: How to purchase discount tickets.

Mie Area Guide

Ise-Shima Region

Ise Shrine © Mie Prefecture Tourism Association

The southeastern part of Mie is known as the Ise-Shima area. Famous places such as the Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu), a shrine that is known as the "spiritual home of the Japanese", Okage Yokocho, a shopping street near Ise Jingu, and the famous Meoto-iwa, a pair of rocks rising from the sea, are all located in this area.

The G7 Ise-Shima Summit was held in Ise-Shima in 2016 and the area has received a lot of attention. Visitors can also enjoy the view of the beautiful rias coastline.

Iga

Ninja from Iga © Mie Prefecture Tourism Association

The Iga area, located in western Mie, is the birthplace of Iga-style ninja, and is also famous as a "ninja village". There is a Ninja Museum in Ueno Park, and visitors can experience ninja training at Akame 48 Falls.

Higashi-kishu

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route © Mie Prefecture Tourism Association

Higashi-kishu area is located in southern Mie. Visitors from all over the world gather here to walk the Kumano Kodo, which is a designated World Heritage site. Shichiri-mihama Beach, the longest beach in Japan, is also located in this area.

Chunansei

Sakakibara Hot Springs © Mie Prefecture Tourism Association

Sakakibara, one of the most prominent hot spring areas in Japan, and Matsusaka, a historic city producing one of the three best types of Japanese beef, is located at this area. The Chunansei will revitalize both your mind and body.

Hokusei

Nabana no Sato

The Hokusei region, located in northern Mie, is famous for the beautiful autumn leaves around the area of Mount Gozaisho, the wintertime illuminations at Nabana no Sato, the huge entertainment park Nagashima Spaland, the large outlet mall Jazz Dream Nagashima, and for the Suzuka Circuit, where Japan's Formula One Grand Prix is held. It is an area filled with entertainment, perfect for going out with your friends or in couples.

28 Sightseeing Spots in Mie

Ise-Shima Area

1. Ise Grand Shrine

Mie Travel Guide: 28 Sightseeing Spots, Food, Souvenirs, and More!

Ise Grand Shrine is one of the most prominent shrines in Japan. It comprises 125 shrines, including the main inner shrine (Naiku) and the outer shrine (Geku). The inner shrine is dedicated to the goddess Amaterasu Omikami, who is worshiped as the ancestor of the Japanese Imperial Family, while the outer shrine enshrines Toyouke Omikami, the guardian deity of food and harvest. Many other deities are also enshrined in the grounds of Ise Shrine.

For further information, please read [Mie] Visit Ise Grand Shrine, The Home Of The Japanese Soul.

Address: Mie, Ise, Ujitachi-cho 1 (Naiku)
Access: 15 minute bus ride from the JR and Kintetsu Iseshi Station to Ise Jingu Naiku (inner shrine).
Website: Ise Jingu

2. Okage Yokocho

Okage Yokocho, located in front of the inner shrine of Ise Jingu, is a shopping street comprised of around 50 stores. There are well-established restaurants of and souvenir shops, and the visitors can feel the Japanese atmosphere by just taking a walk along the street. For further information, please read Right by Ise Shrine! 4 Delicious Treats Specific to Okage Yokochō.

Address: Mie, Ise, Ujinakanokiri-cho 52
Access: 15 minute bus ride from JR and Kintetsu Iseshi Station.
Website: Okage Yokocho

3. Sengukan

Sengukan is a museum sponsored by Ise Grand Shrine, displaying materials about the ceremonial reconstruction of the shrine which is performed every 20 years. It opened in 2013, in order to commemorate the 62nd reconstruction of Ise Grand Shrine. The ceremonial reconstruction is performed every 20 years, and the tools, ceremonial attire and sacred treasures used in this ceremony are shown in the museum.

Address: Mie, Ise, Toyokawa-cho, Maeno 126-1
Access: 5 minute walk from JR and Kintetsu Iseshi Station.
Website: Sengukan (Japanese)

4. Meoto-iwa, The Wedded Rocks

At Futami Okitama Shrine, there is a pair of sacred rocks called Meoto-iwa, which stand 700 meters away from the shoreline. Oiwa, the taller rock is nine meters high, while Meiwa, standing by its side, is four meters high. A shimenawa (sacred straw rope) is tying the two rocks together. A torii (archway) stands on top of Oiwa, and the sunrise can be seen through it from May to July. From autumn to winter, the reflection of the moon can be seen between the rocks, on the sea surface.

Address: Mie, Ise, Futami-Cho, E 575
Access: 15 minute walk from JR Futamiura Station.

5. Toba Aquarium

Toba Aquarium, which opened in 1955, boasts the largest number of species among the Japanese aquariums. Dugong, an internationally protected animal, is raised only at this aquarium in Japan. A new zone called "Miracle Woods" opened in 2014, featuring the fishing cat, which lives in the wetlands. There are also performances by sea lions and walruses, so both adults and children can have fun at this aquarium. The admission is 2,500 yen for adults, 1,250 yen for children and 630 yen for infants.

Address: Mie, Toba, Toba 3-3-6
Access: 10 minute walk from the JR and Kintetsu Toba Station.
Website: Toba Aquarium

6. Mikimoto Pearl Island

Mikimoto Pearl Island is located in Toba Bay. The founder of MIKIMOTO, a world-renowned Japanese jewelry brand, succeeded in cultivating pearls for the first time in the world, on this island.

The Pearl Museum displays not only jewelry, but also materials about pearls from a scientific, cultural and industrial point of view. Visitors can also watch real ama (*2) divers at work. These divers have been supporting the cultivation of pearls.

There is also a garden and an observatory, where the visitors can enjoy the view of Toba Bay. The admission to the island is 1,500 yen for adults, and 750 yen for elementary and junior high school students.

*2: Ama are fishing divers. This occupation has existed for centuries in Japan.

Address: Mie, Toba, Toba 1-7-1
Access: 5 minute walk from JR and Kintetsu Toba Station.
Website: Mikimoto Pearl Island

7. Ise Azuchimomoyama Bunkamura

At Ise Azuchimomoyama Bunkamura, visitors can enjoy the townscape of 400 years ago. Azuchi Castle, built by Oda Nobunaga, a famous general in the Sengoku Period, and other buildings from the past have been reconstructed to create a unique theme park. There are live performances by ninja and warriors displaying their martial skills. The admission fee is 2,500 yen for adults, 1,200 yen for high school and junior high school students, and 900 yen for elementary school children, respectively.

Address: Mie, Ise, Futami-cho, Mitsu 1201-1
Access: 5 minute bus ride from JR Futamiura Station.
Website: Ise Azuchimomoyama Bunkamura

8. Hinjitsukan

Hinjitsukan, built in 1887, has been designated an important cultural asset by the Japanese Government. It was built as a lodging facility for the visitors of the inner shrine of Ise Jingu, and now is used as a museum. The building and the garden were designed by top class craftsmen of the day, so they are sure worth a visit. The admission is 300 yen for adults, and 150 yen for children of elementary school to high school age.

Address: Mie, Ise, Futami-cho, Chaya 566-2
Access: 12 minute walk from JR Futamiura Station.
Website: Hinjitsukan (Japanese)

9. The Hut of the Ama Divers

At the ama hut, visitors are welcomed by active ama divers who offer fresh seafood dishes.

An ama hut is a place where the divers used to warm themselves. Listening to their tales of fishing, and enjoying the local dishes should make a nice memory of your trip.

Ama Hut HACHIMAN (Mie, Toba, Osatsu-cho 819)

Osatsu-kamado (Mie, Toba, Osatsu-cho, Maenohama)

Satoumian (Japanese) (Mie, Shima, Shima-cho, Koshika 2279)

For further information on Ago Bay, which is known as "Japan's Aegean Sea", and the hut of the ama divers, please read Mie - What to See, Eat and Do in Ago Bay, Japan's Aegean Sea.

10. Ago Bay

The G7 Ise-Shima Summit in 2016 was held on Kashikojima, an island in Ago Bay, which is also known as "Japan's Aegean Sea". The view of the islands scattered along the rias coastline is truly picturesque.

The bay, with a great view and fresh seafood, is a prominent sightseeing spot in Mie, along with Ise Grand Shrine. For more information, please refer to Mie - What to See, Eat and Do in Ago Bay, Japan's Aegean Sea.

Address: Mie, Shima, Ago-cho

Iga Area

11. Iga Ninja Museum

There is a museum in Iga, the birthplace of the Iga-style ninja, where visitors can learn more about the ninja culture. The museum contains a ninja house filled with gadgets that are specific to the ninja culture, and an archive displaying real shuriken (throwing stars) and other objects. There is also a ninja performance, so it is a must-visit spot for ninja fans. The admission fee is 756 yen for adults, 432 yen for children (between 4 and 15 years old). An additional fee (400 yen) will be charged for the ninja performance.

Address: Mie, Iga, Ueno-marunouchi 117
Access: 5 minute walk from Uenoshi Station of the Iga Railway.
Website: Iga Ninja Museum, Iga Ninja Show Schedule

12. Haiseiden

Matsuo Basho is the most famous haiku poet in Japan. In 1942, Haiseiden was built at Iga, where he was born, to commemorate the 300th anniversary of his birth. The Basho Festival is held every year on October 12, the day he passed away, and the life-sized portrait of Basho is put on view for the visitors.

Address: Mie, Iga, Ueno-marunouchi 117-4 (Inside Ueno Park)
Access: 5 minute walk from Uenoshi Station of Iga Railway.
Website: Haiseiden

13. Akame 48 Falls

Akame 48 Falls is a group of waterfalls that create together a wonderful sight. The area has various trekking routes - a route for slow walking which is ideal for beginners, a hiking route along the ravine for the physically fit, as well as the Nagasakayama trekking route for the advanced hikers. Visitors can appreciate the view of the falls on these routes. There are hot springs nearby, and also the Ninja Museum, where visitors can learn to throw shuriken (throwing stars) and climb walls, dressed in ninja wear.

Address: Mie, Nabari, Akame-cho, Nagasaka 861-1
Access: 15 minute bus ride from Kintetsu Akameguchi Station.
Website: Akame 48 Falls

14. Shorenji Lake Sightseeing Village

Shorenji Lake Village is an orchard located in the south of Nabari City. Visitors can have fun picking strawberries in winter and spring, and grapes in summer and autumn.

Address: Mie, Nabari, Shorenji-ko 976
Access: 10 minute bus ride from Kintetsu Nabari Station.
Website: Shorenjiko Kankomura (Japanese)

Higashi-kishu Area

15. Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes

Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage area that ranks along Ise Grand Shrine as a prominent sightseeing spot in Mie. This pilgrimage route has been designated a World Heritage site, and connects Ise Grand Shrine to the Kumano Sanzan ("The Three Shrines of Kumano") - the Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha.

Website: Kumano Kodo

16. Onigajo

Onigajo is a World Heritage site in Kumano, where visitors can see a work of art created by the wild waves and the wind. Don't miss out the Shishi-iwa Rock, a rock that resembles a lion (shishi). If you are lucky, you might be able to take a photograph of the lion roaring into the sunset. For more details on this amazing location, please read Onigajō, Mie - A World Heritage Site Created by the Rocks and the Sea.

Address: Mie, Kumano, Kinomoto-cho 1835-7
Access: 5 minute bus ride from JR Kumanoshi Station.
Website: Onigajo Center (Japanese)

17. Kizuro

Did you know that there is a place between Mie and Wakayama prefectures that looks like a landing spot for a UFO? It is called

Kizuro, and if you climb halfway up the mountains on the Wakayama side, you will be able to see it. Novice climbers may get lost, so be sure to call the Shimazu Tourism Association for advice. For further information, please read A Landing Spot For UFOs? Kizuro - A Hidden Wonder Of Nature.

Address: Mie, Kumano, Kiwa-cho, Kizuro 99
Website: Shimazu Tourism Association (Japanese)

18. Maruyama Senmaida

Maruyama Senmaida is considered one of the most beautiful terraced rice paddies in Japan. It is comprised of 1,340 small paddy fields, lined up like a stairway. Local farmers have preserved this precious environment, and they also host an event that allows the visitors to participate in the harvesting.

Address: Mie, Kumano, Maruyama
Access: 30 minute car ride from JR Kumanoshi Station.
Website: Maruyama Senmaida (Japanese)

19. Shichiri-mihama Beach

Shichiri-mihama Beach is famous for the great view that can be enjoyed from here, achieving high rankings in various landscape contests. It is the longest sand beach in Japan, filled with pebbles smoothed by the wild waves.

Address: The beach strerches from Kumano City to Kiho-cho.
Access: 5 minute walk from JR Kumanoshi Station.
Website: Shichiri Mihama Beach (Japanese)

Chunansei Area

20. Sakakibara Hot Springs

Sakakibara Hot Springs has been famous for more than 1,000 years. The spring water is transparent, which is rare, and known to be good for the skin. This is one of the reasons why Sakakibara is so popular.

Address: Mie, Tsu, Sakakibara-cho
Access: 15 minute car ride from Kintetsu Sakakibara-Onsenguchi Station.
Website: Sakakibara Hot Springs (Japanese)

21. Gojoban Yashiki

© Mie Prefecture Tourism Association
The Gojoban Yashiki (Castle Guard Residences) is a row of houses where the samurai guarding the Matsusaka Castle used to live at the end of the Edo Period. It has been designated an important cultural asset by the Japanese Government, and there are people still living in the houses. One house is open to the public, so take a look at how the samurai used to live.

Address: Mie, Matsusaka, Tono-cho 1385
Access: 5 minute bus ride from JR and Kintetsu Matsusaka Station.
Website: Gojoban Yashiki (Castle Guard Residences)

Hokusei Area

22. Nabana no Sato

Nabana no Sato is a large garden, spreading over 300,000 square meters. Visitors can appreciate the seasonal flowers at day, and the brilliant illuminations at night. Most illuminations are available only in wintertime, but at Nabana no Sato, visitors can enjoy the lights until May. For more information, please read Mie -The Fabulous Illuminations in Nabana no Sato.

Address: Mie, Kuwana, Nagashima-cho, Komae 270
Access: 10 minute bus ride from JR and Kintetsu Kuwana Station.
Website: Nabana no Sato

23. Nagashima Spaland

Nagashima Resort, which includes a roller coaster, a seawater swimming pool, hot springs and a hotel, is an entertainment center which you can visit with your family or friends. The facility hosts various seasonal events, such as Halloween and Christmas celebrations.

Address: Mie, Kuwana, Nagashima-cho, Urayasu 333
Access: 20 minute bus ride from JR and Kintetsu Kuwana Station.
Website: Nagashima Spaland

24. Jazz Dream Nagashima

Jazz Dream Nagashima, a Mitsui Outlet Park, is a large shopping mall comprising more than 200 shops, where the visitors can enjoy discounts of 30 to 80 percent off the retail prices. Worldwide fashion brands are gathered at this mall, along with restaurants serving local dishes such as the famous Ise udon.

Address: Mie, Kuwana, Nagashima-cho, Urayasu 368
Access: 20 minutes bus ride from JR and Kintetsu Kuwana Station.
Website: Jazz Dream Nagashima

25. Suzuka Circuit

This is a leisure activity complex with an international racing circuit. Visitors can enjoy the motor races, or try their skills on the actual racecourse. The "Motopia" amusement park is filled with attractions for children, so every family member can can have fun at this spot.

Address: Mie, Suzuka, Inao-cho, 7992
Access: 20 minutes bus ride from Kintetsu Shirako Station.
Website: Suzuka Circuit

26. Yokkaichi Plant Nightscape

Recently, the night view of the Yokkaichi Plant in the city of Yokkaichi has become famous among photographers. A night cruise of the area has started, where the passengers can enjoy the fantastic view from the cruise ship.

Website: Yokkaichi Plant Nightscape

27. Tokaido Sekijuku

Tokaido Sekijuku is an area with a row of more than 200 houses built 200 years ago. There are some souvenir shops in this area, so it is perfect for those who want to feel the historic atmosphere of Japan.

Address: Mie, Kameyama, Sekio-cho, Kozaki/ Nakamachi/ Shinsho
Access: 5 minute walk from JR Seki Station.
Website: Tokaido Sekijuku (Japanese)

28. Gozaisho Ropeway

Mount Gozaisho rises 1,212 meters above sea level, and with the scenery changing every season, many people gather here to enjoy the autumn leaves. The colorful patchwork of orange, red and yellow can be viewed from the ropeway.

In winter, the frost-covered trees shine beautifully under the blue sky, creating a fantastic landscape of silvery white.

Address: Mie, Mie district, Komono-cho, Yunoyama Onsen
Access: Ten-minutes bus ride from Kintetsu Yunoyana-onsen Station.
Website: Gozaisho Ropeway

Mie Sightseeing Itinerary

Enjoy Ise Jingu, Ninja and the Illuminations at Nabana no Sato

There are many sightseeing spots in Mie, and some visitors may have a hard time deciding on a good itinerary. The following is a three day plan to enjoy Nabana no Sato and Ise Grand Shrine.

First Day: Enjoy Shopping and the Illuminations in the Hokusei Area

11:30 a.m. - Arrive at Chubu Centrair International Airport.
1:00 p.m. - Shopping at Jazz Dream Nagashima.
5:00 p.m. - Enjoy the fantastic illuminations at Nabana no Sato.
Stay at Nagashima Spaland, and relax in a hot spring in the evening.

Second Day: Ise Grand Shrine, Fine Food and Mikimoto Pearl Island

9:30 a.m. - Leave Kuwana and head to Ise.
11:00 a.m. - Visit the inner shrine Ise Jingu.
1:00 p.m. - Dine at a restaurant in Okage Yokocho.
3:00 p.m. - Enjoy the pearls and the view at Mikimoto Pearl Island.
Stay the night at Toba.

Third Day: To the Popular Ninja Museum

10:00 a.m. - Leave Toba.
12:30 p.m. - Experience being a ninja at Iga Ninja Museum.
4:00 p.m. - Leave Iga and head to the Kansai International Airport.

9 Recommended Mie Dishes

1. Ise Udon

Ise udon, which originates fom Ise City, is known for the soft, thick noodles, which are dipped into a sweet and deep-flavored broth, made from bonito and mackerel. The noodles are three to five times thicker than an ordinary Sanuki udon. Ise udon is a simple dish, without any toppings. At Mameya, which has been in business for more than a 100 years, visitors can taste "soft and smooth" noodles.

2. Matsusaka Beef

Matsusaka beef is produced in Matsusaka City. It is one of the three best types of Japanese beef, and praised for its high quality. The marbled meat has fascinated gourmet fans all over the world with its delicate taste. If you have the chance, try their sukiyaki.

3. Clams

Kuwana City, a former jokamachi (castle town), is known for its large, succulent clams. They are cooked in various ways, such as grilled, fried or in shabu-shabu style (thin slices of meat dipped in hot broth).

4. Local Sushi: Tekone-zushi

Tekone-zushi is a local dish of the Ise-Shima area, made by heaping chunks of bonito on top of rice, and mixing them with soy sauce. It is said that this dish started as a packed lunch for the fishermen. At restaurants, it is served in a bowl, with seasonings of green perilla, ginger and a special soy-based sauce.

5. Lobster

Mie is famous for its sweet chewy lobsters. No matter how you cook it - sashimi, grilled or fried - it is just delicious.

6. Abalone

Toba and Shima areas are famous for the abalones. They are caught by the numerous ama divers living in the area. Visitors should try the abalone dishes at the ama huts.

7. Sake

The sake produced in Mie goes nicely with the local dishes. "Zaku", made by Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten, a distillery in Suzuka, was chosen as the drink for the toast at the G7 Ise-Shima Summit in 2016. "Hanzo", made by the Iga distillery Ota Shuzo, has also become famous, along with other brands from Mie. If you have the chance, try the local sake.

8. Sanma-zushi and Mehari-zushi

Sanma-zushi, served at festive banquets, is a popular local dish of Mie. It is made by topping vinegared rice with saury from the Sea of Kumano, which is dipped in orange vinegar. The head of the saury is used as a decoration on the serving.

Another specialty of the Kumano area is the Mehari-zushi. It is a simple, home-cooked dish of rice balls wrapped in mustard leaves. There are restaurants specializing in Mehari-zushi along the Kumano Kodo, so it will make a nice trekking lunch.

9. Akafuku

Visitors to Mie should try the Akafuku rice cakes. The Akafuku shop is a well-known establishment, with more than 300 years of history. The confection, made from bean jam, glutinous rice and sugar, has a simple, yet deep taste.

Also read:

Right by Ise Shrine! 4 Delicious Treats Specific to Okage Yokochō

Souvenirs from Mie

Ichigo Daifuku

Ichigo Daifu is a sweet, with a whole strawberry (ichigo) and bean jam wrapped in a coating made from glutinous rice. The slight sour taste of the strawberry, mixed with the sweet jam, creates a wonderful flavor, and people with a sweet tooth become hooked to this confection.

Matsusaka Beef Shigure-ni

Matsusaka Beef Shigure-ni, popular to the visitors as a souvenir, is produced by Kakiyasu, a long-established store handling Matsusaka beef. Shigure-ni is made by boiling down the ingredient in soy sauce, and adding ginger.

Iga Kumihimo

Kumihimo (interlace) is a traditional Japanese handicraft, made by weaving a string with silk and cotton threads.

Iga has been known for its kumihimo crafts, which is used not only as a obi-jime (sash bands) for a kimono, but also as accessories such as key rings.

The kumihimo art became popular after it appeared in the 2016 Japanese animation movie "Kimi no na wa" ("Your Name"). The beautifully colored and artfully woven thread will make a perfect Japanese souvenir.

Ise Katagami

Ise Katagami is a traditional craft of paper stenciling, used to dye the fabric for yukata and kimono. The stencils are made on a special type of washi (Japanese paper) with carving knives, which requires high craftsmanship.

Currently, Ise Katagami is used for shoji and fusuma in the tatami room. They are also used in making lighting devices and frame decorations, as well.

Also read:

Best Souvenirs from Okage Yokochō, Nearby Ise Grand Shrine

Local Climate and Clothing

The temperature changes drastically in the basin areas such as Iga City. But overall, the average temperature of Mie is moderate, at 15.5 degrees Celsius.

On the other hand, Mie is known for its heavy rainfall, so be sure to check the weather forecast.