Top 14 must-visit places in Mie, Kansai-according to TripAdvisor

Mie prefecture, includes 11 cities, is in the western Kansai region of the main Honshu island It is narrow, and spreads down from north to south. Some complex geographical features create a variety of climates. Going to Mie, each city will have its own images and features, but still creating a very specialized Mie impression for you to hardly resist.

Matsusaka is known for its delicious, massaged, beer-fed beef that it is to be said that that probably can be compared to the taste of the delicious famous Kobe variety. The local alcohol called Hakusugi-sake, brewed near Ise, is very tasty and reasonably priced. The southern coastline possesses an irregular and rugged saw-toothed coast. The eastern coastline is designated as Ise-Shima National Park, and is famous for cultured pearls, oysters and Ise lobsters, all made possible by the complex geographical features. There are many other scenic spots, including the Uga Valley in Suzuka Quasi-National Park, Doro Valley, and Akame Shiju-hattaki (forty-eight) Falls, Ise-jingu Shrine, and etc. Let's Planetyze list you the best 14 must-visit destinations for your next trip to Mie.

Ise Jingu Naiku (Kotaijingu)

Naiku (Inner Shrine) is officially known as Kotajingu and is a prestigious shrine venerated by generations of Emperors. Within its 93 hectare grounds, an ancient forest spreads out and there is a majestic air in the atmosphere.

Ise Jingu Geku (Toyouke Daijingu)

Located close to Iseshi Station, “Geku” (Outer Shrine) is a major shrine at Ise Jingu Shrine along with “Naiku (Inner Shrine)”. On these sacred grounds surrounded by the green of nature, there are three associate shrines around “Shogu” (Main shrine).

Ninja Museum of Iga-ryu

In the Ninja House, the Ninja Experience Hall, and the Ninja Tradition Hall, the secrets of the ninja of Iga are revealed. Also, there are the truly spectacular ninja shows and the “shuriken” (ninja star) experience among other activities, so everyone from children to adults can enjoy themselves.

Nagashima Resort

A multi-purpose amusement park with plenty of thrilling rides. There is good access from international airports in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and other cities. Along with the amusement park, there are other facilities such as hotels and hot springs.

Okage Yokocho

Okage Yokocho is a lively area that is inside the shrine town (Oharai-machi) near Naiku (Inner Shrine) of Ise Jingu. There are buildings from the Edo and Meiji Eras and the shops sell delicacies and souvenirs unique to the Ise area.

Oharai-machi

Oharai-machi is a street that extends north for approximately 800m from the Ujibashi Bridge in front of the Naiku (Ise Inner Shrine). There are many stores lining the stone paved road and the area is always alive with activity.

Meotoiwa (Married Couple Rocks)

The two bound rocks act as a “torii” gate worshipping the sunrise and as “Okitama Shinseki”, the holy rock related to the god Sarutahiko-no-okami. The strong straw rope binds the two rocks together, so it is famous as a lot lucky spot for matchmaking.

Saiku

The remains of the 1000 year old palace and offices of the “Saio”. The “Saio” served the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, the main deity enshrined in Ise Grand Shrine, for 660 years. In 2015, Saiku was recognized as the first Japan Heritage Site.

Itsukinomiya Hall for Historical Experience

The Saio system of an unmarried Imperial princess serving Ise Grand Shrine, reached its pinnacle during the Heian Era. Itsukinomiya Hall is a place where you can experience the lifestyle and recreation of that time for free.

Saiku Heian-no-Mori Historic Park

Part of the Saiku palace, residence of the maiden princess serving the enshrined deity of Ise Jingu Shrine, has been restored. The main shrine, the western palace, and the eastern palace have been restored as they would have been in those ancient times. There is a simple beauty to the architecture of the Heian Era during the 9th century.

Toba Bay

The picturesque bay is located in Ise-Shima National Park and has plenty of sights to see including pleasure boats stopping by the small islands, an aquarium, and Mikimoto Pearl Island which is famous all throughout the world for its high-quality pearls.

Toba Aquarium

The aquarium has been in existence for over 60 years and boasts the largest number of species (approximately 1200 species) being bred in the country. Consisting of 12 zones recreating various natural environments within the facility, Japan’s only dugong is very popular here.

Mikimoto Pearl Island

On a small and lush green island on Toba Bay, there are a memorial hall dedicated to founder Kōkichi Mikimoto and a museum displaying pearl handicrafts. In addition, there is a performance of the old-fashioned harvesting of Akoya pearl oysters by female divers or ama.

The Sengu Museum

The Sengu Museum introduces the Shikinen Sengu ceremonies in which the main buildings of the Inner and Outer Shrines at Ise Jingu Shrine are rebuilt every 20 years with the objects of worship returned to the new buildings. Commentary is given via HDTV and a full-scale model of the main sanctuary is on display.

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