Mie Travel Guide (Kansai/Japan/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Mie

Mie is a province located in the southeast of the Kansai region of Japan, just southwest of Tokyo. It is known for its beautiful natural scenery, rich history, and traditional culture. Mie’s capital city is Tsu, with a population of around 280,000 people.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you through the best places to visit, things to do, local culture, and much more in Mie, Japan.

List of Places to Visit in Mie

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Mie has a wealth of cultural and historical attractions that give visitors an insight into the traditional Japanese way of life. These include:

Ise Grand Shrine – This is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, with a history dating back more than 2,000 years. It is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu.
Toba Aquarium – This is one of Japan’s largest aquariums, with over 1,200 species of marine life living in its various exhibits.
Suzuka Circuit – This is a Formula 1 race track that hosts the Japanese Grand Prix. It’s also home to a motorsport theme park.
Nagashima Spa Land – This is a large amusement park with more than 50 rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and more.
Iga Ninja Museum – This museum showcases the history and traditions of the ninja, a group of highly skilled warriors who played a crucial role in Japan’s history.

Natural Attractions of Mie: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mie’s natural beauty is breathtaking, with sights such as:

Kumano Kodo – This is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that meander through the Kii Mountains, making it a perfect hiking destination.
Ise-Shima National Park – Located on the coast, this park offers stunning views of the sea and is home to many species of flora and fauna.
Mikimoto Pearl Island – This island is home to a pearl museum, where visitors can learn about the history of pearl diving in Japan and buy some pearl jewelry.
Meoto Iwa – These are two sacred rocks located off the coast of Futami, joined by a rope, and are considered to be a symbol of marriage and everlasting love.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mie

If you love hiking and biking, then Mie is the perfect destination for you. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

Iseji Route – This is a part of the Kumano Kodo, which is a popular pilgrimage trail that has been walked for over 1,000 years.
Suzuka Forest Garden – This is a beautiful park where visitors can hike, bike, and enjoy the natural scenery.
Tsu Tamaki Hiking Course – This is a 12km trail that takes visitors through beautiful forests, mountains, and waterfalls.
Ibi River Cycling Road – This is a beautiful cycling route that follows the Ibi River, offering stunning views along the way.

Best Things to Do in Mie: Activities and Tours

In addition to its beautiful natural scenery and cultural attractions, Mie offers visitors a range of activities and tours, including:

Onsen (hot spring) tours – Mie is famous for its many hot springs, which are perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing.
Cooking lessons – Visitors can take part in traditional Japanese cooking classes and learn how to make dishes such as sushi, udon, and tempura.
Tea ceremonies – Mie is home to many traditional tea houses where visitors can experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Crafts workshops – Visitors can take part in workshops to learn traditional Japanese crafts such as pottery, woodcarving, and silk dying.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mie

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Mie:

Day	Itinerary
1	Visit Ise Grand Shrine and explore the local shops and markets.
2	Hike the Kumano Kodo trail and experience the beautiful natural scenery of the Kii Mountains.
3	Visit Toba Aquarium and enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the local restaurants.
4	Take part in a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Japanese dishes.
5	Visit Nagashima Spa Land and enjoy a day of thrilling rides and attractions.
6	Explore the Iga Ninja Museum and learn about the history and traditions of the ninja.
7	Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and visit Mikimoto Pearl Island to learn about the history of pearl diving in Japan.

Food and Drink Scene of Mie

Must-Try Dishes

Mie is famous for its excellent cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include:

Ise-ebi – This is a local lobster that is considered a delicacy and is often served grilled, boiled, or as sashimi.
Tekonezushi – This is a local dish made with rice topped with tuna sashimi and a special sauce.
Matsusaka beef – This is a type of wagyu beef that is known for its rich flavor and marbling.
Akafuku mochi – This is a type of mochi (a traditional Japanese rice cake) that is topped with sweet bean paste and is a local specialty.

Local Beverages

Mie is home to many local drinks, including:

Ise sake – This is a type of sake that is brewed using locally sourced water and rice.
Ise tea – This is a type of green tea that is grown in the local area and is known for its delicate flavor.
Umeshu – This is a type of plum wine that is made using locally grown plums.

Where to Stay in Mie: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mie offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some of our top picks include:

Shima Kanko Hotel – This is a luxury hotel located in Ise-Shima National Park, offering stunning views of the sea and surrounding mountains.
Kumano Kodo Kan Pilgrims’ Lodge – This is a traditional Japanese guesthouse located along the Kumano Kodo trail, offering a unique and authentic experience.
Tsukiji Ryokan – This is a charming traditional Japanese inn located in Toba, with tatami-mat rooms, onsen hot springs, and delicious traditional meals.

What to Buy in Mie: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Mie is home to many unique and interesting souvenirs and local products, including:

Ise udon – This is a type of udon noodle that is made using locally sourced ingredients and is a local specialty.
Ise-shi pottery – This is a traditional Japanese pottery that is made in the local area and is known for its delicate and elegant designs.
Ise lobster – Visitors can bring home fresh or packaged Ise lobster as a delicious souvenir.
Pearl jewelry – Visitors can buy high-quality pearl jewelry made from Mikimoto pearls, which are world-renowned for their beauty.

Local Culture and Customs of Mie

Mie is known for its traditional Japanese culture and customs. It’s important to respect these customs and follow local etiquette. Some of the customs include:

Bowing – When greeting someone, it’s customary to bow instead of shaking hands.
Removing shoes – In many Japanese homes and traditional buildings, it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering.
Onsen etiquette – When using an onsen (hot spring), it’s important to follow the rules and clean yourself thoroughly before entering the water.

Best Time to Visit Mie

The best time to visit Mie is in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the natural scenery is at its best.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mie

Do:

Respect local culture and customs.
Take your shoes off when entering homes and traditional buildings.
Try the local cuisine, including seafood and wagyu beef.
Take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Don’t:

Be disrespectful to others.
Wear shoes inside homes and traditional buildings.
Use your phone loudly in public places or on public transportation.
Tip waiters or waitresses, as it’s not customary in Japan.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mie

Mie is a safe place for travelers to visit. Still, it’s important to take normal precautions, such as:

Keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
Staying aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Not leaving your valuables unattended.

Health in Mie

Japan has an excellent healthcare system, with many hospitals and clinics located throughout the country, including in Mie. It’s essential to have travel insurance and bring any necessary medication with you on your trip.

Getting to Mie: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mie

The two closest airports to Mie are Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) and Kansai International Airport (KIX). From there, visitors can take a train or bus to Mie.

Bus Stations Near Mie

Mie is well-connected by bus, with many long-distance and local buses operating in the province. The main bus stations are located in Tsu and Ise.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Mie by train, with many local and express trains operating throughout the province. The main train stations are located in Tsu, Ise, and Matsusaka.

How to Get Around in Mie

Mie has an excellent transportation system, with trains, buses, and taxis operating throughout the province. Visitors can also rent a car or bike to explore the area on their own.

Where to Go Next from Mie: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many nearby destinations and excursions visitors can take from Mie, including:

Kyoto – This historic city is located just a few hours’ drive from Mie and is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful destinations.
Nara – Located just south of Kyoto, Nara is known for its many ancient temples and shrines and is a popular day trip destination.
Osaka – This bustling city is located just a short train ride from Mie and is known for its delicious food and vibrant nightlife.

Conclusion

Mie is a unique and fascinating destination with something to offer every traveler. From its natural beauty and cultural richness to its excellent cuisine and warm hospitality, Mie is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your visit to Mie and make it a trip of a lifetime.

Mie Image Gallery

Sunrise over Meoto Iwa