Introduction: A Journey to Discover the Profound Charms of Mie Prefecture
Mie Prefecture is a treasure trove of attractions that captivate travelers, including Ise Grand Shrine, often called the ‘spiritual home of the Japanese people,’ breathtaking rias coastlines, and historic local delicacies passed down through generations.
However, it would be a shame to simply visit these popular spots without knowing how to truly appreciate them! There are many insights that can significantly enhance your travel experience, such as the ancient and correct pilgrimage routes, or how to tour scenic spots that change their expression with the time of day.
This article highlights ‘5 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions’ for short-term travelers to efficiently and deeply savor the charms of Mie Prefecture. We’ll introduce them along with their local atmosphere and recommended ways to explore them.
Futami Okitama Shrine
📍 Address: 575 Futamichoe, Ise, Mie 519-0602, Japan
If you’re visiting Ise Grand Shrine, starting here is the traditional ‘insider’s’ way to do it. From ancient times, there has been a custom called ‘Hamasangu,’ where one purifies their mind and body with the seawater of Futamiura before visiting Ise. Even today, it’s said, ‘The Ise pilgrimage begins from Futami.’
As you proceed through the grounds, feeling the strong sea breeze along the coast, the ‘Meoto Iwa’ (Wedded Rocks), famous as a symbol of marital harmony and matchmaking, will appear. These Wedded Rocks are not merely strange rock formations; they are a sacred place that serves as a ‘natural torii gate’ for worshipping the ‘Okitama-no-Shinseki’ (Sacred Rock), which rests approximately 700m offshore, and Amaterasu Omikami (the Sun Goddess). From May to July, you can witness the spectacular sight of the beautiful sunrise ascending between the Wedded Rocks.
Furthermore, as you walk through the grounds, you’ll notice frog figurines everywhere. These are ‘Futami Frogs,’ believed to be the messengers of the enshrined deity, Sarutahiko Okami. They are auspicious charms imbued with visitors’ wishes such as ‘safe return’ or ‘things borrowed returning.’ As you feel the sacred yet somewhat rugged atmosphere of this seaside shrine, prepare your mind and body for the journey ahead.
Kōtai Jingū (Ise Grand Shrine Naiku)
📍 Address: 1 Ujikancho, Ise, Mie 516-0023, Japan
Ise Grand Shrine’s Naiku (Kōtai Jingū), the spiritual cornerstone of the Japanese people with approximately 2,000 years of history, is truly a unique and special place where Amaterasu Omikami, the ancestral deity of the Imperial Family, is enshrined. The moment you cross the ‘Uji Bridge,’ which connects the everyday world with the sacred realm, you’ll undoubtedly feel the air become distinctly clear and crisp.
While there is a purification fountain, we highly recommend purifying your hands at the Mitarashi (purification area) of the Isuzu River, following ancient customs. The clear river current and cool air will make you forget the busyness of everyday life in an instant. The vast grounds are covered with lush trees, and walking anywhere here naturally straightens your posture and brings a sense of tranquility that calms the mind. Incidentally, Ise Grand Shrine does not offer omikuji (fortune slips), as there is a belief that simply reaching this sacred place brings good fortune (daikichi).
While visiting during the day when it’s bustling with tourists has its own vibrant energy, we highly recommend ‘early morning worship’ for travelers. Naiku opens at 5 AM, and the quiet hours when only the sound of your footsteps on the gravel resonates, with few people around, are breathtakingly ethereal and sacred. It’s an ultimate refreshing experience well worth waking up early for.
Okage Yokocho
📍 Address: 52 Ujinakanokiricho, Ise, Mie 516-8558, Japan
After visiting Naiku, one of the great pleasures is strolling and eating in the monzen-machi (temple town). ‘Okage Yokocho,’ sprawling in the middle of Oharai-machi, is an extremely popular tourist area that faithfully recreates the townscape of Ise from the Edo to Meiji periods. It’s not a theme park that charges an entrance fee; instead, it’s an open space where anyone can casually drop by and experience Ise’s food and culture.
Here, you’ll find a wide array of local delicacies that are an absolute must-try. First, there’s the crispy and sweet croquette from the long-established butcher shop ‘Butasute.’ Then, at ‘Akahuku Honten,’ located across from Okage Yokocho, savor freshly made Akahuku Mochi. Enjoying it on the veranda with bancha (coarse green tea) brewed with spring water from the Isuzu River will allow the blissful sweetness to soothe your tired body. Other offerings include Ise Udon and Matsusaka beef skewers – a lineup to attack from all directions with an empty stomach!
The main street gets crowded with people around lunchtime, so if you prefer a quieter stroll, we recommend visiting around 10 AM after your early morning worship, or strategically retreating to a café along the Isuzu River to spend a leisurely time.
Yokoyama Observatory
📍 Address: 875-20 Ugata, Agocho, Shima, Mie 517-0501, Japan
If you venture a little further by car from the Ise Grand Shrine area to the Shima area, ‘Yokoyama Observatory’ is a must-visit. From the mountainside at an elevation of 203m, you’ll overlook a grand panorama of Ago Bay, with its intricate rias coastline and approximately 60 large and small islands. It’s a world-renowned scenic spot, having earned one star in the ‘Michelin Green Guide Japan.’
The observatory features the beautifully constructed wooden deck ‘Yokoyama Tenku Cafe Terrace,’ where you can enjoy the spectacular view from a prime spot 140m above sea level. The adjacent café ‘Mirador Shima’ sells local specialties like Aosa (sea lettuce) donuts and soft serve ice cream, perfect companions to the view. Another great feature is the accessible slopes, making it easy for strollers and wheelchairs.
While ‘blue skies and blue seas on a clear day’ are, of course, ideal, visiting after rain or on a foggy day reveals a fantastical landscape where islands are shrouded in mist, like a sumi-e painting. It’s a place where you can feel the grandeur of nature, inspiring a desire to simply gaze at it in silence, unlike artificial tourist attractions. On holiday afternoons, the parking lot often has a waiting line, so visiting on a weekday morning or slightly adjusting your time is recommended.
Onigajo
📍 Address: 1835-7 Kimotocho, Kumano, Mie 519-4323, Japan
Located in Kumano City, southern Mie Prefecture, ‘Onigajo’ is one of Japan’s leading scenic spots, registered as part of the World Heritage site ‘Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.’ The vast tuff cliff walls, created by erosion from the rough waves of the Kumano Sea and ground uplift caused by major earthquakes, are truly a testament to nature’s artistry.
The main highlight is the approximately 1.2km promenade along the coastline. Walking this path, listening to the waves crash at your feet, exploring the gigantic rock tunnels of ‘Senjojiki’ (Thousand Tatami Mats), and numerous oddly shaped rocks resembling hawk beaks, offers a thrill and excitement that feels incredible for a free tourist attraction. While many tourists turn back midway, if you have an adventurous spirit, be sure to complete the entire course and experience the sheer scale of nature with your whole body.
When walking, be sure to wear comfortable sneakers, as there are some uneven sections. Also, in summer, there’s little shade, and the heat can be intense, so heatstroke prevention measures such as parasols and drinking water are essential. If accessing by car, using ‘Onigajo Center (P1 Parking Lot),’ which has souvenir shops and restaurants, makes meal and rest stops before and after your stroll seamless.
Conclusion: Unforgettable Moments Unique to Mie Prefecture
Mie Prefecture’s tourist attractions are not just for visual enjoyment; they are deeply intertwined with historical backgrounds, the power of nature, and unique local food culture. Reset your mind and body by touching sacred air, be overwhelmed by spectacular views, and satisfy your appetite with delicious gourmet food. Using these five spots as your guide, we encourage you to embark on a journey at your own pace and deeply immerse yourself in the profound charms of Mie Prefecture.
