12 Must-Visit Places in Mie: Nature Trips with Mountains and Sea

Mie Prefecture is located in the Kansai region on Honshu Island. It's a wonderful destination with lush nature along the coastline, offering both mountains and sea. It also has historic sites recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. June is one of the best times for nature trips, as fields of colorful hydrangeas bloom in shades of purple across the prefecture. Beyond its sightseeing spots, Mie also has plenty of delicious food to enjoy.

With its coastal location, Mie offers fresh, reliable seafood, especially the famous Ise-ebi (spiny lobster). Shellfish lovers can enjoy abalone and oysters, both well known here. The highlight, though, is Matsusaka beef from the city of Matsusaka — its marbled tenderness makes it one of Japan's top premium beef brands and one of the finest in the world. Mie's food scene doesn't stop there. Local specialties worth trying include hamaguri clams, which can be grilled, fried, or served shabu-style; tekone-zushi, a fisherman's-style sushi; sanma-zushi, traditionally eaten during special occasions; and mehari-zushi, rice balls wrapped in pickled mustard leaves. Altogether, Mie is a prefecture full of charm that's easy to fall in love with after just one visit.

1. Nabana no Sato

Nabana no Sato is located in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture. This large garden covers an area of 300,000 square meters. It's a must-visit for anyone who loves flowers and nature, with flower displays every season — cherry blossoms in spring and hydrangeas in June. It's not only beautiful during the day; toward the end of the year, the garden hosts one of Japan's most spectacular illumination displays, ranked number one in the country.

2. Meoto Iwa

Meoto Iwa, also known as the Wedded Rocks, stands at Futami Okitama Shrine. It's one of the highlights of the area, and almost every visitor wants to see it. The name alone sounds romantic, but seeing it in person is even more impressive. The rocks represent a married couple — the "husband" rock stands over 9 meters tall and the "wife" rock over 4 meters, joined by a torii gate resting atop the larger rock. The best time to visit is in the evening near sunset, when the view is truly stunning.

3. Ise Grand Shrine

This shrine has stood in Mie for more than 2,000 years, making it the prefecture's foremost landmark. It's a vast shrine steeped in history, with classic architecture that speaks for itself. Visiting Mie without stopping to pay respects here would mean missing one of its most important sites.

4. Okage Yokocho

Okage Yokocho is an old town district lined with buildings in styles from the Edo to Meiji periods. It's a great place for food, shopping, and strolling, with more than 50 shops selling food and souvenirs along the street. If you want to try local specialties without going far, this is the place. It's also easy to reach, right next to Ise Grand Shrine, within walking distance.

5. Toba Aquarium

This is often called Japan's number one aquarium, showcasing a wide range of rare and unusual marine creatures. Visitors can see dugongs up close, along with adorable shows featuring clever sea lions and playful walruses. Anyone who loves animals and marine life will fall completely for this place.

6. Kumano Kodo

This trail is perfect for adventurers who want to experience nature's beauty at a slower pace. The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route connects several famous shrines, including Ise Grand Shrine, Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. It's no ordinary trail — it has even been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7. Kashiko Island

Kashiko Island is located in Shima City, Mie Prefecture. This small island sits in the stunning Ago Bay. The viewpoint overlooking Ago Bay offers breathtaking scenery, combining wide bay views with lush nature in a peaceful setting. It's a wonderful place to relax and unwind.

8. Onigajo

Onigajo is located in Kumano, Mie Prefecture. This natural attraction was formed by centuries of erosion — from earthquakes to the constant pounding of sea waves — creating the striking rock formations seen today. Its beauty is recognized worldwide, and it has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's also one of the most beautiful ocean viewpoints in Mie, offering fresh sea air and a scenic, adventurous walking trail — an easy way to get close to nature.

9. Ninja Kingdom Ise

Note: Ninja Kingdom Ise has been temporarily closed for renewal since July 23, 2026. Please check the latest information before you visit.

Ninja Kingdom Ise is located in Ise Shima, Mie Prefecture. It stands out as an Azuchi-Momoyama-period themed amusement park featuring ninja and samurai performances that are especially popular with kids. It recreates the era when samurai ruled Japan, offering not just entertainment but also glimpses of history through its decor and shows.

10. Mikimoto Pearl Island

Mikimoto Pearl Island sits in Toba Bay and is famous as a center of high-quality pearl production — in fact, this is where the world's first cultured pearl was produced. It's a rare chance to see a pearl farm at this level up close. Visitors can admire beautifully designed pearl jewelry and artwork made from pearls. For those who want to learn more, the pearl museum shows the whole process behind pearl cultivation. If there's time left, it's a short walk to enjoy scenic views of Toba Bay.

11. Shima Spain Village

Shima Spain Village, also known as Shima Spain Mura or Parque España, is located in Ise Shima, Mie Prefecture. It's an unusual theme park styled after Spain, with decor so immersive it feels like stepping into Spain rather than Japan. The design has several elements reminiscent of Disneyland. Beyond its themed decor, the park offers plenty of rides, including various roller coasters, an adventure boat ride, a haunted house, and more. There's also a flamenco dance show that adds to the fun.

12. Oharaimachi Street

Oharaimachi Street is an important street in Ise Shima, Mie Prefecture. It's an old route leading to Ise Grand Shrine, stretching about 1 kilometer and lined with traditional Japanese-style buildings, including shops, restaurants, and homes. It's full of well-known local eateries, each worth trying.