Mie
Prefecture Mie
Mie 三重県

Ise Grand Shrine and Kumano pilgrimage culture anchor Mie. See sacred sites, treasures, and quiet coastal towns with travel notes.

6 National Treasures
6 Important Cultural Properties
0 World Heritage
6 Other Heritage
— Designation —

Important Cultural Properties

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About Mie

三重県
Mie Prefecture, located in eastern Kii Peninsula, is known as Shinto sacred ground housing Ise Grand Shrine. Part of World Heritage "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" and beautiful Shima Peninsula coastlines attract numerous pilgrims and tourists.

Ise Grand Shrine, Shinto's supreme sacred site enshrining Amaterasu Omikami, comprises 125 shrines centered on Naiku (Inner Shrine/Kotaijingu) and Geku (Outer Shrine/Toyouke Daijingu). Shikinen Sengu ceremonies rebuilding structures every 20 years preserve ancient architectural styles for over 1,300 years. Japan's largest shrine with approximately 9 million annual worshippers, particularly crowded during New Year shrine visits.

Okage Yokocho, tourist facility developed as Ise Grand Shrine Naiku's monzen-machi (temple town), offers streetscapes recreating Edo through Meiji period Ise-ji architecture. Ise specialties including Ise udon, akafuku mochi, and tekone sushi can be enjoyed, attracting approximately 4 million annual visitors.

Within "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" (registered 2004), Kumano Kodo Ise-ji is included in World Heritage. Long utilized as pilgrimage route from Ise Grand Shrine to Kumano Sanzan, remains including stone pavements and milestone markers are well preserved. Particularly, stone paved roads at Magose Pass and Matsumoto Pass attract numerous hikers walking historical paths.

Shima Peninsula, known for beautiful rias coastlines, hosted 2016 Ise-Shima Summit (G7 leaders meeting). Ago Bay's complex inlets suit pearl cultivation, with Mikimoto Pearl Island demonstrating pearl cultivation history and ama diver pearl harvesting. Kashikojima's Ago Bay views are renowned as spectacular scenery.

Iga City, famous as ninja village, represents Iga-ryu ninjutsu birthplace. Iga-ryu Ninja Museum demonstrates ninja house mechanisms and ninjutsu performances, offering ninja experiences. Also Matsuo Basho's birthplace, Basho Memorial Museum teaches the haiku saint's life and works.

Kumano City's Maruyama Senmaida, beautiful terraced rice fields selected among Japan's 100 Best Rice Terraces, features 1,340 fields spreading across mountain slopes. Beautiful scenery from spring planting through autumn harvest can be enjoyed year-round, with illumination events held.

Mie Prefecture's food culture prominently features nationally famous Matsusaka beef. Selecting only Japanese Black female cattle raised through special methods, Matsusaka beef is called "meat artwork" for beautiful marbling and superior flavor. Numerous Matsusaka beef specialty shops in Matsusaka City offer various cooking methods including sukiyaki, steaks, and shabu-shabu.

Ise lobster represents Mie Prefecture's signature seafood, caught off Shima Peninsula. Particularly, Toba-Shima regions feature numerous Ise lobster specialty restaurants offering fresh Ise lobster through various cooking methods including sashimi, grilling, and simmering.

Akafuku mochi, Ise Grand Shrine specialty confection with over 300 years history, represents wagashi wrapping soft mochi in smooth red bean paste. Simple construction with elegant sweetness and texture continues beloved by numerous pilgrims. Main store offers freshly made akafuku mochi with warm tea.