Mie

Mie Prefecture is a land blessed with such abundant nature and distinctive culture that it has long been called the "land of eternity (Tokoyo no Kuni)." Its greatest highlight is "Ise Jingu," which has a history of two thousand years and is regarded as the spiritual home of the Japanese people. The culture of "Okage-mairi" pilgrimages to Ise, which has continued since the Edo period, remains alive today, and on the approach, "Okage Yokocho," you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of a temple-gate town. In the south, the "Kumano Kodo," a World Heritage pilgrimage route with rugged yet beautiful stone-paved paths, is popular for trekking amid mystical nature. In the Shima area, you can take in spectacular viewpoints overlooking the beautiful ria coastline and encounter the culture of working ama divers. Known also as a treasure trove of food, Mie offers endless gourmet experiences, including the nationally famous brand beef "Matsusaka beef," luxurious "Ise lobster," and richly flavored "oysters." There are also diverse attractions that delight adults and children alike, such as ninja training experiences in "Iga," known as the land of the ninja, "Suzuka Circuit," the holy ground of motorsports, and "Nabana no Sato," where flowers bloom in every season.