First-time visitors to Japan undoubtedly have to go to Tokyo and Kyoto, but if you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter with fewer tourists, there are so many great options on the island nation. For starters, there’s scenic Hokkaido, the country’s northernmost main island, but if you find yourself short on time or prefer to stay on Honshu (Japan’s main isle), Mie Prefecture is the perfect stop off the beaten path.
Part of the Kansai region, the area has some of the most historical and sacred sites in Japan, providing an opportunity to really immerse in the culture and learn about what the locals value. For those who are seeking out delectable fare, Mie boasts exceptional seafood thanks to its ocean-side location and is also home to one of the three best types of Japanese beef. And then there’s its natural beauty, with dense ancient forests that meet cascading waterfalls. Below, we take a closer look at nine reasons why Mie Prefecture should be at the top of your list when visiting Japan.
1. Ama
While ama, or female divers, can be found in various parts of Japan, they are largely living and working in Mie Prefecture. While sometimes referred to as pearl divers, it’s important to note that the moniker is a misconception that came as a result of Kokichi Mikimoto’s cultured pearl operation in the area (many women were hired at the beginning of the entrepreneur’s venture for their aquatic skills). Instead, these divers primarily plunge underwater for aquatic jewels such as sea urchin, turban snails, and, the ultimate prize, abalone. Part of a centuries-old tradition, the women harvest what they can from the sea—while still being conscious of not taking too much—as an occupation. To meet some of these free divers, venture over to a small local market in Toba, where you’ll see them selling their catch or, better yet, dine at an ama hut for lunch. You’ll get the chance to sample incredibly fresh seafood (Ise lobster is certainly a must) and chat with the ama preparing your meal.
2. Amanemu
A paradisiacal retreat nestled within Ise-Shima National Park overlooking Ago Bay, Amanemu is the place to stay if you’re looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its spacious 28 accommodations, four of which are expansive two-bedroom villas, are minimalist in design, with interiors dominated by neutral hues and wood. And while every suite has a deep stone bathtub with hot spring water on tap, what is most breathtaking are the rooms’ oversize picture windows: Slide them back to connect the bedroom and deck—outfitted with generously sized loungers—to create a covetable indoor-outdoor space.
At the main building you’ll find a 24-hour library stocked with a variety of books and games; a 108-foot heated outdoor infinity pool; a bar and lounge that provides complimentary afternoon tea and homemade sweets every day from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.; two sunken terraces with fire pits that serve as the perfect alfresco spot for a tipple on a nice day; and the resort’s restaurant, which primarily serves Japanese cuisine with a focus on ingredients from Mie Prefecture. But what absolutely can’t be missed is the serene spa. At nearly 22,000 square feet, the oasis is built around two large outdoor onsen (hot spring) baths. A number of daybeds dot the pavilion and a set of sunken sofas encircles a gas fireplace. Treatments make use of local products such as crushed pearl or sea salt from Ago Bay, but if you’re looking for something other than a massage or facial, the facility also has a watsu pool for aquatic therapies. Once you’re finally ready to tear yourself away from Amanemu, make sure to ask about its incredible experiences, such as insider access to Maruten, a company that makes quality bonito flakes used by acclaimed chefs from around the world, and Sakatoku Kombu, a 180-year-old family-owned shop that specializes in kelp.
3. Nabana no Sato
While the colorful flowers that blanket this park during warmer months are visually stimulating, the crown jewel of Nabana no Sato is its winter illumination. Starting in mid-October and running until the beginning of May, the site comes alive at night with millions of lights and is easily one of the most spectacular installations in the world. Arrive a little before the sun sets to stroll around the grounds and watch in awe as the LED bulbs turn on and reveal a dazzling show. Held annually with a different theme every year, it’s worth revisiting time and time again.
4. Ise Jingu
This shrine complex is regarded as the holiest in Japan, consisting of 125 shinto shrines and split into two main sections: Naiku (inner shrine) and Geku (outer shrine). It’s believed that Amaterasu-omikami, the sun goddess and the most important deity in the Shinto religion, is housed at Naiku, while Toyouke-no-omikami, goddess of agriculture and industry, dwells at Geku. While the architecture may be simple and not as ornamental as some of the other shrines in the country, the reverence the Japanese have for the site makes it a must-visit destination.
5. Oharai-machi
After stopping by Ise Jingu’s inner shrine, make sure to head over to Oharai-machi, a well-preserved town with buildings that date back to the Edo period. A number of restaurants and souvenir shops line the streets if you’re feeling peckish or want to pick up some gifts, but don’t leave without trying the local confection, akafuku mochi, a chewy rice cake covered in sweet red bean paste.
6. Matsusaka Beef
While in the States we rave about Kobe beef, Matsusaka (another type of Wagyu) fetches a higher premium in Japan for its exceptional marbling. The cattle are raised in the eponymous city and must meet very strict standards, including the requirement of being a female virgin cow. While the meat can be found at some restaurants outside of the Mie Prefecture, it’s certainly most ubiquitous here.
7. Kumano Kodo
In 2004, the collective pilgrimage routes of Kumano Kodo were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Connecting various sacred grounds in the Kii Peninsula spanning several prefectures, these ancient trails have been used for more than 1,000 years. If you start in Ise, the path leads you to either Hongu Taisha or Hayatama Taisha, two of the three shrines that make up Kumano Sanzan, before proceeding to the third, Nachi Taisha. It will be arduous and several days long (or you can cheat a little and drive part of the way), but avid hikers will enjoy the mountain passes, bamboo forests, and rice terraces along the way.
8. Akame 48 Waterfalls
For those who like to go chasing waterfalls, Akame 48 is one to add to the list. Trek through the trails as you gawk at the rushing water and keep your eyes open for giant salamanders, an endemic species and the second largest amphibian of its kind. This area was also once used by ninjas for training—something to keep in mind in case you feel like somebody is watching you.
9. Mikimoto Pearl Island
In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearls in Ise Bay. For those interested in learning about the history and process, Mikimoto Pearl Island, just off the coast of Toba, houses a museum for such purposes and also has a collection of antique jewelry highlighting the gem.