Blessed with a lush natural landscape, Mie Prefecture has something to offer visitors every season. Visit Kumano Kodo where you can enjoy magnificent views of the sea, mountains, and rivers, Ago Bay with its pearl cultivation rafts floating along the picturesque ria coast, or Gozaisho Ropeway where you can see beautiful red and golden leaves in the autumn and snowy landscapes in the winter.

Ninjas lived in Japan hundreds of years ago, and Iga City is thought to be the birthplace of the ninja. The city is home to Iga Ueno Castle, which boasts one of the highest stone walls in Japan, and the Ninja Museum of Igaryu, where you can learn about the history of ninjas. Or visit the industrial city of Yokkaichi and see the spectacular night view of its illuminated factories. In Mie Prefecture, you can experience both ancient and modern culture.

The Japanese spiny lobster, known as Ise ebi (“Ise shrimp”) in Japan, is one of the country’s most prized seafood delicacies. As the name “Ise” implies, Mie Prefecture is one of the few places in Japan where they are caught. Ise ebi is served as sashimi and can be used in a wide variety of both Western and Japan dishes. Matsusaka beef is counted among the top three wagyu beef in Japan. It has a sweet but rich flavor, and is great in sukiyaki. Mie has many more local dishes to enjoy, such as tekone sushi and Ise udon.