Mie Prefecture occupies the eastern tip of the Kii Peninsula along Japan's Pacific coast, sheltering Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine complex, a UNESCO-listed pilgrimage network, pristine pearl-farming bays, and a coastline famous for Ise lobster and Matsusaka wagyu beef.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Mie Prefecture.
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1
Ise Grand Shrine – Naiku (Inner Shrine)
Naiku is the inner and holiest precinct of Ise Grand Shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and home to one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan. The complex is rebuilt on an adjacent site every 20 years in the Shikinen Sengu ritual, so what stands today is unpainted, unlacquered cypress wood rather than an ancient structure. The walk in crosses the Uji Bridge over the Isuzu River, then follows a gravel path through old-growth cedar forest to the shrine buildings, which visitors can only view from behind a fence at the outer gate.
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2
Ise Grand Shrine – Geku (Outer Shrine)
Geku, the outer shrine, is dedicated to Toyouke, the deity of food, agriculture, and industry, and by tradition is visited before Naiku. It sits within walking distance of Ise city center rather than in forest as remote as Naiku's, making it an easier stop to combine with a visit to Okage Yokocho. Like Naiku, its main buildings are rebuilt every 20 years and can only be viewed from outside the surrounding fence.
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3
Okage Yokocho
Okage Yokocho is a reconstructed Edo- and Meiji-period shopping street built directly beside Naiku, developed by Akafuku (the local mochi maker) to give shrine pilgrims a place to eat and shop. The narrow lanes are lined with wooden storefronts selling Ise specialties like Akafuku mochi, Ise udon, and local sake, alongside craft shops. It functions as the commercial extension of the shrine pilgrimage rather than a standalone historic district.
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4
Mikimoto Pearl Island
Mikimoto Pearl Island sits on a small islet in Toba Bay connected by bridge to the mainland, marking the site where Kokichi Mikimoto perfected the world's first cultured pearl in the late 19th century. The museum explains the cultivation process and displays Mikimoto pearl jewelry, while outside, female pearl divers (ama) perform diving demonstrations in traditional white diving suits. It's as much a company museum for the Mikimoto brand as a general attraction.
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5
Toba Aquarium
Toba Aquarium is one of Japan's larger aquariums, known for housing one of the only dugongs on public display anywhere in the world alongside sea otters, manatees, and a wide range of regional marine life from Ise-Shima's waters. The building is arranged into themed zones rather than a single tank circuit, so it takes real time to walk through. It sits a short walk from the Toba Aquarium/Mikimoto Pearl Island area, making it easy to pair with a Pearl Island visit.
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6
Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks)
Meoto Iwa are two rock outcrops just offshore at Futami, joined by a thick shimenawa (sacred rope) and framed as a married couple in Shinto tradition, tied to the adjacent Okitama Shrine. The larger rock traditionally represents the husband and the smaller the wife, and the rope between them is replaced in a rope-changing ceremony a few times a year. On clear days at the right time of year, the sun rises between the two rocks, which is when the site draws the largest crowds.
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7
Ago Bay Sightseeing Cruise
Ago Bay is a deeply indented, island-studded bay in the Shima Peninsula famous as the birthplace of Japan's cultured pearl industry, and sightseeing boats from Kashikojima loop past the pearl raft farms that still operate on the water. The cruise gives a view of the bay's ria coastline — drowned river valleys creating the jagged shoreline — that's hard to appreciate from land. Boats typically run a fixed loop of around 50 minutes past the aquaculture rafts and small islands.
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8
Kumano Kodo – Iseji Route
The Iseji Route is the coastal branch of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network, historically used by pilgrims traveling from Ise Grand Shrine down to the Kumano Sanzan shrines in Wakayama, and it's recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for the Kumano pilgrimage routes. Unlike the more famous inland Nakahechi route, Iseji hugs the Mie coastline and passes through sections of stone-paved trail (ishidatami) laid centuries ago through forest and old fishing villages. Sections near Owase are among the better-preserved stretches, with steep stone steps through cedar and cypress forest.
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9
Iga Ueno Castle (Hakuho-jo)
This reconstructed keep sits atop stone ramparts built by daimyo Todo Takatora in the early 1600s, among the tallest castle walls in Japan at roughly 30 meters. The current wooden tenshu dates only to 1935, a private rebuilding project, but it houses displays on the castle's history and gives views over the Iga basin. The grounds double as Ueno Park, connecting directly to the ninja museum complex.
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10
Iga Ninja Museum (Iga-ryu Ninjutsu Hakubutsukan)
Iga was one of the two historic centers of ninjutsu training in Japan, and this museum is built around a preserved ninja residence with revolving walls, hidden floor panels, and disguised weapon storage. Guides demonstrate the house's trick mechanisms as part of the tour, and a separate hall displays authentic tools, throwing blades, and scrolls used by Iga-school practitioners. A live ninja skills demonstration runs as an add-on show.
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Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
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- The Ise Jingu complex has two main shrines 6 km apart; visit Geku first, then Naiku, following traditional pilgrimage order., The Kintetsu Ise-Shima Liner pass (¥3,560, ~$24) covers unlimited Kintetsu travel in the area for two days., Most Ise area attractions operate 09:00–17:00; arrive early to avoid tour-group crowds., Photography of the inner sanctuaries at Ise Jingu is strictly prohibited.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Book Matsusaka beef lunches at Wadakin on arrival day as slots fill 2–3 days ahead.
The Ise Jingu requires respectful dress; photography is restricted inside shrine compounds.
Frequently asked questions
How much time is needed at Ise Grand Shrine?
Plan at least half a day to visit both Naiku and Geku properly, including the Okage Yokocho shopping street. A full day allows a leisurely experience.
Is the Kumano Kodo difficult to walk?
Individual sections vary from easy (Hamaoji route, 5 km) to challenging (Magose-toge pass). The Iseji route includes steep mountain passes; sturdy shoes and water are essential.