Kinki / 近畿

Mie

三重県

Every 20 years, Ise Grand Shrine is ritually rebuilt — a 1,300-year-old cycle of renewal that draws eight million pilgrims a year to Japan’s most sacred site.

🌸 Best Season: March–May, Oct–Nov
✈️ Access: Limited express Kintetsu from Nagoya (1.5 hr) or Osaka-Uehonmachi (1.5 hr)
🗣️ Language: Japanese / 日本語
💴 Currency: ¥ JPY

Mie Prefecture occupies the eastern Kii Peninsula, blessed with ancient pilgrimage routes, pristine Ago Bay pearl farms, and rugged Kumano Kodo forest trails (UNESCO). The Ise Grand Shrine (Jingu) is Japan’s most sacred Shinto site, rebuilt every 20 years in a 1,300-year tradition. Mie also claims Matsusaka beef, often considered Japan’s finest wagyu, and a coast of hidden sea caves and fishing villages.

伊勢神宮・熊野古道(世界遺産)・松阪牛・英虞湾の真珠と、日本の精神文化と食の宝庫が詰まった三重県。年間800万人以上が伊勢参りに訪れます。

Recommended Omiyage

おすすめおみやげ 5選

Akafuku Mochi

Akafuku Mochi

赤福餅

Soft mochi wrapped in sweet red-bean paste — Ise’s most iconic sweet since 1707

Traditional ¥650–900 Ise Classic
Ise Ebi Senbei
Seafood

Ise Ebi Senbei

伊勢えびせんべい

Crispy crackers infused with Ise lobster — a luxurious souvenir from the Ise coast

Cracker ¥800–1,200 Lobster
Mie Pearl Candy
Confection

Mie Pearl Candy

三重パールキャンディ

Delicate milk candy shaped like Akoya pearls from Ago Bay — uniquely Mie

Candy ¥600–900 Pearl
Matsusaka Beef Manju

Matsusaka Beef Manju

松阪牛まんじゅう

Steamed bun filled with wagyu-flavored sweet bean paste — a fun Matsusaka keepsake

Manju ¥900–1,300 Wagyu
Tare-yaki Wagyu Jerky

Tare-yaki Wagyu Jerky

タレ焼き牛肉ジャーキー

Matsusaka wagyu jerky marinated in sweet-soy tare — umami-packed and long-lasting

Jerky ¥1,500–3,000 Premium

Must-Visit Spots

おすすめスポット 5選

Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku)

Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku)

伊勢神宮(内宮)

Japan’s most sacred Shinto site — home of the sun goddess Amaterasu, rebuilt every 20 years

Sacred 5:00–18:00 Free
Okage Yokocho

Okage Yokocho

おかげ横丁

Atmospheric Edo-era townscape beside Ise Shrine filled with traditional food stalls

Shopping Free Always
Meoto Iwa

Meoto Iwa

夫婦岩

Two sacred rocks joined by a sacred rope in the sea — a symbol of love and harmony

Sacred Always Free
Ago Bay

Ago Bay

英虞湾

Japan’s premier Akoya pearl-farming bay, with stunning island-dotted views

Scenic Always Free (cruise avail.)
Kumano Kodo Iseji

Kumano Kodo Iseji

熊野古道伊勢路

Ancient pilgrimage trail linking Ise to Kumano through cedar forests (UNESCO Heritage)

Hiking Always Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct order to visit Ise Grand Shrine?

Traditionally, visit Geku (Outer Shrine) first, then Naiku (Inner Shrine). Walk through Uji Bridge to enter Naiku — remove hats and be respectful.

伝統的には外宮→内宮の順で参拝。宇治橋を渡る際は帽子を取り、静かに参拝しましょう。

Where do I eat Matsusaka beef in Mie?

Matsusaka city has many certified yakiniku and sukiyaki restaurants. Wagyukan near the Matsusaka beef farm is highly regarded. Lunch sets from ¥3,000 are available.

松阪市内に認定焼肉・すき焼き店が多数。和牛館が評判。ランチセットは3,000円〜。

Are Ise Jingu photography restrictions?

You can photograph the shrine approach and gardens freely. Photography of the inner sanctuaries (Shoden) is prohibited. Look for posted signs.

参道や庭は撮影可。正宮(正殿)前は撮影禁止。標識に従ってください。

Travel Tip

Pick up ‘Akafuku Mochi’ fresh from the Okage Yokocho branch — it’s made daily and should be eaten the same day. The shop opens at 5 am on busy festival days. Combine with the Meoto Iwa sunrise for a magical start.

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