Iga Ueno Castle: You Can Enjoy Castle and Ninja Experience in Japan

Iga Ueno Castle in Mie Prefecture, also known as White Phoenix Castle, stands atop massive fortifications overlooking the city. At the Danjiri Museum just outside Ueno Park, you can get a ninja outfit for your journey. In the castle, you’ll find a...

Not Just an Ordinary Tree.-Mihama, home of the 1500 year old giant Camphor tree of Hikitsukuri shrine and southern Mie prefecture's longest stretch of beach.

In Mihama I visited a 1500 year old tree that not only the biggest tree that I’ve ever seen, it also has the responsibility of looking after the people in the valley that it sits above.

Lonely Princesses of the Lost Palace: Saiku

Up until my visit, I had actually never heard of Meiwa Town. Sandwiched right in between two well-known cities of great economical and historical importance – Matsusaka and Ise – this little town has somehow completely escaped mainstream tourists’...

A Social Media Sensation: Find a Paradise of 77,000 Hydrangeas at Kazahaya no Sato

One of Mie Prefecture’s most famous flower gardens has set social media alight with its beauty recently. Located in Tsu City, Kazahaya no Sato is a spectacular garden that also supports a good cause. Read on to find out more about this unique space.

Cycling & Pottery in Iga: New Ways of Experiencing the Ninja Capital of Japan

Iga, in Mie Prefecture is the undisputed home of the Ninja. The Castle above town and many of the landmarks pay respect to the Ninja and their history, culture and heritage. In my time in Iga I had many chances to learn more about this interesting...

Touring the Islands of Toba

Toba was everything I imagined it to be: cultural, delicious, and fun. It’s the resort town of Mie with hotels lined up along the coastline, lots of seafood cuisines, and tons of fun things to do. During my time in Toba, I had the opportun...

Meet the master swordsmith who keeps alive the tradition of Japanese swords in Kumano

We visited Kenichiro Sumiya, a young swordsmith who has a workshop in the deep forest mountains of Kumano City, and were shown around his workshop while listening to his stories about sword making and the history of Japanese swords. Written by ...

Discover the Beauty of Ise’s Legendary Futami

Along the southern coast of Ise Bay lies Futami, a spiritual corner of Ise City that is enveloped in Shinto myths and legends. For centuries, pilgrims have stopped at Futami Okitama Shrine here to purify themselves before visiting the venerated sh...

Bicycle Journey through Shima City

Although it is officially labeled a “city,” Shima City is a treasure house of unspoiled nature. Think about this: it is actually located within the Ise-Shima National Park in Mie Prefecture! It is a surprise how such a destination so far-remove...

The pride of Mie’s autumn! Autumn leaves at Mt. Gozaisho-dake

Mt. Gozaisho-dake in the northern part of Mie Prefecture straddles the area between Komono Town and Shiga Prefecture. It is a part of the Suzuka mountain range and has an elevation of 1,212 meters. I am lucky to live at the base of Mt. Gozaisho-da...

Six Dazzling Fireworks Across Mie to Enjoy Online (Plus a Special Photo Contest!)

Every summer, Mie Prefecture’s night skies are set ablaze with sparkling lights in the sky. Fireworks displays are an integral part of summer and create an exciting buzz that lasts for days. Because we can’t attend fireworks festivals in person th...

Enjoy fields of beautiful flowers and eco-friendly illuminations at Nabana no Sato

Nabana no Sato is a popular entartainment park within Nagashima Resort, that also contains Nagashima Spa Land, Nagashima Onsen, Nagashima Farm, and other areas. The park is famous for its large-scale illumination displays using millions of LED li...

Look out over this beautiful, multicolored national park where people and nature coexist

Ise-Shima, located within Ise-Shima National Park, is a national park of the sea. From the Yokoyama Observatory you can gain a sweeping view of one of Japan's most iconic sights: the 60 small islands rising out of Ago Bay, and some of Japan's fine...

The Lustrous Center of the Pearl Universe: Mikimoto Pearl Island

In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto harvested the world’s first cultured pearls. But that’s the end of the story. He trudged on through a harsh life to get there. Now, Mikimoto Island stands as a testament to his perseverance and to the kingdom he created.

Chichukai Mura - Your Spanish Vacaciones in Japan

Come visit Shima Mediterranean Village in southeastern Mie Prefecture for an elegant Spanish-style getaway that is both relaxing and thrilling at the same time. As a day guest, you can enjoy activities such as tile art, fishing, and cruising, rel...

Cycling-Travelling around Ise-Shima on two wheels!

Bicycle Journey Ise-Shima, the place to go to get your hands on high performance bicycles that provide travelers with an accessible and pleasant way to explore the Ise-Shima area. I loved every moment peddling away on my adventure around the area....

Mehari-zushi, a favorite dish of the people in the Kumano region of southern Mie. Flavored sushi rice wrapped in Takana mustard leaf deliciousness!

When in the Kumano region of Mie prefecture it is only appropriate that you eat like the locals do. Come with me as I travel to the very southern tip of Mie and eat a local favorite. Mehari-zushi is flavored sushi rice wrapped in pickled Takana mu...

Pearl Miki: Jewel of Shima City

After the fifth visit or so to the same city for sightseeing, you may start to think that you have seen enough, but Mie Prefecture is the kind of place that will never allow you to go home empty handed. One gem after another is unearthed, but it...

Family Fun Day Experiencing the New Way of Cycling in Komono Town

My name is Isis Akemi Muto, from Sao Paulo, Brazil. I’ve been living in Mie Prefecture, Japan, for the past 22 years. Although I have been living in Mie for a long time, I’m ashamed to say that I don’t know much about the prefecture I live in.So...

Strolling in Living History in Matsusaka, Mie

Matsusaka has a long history of being a merchant and castle town. One amazing way to become a part of living history in this lovely city is to wear a traditional kimono and explore at your own pace, seeing beautiful architecture, views from the ca...