The Best Scenic Drive: Ise Shima Pearl Road

Are you looking to experience the scenic Japanese countryside? Break away from the crowds and experience Japan like never before by taking a drive on Pearl Road. Pearl Road is a 23.8 km route connecting the cities of Toba and Shima. It is a pleasu...

1-Day Itinerary: Experience Ninja History and Culture in Iga

Iga is a former castle town known for its rich history, including its association with the famous Iga-ryu ninja clans. Since ancient times, it has been called Iga no Kuni, which means “The Land of Iga”. The city is home to numerous attractions rel...

Kashikojima España Cruise: An Impressive Journey [Ago Bay, Ise Shima Area]

In the Ise Shima area, the iconic and beautiful coastline of Ago Bay is a must-see as it consists of 60 small islands and a rias coastline. Together with the azure sky and lush greenery, the natural and exceptional scenery has made it popular thro...

Discover the Secret Power Spots Around Ise Jingu with a Rickshaw Ride

One of the best ways to get off the beaten track and learn more about the places that you visit in Japan is to take a rickshaw ride. I was lucky during my recent visit to Ise Jingu to experience this first-hand with a ride around the sacred shrine...

1-Day Itinerary: Experience the Coastal Culture

Are you looking for a trip to enjoy the natural scenery, ocean views, and fresh seafood and interact with residents while learning about sustainable culture? If you are, Ise Shima is perfect for you! The Ise Shima area is conveniently located and ...

Travel Back in Time to Seki-juku on the Tokaido Highway

Seki-juku is a post town, about a 1.5-hour train ride from Nagoya, or about a 2-hour train ride from Osaka. It offers you a chance to slip back in time to the Edo period of Japan and a doorway to hike on the Old Tokaido Road, the main walking trai...

Exploring Ise Jingu: Japan’s Most Sacred Shinto Shrine

Ise in the heart of Japan is home to Ise Jingu, a Shinto shrine so revered, it is known as the spiritual home of the Japanese people. It is a place where both myth and history live side by side. Ise Jingu is where Japan's highest-ranked deity, the...

Ahhh Summer in Japan!　at Jyonohama Swimming Beach & Pool

I’ve been having this love and hate relationship with summer in Japan for the past 23 years. As the whole world knows, Japan is an island with the Sea of Japan to one side, and the North Pacific Ocean to the other, however, just like I had no clu...

Discover Japanese Food and Learn All About Japanese Food Culture at WA-VISON

VISON in Taki Town, just outside of Matsusaka City, is a 54-hectare commercial resort that offers a unique experience by showcasing the best of Mie Prefecture and Japan in one location. This hidden gem is set amidst the picturesque mountains of ce...

[2023] The Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix will once again be held at Suzuka Circuit! We will provide information on tickets and events.

The 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship series will once again hold the Japanese Grand Prix race at Suzuka Circuit! We will provide information on the schedule, ticket details, spotlighted drivers, and exciting events on the race day. Additional...

1-Day Itinerary: Experience Samurai Culture and Japanese Food [Mie Pref. Central Area]

Matsusaka, a historic city in central Mie Prefecture, is an enchanting destination that makes an unforgettable day trip. Located within a few hours’ reach of Nagoya and Kyoto, it entices travelers with its delectable offerings of Japanese cuisine....

Visit Mie: what to do and see in the hidden gems

Mie is a prefecture lesser known to foreign tourists, yet it is a region that has much to offer for the nature lovers and slow-paced tourists Long been a perfect getaway spot located between Osaka and Tokyo, Mie is a region that has retained a st...

The ama: a community of female divers in Mie. Sustainable significance of ama fishing.

For more than 2,000 years, they have been free diving for shellfish, sea cucumbers, seaweed and crustaceans. They are known as the ama, a community of women with an infectious laugh. Ama simply means woman of the sea and refers to these Japanese w...

Mie traditions: Young artisans keep the flame burning

A group of young artisans are at work in Mie. They are studying traditional techniques to share the beauty of Mie's many traditional arts with the world, and ensure that the creative spark of culture is never extinguished. The group’s name is “Tok...

Evolving to stay the same Shikinen Sengu, Ise Jingu’s Largest Ritual

For many people, when it comes to Mie Prefecture, Ise Jingu　would come to mind. As such, a wide variety of more than 1,500 rituals and ceremonies are held on this sacred ground every year. Yet among these, the biggest one of all is “Shikinen Seng...

Walk the Mochi Kaido road like a traveler of old for a taste of Mie’s confectionery culture Part 2

The rice cakes known as “mochi” are one of the most prized delicacies in the food culture of Mie Prefecture, where various kinds of traditional mochi sweets are found. The roots of the rice cake’s popularity in Mie likely originated from being ser...

Walk the Mochi Kaido road like a traveler of old for a taste of Mie’s confectionery culture Part 1

Ise Jingu is the shining star of any trip to Mie Prefecture. The pilgrimage to this sacred shrine, known as “Oise mairi,” became popular among common people in the Edo period (17C-19C), and the region welcomed countless travelers from all over the...

Experience a deeper Japan through rural tourism

Located in the western mountainous area of Tsu City, the capital of Mie Prefecture, Misugi-cho is a small town bordering Nara Prefecture. A part of the area is designated as a Quasi-National Park, and abundant nature remains. This time, I went the...

Immerse into the wonderful Ama Culture in Toba

Recently I've finally been able to visit one of the locations on my bucket list, so as to be able to experience the “ama” culture. Immersing into the ama culture, the wonderful world of Japan’s Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties, it was...

One-day cycling through the Japanese countryside at Inabe City

Located in northern part of Mie Prefecture, Inabe City is beside the majestic Suzuka Mountains and offers traditional landscapes of "inaka", the Japanese countryside. The area is scattered with stylish cafes that make the most of local p...