Mie prefecture review - Off the beaten track
Nestled in the Kansai region near Osaka, Gifu, Nara and Wakayama is Mie, a prefecture with over 1,000 kms of coastline that faces the Pacific Ocean. Mie is home to one of Japan’s holiest sites the Ise grand shrine, which is situated inside a national park, the area also contains a pair of wedded rocks making it very popular with couples. The area is also popular for places like Toba aquarium, the pearl museum, island cruises, Nagashima spa land and numerous important shrines. Mie offers a lot to those who love the outdoors and nature, there are many national parks and protected areas. It is third on a list of prefectures with the most national parks.
Being nestled within the Kansai region means the prefecture is easily accessible via rail links from Osaka, Osaka airport and the surrounding prefectures. I recently wrote about my train journey to this prefecture and how it left an imprint on me. The trains to Mie are a must do, not only do they offer convenience, but they also offer a beautiful view in comfort at affordable prices. The area has local trains, buses and limited express trains making it well connected to both Kansai and Aichi.
Geography wise the prefecture has the Suzuka and Nunobiki mountains framing it making for plenty of hiking opportunities and mountain activities. Over 60 percent of this prefecture is made up of forests and just 6 percent is dedicated to residential areas. Mie is full of green spaces and doesn’t feel as busy as the rest of the Kansai region. It also has a different vibe from its nearby friend Wakayama which also holds spiritual and religious importance. Mie offered me beautiful oceans and islands when I visited Toba, and I became aware of how much this prefecture loves its support Pokémon. In Japan some prefectures have support Pokémon this is usually a Pokémon representative of the prefecture which can be used to promote the area. This is great for fans as this means limited merchandise.
In Mie the Pokémon chosen is Oshawott, the cute blue sea otter who uses the seashell on his design as a weapon. This Pokémon was chosen for the connection to the sea, and the fact Toba aquarium has sea otters and proudly promotes them. Toba is also where fans of Pokémon Go can go to grab one of a few Pokémon lids for the stamp challenge all featuring this cute blue sea otter. Merchandise for this cutie is everywhere and the coverage was vast. This is a prefecture who loves their Pokémon.
The capital of this prefecture is Tsu, whilst it is a major city the city itself doesn’t feel too busy and is a far cry from the nearby metropolis of Osaka which sprawls out endlessly with huge skyscrapers. Mie is quieter and often overlooked by travellers. The prefecture has a lot to offer foodies too with its premium Matsusaka beef often served in restaurants as the most expensive cut of wagyu you can find if they do not offer Kobe beef. Matsusaka beef is second only to Kobe in Japan so travellers to Mie will be rewarded. There are many sites online which will help you locate a good place to try it. Just like Kobe beef official sellers will have certificates. This beef can run very expensive as its premium so expect your bill to climb. The beef itself is very tender, and I was recently able to again enjoy it in Tokyo where the experience was amazing. I fully recommend foodies to try this beef when in Japan and even better in the prefecture itself. The prefecture has a lot of plains making it perfect for raising cattle, the methods used to create A5 wagyu is strict and there are some tours available for those who are curious.
The area also offers lots of seafood for those who enjoy treasures from the ocean, the prefecture is primarily known for its spiny lobster, and you will find a range of restaurants offering this dish at differing price points. Lovers of seafood will certainly find plenty of fresh offerings in the area especially by the coastal towns.
For those looking to improve their stealth the prefecture offers the Iga-Ryu ninja museum offering insights into the way of the ninja and their history. There is also ninja training available for those ready to test their skills amid the Akame 48 waterfalls. An experience which will certainly be memorable but will require you to bring a change of clothing. For those not ready to find their inner self there is a more relaxed option that will allow you to experience history at a leisurely pace. Visitors can explore Matsusaka castle area in traditional Kimono in traditional cotton produced in the area. The cotton is light and perfect for hot Japan summers. It is also perfect for those wanting to try on Kimono and grab some fun pictures. For those wanting to buy Kimono the area also sells kimono and items made from the local cotton, perfect for those looking for unique souvenirs.
Much closer to my heart is Glamping the area is rich in perfect locations for camping, glamping and outdoor BBQs where Matsusaka beef or lobster can be enjoyed outdoors. the most popular site is the glamping domes in Ise-KashiKojima. The camp offers BBQ courses where local produce can be enjoyed and visitors can cook under the stars surrounded by hills and forests. The area is picturesque and plans can be quite pricey. The stay includes free ice-creams for all its guests and a drinks bar making it a fun and unique place to stay for those looking to get into the country.
All in all, this is a prefecture with a lot to offer that is also very connected to two large cities with airports. The area surrounding this prefecture is also full of tourist hotspot prefectures and locations. Meaning you can spend a very long time here to explore the whole Kansai area and Mie. Mie prefecture offers something for everyone there are many places to shop in the bigger cities, there is plenty of sea-based activities for those longing to hear crashing waves, there is something for those with children and there is something for those longing for the quiet of the mountains and forests. The area is important spiritually and offers many beautiful shrine and temple experiences. Not only is there plenty to do in the area there is also a lot to eat.
My time in Mie was brief but enjoyable and I really enjoyed my time there. I hope more people can add a stop in this prefecture to their Kansai heavy itineraries. I believe it offers a lot to those willing to go off the beaten track.
