Iga,The city where almost everything is inspired by ninja

Our family enjoyed a day trip to Iga City. We put on a ninja costume and visited various museums to learn about ninja and Iga culture. However, I heard that there are many shops related to ninja in the town of Iga, and you can walk around the town...

Family Having a Blast Being Ninjas for the Day at Iga City

Today’s destination was Iga City, also known as the city of Ninjas. When I was asked if we would be willing to wear a ninja costume in this daytrip to Iga, I did not hesitate, or consult my husband and son, I said “Yes, of course!” right away. B...

A mother & daughter travelogue: Nourishing body and soul with a “Retreat Stay” at Shima Kanko Hotel

Since opening in 1951, the prestigious Shima Kanko Hotel has welcomed many celebrities over the years, including the Imperial Family. In 2016, it also hosted the G7 Ise-Shima Summit. Set in the grounds of Ise-Shima National Park overlooking Ago Ba...

Visiting a Katana Swordsmith

Today, I had the opportunity to partake in some rare experiences. There is a katana swordsmith deep in the mountains of Kumano, who offers tours of his workplace and shares his knowledge about the katana making process. This tour is said to be...

Cycling around Mie’s Historic Town: Meiwacho

For my first day in Mie, I visited the historic town of Meiwacho! For a small town overshadowed between 2 big cities: Matsusaka and Ise, Meiwacho had so much to offer and played an incredibly important role in Japan’s history. We rented some...

Take an enlightening journey into the history of haiku in Iga City.

Haiku is a distinctive style of Japanese poetry that is known for its simple structure and the beautiful imagery it can evoke. One of the revered masters of haiku was Matsuo Basho, who was born in what is now Iga City in Mie Prefecture. Visitors w...

Explore the natural wonder and rich culture of Mie Prefecture on a two-day adventure.

The journey from Osaka to Mie Prefecture will take you into a completely different part of Japan. Over a two-day visit, you can hike the Hajikami-toge Pass on the World Heritage Site Kumano-kodo pilgrimage trails, relax in an outdoor onsen surroun...

Visit Ise Jingu and learn about a 1,300-year-old ritual at one of Japan’s most sacred spots.

Ise Jingu is a sacred space in Japan with 125 shrines and boasts an area roughly half the same size as Paris. For most Japanese people, a visit to Ise Jingu is something they must do at least once in their lifetime. Approximately 2,000 years ago, ...

Step into the past in the most well preserved post town on the route to Ise Jingu

For more than 1,000 years, Japanese people have been making the pilgrimage to Ise Jingu, the most sacred shrine in Japan. In the Edo Period, post towns were established along the Tokaido Road route between the ancient capital of Edo (now Tokyo) an...

Visit sacred Ise Jingu Shrine and explore traditional streets and shops in Okage Yokocho.

When Japanese people travel to Mie Prefecture,they usually visit Ise Jingu, the most sacred shinto shrine in Japan. Worshippers in Edo Period(1600-1868) felt it was necessary to make the journey and pray at the sacred shrine at least once in their...

Hiking the Hajikami-toge Pass on the Historic Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails

The Kumano kodo is an extensive network of pilgrimage trails that has been in use for over 1,000 years and visitors can experience a special combination of nature and tradition on these routes. It is one of only two pilgrimage routes in the world ...

Experience the beauty and tradition of ceramics at Banko no Sato Hall

Visitors to Banko no Sato Hall in Yokkaichi will have a chance to appreciate traditional Banko ware. This distinctive clay pottery has been crafted in Mie Prefecture for over 300 years and the tradition lives on in the showroom and hands-on experi...

KUMANO RIVER SANDANBO CRUISE AND MANDALA – SECRETS OF PILGRIMAGE - Follow an Ancient Pilgrimage Route on a Traditional Three-sail Boat and Visit a Sacred Shrine

The Kumano Kodo are a vast network of pilgrimage trails where visitors can travel on ancient routes that have been in use by Japanese travelers for over 1,000 years. On the Kii Peninsula between Kiho City in Mie Prefecture and Shingu City in Wakay...

OWASE POST TOWN PILGRIMAGE EXPERIENCE - Participate in Unique Drum-based Prayers and Sample Local Delicacies

Owase is a lively Edo-period town that was a post station (“Shukuba” in Japanese) on one of the traditional travel routes in ancient Japan. The post towns served as rest stops, providing accommodation, shops and more for travelers on their journey...

KII-NAGASHIMA FISHING TOWN PILGRIMAGE WALK/RELAXING WALK THROUGH FISHING VILLAGE - Soak Up the Atmosphere and Step Back in Time with Local Guides

The Kii-Nagashima district of Kihoku Town is a small Showa-era fishing village that is full of historical points of interest. Visitors can try many kinds of seafood caught by local fisherman, learn about the legend of Kappa and see a 1,000-year-ol...

Gourmet Mie Day 4 – Kuwana clams and world-class roller coasters（Article created by Cheeserland）

Today we are onto the last day of my #visitmie trip. I spend 4 good full days in one single prefecture and yet there are still lots of places I have not covered. #Ineedmorelifetimes. Today we will be venturing into the very exciting Kuwana city...

Tokaido: Old Golden Route in Japan. Touring Sekijuku and Akari Candle Shop

It lies along the Tokaido, an ancient road that travelers of the past used to move between Kyoto and Edo (present day Tokyo). Towns like Sekijuku were vital places for trade and for weary travelers to get a bit of respite. I took my time strolli...