Undiscovered Mie

Seki Juku

Mie is a prefecture of journeys. On the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail you can walk in the shoes of ancient pilgrims to visit many culturally significant sites. On the Tokaido Road you can get an insight into the history of the Edo period. The Tokaido was the most important of the Five Routes of the era, and connected Kyoto to Edo (modern day Tokyo). Seki Juku was an outpost on this road and today provides a snapshot into old Japan. There is still some beautiful architecture for visitors to enjoy and preserved buildings from as far back as the middle ages are still standing for a stretch of 1.8km. The woodblock artist Hiroshige made a very famous ukiyo-e painting of Seki in 1834, and the essence of that image is still very much alive in the town today. Even better, there are barely any tourists at all, so you’ll have an incredible local experience until the masses find this place.

Tokaido Seki-juku

4.0

123 Reviews

Mie Pref. Kameyamashi Sekichoukozaki Nakamachi new place

0595978877

※Depends on establishment

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Candeo Hotels Kameyama

532-2 Ono-cho, Kitawari Suzuka Mie

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Ise Shima

In southeast Mie prefecture, the Shima peninsula juts out proudly into the Pacific Ocean. The city of Shima, as well as the surrounding areas and countryside, provide gems of exploration for the discerning tourist. For something completely different, head to Shima Spain Mura, a theme park made to look like Spain, featuring flamenco dancers and rollercoasters. After your ‘trip to Europe,’ return to Japan by visiting the Himawari-no-yu onsen next door. This open air hot spring bath has a stunning view of the ocean. Because access is so limited in the Shima area, it’s best to have a car, and that will let you really get into spots that most tourists never see, discovering fishing villages and scenic spots still waiting to be found.

Himawari no Yu

4.0

97 Reviews

Mie Shima-shi Isobecho Sakazaki 952-23

0599573700

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Goza Beach

Drive out onto the far reaches of the Shima peninsula and you will find Goza beach. This wonderful hidden spot is highly regarded for its white sand and clear waters. Most of the time this beach is on the quiet side, unless you come during summer vacation, when it can become crowded with children and their parents, but “crowded” around here is relative. You’ll still have plenty of space. The crowds are well catered for however, with family-friendly activities such has treasure hunts being run regularly by the Goza Shirahama association in the summer months.

Goza-shirahama Beach

Mie Pref. Shimashi Shimachougoza

0599883326

Early July.-Late Aug.

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Marubashira

Surrounded by mountains and glorious nature on all sides, all year round, Marubashira is a charming rural community. Historically, Tokugawa Ieyasu (the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate) stopped here on his way Iga. There are opportunities for tourists to experience the agricultural life of the town by joining in with harvesting rice or preparing konyaku for the day. If you want to experience authentic Japan, Marubashira is well worth a visit.

Marubashira

Marubashira is also known for its pottery and the Iga kiln style of craftsmanship. The fist Iga kiln made sacred pots for the town shrine in the eighth century and the tradition continues to this day. Today, in Marubashira there are a number of establishments still making Iga kiln pottery and selling their creations or displaying them as artworks.