Nature in Mie
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Mie
Recommended new articles
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Meoto Iwa: A Place of Beauty and Love
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- Near the Futami Okimata Shrine you will see two large rocks in the ocean connected together by a rope. This spot is Meoto Iwa which means “Wedded Rocks”, with the larger rock representing the husband and the smaller one representing the wife. A romantic place for couples to visit, the best time to go is from May to July when you can enjoy the stunning view of the rising sun between the two rocks. If you visit in autumn and winter, you can also get a beautiful view of the moon shining between the rocks. This spot is understandably very popular with visitors and local photographers.
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- Mie
- 21. August. 2019
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Learn everything about pearls at Mikimoto Pearl Island
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- Mikimoto is known as the first person in the world to successfully produce a cultured pearl. At Mikimoto Pearl Island, you can learn all about him and everything there is to know about pearl cultivation. The Ama divers are famous for collecting the oysters used for cultivating pearls. Listen to the unique whistle they use to control their breathing (no oxygen tanks used) and then watch them go down to the depths. Be sure to take a look at the stunning pieces of pearl jewelry on display.
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- Mie
- 21. August. 2019
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Get Another View of Japan: 5 of the Best Pleasure Cruises
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- A volcanic island nation with plenty of untouched rugged, unique landscapes, Japan beyond the major cities is an adventurer's delight. Exploring the country by foot, car or bike is always a great way to get around, but for a different perspective, try hopping aboard one of the country's many cruises. Fukuoka Itoshima Keya no Oto Fukuoka Itoshima Keya no Oto Running along the northwest coast of Kyushu Island is where you’ll find Itoshima city, a chilled out beach town boasting picture-perfect coastline and friendly, laid-back locals. An excellent day trip from Fukoaka, there are plenty of ways to soak up the beauty of the area, but for a different perspective consider hopping aboard one of the boat tours that run from the coast out to Keya no Oto. An almost otherworldly scene Keya no Oto is a towering piece of basalt rock that juts out of the ocean standing 200 feet high. A tour from the shore out to Keya no Oto takes about takes about twenty-five minutes but will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Mogami River Mogami River Mogami River is known as the ‘mother river’ of Yamagata Prefecture, so a visit to the area without paying respects to Mother Mogami isn’t a proper Yamagata experience at all. To really immerse yourself in the beauty of the waterway, hop aboard a riverboat cruise departing from the base of the Goten Bridge, along Prefectural Route 294. Disembarking at Nagashima Bridge, this 50-minute journey down one of the area’s most important canals is a great way to really understand the powerful beauty of this underrated prefecture. Kashikojima Espana Cruise Mie Kashikojima Espana Cruise Mie If you’re in Mie Prefecture and are wanting to try something a little different, then you can’t look past the Spanish themed Kashikojima Espana Cruise. It’s a 50-minute sightseeing cruise around Ago Bay that showcases some of the area’s most impressive coastal views, best admired from atop the boat’s open deck. For something authentically Mie, the tour also stops off at a cultured pearl factory where you can witness the making of area’s famous pearls. Nagatoro River White Water Rafting Nagatoro River White Water Rafting If cruising is too slow for you, then maybe you might want to consider signing up for a little white water rafting just outside of Tokyo. Nagatoro is a rugged hub of natural beauty positioned just northwest of Saitama Prefecture and is a place famous for its abundant boating opportunities. Head on over to the Iwadatami Riverside where you’ll find boatmen dressed in traditional garb, ready to take more casual guests on a scenic cruise as well as inflatable rapid-ready whitewater rafts for those more adventurous types. Oboke and Koboke Gorges Oboke and Koboke Gorges Shikoku’s largest, and arguably one of Japan’s most stunning rivers the Yoshino River, is flanked on either side by incredible lush green foliage that transforms with the passing seasons. It boasts colors so vibrant they could only be outdone by the deep emerald greens and bright blues of the water below. The best way to enjoy the area is to take the Oboke Ravine Pleasure Boat (Oboke Yuransen) cruise, it’s a 30-minute journey past some of the river’s popular landmarks like the Komori (‘bat’) Rock and Shishi (‘lion’) Rock and offers excellent photo-taking opportunities. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 16. January. 2019
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Japan’s 5 Most Beautiful Rice Terraces
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- The terraced rice fields of Japan, are integral to the nation's cultural DNA. Carved into the foliage of the rugged mountainsides across the map, from the snow-capped mountains of Niigata to the islands of Nagasaki, they not only produce one of the country's most important foods but also have over centuries laid the foundation of the nation's landscape. Equal parts visually beautiful and historically significant, here are some of the best. Hirado Kasuga no Tanada, Nagasaki Prefecture Hirado Kasuga no Tanada, Nagasaki Prefecture Kasuga is a stunning agricultural village located along the west coast of Hirado, a smattering of scenic islands that make up part of Nagasaki Prefecture. Practically untouched by tourism, it’s a well-kept secret, one you’ll want to share, but only with those you know will respect its historical beauty and rich spiritual legacy. During the times of Portuguese trade, this area was predominantly home to communities of the hidden Christians of Nagasaki, which is why it’s still known as the “Holy Land of Hirado.” Constructed with a thorough understanding of the landscape and a deep appreciation for nature these picturesque terraced fields have remained the same for the past 400 years. To learn more about the site pop by the visitor center nearby. Hirado may not be the most accessible area of Japan, but once you get there, you’ll agree it’s worth the extra effort. Maruyama Senmaida, Mie Prefecture Maruyama Senmaida, Mie Prefecture Running layered up the mountainside west of Kumano city in Mie Prefecture sits Maruyama Senmaida, a stunning piece of man-made agricultural landscaping. The terrace was constructed over 400 years ago and has stood the test of time to remain one of the prefecture's most beautiful landscapes. Because of its unique shape, many of the small fields here vary in size quite wildly with some fields just a meter wide; this means they must be tended to rather painstakingly by hand. If you’re taking the hike along the Iseji Route of the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage to Kumano Hongu-Taisha Shrine, keep a lookout for this magnificent view. Shiroyone Senmaida, Ishikawa Prefecture Shiroyone Senmaida, Ishikawa Prefecture With its rugged, untamed beauty, Noto peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture is an excellent destination for those who want to experience a wilder side of Japan. With the sprawling Chirihama Beach and strange rock formations of the Kongo Coast there’s no shortage of natural attractions to admire. One place that should be atop your itinerary is Shiroyone Senmaida, the 1,000 rows of rice terraces that layer up from the sea to the roadside. Strategically positioned to soak up the ocean mist, these lush green fields are stunning all year round, but especially so in spring when the warm sunset reflects off the watersoaked fields casting a vibrant natural light show. Hamanoura Rice Terraces, Saga Prefecture Hamanoura Rice Terraces, Saga Prefecture Home to another stunning natural light show are the fields of Hamanoura rice terraces in Saga Prefecture. Flanked by valley walls, and facing out to the Genkai sea, these fields are tucked cozily between the neighboring mountains. It’s impressive any time of day, but especially so in the evening. As the sun sets over the ocean backdrop, it casts a purple-pink light that reflects off the sea and bounces along the waterlogged rice terraces, creating a mosaic-style illusion that’s truly magnificent. Hoshitoge, Niigata Prefecture Hoshitoge, Niigata Prefecture Niigata is a prefecture known for producing some of the nation’s best rice and sake, plenty of which comes from Hoshitoge, a rice terrace nestled along the mountains of the Matsudai region. Although this area is becoming a popular tourist attraction, it’s also the livelihood of many of Niigata’s local farmers, and must always be respected to ensure its long-term survival. As the light bounces off the mountainside the fields resemble shiny scales of a fish; it's a scene that attracts many photo fanatics who make the pilgrimage to try and capture its lush beauty. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 9. January. 2019
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The Kii Peninsula - A land of water
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- Situated in the far south of the Kansai region at the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula, Wakayama is a mostly rural prefecture of abundant nature, dominated by the Pacific Ocean along its coastline, and the remote and sacred mountains of the Kumano Kodo found further inland. Despite being only a couple of hours away by train from the megacities of Osaka and Nagoya, this part of Japan feels an entire world apart and its fabulous beaches, onsen, and cultural sites make it well worth a visit for anyone looking to get somewhat off-the-beaten-track.Whether it be the ocean or the many rivers and waterfalls which tumble down from the mountains, water is the dominant force which has shaped the landscape and influences everyday life in the Kii Peninsula, and many of the region’s attractions have a close connection to the wet stuff. Kumano shrines of Hongu Taisha The Kumano Kodo is a UNESCO world heritage pilgrimage through the remote mountains of Wakayama, and a number of routes follow the ancient trails linking some of the Kii Peninsula’s most sacred sites, namely the three Kumano shrines of Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha. In the olden days it was mostly religious ascetics and devoted pilgrims who walked the trails, but these days the routes are popular with people from all over the world, and the mountains and various sacred spots still retain their spiritual charm. Nachi-no-taki Nachi Taisha is one of the most important shrines in the region, located just inland from the coastal hot spring resort of Katsuura. The shrine sits high up in the mountains and is home to perhaps the most iconic view in the entire Kumano Kodo region; the pagoda of Seigantoji framed by the towering Nachi-no-taki waterfall in the background. Nachi Taisha At 133m high the waterfall is regarded as the tallest in Japan, and the combination of the surrounding stunning natural beauty and refined elegance of the pagoda make for an awe-inspiring sight. Nachi Taisha can be reached by hourly buses from both Kii-Katsuura and Nachi stations (around 30 minutes one-way). It is a ten minute climb up the forested mountainside by stairs to reach the shrine complex and waterfall. For those coming by car there is also parking available. Dorokyo Gorge A few kilometers inland from Shingu is the magnificent Dorokyo Gorge, part of the expansive Yoshino-Kumano National Park and a designated natural treasure. The gorge has been chiseled out by the Kitayama River, creating a stunning vista of jagged rock and azure blue water in a green and mountainous setting, but be aware that for a few days after a typhoon or heavy rains, the sediment in the river may be disturbed. One of the best ways to see the gorge is by taking a boat ride up the river, with sightseeing river cruises for a more gentle approach and kayaking for those with a sense of adventure. The Yamabiko Bridge also offers great views of the river and its clear water.To get there take a Kumano Kotsu bus from JR Shingu Station and get off at Shiko (50 minutes). Tategasaki Close to Kumano but just over the border in neighboring Mie Prefecture is the splendid coastal rock formation of Tategasaki, a true natural wonder. This unique cliff face is made up of vertical pillars of rock known as ‘columnar joints’ which appear to jut out of the ocean to a height of around 80 meters. Tategasaki is best viewed from the sea, and the Tategasaki pleasure boat tour offers great close-up views of the geological formations, as well as other points of interest along this rugged and beautiful stretch of coast. You may even be able to spot sea turtles, dolphins and other sea life if you are lucky! Boats depart daily from Atashika and Nigishima ports. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 10. December. 2018
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Where to Go in Kumano City
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- Positioned on the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula, the Kumano area may be humble in terms of population, but it’s definitely not lacking in scenic diversity. You’ll find Kumano City in the south of Mie Prefecture, while most of Kumano’s attractions are located outside the city center. Spiritual pilgrimage paths, lush rows of terraced rice fields, towering mountain gorges, and volcano crafted trails, there are endless adventures to be had in and around Kumano city. Maruyama Senmaida Maruyama Senmaida Terraced into the mountains west of Kumano City is where you’ll find Maruyama Senmaida, one of Japan’s most beautiful terraced rice fields. Crafted over 400 years ago it’s a long-living example of the city’s unwavering dedication to their agricultural legacy. The name ‘senmaida’ translates to ‘1,000 rice paddies’ - a reference to the area’s over 1,300 paddies that crawl along the rolling hillside. The sizes of the fields vary, with the narrowest spanning just a meter wide. Because of the huge variation in size, the steep incline of the terraces, and the irregular shapes of the paddies, the fields must be painstakingly maintained by hand. A walk along the Iseji Route of the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage to Kumano Hongu-Taisha Shrine offers an excellent vantage point for admiring the area in all its glory. Dorokyo Gorge Dorokyo Gorge Dorokyo Gorge With its staggeringly high jagged cliff faces which at an almost 90-degree incline into the flowing Kumano River, Dorokyo Gorge is a stretch of untamed, rugged beauty. Part of Yoshino Kumano National Park, the gorge is typically known for its deep, clear, blue water, however, it’s worth noting that in the typhoon season it may be a little murkier. That said, it’s still a breathtaking scene. Spanning a total of 31kms, it’s home to plenty of attractions for both thrill seekers and more laidback visitors. Sign up for a scenic boat tour, tear through the ravine on a speedboat at eye-watering speeds, or if you’d prefer to remain stationary, admire the panoramic view of the otherworldly natural landscape from Yamabiko Bridge. Kumano Kodo Kumano Kodo Winding through the mountains of Kii Peninsula, the Kumano Kodo is a network of well-trodden, and historic trails, which were once the pilgrimage route for Buddhist monks. It’s one of just two pilgrimage routes awarded world heritage status by UNESCO (Santiago de Compostela in Spain and France the other). The trail cuts through the Kii Peninsula’s densely forested landscape connecting to the area’s most significant sacred sites, including the three Kumano shrines: Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha, and Nachi Taisha. There is no one way to explore the Kumano Kodo, but one of the most popular routes is the Nakahechi Route (also known as The Imperial Route to Kumano). This path has been used since the 10th century and leads visitors to the aforementioned three grand shrines of Kumano. Onigajo Onigajo For gravity-defying, hellish beauty, be sure to take a stroll around Onigajo, aka ‘Demon's Castle’ or ‘Castle of the Ogre’. If you take the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route, make a short detour to explore this naturally-formed promenade, just head over the Matsumoto-toge Pass. Formed from soft, windswept volcanic stone, according to legend this barren landscape was once the home to the area’s fearsome ‘oni’ (demons) and some say pirates too. Exploring the area up close is worthwhile; however, if you want a more comprehensive view of the area you can also sign up for an Onigajo viewing boat tour. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 27. November. 2018
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Take a Cruise on the Tategasaki Sightseeing Boat Tour
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- Exploring Kumano on land is an easy way to see the sights, but to really appreciate the beauty of the area in all its glory, consider booking a sightseeing cruise, and experience the Kumano coast from a whole new perspective. The Tategasaki Sightseeing Boat Tour, also known as The Tatetasaki Pleasure Boat Cruise, is a 70- to 90-minute journey along the diverse coastal landscape of Kumano. To ensure you catch it all, here’s a guide to some of the boat tour’s most impressive sights. Take a Cruise on the Tategasaki Sightseeing Boat Tour Extending around one kilometer along the coast is Onigajo, one of the unique rock formations in Mie Prefecture. Legend has it that this jagged wall of volcanic rock was once home to Kumano’s demons, known as ‘oni.’ Also referred to as ‘The Castle of Ogre,’ it’s one of Kumano’s most popular world heritage sites. The moon-like cliff-faces were formed from layers of volcanic debris and naturally sculpted by the erosive powers of the salty ocean wind. The spot is stunning all year round, but it’s a must-not-miss location in spring, when four varieties of cherry blossoms bloom along Onigajo’s seemingly barren summit, making for an almost surreal contrasting display. Take a Cruise on the Tategasaki Sightseeing Boat Tour Given its geometric, almost too perfect pattern of vertical stone pillars, it’s near impossible to believe that Tategasaki isn’t a man-made, massive contemporary-art sculpture. Jutting into Nigishima Bay, Tategasaki stands about 80 meters in height, cutting an impressive, photogenic figure over the deep, almost indigo blue waters of the surrounding sea. Take a Cruise on the Tategasaki Sightseeing Boat Tour ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 22. November. 2018
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Undiscovered Mie
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- While riding roller coasters at Nagashima resort or seeing aquatic life at Toba Aquarium can be a lot of fun, there is also joy to be found by exploring Mie off the beaten track. Beautifully preserved old towns with ancient traditions kept alive, stunning beaches, and even a taste of Europe in the heart of Japan; all of these joys await you when you step into undiscovered Mie. Seki Juku 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. Ise Shima 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. Goza Beach 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. Marubashira 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. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Mie
- 22. March. 2018
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Sea and Scenery in Ise Shima
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- Located in the Mie Prefecture, Ise Shima is a forest-covered peninsula surrounded by tiny islands and charming inlets with fishing villages. Its main industries are fishing and pearl cultivation, so seafood lovers will be sure to enjoy the roadside oyster shops. There are also hidden gems for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts that leave many visitors feeling like there’s always more to discover. Sea and Scenery in Ise Shima Sea and Scenery in Ise Shima In Daio, travelers can see how the fishing industry thrives while catching a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. The Daiosaki Lighthouse is a popular tourist destination thanks to its history and the view it offers. For 200 yen, guests can ascend the lighthouse and take in the scenery. The area around the lighthouse also contains an assortment of restaurants that prepare freshly caught seafood, with the grilled oysters being second to none. Sea and Scenery in Ise Shima ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Mie
- 22. March. 2018
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Recommended spots
223 results
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- Meoto Iwa (Husband and Wife Rocks)
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4.0564 Reviews - Rock
- Mie Pref. Iseshi Futamichoue 575 Meoto Iwa in
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One of the most well-known images (and shrines) in Japan for the wedded rocks, it's definitely something you must see when you visit Ise. We went in the off season and it wasn't too crowded, but the...
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- Mikimoto Pearl Island
- Island
- Mie Pref. Tobashi Toba 1-7-1
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- Miyanotani Gorge
- Valley
- Mie Pref. Matsusakashi Itakachouhachisu
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- Rokujuppiro Falls
- Waterfall
- Mie Pref. Takigunodaichou Osugi
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- Koushirahama Beach
- Cape
- Mie Pref. Shimashi Agochoukou
Mie Main Areas
Spread across the eastern side of the Kii Peninsula, Mie prefecture boasts hundreds of kilometers of pretty coastline comprising the oyster-rich Toba city and Shima National Park all the way down to Kumano, a city that marks the beginning of part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, which runs into neighboring Wakayama prefecture. However, Mie is best known for the Ise Jingu Shinto shrine inland, one of the oldest and largest shrines in the country.
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