Mie Prefecture offers a quieter, more contemplative side of Japan, where natural beauty and spiritual heritage go hand in hand. Framed by mountains to the west and ocean to the east, it’s a place defined by harmony between land, sea and tradition.
The rhythm of life in Mie is relaxed slow. Fishing villages, forest trails and timeworn towns carry stories passed down through the generations. Along the Ise-Shima coastline or the ancient routes of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage path, community ties remain strong and relationships are woven through shared customs and seasonal festivals.
Mie is also deeply rooted in craftsmanship, from intricately patterned textiles to artisanal foods that reflect both skill and patience. While it welcomes visitors, it never feels performative – what you see has genuinely always been a part of life here.
Ninja are known the world over as spies who deploy stealth to gather information about the enemy using unconventional combat techniques and deception. The Warring States era in Japan (1467-1568) was a golden age for samurai, when warlords would cross swords to gain power, glory and control of the state. As the struggle for control of the Japanese nation deepened, ninja acted in the shadows, supporting their feudal masters by gathering crucial information on enemy movements.
JR Tokyo Station → Kintetsu-Yokkaichi Station: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by Tokaido Shinkansen and Kintetsu Railway
