Zormor
Mie - Travel destination image
Mie - Travel destination image
Mie - Travel destination image
Mie - Travel destination image

Mie

PrefectureJapan, Asia

Mie is a STATE in Japan, Asia.

Mie Prefecture, cradled by the Pacific Ocean on Japan's Kii Peninsula, is a treasure trove of spiritual heritage, pristine nature, and culinary excellence. It is most famous as the home of Ise Jingu, Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine, a vast complex of over 125 shrines where the sun goddess Amaterasu is enshrined. This spiritual heart draws millions of pilgrims and visitors annually. Beyond its sacred sites, Mie offers stunning coastal scenery along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes and the dramatic rock formations of the Ise-Shima region, including the iconic married rocks, Meoto Iwa. The prefecture is a paradise for food lovers, renowned for its succulent Ise lobsters, Matsusaka beef (rivaling Kobe and Wagyu), and fresh seafood from Toba's pearl farming waters. From the historic ninja traditions of Iga-Ueno to the relaxing onsen (hot springs) of Nabana no Sato, Mie provides a deeply authentic and multifaceted Japanese experience, blending profound culture with breathtaking natural beauty.

Best time to visit Mie

April to May (spring) and October to November (autumn) are ideal. Spring offers mild weather and cherry blossoms, particularly beautiful at Ise Jingu and parks in Ueno. Autumn provides crisp air and vibrant fall foliage, perfect for hiking the Kumano Kodo. Summer (June-August) is hot, humid, and rainy (typhoon season possible), but features vibrant festivals and green landscapes. Winter is cool and quiet, with fewer crowds, but some rural attractions may have reduced hours.

October

Now

Right now

Condition
Partly cloudy
Temperature
19°
Feels like
18°
Humidity
76%
Wind
18 km/h
Precipitation
0 mm

Typical for October

Weather
Mild 15-25°C

Travel notes

Crowds
Medium
Prices
Medium

Autumn foliage starts, great hiking weather.

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

NGO

Chubu Centrair International Airport

International

80 km away

KIX

Kansai International Airport

International

150 km away

ITM

Osaka International Airport (Itami)

Domestic

130 km away

Getting around

"The JR Kisei Line and the private Kintetsu Railway are the main rail arteries. The Kintetsu Line is especially convenient for Ise, Toba, and Shima. Buses connect train stations to more remote areas, shrines, and trailheads. Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the Ise-Shima coastline, peninsula areas, and the Kumano Kodo. Taxis are available but expensive. Popular navigation apps include Google Maps and JapanTravel by NAVITIME. For the Kumano Kodo, detailed hiking maps and bus timetables are essential. Bicycles can be rented in towns like Ise for local exploration."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cities and tourist areas

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airports from $10

Calling code

+81

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe region. Scams are extremely rare. Natural disaster preparedness is advised.

Night safety

8/10

Very safe region. Scams are extremely rare. Natural disaster preparedness is advised.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

2/10

"Mie is generally very safe with low crime rates. Standard precautions for personal belongings are sufficient. Be cautious when driving on narrow, winding mountain roads, especially in fog or rain. When hiking the Kumano Kodo or other trails, stay on marked paths, check weather forecasts, and be prepared for sudden changes. There are no specific areas to avoid, but as always, exercise normal vigilance in nightlife districts of larger cities like Yokkaichi. Scams targeting tourists are rare. In coastal areas, heed warning flags and signs about strong currents and waves."
Police

110

Ambulance

119

Fire

119

Tourist Police

Entry and health

Health information

"Mie has excellent medical facilities, including major hospitals in Tsu, Yokkaichi, and Matsusaka. Travelers should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine ones. Be aware of ticks in forested areas (like the Kumano Kodo) which can carry Japanese Spotted Fever; use insect repellent and cover skin. In summer, heatstroke is a serious concern; stay hydrated. Pharmacies (\"yakkyoku\") are widely available, but bringing a supply of any prescription medication is advised. For serious emergencies, communication in English may be limited, so having a translation app or phrasebook is helpful."

Culture

Local customs

"When visiting Ise Jingu and other shrines, observe standard Shinto etiquette: purify hands and mouth at the temizuya (water pavilion), bow before the altar, and be respectful and quiet. Dress modestly. Tipping is not practiced in Japan. Remove shoes when entering homes, ryokan (inns), and some traditional restaurants. At public baths (onsen), wash thoroughly before entering the bath and do not wear swimsuits; tattoos may be prohibited at some facilities. It is polite to say \"itadakimasu\" before eating and \"gochisosama deshita\" after."
Japanese

Costs and practicals

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY) · ¥

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$8-15 | a typical meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $10-15

Hotels

$60-120 | budget hotels $60-80, mid-range $80-120 per night

Local transport

$15 | local train from Nagoya to Ise ~$15 one way

Cost notes

Costs are lower than Tokyo or Kyoto. Luxury ryokan can exceed $300/night.

Timezone

Asia/Tokyo +09:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

1,770,000

Area

5,777.31 km²

Government

Prefectural government with a governor and a prefectural assembly

ISO code

JP-23

Type

Prefecture

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Mien prefektuuri, Префектура Мије, Mie Prefecture, Préfecture de Mie, prefektura Mie, মিয়ে প্রশাসনিক অঞ্চল, みえけん, JP-24, 미에현, Мие, Prefektura Mie, Prefettura di Mie, मिऐ प्रीफेक्चर, Префектура Міє, Mie-ken, Prefeitura de Mie, Mie, Миэ, میه اوستانی, Mie prefektúra, Міє, Prefektur Mie, Prefectura de Mie, 三重県, 三重縣, จังหวัดมิเอะ, 240001, Gubernio Mie, Präfektur Mie, 三重县, Jokaichi, Jokaici, Jokkaichi, Jokkaiti, Yokkaichi, Yokkaiti, Yokkaiti-chhi, Yokkaiti-chhī, Yokkaitsi, si ri, si ri shi shi, yk ki chi, yoskaichi si, ywkaychy myh, ywkaytshy, ywkychy myy, Ёкаіці, Ёккаичи, Јокаичи, Йокаичи, Йоккаити, Йоккаичи, Йоккаїті, يوكايتشي, یوکایچی، میه, یوکای‌ایچی، میه, یوکیچی، مئی, ยกไกชิ, 四日, 四日市市, 욧카이치 시

Major HubHistoric SitePilgrimageNatureCuisineHot SpringsHiking