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43 Available Tour Excursions in Mie Prefecture
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced English-speaking tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Ise area! The city houses the Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine that is about 2000 years old. The shrine is the center of major religious and spiritual activities. The Ise trip is incomplete without paying respect to the supreme deity Amaterasu Omikami (the sun goddess) . You will also come across the traditional Japanese foods and history while visiting Okage Yokocho street. Let us know what special requests you have for the day and we will customize your itinerary in advance! Please be aware the this tour is on foot/with public transport. Ise Jingu Shrine also requires walking long distances in the shrine.
Price: $108.88
Duration: 4 hours
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced English-speaking tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Ise area! The city houses the Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine that is about 2000 years old. The shrine is the center of major religious and spiritual activities. The Ise trip is incomplete without paying respect to the supreme deity Amaterasu Omikami (the sun goddess) . You will also come across the traditional Japanese foods and history while visiting Okage Yokocho street. Let us know what special requests you have for the day and we will customize your itinerary in advance! Please be aware the this tour is on foot/with public transport. Ise Jingu Shrine also requires walking long distances in the shrine.
Price: $155.07
Duration: 6 hours
Set out by kayak to the three uninhabited islands (Mitsushima) in Toba Bay! Whether you're new to the sport or not, your Guide will take you kayaking or enjoying the ocean with ease. Feel free to spend time on the deserted island (Mitsushima).Take a break while gazing out at the sea, or float into the sea on a hot summer day!Let's enjoy the sea of Toba together! * Depending on the tide and weather on the day, you may not land on a desert island.Please note in advance. ※There are changing rooms at the kayak arrival and departure points.Please use if you need to change your clothes.The changing rooms are crowded during busy periods.If you can change your clothes in advance, please change your clothes and gather.
Price: $44.87
Duration: 1 hours
This is a priavte tour, custom tour, 10 hours a day. We provide door to door service, You don't share the van and English speaking driver service with strangers . Choose 4-5 attractions you are interested in and follow your preferred steps to explore Tokyo. We will arrange the suitable vehicle according your group size, normally a private 7 seater Alpha van for groupsize less than 6 pax, a priavte 10 seater Hiace van for group size less than 9 pax. a private 14seater Hiace van for 12 pax, a priavte bus for group size less than 15 pax The private tour only include an English speaking driver and a priavte van. After you book the tour, we provide 24hours 1on 1 travel consaltant to serve for you. You can tell us any of your needs. We can also help to make the reservations of popular or Specialty Restaurants for you for free, ect.
Price: $325.00
Duration: 10 hours
Private Bento-Making & Waterfall Hike in Rural Japan (Akame 48 Falls) Slow down and enjoy the quiet beauty of rural Japan. A friendly local host-guide will lead you through making a traditional bento with fresh local vegetables and premium Iga beef. Dietary restrictions, including vegetarian options and allergies, can be accommodated with advance notice. Afterward, hike through the scenic Akame 48 Falls and enjoy your lunch surrounded by forest and waterfalls. A rare chance to connect with local food, nature, and countryside life. Highlights / ・One-group-per-day private tour in Japan ・Hands-on Japanese bento making experience ・Fresh local ingredients and premium Iga beef ・Waterfall hike in Akame 48 Falls, a national scenic area ・Authentic rural Japan and countryside experience ・Ideal for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path Japan trip ・Easily accessible from Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, and Nagoya ・AkameguchiStation pick-up and drop-off included
Price: $160.00
Duration: 3-5 hours
・You will be given a lecture by a 20-year professional on how to process fish in the fishmonger's backyard, which is normally off-limits to the public. ・You can taste the fresh ingredients from Ise-Shima on the spot and take the rest home with you. ・You will also receive a fishmonger's certificate.
Price: $59.39
Duration: 1 hours
This tour offers more than just a visit—it opens the gates to Japan’s spiritual heart. In just 1.5 hours, you’ll be guided through Ise Jingu’s Inner Shrine, the most sacred site in all of Shinto, with stories, symbolism, and centuries of tradition brought to life by a local expert. What makes it truly unique is the flexibility: whether you prefer the peaceful stillness of a dawn visit or wish to follow in the footsteps of Edo-era pilgrims with sweet treats in Oharaimachi, you can shape the experience to match your curiosity. With a deep focus on authenticity, atmosphere, and cultural insight, this tour distills the essence of Ise—quiet reverence, timeless beauty, and a taste of living history—into a powerful, accessible experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Price: $92.38
Duration: 1 hours
• Exclusive Access: Participate in rituals not open to the public. • Cultural Depth: Learn directly from the Ujiko, the local guardians of the shrine. • Meaningful Keepsake: Create a personalized Goshuin with guidance from shrine staff. • Intimate Connection: Enjoy a private Naorai meal with the priest and locals — a moment rarely shared with outsiders. • Scenic Setting: Located near the ancient capital of Ise, this area is steeped in the spirit of Japan’s Shinto heartland. Perfect For Travelers Who: • Seek authentic cultural immersion beyond sightseeing. • Appreciate quiet, meaningful experiences over crowds. • Want to connect with locals and Japan’s living traditions. • Value spiritual or reflective travel and cultural storytelling.
Price: $125.38
Duration: 3 hours
Experience the taste of true luxury with the Matsusaka Beef Gourmet Tour—an unforgettable journey into the heart of Japan’s most celebrated wagyu region. This isn’t just a food tour; it’s a curated cultural experience that connects you with the story behind every bite. Guided by a local expert, you’ll visit handpicked restaurants and specialty shops serving top-quality Matsusaka beef, prepared in styles from elegant sukiyaki to perfectly grilled yakiniku. Along the way, you'll learn what makes Matsusaka beef so rare and valuable—from the careful way the cattle are raised to traditional methods that bring out its signature melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Unlike crowded city tours, this experience offers in-depth storytelling and access to authentic local spots. Whether you’re a passionate foodie or a curious traveler, this tour offers an intimate, flavorful, and memorable encounter with one of Japan’s finest culinary treasures. Book now to discover the taste that defines a region.
Price: $181.47
Duration: 1 hours
If you're looking for a stunning destination in Japan that goes beyond the usual spots like Tokyo, Nara, or Kyoto, this tour is perfect for you. You'll visit the revered Ise Shrine, a site of deep spiritual significance in Japan. This sacred place is dedicated to Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess and the highest deity in Japanese mythology. Your journey continues to Mikimoto Pearl Island, renowned worldwide for its exquisite cultured pearls. Here, you'll witness the fascinating process of creating cultured pearls and enjoy shopping. You'll also witness a live demonstration by Ama, the female divers, who have collected seafood from the ocean's depths. Speaking of seafood, this region is famous for its fresh, mouthwatering delicacies—so if you're a seafood lover, you're in for a treat! During the tour, your guide will tell you about the history of Japan, Japanese 2 major religions; Shinto and Buddhism and more. This tour is conducted using a private car. Your guide will drive you all the spots.
Price: $164.97
Duration: 8 hours
Let’s embark on an unforgettable journey to Ise Jingu, the spiritual heart of Japan. Immerse yourself in the sacred beauty of the Inner Shrine, dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami. Walk along the sacred paths and cross the historic Uji Bridge, feeling the deep atmosphere that has captivated visitors for generations. After your spiritual exploration, visit the charming shopping street Okage Yokocho, where you can experience the traditions of the Edo period. Here, you can savor local delicacies like the famous Akafuku mochi and hearty Ise udon, while enjoying unique handmade crafts and souvenirs that reflect the region's culture. This tour, filled with seasonal events and vibrant cultural experiences, perfectly combines spiritual awe and culinary delights, making it a fulfilling experience for everyone. Join us for a day that touches the heart of Japan!
Price: $91.06
Duration: 3 hours
Through the rare experience of inserting nuclei into mother-of-pearl shells, you can experience the difficulty of pearl cultivation while extracting pearls from one net (approximately 32 pearls/enough for two people) and creating your own accessories using the finest pearls. (*Extraction experience: One net (32 pearls) for two people, with each person extracting 16 pearls.)
Price: $989.82
Duration: 4 hours
This unique fortune-telling session is only one of its kind in Japan and originates in the historical tradition of determining the imperial princess who would become Saio, a priestess destined to serve the Sun goddess at Ise Jingu in Mie. Located at the former site of the Saiku Palace, where Saio used to live in beauty and purity, this personalized session uses elements from the ancient "bokujo" divination combined with oriental astrology to read either your destiny or personality. "Bokujo" was an ancient divination ceremony in which a tortoise shell was burned and the cracks were read to determine the gods' divine will, similarly to oracle bones. It was used to choose the most suitable candidate to become the priestess of Ise Jingu. You will crack a shell-shaped hard biscuit to determine what reading method suits you the best, and your fate will be read by a professional using "sanmeigaku" (oriental astrology). All readings will be based on your birth date.
Price: $77.10
Duration: 1 hours
An ama diver of Shima City serves as an Ama Butler just for the guests on this tour. Participants will ride a boat with the ama to catch their very own seafood in a creel. After fishing, guests will be transported to a private beach, savor the original menu prepared by the top chef and enjoy the seafood of Shima cooked by Ama Butler. This tour offers a premium experience, including a meal in a holiday home with a private beach and the service provided by ama and the top chef. (Attention) *For reservations made 10 days or more in advance, please contact us directly by phone. 【Optional Services】 *English-speaking tour guide 33,000 JPY per guide (transportation fee charged separately) *Pulling aged sake out of the sea 6,000 JPY / bottle (subject to change)
Price: $1,649.70
Duration: 4 hours
In this unique Heian era (794-1185) culture tour near Ise Jingu, you will step into the role of the "forgotten" princess Saio and will experience how she spent her days in the historical Saiku Palace. This exclusive tour is highly recommended for Japanese history lovers and visitors of Ise Jingu. With a professional private guide you will be able to discover a less known part of Ise Jingu's history and experience the life of a 10th century Japanese aristocrat, long before the samurai caste appeared. The highlight of the tour - putting on an expensive twelve-layered kimono(Juni-Hitoe) and enjoying Heian era entertainment - takes place in a faithfully reproduced cultural treasure building which used to be part of the Saiku Palace. This is a unique and rare to find experience which focuses on the culture, traditions and lifestyle of the imperial court aristocrats from one of the most prolific eras in Japanese history. Total of 2 females and 1 male costumes available.
Price: $962.32
Duration: 6 hours
Through the experience of Forestry and "Kijishi" Wooden Craft, your will know real life of Misugi, as known as forestry village. Misugi is very beautiful, quiet and peaceful Inaka place. Misugi has unique history, culuture and lifestyle. Inaka means the country-side in Japanese. However, Misugi is now facing at extreme depopulation problem. The population decreased by half in this 2 decades. We want to empower our village by tourism. Because tourism can connect many people and industries. Then, we made an organization "Inaka Tourism". We provide 4 kinds of experiences (All 1-day tour). 1. "Purify your mind and body" tour - Zen Meditation, Forest Therapy and Lunch 2. "Pilgrimage walks" tour - Straw Marquetry, Historical Walks and Lunch 3. "Touch the Forester's Life" tour - Forestry, Kijishi Wood craft and Lunch 4. "We Love Nature" tour - Forest Therapy, Cycling and Lunch
Price: $86.29
Duration: 6 hours
This rural town cycling tour is an ideal getaway from the bustling shopping streets near Ise Jingu. Just a couple of stations away you can pedal your way through ancient historical sites, scenic beaches and traditional sake breweries. Local people from the small town Meiwa call leisure cycling "Saikuling", a pun based on the remains of the historical Saiku palace where Ise Jingu's Saio princess used to reside during the Heian period (794-1185). Many of the spots you will see on this tour are designated national historic site and Japan Heritage. However, even if you are not into archaeological sites and ancient legends, this cycling tour will reveal a charming countryside town with its scenic landscape and warm-hearted people. Just a 15-minute train ride away from Ise Jingu in Mie, there is a whole hidden world to explore. Along the way your guide will tell you interesting stories about the daily life of local people and will introduce locally grown farm products.
Price: $136.60
Duration: 5 hours
At Tsuji "Tarafuku" Farm, you delve into an authentic experience that highlights the essence of agriculture, fostering deep connections with nature and the local community. The day begins at 10:00 AM with an orientation, followed by innovative agricultural practices using drones and IT at 10:30. Participants engage in the rice cultivation cycle, from planting to harvesting, to understand rice production deeply. The program, enriched by direct interactions with locals, offers insights into the rural lifestyle and culture, enhancing the appreciation of Japan's rural charm. A unique ONIGIRI-making session allows you to use farm-harvested rice, selecting seasonal ingredients to personalize their creations, part of the "Never ending rice" lunch at 12:00. The day, scheduled with thoughtful activities including seasonal work and community engagement, concludes with a sharing session at 17:30 and dismissal at 18:00, encapsulating the farm's ethos of joy and abundance in agriculture.
Price: $395.93
Duration: 6 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: JPY
- Languages: Japanese, English (commonly spoken in tourist areas)
- Climate: Humid subtropical
- Timezone: Asia/Tokyo
- Population: Approximately 1.78 million people
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is spring (March to May) for mild weather and autumn (September to November) for colorful foliage.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from many countries, including the US, EU, and UK, can enter Japan visa-free for short stays up to 90 days. Others may require a visa obtained in advance. Japan also offers e-visa options for certain nationalities. Visa on arrival is generally not available. Travelers should have a valid passport, return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds.
About Mie Prefecture
Mie Prefecture, located in Japan’s Kansai region, offers a unique blend of spiritual heritage, natural beauty, and cultural richness. It is best known for the Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto sites, attracting millions of pilgrims annually. Beyond its religious significance, Mie boasts stunning coastal landscapes along Ise Bay and the Pacific Ocean, with picturesque fishing villages and pristine beaches. The region is also renowned for its traditional pearl farming, especially in Toba, where visitors can learn about this fascinating industry. Mie’s diverse attractions range from historic castles and hot springs to modern aquariums and scenic hiking trails. Visitors appreciate the prefecture’s authentic Japanese atmosphere, less crowded than major cities, making it ideal for cultural immersion and nature exploration. Whether exploring ancient shrines, savoring fresh seafood, or enjoying outdoor adventures, Mie Prefecture offers compelling reasons to discover its charm and tranquility.
Mie Prefecture Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Japan
- Duration Range: 2-8 hours
- Group Size: Flexible group sizes
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is spring (March to May) for mild weather and autumn (September to November) for colorful foliage. Pack comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Respect local customs such as removing shoes indoors and quiet behavior at shrines. Carry cash as some places do not accept cards. Safety is high, but stay aware of natural hazards like typhoons in late summer.
Average Tour Price: $80
Lowest Price Tour: $55
Highest Price Tour: $200
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Top Attractions
1. Ise Grand Shrine – Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine complex, known for its serene forest setting and traditional architecture. 2. Mikimoto Pearl Island – The birthplace of cultured pearls, featuring a museum and demonstrations of pearl diving. 3. Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes – Ancient trails through mountains and forests, offering spiritual and scenic hiking experiences. 4. Toba Aquarium – One of Japan’s largest aquariums, showcasing diverse marine life from local waters. 5. Matsusaka Castle Ruins – Historic site with beautiful gardens and panoramic views, reflecting samurai-era heritage.
Popular Activities
Visitors can engage in spiritual pilgrimage walks on the Kumano Kodo trails, explore coastal boat tours, participate in pearl diving experiences, enjoy hiking in the Suzuka Mountains, and relax in traditional onsen hot springs. Cultural workshops such as tea ceremonies and local craft making are also popular. Seasonal festivals provide vibrant cultural immersion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Mie’s cuisine highlights fresh seafood, especially spiny lobster (ise ebi) and abalone. Matsusaka beef, one of Japan’s top wagyu brands, is a must-try local specialty. Other dishes include fresh oysters, grilled fish, and local sushi varieties. Dining customs emphasize seasonal ingredients and presentation. Noteworthy restaurants include those near Ise Shrine offering traditional kaiseki meals and seafood markets in Toba.
Getting Around
Mie Prefecture is accessible by train via the JR Kisei Line and Kintetsu Railway, connecting to major hubs like Nagoya and Osaka. Local buses and taxis serve towns and tourist sites. For convenience, renting a car is recommended for exploring rural areas. Transportation costs vary, with rail passes available for tourists. The nearest airports are Chubu Centrair International Airport and Kansai International Airport.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is spring (March to May) for mild weather and autumn (September to November) for colorful foliage. Pack comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Respect local customs such as removing shoes indoors and quiet behavior at shrines. Carry cash as some places do not accept cards. Safety is high, but stay aware of natural hazards like typhoons in late summer.
Culture & Customs
Mie’s culture is deeply influenced by Shinto traditions, with many festivals honoring local deities. Visitors should observe respectful behavior at shrines, including purification rituals. Bowing is common as a greeting. Seasonal festivals like the Ise Festival showcase traditional music, dance, and processions. Gift-giving and polite speech are valued social customs.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
Likes
Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
Dislikes
Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..