5 Local Experiences Not Found in Guidebooks: Mie Edition

Ise Umashikuni Winery, the first winery in the Ise Shima region of southern Mie Prefecture, painstakingly tends its vineyards by hand to preserve the soil’s natural biodiversity. They employ unique methods like adding oyster shells from nearby waters to enrich the soil’s minerals, aiming to craft a terroir that complements local cuisine culture. Focused on quality rather than quantity, the winery limits its production to about 10,000 bottles each year. Upstairs, Osteria il Mosto is a wine restaurant serving dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Its menu showcases Italian-inspired dishes like pasta crafted from carefully selected, aromatic flour, chargrilled seafood fresh from the nearby seas, and other mouthwatering creations sure to impress. A standout favorite is the Ise Beef, lean yet rich in umami, grilled over binchotan charcoal to unlock a smoky depth, then served with a house-made red wine sauce, a must-try specialty exclusive to the restaurant.

English service is available for international travelers, and the in-house sommelier is on hand to recommend perfect wine pairings. This allows you to fully relax and savor the culinary masterpieces born from the flavors of Ise Shima.

Located in Kameyama City, Sekijuku is a historic post town along the Tokaido highway with a history spanning over 1,300 years. Post towns like Sekijuku served as vital hubs where couriers and packhorses converged and travelers found rest and lodging. The well-preserved architecture creates a nostalgic atmosphere, granting a vivid glimpse into the everyday life and scenery of this bygone era.

Nestled within this charming townscape is Jikonka. Here, in a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese residence, visitors can take part in indigo dyeing workshops and savor hand-picked, fermented Kameyama teas served in original tea ware. You can dye your own cloth using time-honored techniques, letting you relish the natural dye’s botanical scents, texture, and vibrant hues. It’s the perfect chance to create a one-of-a-kind, authentic souvenir!

Jikonka also cultivates naturally grown varieties of black tea, derived from a mountain tea strain native to Taiwan, and produces its own black and white fermented teas. Visitors can learn about the origins and history of these teas and even sample unique variations, such as tea steeped in sparkling water.

Visitors can also book the entire building at Jikonka Stay, a private rental containing a gallery, modern kitchen, and tearoom. Conveniently located near the station, it’s easily accessible without a car - an ideal bonus for travelers. The staff are experienced in welcoming international guests, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Ise Shima is home to Japan’s largest community of “ama,” professional female freedivers whose ancient fishing traditions have been passed down for over 2,000 years. On this tour, visitors can head out into the ocean on a small boat operated by local fishermen and experience freedive fishing alongside these remarkable divers.

Participants get a rare, up-close view of how deep the ama can dive and the unique breathing techniques they use to stay underwater. Book through the English website and an English-speaking guide will accompany you, so there’s no need to worry about communication. You’ll hear firsthand fascinating stories passed down through generations of ama divers and the wisdom they’ve gained from life at sea. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle!

The Kumano Kodo is a network of historic pilgrimage trails leading to the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano - Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha - along with Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple, located in southeastern Wakayama Prefecture. Some trails also follow the coastline, with Mikisato Beach considered the highlight of this “Kumano Kodo of the Ocean.” From summer through autumn, this beach hosts a magical night kayak tour, where participants paddle across dark waters to witness the mesmerizing blue glow of bioluminescent plankton up close. On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches across the star-filled sky, completing the unforgettable experience.

Bioluminescence occurs when Noctiluca scintillans plankton is agitated. The kayak paddles stir the water, lifting them to the surface and making them glow. First-time paddlers will get a sea kayak lesson, and English-speaking guides are available to assist throughout the tour.

After the sea kayak lesson, unwind with light snacks from a local deli and a cup of locally grown tea while taking in the stunning coastal sunset.

Located in southern Mie Prefecture, the city of Owase hosts unique yoga experiences set in a private natural retreat. The session takes place atop Hachijoiwa, a massive 9-by-12-meter boulder at the base of Mt. Tengukura, considered a landmark of Owase. A yoga instructor teams up with a local therapist guide to support participants on the roughly 30-minute hike from the trail entrance to the Iwayado site. Guides are available in both Japanese and English.

Located midway up Mt. Tengukura, Iwayado is a sacred site where the main deity and 33 Kannon statues are enshrined, all watched over by the massive boulder.

The yoga session focuses on relaxation, with easy poses suitable for beginners. Practicing yoga surrounded by nature offers a peaceful escape from the hustle of everyday life. And there's even more to enjoy afterwards - you can soak in a mineral-rich bath drawn from the deep sea at Yumekodo-no-Yu, savor meals made with local ingredients, or take a leisurely stroll through Owase’s charming townscape. Yoga on the rocks is limited to one group per day, allowing you to fully unwind while soaking in the stunning scenery.

This article has introduced experiences unique to Mie Prefecture that go beyond typical sightseeing. A trip becomes truly meaningful when you spend time with locals, connect with nature, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Let this article be your starting point to discover a side of Mie you won’t find anywhere else!