Specially curated by our travel specialists, every itinerary can be customised to your needs and interests. Through our personal relationships with the local communities and businesses, we provide authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences found exclusively in the locality.
Here is a snapshot of our adventure in the Mie Prefecture located in the central part of Honshu island, just below Nagoya.
Whether it is a weekend gate-away or a 2-week vacation, be sure to create fond memories with Michi & Co.
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Hello from Mie,
Part of the Kansai region, Mie has some of the most historical and sacred sites in Japan. Thanks to its ocean-side location, Mie also boasts exceptional seafood delicacies. Dive into the rich and unique culture of the locals only we can offer. Get on the off beaten track and set out on a trip of discovery with Michi & Co.
This deluxe itinerary includes a 4-day summer/spring/autumn season experience in Mie Prefecture, with visits to some of the region's best-kept-secret destinations including Toba and Nabari.
Mie's Pride, Ama Divers of Toba
Mie Prefecture is home to around 1,000 amas, the women free-divers who keep alive a 3,000-year-old way of fishing. Ama diver plunges into the sea with simple gear and without breathing apparatus. Some ama can free dive to depths of around 20 meters! Ama wears white traditional outfit, sometimes decorated with symbols such as the star that is believed to protect them during their dive. In the past, amas were essential especially for early pearl farming practices. Collecting Akoya oysters and returning, the shells after nuclei has been implanted, even moving shellfish to safe places during red tides and typhoons. Today, with the development of aquaculture technology, the need for divers has become less and less crucial. On this trip, you would be able to go on an exclusive boat ride with ama divers as they go out to demonstrate their ancestors' way of life.
Step Back in Time in Edo-period Post Town
Walk through the historical pathway and feel the atmosphere of bustling merchants as you are taken back to the Edo Period. Served as one of the main routes that connected Tokyo and Kyoto as well as used as a checkpoint to keep an eye on troop movements and the traveling population, many of the buildings on this small Seki Juku have been kept in their original state. Such is the quality of architecture and unique historical assets, that in 1984 the area was appointed an Important Cultural Buildings Preservation District.
The Most Important Shrine in all of Japan, the Ise Jingu
(Source: Mie Prefecture)
Take a relaxing stroll with a designated guide around the sacred shrine compound devoted to the sun deity and the deity of agriculture and industry, Amaterasu Omikami and Toyouke no Omikami. Feel the tranquility as you walk down the pathway adorned with tall and lush trees. A visit to Mie Prefecture is incomplete without a visit to this area. From the 19th century, Ise Jingu became the center of the Shinto faith. There are 125 shrines scattered set around two main shrines, Naiku (Inner Shrine) and Geku (Outer Shrine). Fun fact: the main shrine of Naiku was constructed using solid Japanese cypress with no nails used to hold the pieces together! A true masterpiece of fine Japanese craftsmanship.
A Visit to Living Samurai Residence
(Source: AISC Japan, Mie Prefecture)
The Gojoban Yashiki is a row of Japanese houses in Matsusaka town that were built for samurai in the late Edo period (1600-1867). The samurai warriors that lived here were charged with the protection of Matsusaka Castle. Two long rows of Japanese houses are divided by a paved footpath and surrounded by beautiful hedges. These houses are particularly well preserved since a number of direct descendants of the original residents continue to live in these fine examples of Edo Period architecture, hence a "living samurai residence". PS, wrap up in a Matsusaka cotton kimono characterized by its chic indigo vertical stripes!
Refresh Your Mind and Soul
(Source: Mie Prefecture)
Refresh your spirit along one of Japan’s greatest 4-km hiking trail, Akame 48 – a pristine forest that’s home to waterfalls, ninja culture and giant salamanders, a protected species. The Japanese characters for “48” in the name simply mean “many” waterfalls. They vary in size from small to powerful, creating a silent dripping or roaring soundtrack. The area’s autumn foliage is especially popular with photographers. Worry not as you do not need to do the full trail to be able to see the strikingly beautiful changing colour leaves. A short 45-minute relaxing walk will take you to a number of waterfalls already! Recharge your soul as you enjoy the peaceful surroundings.