VISON is a commercial complex located in Taki-cho that brings together food and culture. Spanning an expansive area of approximately 119 hectares, VISON features a hotel where guests can experience the changing seasons. It is home to one of Japan’s largest farmers’ markets, Marché VISON, as well as approximately 70 restaurants and shops where visitors can savor regional gourmet food from Mie Prefecture, shop, and engage in various hands-on activities. VISON is directly connected to the Taki Vison Smart IC (exit only) for easy access.

Nagashima Spa Land is one of Japan’s leading amusement parks, boasting approximately 60 attractions, including twelve roller coasters, the highest number in the country. Experience the thrill of riding the world’s longest roller coaster, the Steel Dragon 2000, along with other exciting rides. The park also features a popular hot spring facility and an outlet mall. Nearby, don’t miss Nabana no Sato, a flower and food theme park known for Japan’s grandest illumination display.

SUZUKA CIRCUIT is a comprehensive amusement park centered around the world-famous racing circuit that hosts the F1 Japanese Grand Prix and the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race. SUZUKA CIRCUIT PARK offers a range of attractions where children can enjoy the thrill of driving themselves. The facility also has on-site accommodations and restaurants that welcome families with young children, ensuring that adults and children can have fun together.

The Ninja MUSEUM of Iga-ryu is an authentic museum that offers a glimpse into traditional ninja life. Visitors can explore a genuine Iga-ryu ninja house, complete with clever tricks that showcase the wisdom and skills of ninjas. The museum displays valuable artifacts related to ninja history. In the Ninja Tradition Hall, you can discover authentic ninja tools and ancient ninja writings. The Ninja Experience Hall allows visitors to learn about and engage with the deep secrets of Iga-ryu ninjutsu. Immerse yourself in the exciting world of ninjas at a thrilling ninjutsu show performed by the Iga-ryu Ninja Special Forces, Ashura. Additionally, you can participate in the popular shuriken (ninja star) throwing experience.

This impressive fireworks festival takes place every year on August 17th, set against the stunning backdrop of the Kumano Sea. It is renowned as one of Japan’s most thrilling and beautiful fireworks shows. The dynamic show featuring the Sansyakudama-Kaijojibaku, launched from the sea, and the grand finale, Onigajo-Ojikake, brilliantly showcases the sea and the rocky cliffs of Kumano City. Approximately 10,000 fireworks light up the night sky and reflect on the sea’s surface, while the thunderous sound and vibrations resonate throughout your body, creating a truly breathtaking experience.

Iga Ueno Castle features one of Japan’s tallest stone walls, reaching approximately 30 meters in height. It was constructed by Todo Takatora, a master castle builder. The castle keep, which was reconstructed in 1935, is also known as “Hakuho Castle” due to its stunning three-story white castle walls. Inside the keep, visitors can find displays of weapons, armor, and various artifacts related to the Todo family. The ceiling on the top floor is adorned with 46 large decorative calligraphic works and paintings, each measuring one meter square, created by Yokoyama Taikan and other renowned artists. Additionally, the view overlooking the castle town is truly remarkable.

Ise Jingu, regarded as the spiritual home of the Japanese people, boasts a history spanning 2,000 years and is affectionately known as "Oise-san." Amaterasu-Omikami is enshrined at the Naiku, while Toyo’uke-no-Omikami is enshrined at the Geku. Every 20 years, the Shikinen Sengu ritual takes place, during which all the shrine buildings are rebuilt. This ritual passes down Japan’s traditional aesthetic beauty. It is recommended to visit early in the morning, right when the gates open, as this is when there are fewer visitors.

Seki-juku flourished as the 47th post town of the 53 stations on the Tokaido Road. The historic townscape retains the rich atmosphere of the Edo period. The street is lined with approximately 200 townhouses built from the late Edo period to the Meiji period, which have been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Japanese government. As you stroll through the town, you can sense the lively atmosphere of that time. Visitors can enjoy walking around the town while sampling local specialties Seki-no-To and Shiratama.

Senjuji Temple is the head temple of the Takada school of Shinshu Buddhism, founded by Shinran Shonin. At the center of the temple precincts are the Mieidō and Nyoraidō Halls, which boast an impressive height of over 25 meters. These halls are the first buildings in Mie Prefecture to be designated National Treasures. The temple is home to many important cultural artifacts, including the “Saihō Shinanshō” (Notes on Guidance Toward Birth in the West), written by Shinran Shonin. In the summer, visitors can admire the beautiful lotus flowers that bloom in and around the temple’s lotus pond. Additionally, the “Oshichiya Hōonkō,” a 7-day memorial service held every January, is a well-known winter tradition at the temple.

Rokkaen is a historic residence that blends Western and Japanese architectural styles from the Meiji and Taisho periods. The Western-style building was designed by Josiah Conder, the architect known as the father of modern Japanese architecture, who also worked on the Rokumeikan. The Japanese-style building features a Japanese stroll garden with a central pond, which has been designated as a national Place of Scenic Beauty. Both the Western and Japanese structures are recognized as Important Cultural Properties. Built as the residence of a Kuwana businessman, Rokkaen has maintained its original form to this day.

The Yokoyama View Point offers a stunning view of Ago Bay. It is a breathtaking location where visitors can appreciate the beautiful contrast between the blue of the layered ria coastline and the green of the small islands scattered in the distance. Visitors can enjoy the soothing beauty of the untouched Japanese landscape from the 140-meter-high observation deck. The viewpoint terrace, with its design that seems to stretch out over the sea, offers a feeling of openness and freedom. Additionally, visitors can unwind at the nearby café for a relaxing experience.

Take a ride on the gondola, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Suzuka Mountain Range, adorned with vibrant azaleas in spring, colorful foliage in autumn, and ice-covered trees, known as juhyou, in winter. The dynamic scale of the ropeway spans a total length of 2,161 meters and a height difference of 780 meters, creating the thrilling sensation of traveling through the sky. Indulge in the great nature with a stroll through the Summit Park and a visit to the hot springs resort at the mountain’s base.

Large and small waterfalls create a magnificent natural beauty in the valley, where the clear Takigawa River flows. This scenic area spans about 4 kilometers and has been recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waters of the Heisei period, as well as being listed among Japan’s 100 Greatest Waterfalls. In autumn, the foliage turns a vivid red, transforming the landscape into a magical scene. This valley is also home to the Japanese giant salamander, which is designated as a Special Natural Monument. Visitors can also explore the Akame Waterfalls Aquarium, located at the entrance to the walking trail.

The giant rock near the summit of Mt. Binshi is known as “Elephant Back ” due to its distinctive shape. Standing on Elephant Back offers a breathtaking panoramic view, making it a popular spot for photography. On clear days, you can enjoy the stunning scenery of Owase City and Kihoku Town spread out below. There is a well-maintained trail, allowing you to enjoy the climb at your own pace.

Ohai is a secret paradise located deep in the fishing village of Kuki-cho in Owase City. At Ohai, the yellow lines on the rocks mark the boundaries of the area’s fishing grounds. The emerald-green sea, which stretches along the sheer cliffs, is a well-kept secret of the region. Whether you hike to the cliffs for a panoramic view or take a cruise to admire the scenery from the sea, you can experience the unique charm of Ohai.

Mie Prefecture, renowned for some of Japan’s finest fishing grounds, is a treasure trove of fresh seafood. One of its highlights is the famous Ise Ebi lobster (Japanese spiny lobster), which is raised in the rough seas. It is celebrated for its firm flesh and elegant sweetness. Whether enjoyed raw or grilled, Ise Ebi is a true delight. Other exquisite delicacies include Matoya oysters, known for their rich flavor, as well as abalone and turban shells harvested by ama divers. Come and savor the unique flavors of fresh seafood from this region.

Mie Prefecture is the third leading tea producer in Japan. One notable characteristic of Ise Cha is its rich, full-bodied flavor, which is attributed to the thick leaves. Mie produces and enjoys a variety of teas, including Kabuse-cha (shaded tea), which has the highest production volume in Japan, along with Sencha (steamed tea) and Fukamushi Sencha (deep steamed tea). This variety results from the efforts of local producers and the prefecture’s abundant natural environment. Mie features many different tea-producing regions, ranging from the foothills of the Suzuka Mountains to Odaigahara. Each region offers its own unique flavor profile.

Among the numerous high-quality Japanese beef brands, Matsusaka beef is often referred to as a “work of meat art.” It is known for its exquisite flavor that melts in your mouth, a result of its fine marbling and sweet fat. In contrast, Iga beef is recognized for its vibrant meat color and rich taste, making it a brand of beef comparable to Matsusaka beef. Mie Prefecture’s Wagyu cattle, raised with great care in a rich natural environment, are a truly world-class product.

Since the Edo period, Sangu-kaido, the road traveled by pilgrims to the Ise Jingu, has also been known as Mochi Kaido, or rice cake road. Many famous types of mochi rice cakes were developed along this route. Mochi featuring various shapes and flavors, such as Yasunaga Mochi from Kuwana City, Seki-no-To from Kameyama City, and Akafuku Mochi from Ise City—which is renowned across the country—were popular among travelers. These tasty treats can still be enjoyed at many shops today.

Mie Prefecture’s sake is brewed using the refined, plentiful water and cool climate of the Kii Mountains, resulting in a warm and mellow flavor. The gentle sweetness and spiciness of the sake complement dishes made from local Mie ingredients. The various sake brands from the area’s diverse breweries have received high praise in competitions in Japan and internationally. Notably, Mie’s sake was served to world leaders as a toast sake during the G7 Ise-Shima Summit in 2016.

At Mikimoto Pearl Island, where pearls were successfully cultivated for the first time in the world, visitors can discover the charm of pearls, a remarkable blend of human ingenuity and nature’s power. The lush island features a museum where you can learn about the history and techniques of pearl cultivation in detail, a memorial hall introducing the life of Kokichi Mikimoto, renowned as the Pearl King, and a shopping plaza and restaurant. Visitors can also watch a diving demonstration by ama divers in their white diving suits.

Matsusaka Momen is one of Mie Prefecture’s designated traditional crafts. This cotton fabric is known for its delicate striped patterns and simple texture, which were especially popular during the Edo period. The striped pattern—woven with yarn dyed with natural indigo—may appear plain from a distance, but reveals a stylish and sophisticated design upon closer inspection. In addition to bolts of fabric, Matsusaka Cotton is used for various accessories and small items. Why not rent a kimono and experience the comfort of this fabric while strolling through the streets of Matsusaka?

Mie Prefecture is home to many nationally designated traditional craft products. Many of them have a rich history and have been handed down through generations for over 1,000 years. These crafts include “Iga Kumihimo” braids, which are essential components of kimono sets; “Suzuka-zumi” ink sticks, known for their excellent color and favored by many Japanese calligraphers; and “Ise Katagami” stencils, used for dyeing kimono fabric and as interior decorations. These crafts continue to enrich and enhance our lives.

Iga ware and Yokkaichi banko ware each possess a unique charm and history. Iga ware is crafted from Iga clay, known for its high resistance to heat. It features a glassy vidro glaze and a strong texture, achieved through high-temperature firing. Yokkaichi banko ware is primarily known for its shidei clay (purple mud) teapots, which develop a lustrous appearance over time, as well as its highly heat-resistant earthenware pots, which account for approximately 80% of the domestic share of earthenware pots.

The Kumano Kodo Iseji, known as the “Path of Prayer,” connects Ise Jingu to Kumano Sanzan and is a unique World Heritage route. As the proverb says, “Seven times to Ise, three times to Kumano,” many people longed to walk this path and complete the pilgrimage. The route features a variety of scenery, including cobblestone paths and bamboo groves, and offers panoramic views of the Kumano Sea from the mountain passes. This path is steeped in a rich history of faith and culture.