Top Mie Prefecture Sightseeing Tours - page 2

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.

Discover the off-the-radar nightlife of Mie Prefecture with a local guide who takes you to two handpicked izakayas in areas such as Yokkaichi, Kuwana, Suzuka, or Tsu. Step into real neighborhood bars where the atmosphere is warm, the flavors bold, and the experience truly authentic. At each stop, enjoy ¥1,500 worth of food and drinks included (¥3,000 total), making it easy to relax and explore without worrying about ordering or costs. Expect local specialties—from grilled skewers to regional dishes—paired with sake, shochu, or cold draft beer. With counter seating and handwritten menus, these cozy spots are where locals unwind and conversations flow naturally. Your guide will help translate, recommend dishes, and share insights into the local culture and everyday life of the area. This is not a tourist bar crawl, but a genuine night out in places you would never find on your own.

On this journey, along with the original landscape of such Japanese "prayer," you can visit and experience traditional crafts such as Owase wappa, sword smithing, and Kumano Otonashigami (paper-making) workshop, and immerse yourself in the magnificent nature of the Nanki Geopark. Enjoy the relationship between the three types of land created by the subduction of plates, the unique landscapes they created, the wide variety of flora and fauna brought about by the warm and humid climate, and the Kumano worship born from them.

This tour offers a rare opportunity to explore Ise—the spiritual heart of Japan—by visiting its most revered shrines in the traditional pilgrimage order, starting with the coastal Futami Okitama Shrine, followed by Toyouke Daijingu (Outer Shrine), Sarutahiko Shrine, and culminating at the Inner Shrine (Kōtai Jingu), the most sacred site in Shinto. Along the way, you'll discover myths, rituals, and centuries of tradition with a knowledgeable local guide who brings each site to life. You’ll walk the same sacred paths as ancient pilgrims, experience the power and tranquility of forested sanctuaries, and enjoy a peaceful break in the Edo-style Oharaimachi district, where traditional sweets and charming shops await. With deep cultural storytelling, spiritual insight, and a route rarely covered in one day, this tour connects you directly to Japan’s living heritage in a way that’s both personal and unforgettable.

Go beyond sightseeing and step into the hidden world of real ninja. This tour isn’t just about history—it’s a hands-on dive into Japan’s legendary ninja culture, set in the atmospheric town of Iga. Begin at Iga Ueno Castle, a striking fortress atop Japan’s tallest stone walls, once home to feudal lords. Then explore the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum, featuring a house packed with hidden doors, trap stairs, and secret passages. See authentic ninja tools, watch live demonstrations, and walk the same paths once used by stealthy spies. Guided by a local expert, this experience is both educational and exciting—ideal for history fans, families, and curious travelers. If you’re drawn to martial arts, Japanese folklore, or off-the-beaten-path culture, this tour offers a memorable look into the art of stealth and survival. Come for the castle. Stay for the ninja. Leave with a story.

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.