Introducing Instagram-Worthy Photos of Mie Prefecture
If you want to list three must-visit Instagram-worthy spots in Mie Prefecture, Ise Jingu, Kumano Kodo, and Osugidani are highly recommended. Ise Jingu, the oldest shrine in Japan, allows you to take photos of sacred buildings and beautiful gardens. In the mystical forests and historical pilgrimage routes of Kumano Kodo, you can feel the breath of nature and traces of history while walking along ancient paths. Osugidani, though difficult to access and not easily reachable, is a hidden gem known to a select few, making the photos taken there especially valuable. Additionally, at Shima Spain Village, you can enjoy a Mediterranean atmosphere, and at Suzuka Circuit, you can experience the thrill of motorsports.
Ise Jingu
Ise Jingu, the oldest shrine in Japan, allows you to take photos of sacred buildings and beautiful gardens. As the most revered Shinto shrine, it enshrines Amaterasu Omikami and Toyouke Omikami, who are the sun goddess and the deity of food and agriculture, respectively. This shrine is closely connected to the Japanese imperial family, with the Emperor and Empress frequently visiting.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 16-minute bus ride from Iseshi Station
Kumano Kodo
Kumano Kodo is an ancient pilgrimage route spanning Mie, Nara, Wakayama, and Osaka Prefectures, leading to Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. With over 1,000 years of history, it was once Japan’s largest spiritual site and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 31-minute bus ride from Kumanoshi Station
Osugidani
Osugidani is a beautiful gorge in Mie Prefecture, known for its emerald green river and magnificent waterfalls. As one of Japan’s three major gorges, it offers a trekking course of about 14 kilometers with an elevation difference of 1,200 meters. While it is stunning, it can be dangerous, with annual accidents due to falls, making it unsuitable for beginners.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Spring, Summer, Autumn (closed in winter)
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Infrequent public transportation car recommended
Dokura Falls
Dokura Falls, located in Osugidani, boasts a drop of about 18 meters and features beautiful emerald green water. The waterfall has a large water volume, and its basin is very deep. In particular, the cool water in summer provides a refreshing retreat for visitors.
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Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Spring, Summer, Autumn (closed in winter)
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Infrequent public transportation car recommended
Shima Spain Village
Experience the Mediterranean atmosphere in Shima Spain Village, a theme park in Shima City, Mie Prefecture. Enjoy Spanish architecture, flamenco shows, Spanish cuisine, and various attractions.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information:12-minute walk from Ugata Station
Shima Mediterranean Village
This tourist facility in Shima City recreates a Mediterranean resort, offering villa-style accommodations, hot springs, restaurants, cafes, shops, and activities like cruising, fishing, and crafts.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Infrequent public transportation car recommended
Nagashima Spa Land
Nagashima Spa Land in Mie Prefecture is a large amusement park known for having the most roller coasters in Japan, along with a massive outdoor pool in summer, adjacent hot spring facilities, multiple hotels, and Japan’s largest outlet mall.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 26-minute bus ride from Kuwana Station
Suzuka Circuit
Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka City is a world-renowned racing course, hosting major motorsport events like the F1 Japanese Grand Prix and the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race. Built by Honda in 1962, it also includes an amusement park and hotels, featuring Japan’s longest racing course with a unique figure-eight layout.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: ▶Suzuka Circuit
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 29-minute walk from Suzuka Circuit Ino Station
Okage Yokocho
Beginning at Uji Bridge, the 800-meter “Oharai Machi” street is lined with traditional souvenir shops and eateries, preserving the atmosphere of historical pilgrimages to Ise Jingu. “Okage Yokocho” is a recreated area within this town, established in 1993, to evoke the feel of the Edo period.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 5-minute bus ride from Isuzugawa Station
