Made in Mie: Flavours and Family Time (5D4N)
Overview
Mie — Japan's Sacred Storybook
Mie is where Japan's deepest myths, imperial lineage, and spiritual traditions converge. Bordered by Nara and Kyoto to its west, it is home to Ise Jingu, Japan's most revered Shinto shrine.
Ise Jingu is a vast complex of 125 shrines nestled amidst a thousand-year-old cypress forest. It has stood as Japan's spiritual heart for over 2000 years. Every 20 years, the entire complex is rebuilt from scratch, a 1,300-year-old ritual that serves as a masterclass in heritage conservation and ancient craftsmanship.
Pearl Capital of the World
Kokichi Mikimoto is originally from Toba in Mie Prefecture. He is recognised for being the first in the world to cultivate cultured pearls. Mikimoto saved the oyster population from extinction due to over-harvesting. Today, the Mikimoto Pearl Research Laboratory in Mie Prefecture is a full-scale institute dedicated to comprehensive investigation into Mikimoto's longstanding pearl-related exploration. Its topics of study also extend to the preservation of the marine environment within which pearl cultivation takes place.
The Birthplace of Ninja
Mie also holds the secrets of the Iga-ryu Ninja. Far from the myths of cinema, the true ninja were masters of strategic intelligence, resilience, and mindfulness. Discover the world's largest collection of ninja artifacts at the Ninja Museum of Igaryu. Just steps away, the Ninja House is a beautifully preserved Edo-period warrior residence with hidden passageways.
A Journey Through the Kingdom of Food
In Mie, the path to spiritual enlightenment is paved with exceptional gastronomy. For centuries, this region has been known as Miketsukuni—the land that provided sacred offerings to the Imperial family and the deities at Ise Jingu. Today, this legacy continues, offering a "living museum" experience where every bite tells a story of heritage and harmony.
Highlights
- Indulge in one of Japan’s finest culinary treasures - the exquisitely marbled Matsusaka beef
- Wander through Ise Jingu Naiku (皇大神宮) and tread the path of millions who have come before. Learn about the philosophy of Tokowaka, a goal that sustainability echoes: to continue, to restore the old to make anew.
- Admire nature's beauty as you pass through Ise Bay aboard a traditional houseboat, savouring the freshest seafood
- Share a seaside meal with Ama divers whose livelihoods are tied to the sea. Hear the stories of these courageous women who do not use any scuba gear. These ladies are skilled in free diving to gather seashells, seafood, and even cultured pearls from the seabed. The term “Ama” dates back to at least 750 AD, and it is estimated that there are only around 500 Ama left in Japan.
- Step into the world of ninjas and discover a culture of resilience and strategic intelligence.
Description
In Mie Prefecture, the relationship between the land and the sea is one of profound synergy. For the intentional traveler, exploring Mie’s culinary and pearl heritage is a journey into regenerative luxury—where the preservation of natural ecosystems is the key to creating world-class rarity.
This is a private tour, created exclusively for you and your group, ensuring a more intimate and meaningful experience. Every detail can be tailored to your preferences—simply share your requests, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Trip Details
- Physical Activity: Low
- Length of Trip: 5 days, 4 nights
- Capacity: 2–6 people
- Start & End Point: Nagoya or Osaka
- Departure Daily
Enquire now to begin crafting your personalised journey
Private Arrangement price from SGD 2,380 per person (Min 2 to go)
OR EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Add another trip of ours on top of this journey and we will be happy to send you off.
Includes:
- 4 nights standard twin-bed hotel with daily breakfast
- Private driver and private English-speaking guide
- Entrance ticket as per itinerary
Excludes:
- International flight ticket
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Day in Osaka to Mie
On the first day, arrival at Kansai International airport is followed by a warm welcome from a guide and a transfer to the hotel. Start with airport pickup and meet the guide for a private transfer to Mie. After check-in, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring Matsusaka beef. The day sets the stage for exploring a region known for food and spirituality.
Day 2: Discover Ise: Japan’s Sacred Legacy and Local Life
Begin with a quiet morning at Ise Jingu’s Outer Shrine, dedicated to Toyouke, the deity of food, clothing, and shelter. Then continue to the Inner Shrine, devoted to Amaterasu, the sun goddess and mythological ancestor of Japan’s imperial family. Together, these two sites form Ise Jingu: Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine and a spiritual cornerstone for centuries. For lunch, hop aboard a yakatabune floating restaurant for fresh seafood served with a view of the bay. End the day on the nostalgic streets of Okage Yokocho, browsing Edo-era storefronts filled with local food and crafts.
Day 3: Mie’s Coastal Story: Shrines, Ama Culture, and VISON
Start the day at Futami Okitama Shrine, where the Wedded Rocks rise from the sea as a quiet symbol of connection. Then climb to the Yokoyama Observatory Deck for a sweeping view over Ago Bay’s scattered islands. Lunch is with the Ama divers, freshly caught, simply prepared, and shared by the sea. The day winds down at VISON, a modern village of shops, gardens, and cafés, where tradition and design meet in the open air.
Day 4: Ninja Heritage and Urban Evenings: Iga to Osaka
Start in Iga with a visit to the Ninja Museum, a real ninja house featuring trap doors and secret areas. Then see a live demonstration showcasing the skills of Japan’s legendary warriors. Enjoy a local tofu dengaku lunch, a specialty of the area. In the evening, arrive in Osaka for free time.
Day 5: Fly Home
Enjoy the day of shopping then a transfer to the airport with a private vehicle. Your next destination? Home sweet home. But remember, it's not sayonara yet, it's "See you soon!" The question is, where to from here?
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