Mie Prefecture’s 15 Best Tours

Mie Prefecture is a treasure trove for travelers wanting to explore authentic Japan beyond the crowded cities. Its sacred sites, lush landscapes, and culinary delights make it a prime destination for diverse tours. We particularly love the private Ise Jingu tours because they offer personalized insights into Japan’s most revered shrines, and the Akame 48 Waterfalls for their stunning scenery and hands-on activities. Whether you’re into spirituality, nature, or food, Mie has something special to offer.

Quick Overview

The list below features a variety of tours suited for different interests and schedules. From quick half-day visits to full-day explorations, there’s plenty to choose from. Highlighted experiences include private shrine tours, local fish shop interactions, hiking around waterfalls, and luxury Wagyu tasting. Dive into the details of each to find your perfect match.

1. Ise Jingu (Ise Grand Shrine) Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

This half-day private tour offers a detailed visit to Ise Jingu, Japan’s most sacred shrine. Guided by a licensed expert, you’ll explore the Naiku and Geku shrines, learning about their significance and rituals. The guide can tailor the experience to your interests, making sure you see the Meoto Iwa rock formations and other local sites. The tour lasts about 4 hours and provides a deeper understanding of Shinto traditions. Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides and personal touch—”Tetsuya, my guide, was very knowledgeable and prepared a great tour,” one reviewer notes. For travelers wanting a meaningful, personalized visit to one of Japan’s most iconic spiritual sites, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting an intimate, informative experience with a flexible schedule.

2. Ise Jingu (Ise Grand Shrine) Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

Spending a full day with a skilled guide makes it possible to appreciate Ise’s sacred sites and local culture without rushing. This in-depth tour covers Naiku and Geku shrines, as well as local foods and traditions. Your guide, fluent in English, will share stories about Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, and lead you through the purification rituals and shrine architecture. The tour’s value lies in its detailed itinerary, which ensures you see the main shrines and hidden spots. Guests like “Mr. Nishio planned a wonderful day, explaining rituals and history,” highlighting the guide’s expertise. Perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive yet personalized experience that balances culture, history, and spirituality.
Bottom Line: A great choice for those looking for an immersive, all-encompassing exploration of Ise’s religious heart.

3. Local Fresh Fish Shop Premium Backyard Experience

This 1.5-hour hands-on experience puts you directly in the backyard of a professional fishmonger. Led by a 20-year veteran, you’ll learn how to process and prepare fresh fish, taste samples on the spot, and take home some of the best seafood in Ise-Shima. Plus, you’ll receive a fishmonger’s certificate to remember your skill. Guests love the authenticity—“A fascinating lesson from a seasoned professional,” says one reviewer. The tour is perfect if you’re keen on fish delicacies or want a unique behind-the-scenes look at Japan’s seafood industry, making it a memorable and delicious experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for seafood lovers wanting a practical, authentic Japanese culinary lesson.

4. Private Tour of Akame 48 Waterfalls with Bento Making

For around $105, this private tour combines nature, culture, and hands-on cooking. Led by an ecotour guide, you’ll hike the beautiful river valley, marvel at the 48 waterfalls, and learn bento-making techniques. The highlight is creating your own seasonal bento, which you’ll get to enjoy amid scenic views. The tour also includes visits to a Japanese salamander center and Saiki Iwa (Lion Rock), notable for its connection to ninjas. Reviewers mention the guide’s thoughtfulness and the “delicious bento” as key highlights. Best suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities and want to combine nature with culinary craft. The tour duration varies between 3-5 hours, offering flexibility for your day.
Bottom Line: A perfect mix of hiking, culture, and hands-on food experience in a serene setting.

5. 1 Day Tokyo Private Custom Tour

If you’re planning a quick trip to Tokyo but want to see what really matters to you, this customized tour is a flexible, private option. You pick 4-5 attractions—like Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, or the Imperial Palace—and your guide arranges the itinerary accordingly. You’ll enjoy door-to-door service and avoid the hassle of group tours. Reviews highlight the guide’s planning: “Yuka was an excellent host, making sure we saw the highlights.” The tour lasts about 10 hours, making it ideal for travelers with limited time who want a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: Best for those with specific interests in Tokyo and a desire for tailored sightseeing.

6. Take Shrine Activity with Lunch

This sustainable tour offers access to parts of Take Shrine normally closed to the public. You’ll learn about Shinto rituals, make your own shrine stamp, and create neat lines in gravel. The experience also includes a local lunch, making it perfect for a cultural, participatory outing. Part of the fee helps preserve the shrine, giving your visit a meaningful twist. Reviewers appreciate the intimacy: “You can enter sacred areas and learn about shrine traditions firsthand,” says one. The tour is about 3 hours long and suits travelers interested in cultural preservation and local community.
Bottom Line: A meaningful, participative tour ideal for cultural enthusiasts.

7. Mie: Matsusaka Beef Gourmet Tour – Taste Japan’s Finest Wagyu

This gourmet journey into Matsusaka’s Wagyu is a must for food lovers. Over about 1.5 hours, you’ll visit select restaurants and specialty shops, tasting Matsusaka beef prepared as sukiyaki, yakiniku, and more. Guided by a local expert, you’ll learn about the cattle’s long-standing tradition and raising practices. Reviewers note, “I was treated to a visit with a famous cattleman,” emphasizing the tour’s exclusive feel. The value is clear: you get to indulge in luxury beef while understanding its cultural significance. This tour suits gourmets and culinary travelers looking for high-end, authentic food experiences.
Bottom Line: An exquisite option for Wagyu aficionados wanting both taste and insight.

8. Ise: Express Tour of Japan’s Most Sacred Shrine

This short 1.5-hour tour provides a quick but meaningful glimpse of Ise Jingu’s Inner Shrine. Guided by a local expert, you’ll feel the sacred atmosphere while learning about Shinto symbolism. The tour’s flexibility means you can choose to visit early in the morning or in the afternoon, fitting into tight schedules. Reviews commend the expert storytelling and the ability to get a condensed yet authentic experience. Good for travelers on a tight timetable or those wanting a quick spiritual fix.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a brief, heartfelt look into Japan’s most revered shrine.

9. The Sacred Ise Shrine, Mikimoto Island, etc., One Day Tour

This eight-hour tour combines spiritual and cultural highlights: Ise Shrine, Oharaimachi street, Mt. Asama Viewpoint, and Mikimoto Pearl Island. You’ll see Meoto Iwa Rocks, participate in pearl cultivation demonstrations, and explore local shops. The tour is suitable for travelers who want a comprehensive day trip with a mix of religious sites, scenic views, and shopping. Reviewers mention the guide’s insightful explanations and the opportunity to see the famous cultured pearls. It’s a good choice for diverse interests—from history to shopping.
Bottom Line: Excellent for a full day of cultural, spiritual, and leisurely activities.

10. Fortune-Telling through Oriental Astrology near Ise Jingu

For something completely different, this personalized fortune-telling session uses oriental astrology and “bokujo” divination. Held at the former Saiku Palace site, you’ll receive a reading of your destiny or personality. The experience lasts about an hour and offers a unique insight into traditional practices. One reviewer notes, “It was a most interesting experience, even with the use of a laptop for calculations.” It’s suited for curious travelers interested in ancient rituals and personal reflection.
Bottom Line: A memorable, culturally rich activity for the adventurous at heart.

11. Ise Jingu Half Day Private Tour

This 3-hour private tour focuses on Naiku and Uji Bridge, giving you a spiritual overview of Ise Jingu. Led by a guide who explains Shinto customs and the architecture, you’ll cross the Uji Bridge and visit Isuzugawa River for purification rituals. Guests mention the deep atmosphere and the ability to walk at your own pace. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time but who want to experience the essence of Ise Jingu with personal guidance.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick yet meaningful visit.

12. Luxury Fish Shop Tour: Exclusive Backyard Experience

This premium experience takes you inside a famous fish shop’s backyard, where you’ll learn filleting, knife-sharpening, and wasabi grating. It’s a luxurious behind-the-scenes look at Ise-Shima’s seafood industry. The customized nature of the tour makes it stand out, and you’ll get to enjoy the fresh ingredients you prepare. The tour offers an exclusive insight into Japan’s seafood craftsmanship, appealing strongly to seafood enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: A high-end, behind-the-scenes culinary experience for serious food lovers.

13. Shima: Standard Fish Shop Tour & Workshop

Similar to the luxury tour, this fish shop workshop offers knife skills, fish preparation, and wasabi grating. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a focused, engaging activity in the Shima region, with hands-on learning about seafood prep. The experience is tailored for those curious about local fishing and culinary traditions and is a great value at around $61.
Bottom Line: Practical, engaging, and perfect for seafood aficionados wanting to learn the craft.

14. 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart

This electric cart tour of the Saiku palace ruins offers a relaxed, accessible way to explore Princess Saio’s historical site. With a modern green vehicle, you’ll visit exhibits and restored buildings linked to Japan’s ancient imperial history. It’s a brief, interesting way to learn about Princess Saio and the historical site that once housed her. Reviewers note the informative guides and the comfortable ride. Ideal for those with limited mobility or wanting a quick historical overview.
Bottom Line: An easy, educational tour focusing on Japan’s imperial past.

15. 6 Day Private Ise and Kumano Tour

This extensive six-day journey takes you through Ise, Kumano, and Nanki Geopark, combining cultural experiences, traditional crafts, and nature explorations. Highlights include wappa basket making, sword smithing, and flower-picking at Hana-no Iwaya Caves. The tour is highly customizable, and the deep immersion makes it suitable for serious travelers. While pricey at over $4,100, it offers an all-encompassing experience in spiritual, historical, and natural Japan. Reviewers note the diversity and richness of the trip, perfect for those wanting a comprehensive adventure.
Bottom Line: For dedicated travelers eager for a multi-day, deeply cultural and scenic experience.

How to Choose Your Tour in Mie

Picking the right tour depends on your time availability, interests, and budget. If you want a deep dive into Ise Jingu’s spiritual life, the full-day private tour offers detailed insights, while the half-day is perfect for a quick visit. For food lovers, the Matsusaka Wagyu tour or the fish shop experiences provide authentic culinary moments. Nature enthusiasts should consider Akame Waterfalls, especially if hiking and scenery are priorities. Those pressed for time or with mobility concerns might prefer the express shrine tour or electric cart visit. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular experiences like the 6-day Kumano tour or the private shrine tours.

Mie Prefecture offers an array of tours that showcase its spiritual sites, stunning landscapes, and culinary delights. For an immersive spiritual experience, the full-day Ise Jingu tour is a standout, while the Akame Waterfalls and private hikes appeal to nature lovers. Foodies will love the Matsusaka Wagyu tour or the fish processing experiences for their authenticity and culinary richness. Whether you’re after a quick cultural insight or a deep multi-day journey, Mie has something that will enrich your Japan trip—and booking early ensures you don’t miss out.