The 10 Best Tours & Experiences In Mie Prefecture

Mie Prefecture offers a fascinating mix of spiritual sites, culinary delights, and outdoor adventures that make it a rewarding destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Among the highlights are the Ise Jingu shrines, where you can step into a world of ancient rituals and serene beauty, or indulge in Matsusaka beef, Japan’s premium Wagyu. We particularly like the Ise Jingu Half-Day Private Tour for its personalized approach and deep cultural insights, and the Matsusaka Beef Gourmet Tour for a taste of Japan’s finest meat. Whether you’re after spiritual tranquility, culinary luxury, or outdoor adventure, Mie has a tour that will suit your interests.

Quick Overview

In this list, you’ll find a variety of tours including half and full-day shrine explorations, culinary experiences like fish shop visits and Wagyu tastings, outdoor adventures such as waterfalls and hiking, and unique cultural activities like fortune-telling and rice farming with high-tech tools. For a detailed look at what each offers, keep reading.

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

At number 1, this private tour of Ise Jingu is a fantastic way to see the sacred site with a knowledgeable guide. For around $108, you get about four hours of personalized attention that covers Naiku, Geku, and Okage Yokocho, the bustling shopping street built in 1993. Your guide will share insights into the 2,000-year-old structures and Shinto traditions, enriching your understanding of Japan’s spiritual heart. Reviews highlight guides like Tetsuya and Yoshi, who make the experience both engaging and educational. The tour excludes admission tickets but includes plenty of time to explore at your own pace. The highlight is the flexible, private setting that allows you to make the most of your visit.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, personal introduction to Ise Jingu without rushing. It’s a gentle but thorough immersion in Japan’s most revered shrine.

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

This full-day tour offers more time and depth for around $154, perfect if you want to truly absorb the spiritual atmosphere. It includes visits to Naiku, Geku, and the traditional town of Oharaimachi, along with insights into rituals and history. Led by an experienced English-speaking guide, the tour ensures you’ll see the major highlights comfortably within six hours. Reviewers praise guides like Yuka and Nishio for their thoughtful storytelling. The tour price is well justified by the detailed exploration and the flexibility to tailor your experience.

Bottom line: Best suited for those with a full day to spare and a genuine interest in the religious and cultural life of Ise.

3. Local fresh fish shop premium backyard experience

For around $58, this fishmonger’s backyard experience offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s seafood culture. Led by a 20-year professional, you’ll learn how to process fresh fish in an off-limits area, taste the ingredients on the spot, and even earn a fishmonger’s certificate. It’s a hands-on, intimate session perfect for seafood lovers who want to go beyond just eating sashimi. The experience is short but highly educational and authentic, giving you a taste of local fishing traditions and craftsmanship.

Bottom line: Great for culinary enthusiasts and those curious about Japan’s fishing heritage. It’s a unique, behind-the-scenes peek that’s hard to find elsewhere.

4. Private Tour of Akame 48 Waterfalls with Bento Making

This tour, priced at about $105, combines hiking, nature, and hands-on food experience. Led by a local ecotour guide, you’ll walk through a serene river valley, visit the famous Akame 48 Waterfalls, and learn to make a traditional bento. The walk takes about an hour and a half, making it suited for active travelers. You’ll also visit the Japan Salamander Center, a newly reopened aquarium, adding an extra element of discovery. Reviewers highlight the guide’s friendliness and the delicious homemade bento as the tour’s best parts.

Bottom line: Perfect for outdoor lovers who also want to learn Japanese cooking skills in a peaceful setting.

5. 1 Day Tokyo Private Custom Tour

Although based in Tokyo, this customized private tour for around $325 offers incredible flexibility. You choose 4-5 attractions like the Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and Imperial Palace, and the guide creates a personalized itinerary. The door-to-door service takes the stress out of navigating Tokyo, and the guide can adapt to your pace and interests. Reviewers mention the excellent communication and tailored experience, making it ideal for first-time visitors or those with specific sights in mind.

Bottom line: A luxe, flexible option for visitors who want to see Tokyo with a local expert at their side.

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

For about $144, this Wagyu tour takes you into the heart of Japan’s premium beef region. Guided by a local expert, you’ll visit handpicked restaurants and specialty shops serving Matsusaka beef, prepared in various styles like sukiyaki and yakiniku. The tour emphasizes the story behind the beef, including how it’s raised with respect and patience. A reviewer notes that the experience included a visit to a famous cattleman, making it both educational and indulgent.

Bottom line: Perfect for foodies seeking a taste of authentic Wagyu and interested in the craftsmanship behind it.

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

This quick 1.5-hour tour costs around $91 and focuses solely on Ise Jingu’s Inner Shrine. Led by a guide who explains the symbolism and rituals, it’s ideal for travelers short on time but eager to get a meaningful glimpse of Japan’s most sacred site. The tour emphasizes the spiritual atmosphere and allows you to experience the essence of Ise without the full day commitment.

Bottom line: Best for visitors who want a concise, insightful experience of Ise Jingu’s most important part.

8. Take Shrine Activity with Lunch

At 3 hours and $134, this activity includes access to shrine areas normally closed to the public and a chance to create your own shrine stamp and lines in the gravel. It also supports local preservation efforts. The experience is intimate and participatory, offering insights into Shinto rituals and religious customs. Reviewers appreciate the opportunity to engage actively with Japanese spiritual traditions.

Bottom line: Suited for cultural travelers who want a memorable, participatory shrine experience.

9. The sacred Ise Shrine, Mikimoto Island Private Tour

This 8-hour tour, costing about $150, combines spiritual sites and luxury shopping. You’ll visit Futami Okitama Shrine with its famous Meoto Iwa (wedded rocks), then explore Mikimoto Pearl Island, where you learn how cultured pearls are made and watch female Ama divers in action. It’s a rich cultural and scenic experience, perfect for those wanting a full day of diverse highlights.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers with limited time who want a mix of spirituality, culture, and shopping.

10. Ise Jingu Half Day Private Tour

This 3-hour private tour, priced at around $98, offers a focused visit to the Inner Shrine, crossing the Uji Bridge and experiencing the sacred atmosphere firsthand. It’s ideal for those short on time but still wanting a meaningful experience. Reviews mention the guide’s ability to make the spiritual significance come alive, and the tour’s flexibility means you can include a walk through the Okage Yokocho street if desired.

Bottom line: Best for travelers with limited time who still want a taste of the spiritual core of Ise.

How to Choose

Choosing the right experience in Mie depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. For a deep cultural dive, the Full-Day Ise Jingu Tour offers extensive insight, while the Half-Day Private Tour is perfect if time is tight. Food lovers should consider the Matsusaka Beef Gourmet Tour or the fish shop experience for authentic tastes. Outdoor travelers might prefer the Akame Waterfalls and Bento Making, while those interested in unique cultural activities can try fortune-telling near Ise Jingu. Budget, time, and your specific interests should guide your choice.

Final Thoughts

Mie Prefecture offers a compelling range of tours that combine spiritual, culinary, and outdoor experiences, each with its own charm. If you’re after a personalized shrine visit, the Half-Day Private Tour is hard to beat. For foodies, the Matsusaka Wagyu tour offers a delicious journey into Japan’s premium beef. Meanwhile, nature lovers will value the Akame Falls and Bento experience. To make the most of your trip, book early—these authentic experiences tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.

Whether you want to deepen your understanding of Japan’s spiritual traditions, indulge in world-class Wagyu, or explore scenic waterfalls, Mie has a well-rounded selection that promises memorable moments. Use this guide to match your interests and schedule, and start planning your trip to this captivating prefecture.