5 Photogenic Scenic Spots in Mie

Mie Prefecture is a treasure trove dotted with breathtaking views, from mysterious shrines to a magnificent coastline. This article covers Meoto Iwa, Ise Jingu, Ago Bay, Akame 48 Waterfalls and Shishi-iwa. Camera in hand, let's go searching for that special photo!

01 | Meoto Iwa (Futami Okitama Shrine) — A Sunrise Shot Woven by a Mysterious Torii and the Sea

The "Meoto Iwa" (Wedded Rocks) enshrined at Futamigaura, bound together by a great shimenawa (sacred rope), and the sunrise rising between them are the ultimate in photogenic subjects. The golden time is just after sunrise, when the sky is dyed orange and pink. A horizontal composition that places the rocks on the left and right sides of the frame while dynamically capturing the colors of the sky is recommended. The sunrise can be seen rising between the rocks during the period centered around the summer solstice — in the week or so on either side, on a clear day, distant Mount Fuji may align with the rocks. Around the winter solstice, it is not the sun but the moon that rises between the rocks; during the full moon periods of October through January (roughly four days before and after each full moon), you can view the full moon framed between the two rocks.

Access: About a 15-minute walk from JR "Futaminoura Station."

02 | Ise Jingu (Naiku & Geku) — Divine Dappled Sunlight and a Stone-Paved Approach

Early in the morning when mist hangs low, the curtain of light filtering down onto the gravel approach feels like the entrance to another world. Visiting within 1–2 hours of sunrise lets you capture the mystical vertical shafts of light piercing through the trees. A composition with the stone-paved path set diagonally in the frame adds powerful depth and solemnity. In May with fresh greenery or in November with autumn foliage, the colors make for the finest Instagram-worthy shots.

Access: About a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu / JR "Iseshi Station" (for the outer shrine, Geku).

03 | Ago Bay (Shima City) — A Pearl Sea and Twilight Panorama

The view from Yokoyama Observation Deck (within Ise-Shima National Park), which overlooks the intricate ria coastline of Ago Bay, is truly sigh-inducing. At dusk, the countless islands dotting the bay shimmer gold as a breathtaking gradient spreads across the sea. You can capture the vast sea in a wide horizontal frame, or zoom in to highlight the silhouettes of islands. Pearl oyster cultivation rafts float across the bay, adding a scene unique to Shima.

Access: For Yokoyama Observation Deck: on foot from Kintetsu Shima Line "Shima-Yokoyama Station," or by car from Kintetsu "Ugata Station." Check the Yokoyama Visitor Center for observation deck hours and parking information.

04 | Akame 48 Waterfalls — An Emerald-Green Hidden Paradise All to Yourself

The mysterious ravine beauty created by a clear mountain stream and moss-covered boulders deep in the mountains. The water transparency is exceptional, and on sunny mornings the sunlight makes the water glow emerald green. May's fresh greenery and October–November's autumn foliage are the visual peak. A slow-shutter technique — slowing the shutter speed to render the waterfall flow silky smooth — is highly recommended. A tripod will dramatically improve the result.

Access: About a 10-minute bus or taxi ride from Kintetsu Osaka Line "Akameguchi Station." A ravine conservation fee (adults ¥1,000, children ¥500) is required to enter the ravine. Opening hours: 8:30–17:00 from the second Friday in March through November 30; 9:00–16:30 from December 1 through the second Wednesday in March. Closed December 28–31 and every Thursday from December through the second Thursday in March.

05 | Shishi-iwa (Kumano City) — A Powerful Collaboration of a Strange Rock and Blue Sea

A lion-shaped rock formation about 25 meters tall that suddenly appears alongside National Route 42. Set against the blue expanse of Shichiri Mihama beach, it has an exotic quality that evokes the African savanna. Photographing it head-on during the afternoon when the light is from behind you makes the lion's facial silhouette stand out sharply. Pull back to include the sea and sky in a wide composition for a shot that conveys the sheer scale. Shishi-iwa is designated a National Scenic Spot and Natural Monument of Japan, and many visitors combine it with walking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.

Access: About a 20-minute walk from JR Kisei Main Line "Kumanoshi Station" along National Route 42.

The spectacular scenery of Mie Prefecture changes its expression dramatically depending on the time of day and season. You are sure to find a place you will want to visit again and again.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Best season and time of day: The sunrise between the Meoto Iwa wedded rocks can be seen in the period centered on the summer solstice, while the full moon rises between the rocks for about 4 days around the full moon from October to January. Ise Jingu is best in the early morning, Akame 48 Waterfalls in May for the fresh greenery and October to November for the autumn foliage, and Shishiiwa Rock in the afternoon with the sun behind you.
• Opening hours and seasons: Akame 48 Waterfalls is open 8:30-17:00 from April to November and 9:00-16:30 from December to March; it is closed from December 28 to 31 and every Thursday from December through the second Thursday of March. The amulet office at Futami Okitama Shrine is open 9:00-16:00.
• Admission: Entering the Akame 48 Waterfalls gorge requires a gorge conservation fee of 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children, which also covers the Akame Waterfalls Aquarium (赤目滝水族館, formerly the Japan Salamander Center). There is no charge to worship at Ise Jingu or to view the Meoto Iwa rocks or Shishiiwa Rock.
• Access: Meoto Iwa (Futami Okitama Shrine) is about a 15-minute walk from JR Futaminoura Station. Geku, the Outer Shrine of Ise Jingu, is about a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu and JR Iseshi Station. Yokoyama Observatory, overlooking Ago Bay, is reached on foot from Shima-Yokoyama Station on the Kintetsu Shima Line, or by car from Ugata Station. Akame 48 Waterfalls is about 10 minutes by bus or taxi from Akameguchi Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line. Shishiiwa Rock is about a 20-minute walk along National Route 42 from Kumanoshi Station on the JR Kisei Main Line.
• Parking: Each site has parking, but the area around Ise Jingu becomes extremely crowded during the New Year period and long holiday weekends. Check fees and congestion on the official websites.
• Photography rules: At Ise Jingu there are places where visitors are asked to refrain from taking photos, such as above the stone steps of the main sanctuary. Always follow the on-site signs and the instructions of the shrine priests. On the walking trail at Akame 48 Waterfalls, use a tripod only where it will not block other visitors. When flying a drone, follow the permission requirements and rules of each site's managing body.
• Safety notes: Photographing the sunrise at Meoto Iwa means moving around while it is still dark, so always carry a flashlight. Rocky shorelines and breakwaters carry the risk of being swept away by waves; do not go near them in rough weather. At Akame 48 Waterfalls the wet rocks and steps go on and on, so wear non-slip shoes rather than sandals. Shichirimihama, where Shishiiwa Rock stands, faces the open ocean and carries the risk of rip currents and high waves. In summer, take thorough precautions against heatstroke in Ise-Shima and Kumano.

Note: Prices, opening hours and closing days are subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information before you visit.

(Sources: Futami Okitama Shrine official website, \"Sunrise Times and Photography Guide\"; Akame 48 Waterfalls official website)