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Mie Prefecture

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Mie is a beautiful prefecture located on Honshu, the largest island of Japan.

Mie géolocalisation relief
Mie géolocalisation relief

It sits in the Kansai region and forms the eastern part of the Kii Peninsula. Many other places border Mie, such as Gifu to the north and Aichi to the east. You can also find Shiga, Kyoto, Nara, and Wakayama nearby. The prefecture has a long coastline that meets the sea.

Owase, Mie
Owase, Mie

Most people live on the flat Ise Plain near Ise Bay. The capital city is Tsu, but Yokkaichi is the largest city in the area.

Yokkaichi fromtarusaka
Yokkaichi fromtarusaka

The land in Mie has many different shapes and feels. About 64.8 percent of the land is covered in green forests.

Owase, Mie
Owase, Mie

There are also areas for farming and many mountains. The north-west has the Suzuka Mountains. In the center, there is the Iga Basin. The south has the Shima Peninsula and the Nunobiki Mountainous Region. The weather changes depending on where you stand. The Ise Plain has a moderate climate. The Iga Basin is often one or two degrees cooler. The south is warmer because of the Pacific Ocean.

Ise Shima Skyline DSC5445
Ise Shima Skyline DSC5445

The Owase region even gets some of the heaviest rain in Japan.

People have lived in this area for a very long time. Evidence shows humans were here more than 10,000 years ago. During the ancient Jōmon and Yayoi periods, people lived near rivers and coasts. They built small farming communities there. The famous Ise Shrine is said to have started during the Yayoi period. In the 7th century, a special residence called Saikū was built in Meiwa Town. This was a home for an Imperial Princess. She served as the High Priestess of the Ise Shrine.

Naiku 01
Naiku 01

History changed how Mie looks today. Long ago, the area was split into different provinces like Ise and Iga. During the Edo period, local lords ruled over different lands. People traveled on famous paths like the Tokaido and Ise Roads. Many people went on long trips to visit the Ise Shrine. In 1871, the area began to change into prefectures. It was first called Anōtsu Prefecture. In 1872, the name changed to Mie. The prefecture finally took its modern shape in 1876.

IgaUenojyo08
IgaUenojyo08

Mie is a busy place for both nature and work. It is a famous spot for tourists to visit holy Shinto sites.

Naiku 01
Naiku 01

The prefecture also has big parks like Ise-Shima National Park. Many people work in industries like making ships or cars. For example, Honda has a large factory in Suzuka. Mie also grows delicious food like tea, fruit, and beef. People even grow pearls in the sea.

Flag of Toba, Mie
Flag of Toba, Mie

This mix of old traditions and new jobs makes Mie a very special place.

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🖼️ Images & Media (75)
File:Naiku 01.JPG
Naiku 01.JPG
File:Mie géolocalisation relief.svg
Mie géolocalisation relief.svg
File:気象庁の三重県の区分.jpg
気象庁の三重県の区分.jpg
File:Ise Shima Skyline DSC5445.jpg
Ise Shima Skyline DSC5445.jpg
File:Yokkaichi fromtarusaka.JPG
Yokkaichi fromtarusaka.JPG
File:Ise banner.jpg
Ise banner.jpg
File:IgaUenojyo08.jpg
IgaUenojyo08.jpg
File:Owase, Mie.JPG
Owase, Mie.JPG
File:Flag of Iga, Mie.svg
Flag of Iga, Mie.svg
File:Iga in Mie Prefecture Ja.svg
Iga in Mie Prefecture Ja.svg
File:Flag of Inabe, Mie.svg
Flag of Inabe, Mie.svg
File:Inabe in Mie Prefecture Ja.svg
Inabe in Mie Prefecture Ja.svg

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