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About Mie Prefecture’s gourmet food

Mie Prefecture is a region blessed with rich nature and historical culture, and has developed a unique food culture that takes advantage of the seasonal scenery and climate. Mie Prefecture is an area surrounded by the sea and mountains, and the clean water, fertile soil, and rich blessings of the sea have given rise to an abundance of seafood, agricultural products, and traditional local cuisine. Mie is also home to historical places such as the Ise Grand Shrine, where people have had many exchanges since ancient times, and the food culture that has developed there is loved by many people.

Especially famous are “Ise lobster”, “Matsuzaka beef”, and “Ise udon”. When you visit Mie Prefecture, be sure to try these dishes and enjoy the local food culture.

3 carefully selected gourmet foods in Mie Prefecture

1. Lobster 

　● The charm of spiny lobster

Ise lobster is a high-class ingredient that is attractive for its beautiful appearance, luxurious impression, and sweet and plump texture. It is characterized by its beautiful crimson appearance and large body, and because of its appearance, it is known in Japan as a symbol of “luxury food”. In particular, it has strong implications for longevity and as a lucky charm, making it an essential ingredient for special events such as celebrations and New Year’s.

The biggest appeal lies in its texture and taste. The flesh is transparent, and the fresher it is, the more supple and elastic it will be. In addition, the flesh of Ise lobster has a refined sweetness, and the more you chew, the more the flavor spreads in your mouth.

　● Ise lobsterhistory of

Since ancient times in Japan, spiny lobster has been treated as a lucky charm symbolizing longevity and prosperity. Therefore, it often appears at special occasions such as weddings and New Year’s celebrations, and plays an important role in traditional Japanese food culture​.

　● If you want to eat spiny lobster, this is the place! ! 

• Store name:Waan Kuroishi
  
• charm:
  Yamato An Kuroishi is a restaurant located in a quiet residential area of ​​Ise that serves high-quality seafood and seafood dishes. They are particularly proud of their dishes using spiny lobster, and have a wide variety of menu items. From standard menus such as sashimi, miso hotpot, and salt-grilled lobsters, to luxurious dishes such as onigawara-yaki, butter-grilled, and even simmered gudoku made with white miso, you can enjoy dishes that bring out the best in the deliciousness of Ise lobster. In addition, set meals and gozen dishes made with Ise lobster are recommended for those who want to spend a luxurious time.
  
• Access: 730m from Ujiyamada Station
• Address: 125-2 Yamamachi, Ise City, Mie Prefecture 516-0032
  
• Google Map:https://maps.app.goo.gl/6vUuECaxN58cpvaL7?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

2. Matsuzaka Beef 

　● The appeal of Matsuzaka beef 

It is one of the top three types of Japanese Wagyu beef in Japan, and is highly rated around the world. This beef, raised in areas centered around Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, is known for its rich flavor and exquisite texture. It is the result of thorough breeding management and many years of effort, and its taste is highly praised by gourmets around the world.

The biggest feature is its beautiful marbling. The fine marbling evenly spread over the meat not only gives it a luxurious appearance, but also creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor. The even distribution of fat allows the sweetness and umami of the meat to fill your mouth the moment you bite into it, allowing you to enjoy the rich flavor.

　● Matsuzaka beefhistory of 

The history of Matsusaka beef dates back to the mid-Edo period. At that time, cattle were raised for agricultural purposes around Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, but in the Meiji period, the demand for beef increased, and cattle began to be raised for meat instead of for agricultural purposes. Matsusaka beef is bred using particularly careful management and unique techniques, and the technology for producing high-quality beef has been established.

　● If you want to eat Matsusaka beef, this is the place! ! 

• Store name:Wadakin
  
• charm:
  Wadakin is one of the city’s most famous and long-established restaurants, founded in 1891 and specializing in the original Matsusaka meat. Their signature menu, “Sukiyaki,” is made with Matsusaka beef carefully grilled right in front of your eyes by a full-time waiter, and the dish is exquisitely finished with a rich secret sauce and plenty of sugar. The great appeal of Wadakin is that you can experience traditional cooking methods that bring out the flavor of the highest quality Matsusaka beef in a stately space unique to a long-established restaurant. Wadakin, where you can spend a luxurious time with a sense of history and formality, is the perfect place for those looking for a special dining experience.
  
• Address: 1878 Nakamachi, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture 515-0083
  
• Access: 10 minutes walk from Matsusaka Station on the JR Kisei Main Line
  
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bs36QubkR9ERBhKA8?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
  

 

 

 

3. Ise Udon 

　● Ise udoncharm of 

Ise udon is a specialty dish that is loved not only by locals but also by tourists visiting Ise Grand Shrine. There are many Ise udon specialty shops around Ise Jingu, and it’s customary to stop by and enjoy a drink after visiting the shrine.

The biggest feature is the “extremely thick and soft” noodles that are unlike udon from other regions. Ise udon noodles are boiled slowly and for a long time, making them so soft that they fall apart when you bite into them. While it is thicker than regular udon noodles and enjoys a chewy texture, its unique softness gives it a pleasant filling in your mouth.

　● Ise udonhistory of 

It is said that it developed as a simple meal served to worshipers at Ise Grand Shrine. Since ancient times, worshipers have preferred soft noodles that are easy to digest to soothe their tired bodies after long journeys. For this reason, Ise udon is deeply rooted in local food culture as a dish that soothes the fatigue after visiting a shrine.

　● If you want to eat Ise udon, this is the place! ! 

• Store name:Yamaguchiya
  
• charm:
  Yamaguchiya is a long-established store that was founded in the early Showa period, and is a famous store that is visited not only by local citizens but also by many celebrities. Now in its third generation, the restaurant has preserved its original taste and has continued to be loved by many people over the years thanks to its unchanged recipe of homemade noodles and secret sauce. We have a wide variety of menu items, from simple Ise udon to luxurious Ise udon made with slow-cooked Matsusaka beef tendon, all of which are exquisite. When visiting Ise, be sure to sample Yamaguchiya’s carefully selected specialties and enjoy its tradition and flavor.
  
• Address: 1-4-23 Miyago, Ise City, Mie Prefecture 516-0072
  
• Access: 251m from Iseshi Station
• Google Map:https://maps.app.goo.gl/wpbpL9sKQPtuAYBGA?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy