Top 3 Ryokans in Mie Prefecture: Traditional Stays Worth Experiencing at Least Once

🕓 2025/4/8
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 Table of Contents

    1. Amanemu
    2. Onyado The Earth – A Ryokan with Views of Stormy Seas
    3. NIPPONIA HOTEL Iga Ueno Castle Town


About Mie Prefecture

Mie Prefecture is located in the Kansai region of Japan and is a fascinating area where rich natural beauty and historical culture coexist. It is home to numerous spiritually significant landmarks, such as the Ise Grand Shrine, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, and the ruins of Matsusaka Castle. Among them, Ise Jingu (Ise Grand Shrine) is often referred to as the "spiritual home of the Japanese people," attracting countless visitors throughout the year.

As for sightseeing, Mie offers a wealth of natural attractions, including Ago Bay with its stunning ria coastline, the abundant marine life of Ise-Shima, and Mount Odaigahara, which is designated as a national park. The region is also known for its gourmet delights, such as Matsusaka beef, Ise lobster (Ise ebi), and Matoya oysters—each of which is highly acclaimed nationwide. With its deep-rooted traditions and vibrant nature, Mie has long captivated the hearts of travelers.

Below, we introduce three carefully selected luxury hotels that offer a truly special stay in Mie Prefecture.




 

Top 3 Ryokans in Mie Prefecture

1. Amanemu 

Amanemu_Gallery_5出典:  アマネム   公式HP

 ■ The Allure of “Amanemu”

Nestled within Ise-Shima National Park in Mie Prefecture, Amanemu is Aman’s first hot spring resort in Japan, offering a luxurious retreat in harmony with nature. Below, we introduce the unique charms that make Amanemu a truly exceptional stay. ​

 1. Architecture and Guest Rooms Inspired by Traditional Japanese Aesthetics

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Amanemu’s architecture is a modern interpretation of traditional Japanese homes, characterized by gabled roofs and exterior walls made of Japanese cedar. These elements blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
The property features 24 spacious suites and four villas, each equipped with a private onsen (hot spring bath), allowing guests to enjoy a tranquil soak in complete privacy. The rooms also offer expansive living spaces and large windows with sweeping views of Ago Bay and the surrounding forest.

 

 2. “Thermal Spring” — An Onsen Facility with Natural Spring Water

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The Thermal Spring is a spacious 2,000-square-meter outdoor spa facility that utilizes natural hot spring water sourced from within the property. Guests wear swimsuits while enjoying two open-air baths with varying water temperatures.
The spring water is classified as a sodium-chloride hot spring, known for its health benefits such as relieving muscle and joint pain, improving circulation, and aiding recovery from fatigue.
Surrounding the baths are daybeds, where guests can relax while taking in the calm and picturesque scenery of Ago Bay.

 

 3. A Dining Experience Featuring Local Ingredients

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Amanemu’s restaurant showcases Japanese cuisine made with fresh seasonal ingredients from the Ise-Shima region, including seafood, Matsusaka beef, and locally grown vegetables.
Breakfast is served in a white wooden box inspired by the sacred atmosphere of Ise Jingu (Ise Grand Shrine), highlighting local flavors.
The restaurant also offers a curated selection of over 20 kinds of Japanese sake, allowing guests to enjoy perfect pairings with their meals. 

 

 4. Activities to Enjoy the Culture and Nature of Ise-Shima

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Amanemu offers a variety of cultural and nature-based activities, such as visits to Ise Jingu, boat tours on Ago Bay, and walks along the historic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes.
Day cruises and sunset cruises allow guests to enjoy the serene waters of Ago Bay aboard a private charter.
For those seeking recreation, there are also nearby golf courses set within the region’s lush natural surroundings.

 

 ■ Access to “Amanemu”

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2. Onyado The Earth – A Sanctuary Overlooking the Stormy Seas 

top_p2出典: 御宿 The Earth 公式HP

 ■ The Allure of “Onyado The Earth”

Located at the tip of a cape within Ise-Shima National Park in Toba City, Mie Prefecture, Onyado The Earth is a one-of-a-kind retreat that exists in harmony with nature. Here are the distinctive features that make this ryokan a truly unforgettable experience.

 1. A One-of-a-Kind Location Surrounded by Untouched Nature

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Onyado The Earth occupies a vast property of approximately 54,000 tsubo (about 178,000 square meters), 95% of which remains as untouched primeval forest.
Perched at the edge of a cape, the ryokan offers sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
This location is dedicated to preserving the coexistence of humans and nature, creating a special space where visitors can deeply feel the heartbeat of the Earth.

 

 2. All-Suite Rooms with Private Open-Air Onsen Baths

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All 16 guest rooms at Onyado The Earth are luxurious suites, each equipped with its own private open-air onsen bath.
Guests can immerse themselves in the natural surroundings while gazing out over the vast Pacific Ocean and the surrounding forest from the comfort of their rooms.
For an even more exclusive experience, the Premium Suite includes a private dining room where meals can be enjoyed in a more intimate setting.

 

 3. A Variety of Hot Spring Facilities Using the Ryokan’s Own Source: “Ryu no Sumi Onsen”

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The ryokan’s proud natural hot spring source, Ryu no Sumi Onsen, is an alkaline simple spring known for relieving muscle and joint pain, poor circulation, and fatigue.
In addition to the private open-air baths in each room, there are two large communal baths: the indoor bath "UNERI" and the open-air bath "URUMI", which alternate between men and women based on the time of day.
There is also a private reservable bath called "Healing", perfect for guests seeking a completely private bathing experience.

 

 4. Japanese Kaiseki Cuisine Fusing Local and Global Flavors

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The on-site dining room "Arashi" presents a unique culinary experience under the theme of "Dining the World."
It offers kaiseki-style Japanese cuisine that blends the fresh ingredients of the Ise-Shima region with select flavors from around the globe.
The dishes, created by Executive Chef Motoji Yamakawa, are known for their refined taste and beautiful presentation, delighting all who dine here.

 

 5. Facilities and Activities That Deepen Your Connection to Nature

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The ryokan features a bar lounge and observation deck with panoramic ocean views, allowing guests to fully appreciate the surrounding natural beauty.
A trekking course runs through the untouched forest on the property, where guests can enjoy a peaceful stroll while listening to birdsong and the sound of waves—an experience that refreshes both body and soul.

 

 ■ Access to “Onyado The Earth”

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3. NIPPONIA HOTEL Iga-Ueno Castle Town 

kanmuri_main出典:NIPPONIA HOTEL 伊賀上野 城下町  公式HP

 ■ The Allure of “NIPPONIA HOTEL Iga-Ueno Castle Town”

Surrounded by mountains, Iga-Ueno is a historic castle town known as the birthplace of Japan’s famed ninja tradition and the renowned haiku master Matsuo Basho.
NIPPONIA HOTEL Iga-Ueno Castle Town embraces the unique concept of a "dispersed hotel," where the entire historic town becomes the stage for your stay.


 1. Stay Amid Living History – A Journey Through Time

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One of the most distinctive features of NIPPONIA HOTEL Iga-Ueno Castle Town is that guests stay in centuries-old traditional buildings scattered throughout the historic town.
This is not just a night in an old building—it’s an immersive experience where each property carries its own unique story and historical background.
For example, the main reception building, Kanmuri, once housed a thriving herbal medicine shop known as Eirakuya, and has also served as a traditional inn and learning center. The structure is now designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.

 

 2. A Culinary Journey Featuring “IGAMONO” – Local Gourmet Treasures

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Experiencing local cuisine is one of the greatest joys of travel. At Restaurant Ruan, the hotel’s in-house restaurant, the chefs embrace a "locally produced, locally consumed" philosophy, showcasing seasonal ingredients grown in the Iga Basin.
A highlight of the dining experience is the use of “IGAMONO”, a rare category of produce nurtured in Iga and mostly consumed locally—making it a special encounter for guests.

 

 3. Unforgettable Cultural Experiences in the Ninja Homeland

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As the legendary birthplace of the ninja, Iga-Ueno offers a range of cultural activities rooted in its unique history.
Guests of NIPPONIA HOTEL Iga-Ueno Castle Town can enjoy hands-on experiences such as ninja training at the Iga-ryu Ninja Dojo, where you can try your hand at throwing shuriken (ninja stars) and learn more about the mysterious world of the ninja.

 

 4. Personalized Hospitality with VMG Concierge Service

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Outstanding hospitality is key to an exceptional travel experience.
At NIPPONIA HOTEL Iga-Ueno Castle Town, dedicated VMG concierges are on hand to provide personalized service tailored to each guest’s interests and preferences—ensuring a truly memorable and comfortable stay. ​

 

 5. A Variety of Unique Guest Rooms – A Stay That Soothes the Soul

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Since the accommodations are spread across multiple restored buildings with distinct histories, each room at NIPPONIA HOTEL Iga-Ueno Castle Town offers a one-of-a-kind atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
A new addition opened in July 2024, Nozaki, is a luxurious suite villa located within a vast garden and features a traditional kura-style sauna.
The former Kanmuri herbal shop offers rooms with private gardens, maisonette-style layouts, cypress wood baths, and even authentic tearooms—perfect for a truly tranquil and immersive stay.

 

 ■ Access to “NIPPONIA HOTEL Iga-Ueno Castle Town”

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