Read my Day 1 blog post here about abalone feast at Shima Peninsula.

Read my Day 2 blog post here about divine Ise and Matsusaka beef.

Read my Day 3 blog post here about Iga ninja and Iga beef sukiyaki

Today we are onto the last day of my #visitmie trip. I spend 4 good full days in one single prefecture and yet there are still lots of places I have not covered. #Ineedmorelifetimes.

Today we will be venturing into the very exciting Kuwana city to explore a beautiful botanical park, and some of the world’s top thrill rides that will guarantee to give your heart some good kicks.

Gozaisho Ropeway

Mt Gozaisho houses the only ski resort in Mie, which also means that this is the only place you can see and play with snow in the prefecture.

But if you go in summer time, you can still enjoy a great view and a refreshing time away from the heat, as the temperature can be 5°C lower up the mountain compared to the city.

You will see an antelope-like animal as the mascot of the ropeway, it is called “Kamoshika”, or Japanese serow, a really rare animal that is only found in dense woodlands in central Japan. If you spot one on the way up/down, consider it your super lucky day!

No kamoshika for me, but I found bambi!

Gozaisho Ropeway also has the highest ropeway iron tower in Japan – check out that white iron tower! Standing at the height of 61m (200ft), this tower is 60 years old and with regular maintenance it’s as strong and tough as it has ever been!

Although there’s not much you can do in summer time, you get a great view from the summit and also this torii in the sky. For hiking buff, there are a few hiking tracks but they all looked like they are for advanced hikers. So I’d say go with the scenic ropeway!

Ito Shuzou Sake Brewery 伊藤酒造

Japanese sake! ♡

Today we are visiting Ito Shuzou at the foot of Suzuka mountains.

Mie is an important region to produce good sake since ancient time dedicated to the most important shrine in Japan – Ise Jingu.

Since sake’s main component is water, it is also important that Ito Shuzou uses only the best award-winning water for their sake making.

Have you ever seen a ball-like decor at the shopfront of a sake brewery? This is “Sugitama” made of cedar, which serves as the omamori “good luck charm” of protection from the sake gods. Some brewery also use it to signify that a new batch of sake has been produced and hang a fresh new sugitama in green. Over time the sugitama turns brown as a symbol that the sake has matured.

Ito Shuzou  was founded in 1847 by Koemon Ito, a farmer who wisely took advantage of the high quality of Mie-grown rice water and weather of the region. The tradition is passed down from generation to generation, now the 5th generation is still brewing their sake the traditional way.

“Uzume” is the main brand by the brewery and has won a good number of awards including the Gold Prize from the most prestigious competition in Japan and overseas.

With the very beautiful Rika from the Ito family.

This brewery is foreign-visitor friendly as they do conduct brewery tour in English. They host different kinds of tours so just make a reservation and choose from different courses.

They even have desserts made of sake lees, which tastes like milk pudding to me (and no dairy is used it in!!).

Uojuro 魚重楼

Not a single day can pass in Mie without sampling some of the best gourmet produce of its local region. We are moving on to Kuwana, a city known for its glorious hamaguri – hard-shelled clams.

The lunch place was Uojuro, a hamaguri specialty restaurant that was famous since the Edo period. It’s also proudly listed in the Michelin guidebook.

The lunch course meal is JPY5000 and is a luxurious feast on everything-hamaguri.

Hamaguri are rather huge clams, the largest could easily be size of a human palm.

These clams did not get so big without the passing of years, so you are eating clams the age of 4 usually, the bigger, the older the clam is. On rare occasions there are 12-year-old clams but of course the price do increase too.

They are serving it grilled, steamed cooked in stock and lastly, my favorite was the Shigureni Ochazuke.

Shichiri no Watashi Old Port 七里の渡し

I must forewarn that this is not really a tourist spot full of entertainment, but this old port was one of the most important stops in the ancient Tokaido Route – a route that connected Edo (now Tokyo) to Kyoto.

It is called Shichiri no Watashi because the boat sailed for 27km from its previous port – Miya no Watashi across the Ise Bay. This distance was roughly equivalent to seven “ri” (里) (1里 = 3,927 meters), hence the name of the crossing, “Shichiri-no-Watashi”.

You will find an impressive torii gate, called Ise No Kuni Ichino Torii – “The best torii in Isenokuni”.

Other than being a super instaspot, you should also know that this torii is built from part of Ise Jingu’s structure during its Shikinen Sengu (式年遷宮 – the rebuilding of shrine every 20 years, I have briefly covered this in my previous post on Ise Jingu) 60 years ago. So that holds a lot of significance having part of the most sacred shrine eternally erected at this spot.

Nabana no Sato Flower Garden

Nabana no Sato is one of the largest botanical parks in Japan and the best thing about it is that it’s only 35 minutes away from Nagoya station. So technically it’s nearer to Nagoya city than many cities in Mie itself, so a lot of people have mistaken it being an attraction in Aichi prefecture.

Check out the Begonia garden, a greenhouse filled with mesmerizing colors hanging from the ceiling all year long. It’s soon becoming one of the hottest instaspots in the region.

Like right out of a fairy tale.

It is summer time right now so honestly there isn’t much going on, but the most exciting event is soon to come – night illumination starting mid Oct to May 2020. It’s one of the largest and most popular illumination spots in Japan. It’s a romantic spot for couples too especially the surreal light tunnel.

This winter’s theme is apparently “sakura”. Please send me back again, Mie!

Nagashima Spaland

When I was told that the Nagashima Spaland – the amusement park with one of the scariest, speediest roller coasters in Japan – was my “final destination”, I immediate searched for wood to touch. Because I don’t wanna end up like the movie characters?

I mean…

I mean…

I mean.

I mean, for a person who can’t even do Splash Mountain in Disney… well… HAHAHHA.

The photo above is the star roller coaster, “Hakugei” (白鯨), a wooden (?!?!?) + steel roller coaster which was newly refurbished just this March! It is so famous that it even has its own wikipedia page.

I am having cold sweat and goosebumps just watching this.

Steel Dragon 2000 was built in year 2000, it boasts the Guinness Records being the world’s biggest, and stands as the longest roller coaster ride in the world, until today! Also, I am just gonna pretend that I went on the ride with this photo.

Nagashima Spaland is the PERFECT place for avid coaster freaks, but what if you are a squeamish, lily-livered non-coaster fan like me?

Fret not! For the faint-hearted and those out for just mild family fun, Nagashima also has kiddy-friendly rides and also one of the largest water parks in Japan – “Joyful Waterpark” that has 11 pools of different sizes, temperatures and depths to suit all ages.

You can also find a kids-friendly restaurant that takes special care of children with their allergy-safe menu.

There’s even an Anpanman Museum which is the toddler’s heaven. By the way don’t be surprised that the facility is called “Anpanman Museum Nagoya” when it is actually in Mie prefecture. The same reason as “Tokyo Disneyland” in Chiba. Haha.

Don’t forget to spare sometime at Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima, Japan’s largest outlet mall to clear your waller before heading home! Take my money, Japan!!!

Keep the sales coming!! I bought an outfit for JPY780 here.

Shopping! That’s the best way to end your trip in Mie, or any trip in Japan.

Thank you for following my journey to Mie, a wonderful, versatile prefecture blessed with the abundance of stunning nature such as the Ago Bay and Akame 48 falls, unique traditions such as the ama divers and Iga-ninjas, rich history with the all-important Ise Jingu and Gojouban Yashiki samurai residences, fun attractions like the Shima Mediterranean Village and Nagashima Spaland, top-class hotels and resorts such as Shima Kanko Hotel The Bay Suites and Aquaignis, and most importantly, great, great, great food – from Michelin starred to yummy street snacks – which we Malaysians and Singaporeans all agree is one of the best things of traveling.

That’s Mie for you.

Read my Day 1 blog post here about abalone feast at Shima Peninsula.

Read my Day 2 blog post here about divine Ise and Matsusaka beef.

It wasn’t until day 3 that I have come to realized that Mie is really blessed with everything. How long can you stay in Mie until you get bored? The answer is… until you get sick of eating good food.

Granted, I still believe that Tokyo has world’s best gastronomic delights all condensed in one megapolis city. (Fun fact: Tokyo earned a total of 314 Michelin stars in 2018, twice as much as its contender, Paris. Kyoto is world’s third and Osaka runs 4th. This is how DELICIOUS Japan is, y’all.) As long as you are willing to splurge, you can get almost everything you ever want.

But indulging in gourmet experiences without having to sell your kidney? Come to Mie.

Today we are going to the birth place of ninja, to cleanse your soul basking in the negative-ions of deep forests and waterfalls before feasting on another branded beef that will rival the famed Matsusaka conterpart just so you can gather enough strength to be trained for sudden disappearance in assorted espionage missions, but you better deplete your energy and empty your stomach again in all that action because at the end of the day, a glorious Michelin one star banquet is waiting for your arrival.

Yeap. That pretty much sums up day 3. Intense, huh.

Akame 48 Falls

Idol otaku, please refrain from making lame puns from this location name.

Anyway, Akame is the home of giant salamander a fabulous living prehistoric creature. Some claim that it’s cute, but I’ll pass.

So for non amphibian-enthusiasts, before you cross this place off your list, wait. The 48 waterfalls of Akame, is the birthplace of ninja. Ah have I caught your attention yet?

Also, also??? It’s insta-friendly. Bring your wide angle lens.

Given its remotely deep forest, Akame was initially the training ground for the Iga-ryu ninjas in the 15th centuries. While you are at it, you can also rent a ninja costume nearby and go on a ninja training experience trail!

Many also visit Akame for fall season as the maple leaves turn fiery red making it a super instagenic spot.

Honestly, for me, it’s simply a power spot that reconnects us back to nature, to remember to breathe again, to remind ourselves to always give back and protect our nature, because one day, they could be gone (reminded me of the news on recent Amazon fire and all that. Saddening.) Cherish them all you can now.

Kanaya Honten (Sukiyaki)

Go get yourself very hungry after the hike, because up next, is another gourmet beef experience that could easily be one of the best in your life. I’m not even exaggerating.

Kanaya has been around for over 100 years since the Meiji period, it’s a butcher shop at the ground floor and sukiyaki on the second. Their specialty is Iga beef, a rather low-key beef that’s not known outside of Mie prefecture due to its rare cattle production, but nonetheless just as pristine as its Matsusaka counterpart.

The menu is fairly simple. You choose from either sukiyaki, shabu shabu, butter yaki, ami yaki or steak. The course meals ranges from JPY7722 to JPY11286. For first-timer, I am definitely recommending the sukiyaki, priced at JPY7722 per person (SGD99).

The beef looked so marvellous it deserves a close-up.

For those of you who are not so skilled at yakiniku (it’s very tricky. You are at risk of wasting a slice of world best beef by over or undercooking it), sukiyaki might be a wise choice as the very friendly staff will cook and serve you everything. Just sit back and relax. Leave it to the pro.

For me, I liked it even better than Isshobin yakiniku because it way surpassed my expectation. Fatty beef could end up a little cloying if you overdo it, but this sukiyaki meal had just the right balance of vegetable’s freshness, mildness of the tofu and beautiful shirataki that soaks up all the umami goodness.

I really couldn’t ask for a better lunch than this. Less than $100 for the ultimate dream beef? GO FOR IT.

Trust me. I’m putting this on your must-eat list. Must.

Ninja Museum of Igaryu

While in Iga, ninja.

This was another attraction that I was so glad I decided to visit.

It is hilarious that they put you into bright-color costumes that screams “HEY LOOK AT ME! I AM A NINJA WHO IS GOOD AT HIDING!” when the original spy’s ultimate mission was to camouflage and not be identified. So you are exactly what a ninja is not. Haha.

But well, no one’s complaining. At least now you pop in photos.

A journey into the ninja’s house will give you clear perspective on what a real ninja is.

The real ninja in ancient time did not dress in fire red or neon pink or have the word “忍者” printed at the back of their shirt proudly exposing his profession. Neither were they all clad in black with their faces covered. Instead, the real ninja looked just like any other villagers. Especially farmers at work in the field – because that’s the easiest way to pass off as a regular commoner.

So how did ninja become the all-black undercover secret agent that we see in modern days? The story goes back to when Kabuki shows started featuring the stories of ninja, in order to differentiate the ninjas from other characters, they decided to dress them up in easy-to-identify costume, which becomes the outfits of ninjas we see today.

Ninja House

I utterly enjoyed the visit to the ninja house. A ninja will show you all sorts of stealth tricks in a typical ninja house used for secret spy meetings, including escape routes, trapdoors and other trickery. It was too fun to watch.

There was also live demonstration on how to suddenly disappear. Don’t even blink.

Ninja Show by “ASHURA” The Iga-Ninja Group

The ninja show was a bunch of fun. I won’t spoil it for you, but it’s worth every single yen I paid (JPY400 to watch the show). They even made me perform an assassination with poison needle, which I failed miserably.

You also get to learn about all sorts of super cool ninja gadgets. Wolverine was inspired by the ninjas I swear.

Seriously, ninjas are as cool as I ever imagined.I jaw-dropped, cheered, gasped and laughed a bunch.

Now I wanna learn the silent ninja walk, to hurl shuriken, to suddenly disappear and other cool things ninjas do. Ninjas are AWESOME.

Not forgetting the ninja pose. (There’s also a deep meaning behind these poses. Ninjas are more than just spy and assassins. Come here to find out!!)

And of course while you are here, take your chance to maximize all the photo ops. Here’s the Ueno castle as backdrop.

There’s also a souvenir shop where you can buy some kickass gifts for your ninja-loving friends.

Iga Kumihimo Braiding Center

This will probably not be on your must-go list if it involves change of trains just to get there and braid some cords.

But let me give you a couple of reasons:

1.If you are visiting the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum (which is a must anyway), take note that the center is located near the ninja museum, so it would be a great side tour for some traditional craft fun.

2.If you are a fan of the movie Kimi No Na Wa (Your name), you will need no more reasons.

Iga Kumihimo are hand-braided cords made of rich silk threads, dyed in a vibrant range of colors and has centuries of history being used as decorative cords to adorn samurai’s swords, accessories of the costumes of aristocrats, and in used even in modern days now as the obijme of a kimono.

Does this look familiar to you?

Perhaps you may have recognized it from…

This scene. From Kimi No Na Wa. (Screenshot taken from the movie)

Mitsuha’s grandmother was using the Ayatake Dai (綾竹台), which braids fine, intricate cords.

Whereas Mitsuha herself is using the simpler braiding loom which was the one I practiced on in Iga Kumihimo Braiding Center. (Screenshot taken from the movie)

This is the one!

I was attempting to make a kumihimo bracelet, which had become really popular since the movie’s growing fandom.

I’m sure you remember this…

The bracelet Mitsuha gave Taki. (Screenshot taken from the movie)

And when Mitsuha used it to tie her own hair. (Screenshot taken from the movie)

Kumihimo held a great significance to the fate of the movie characters, in fact, it was also the key to the whole plot twist. I’m not going to spoilt it for people who haven’t watched it, but it was nice to feel a connection and experience this precious craft in real life.

To be honest, I thought it would be too complicated for my tofu brain but guess what? I got so obsessed with it, as you will memorize the hand movement by heart soon enough and before I knew it, I was requesting to make the second bracelet.

My first ever Kumihimo bracelet.

Done!!

It would be a very nice activity to do with your loved ones or children, to make a bracelet together as a memento of fond memories shared.

I thoroughly enjoyed the session and would even love to be back again.

There are many kumihimo accessories including wallets, pouches, straps and even necktie in beautiful pastel and vivid hues.

It makes a great gift for someone who has an eye for fine craft.

Aquaignis

Aquaignis is located in the small town of Komono (菰野) in Mie prefecture. It’s hardly a tourist-filled area but let me give you a reason to make a stop here at Aquaignis.

Aquaignis is your one-stop healing resort, where you find a modern onsen meets top class gourmet – pastries produced by Japan’s top patissier Hironobu Tsujiguchi, well-known Italian chef Masayuki Okuda, and the latest celebrated Michelin One Star chef Sadaaki Nakagami who takes hospitality to heart.

Strawberry Farm

There’s even an in house strawberry farm where the freshest picks go onto the cakes and sweets in Confiture H, as well as strawberry picking experience for guests from Dec to May.

Confiture H

Sample a delectable array of sweet treats at Confiture H if you are a fan of desserts.

Lodging – Organic away accommodations Sugi

Guests are welcome to use the hot spring facilities (for a fee) and restaurants without staying the night, but the gorgeous individual detached villas are worth checking if you are in the mood to splurge.

Sugi – the most luxurious room is simply too good not to be shared.

In room “Sugi”, you find lots of playful elements such as the hanging “nests”, and even party stuff such as jenga, card games and lots of story books for kids. How I wish Junya and Sakura were here with me!

The best thing about this room is its very own outdoor onsen. I can’t be spoilt more!!!

It fits a total of 5 so it makes a perfect family getaway.

Roan Atatakami (露庵温味）

Let me mention this straight up – for a Michelin 1 star kaiseki course meal, I think JPY12000 is more than reasonable. I mean, that’s what we probably pay in a regular Japanese restaurant in a random hotel in Singapore.

I love shokunin. I love to see the way they put their utmost focus on creating magic with their fingers…

which usually come with a bandaid or two. Haha. I think Nakagami san used up like the whole box of uni on this appetizer alone??? What is this generosity! *cries*

Can I repeat again? For this quality, JPY12000 is too affordable.

Hasshun (八寸) dish. I love every single item on this menu. The deep fried akaebi, the super soft simmered tako, even the shellfish that I usually did not fancy too much tasted amazing.

The charcoal-grilled unagi was really unique, I have never tasted anything like this. This is freshly caught wild unagi that’s pretty mature so its flesh is really thick where the skin is slightly chewy with a crisp.

By the time I was served the wagyu steak, my tummy was already exploding, but it was too good to pass.

What can I say? I am pampered beyond spoilt in this entire gourmet Mie trip.

That’s all for day 3. In my final post, I will be sharing about an instagenic spot, and a huge theme park suitable for all ages for some serious fun.

Stay tuned!

Read my Day 1 blog post here about abalone feast at Shima Peninsula.

Mie Prefecture is blessed with the abundance of both treasures from the ocean and land. In my previous post we have had (actually just me, but it could soon be your experience if you allow yourself to! Hehe.) glorious abalone and other assorted seafood in the Shima region, today I’m bringing you to explore the crème de la crème of beef – Matsusaka from its namesake city.

But first, let’s pick up where we left in the previous post and start with a great lookout point in Shima region.

Yokoyama Observation Deck

Uninterrupted view of the stunning Ago Bay from the Yokoyama Observation Deck.

The massive scale of nature took my breath away. There are 64 island (islets?) surrounding the Ago Bay, and it reminded me of Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture – the final 3 Greatest Scenic View I’ve left on my list. Although I have not been to Matsushima, the view from Yokoyama actually left me wondering if Matsushima would be more enchanting than this.

There’s a little cafe at the top floor of the newly revamped deck where you get find specialty pastries and dessert produced by the local high school students. Indulge in a brief sweet moment while taking in one of the most beautiful views of Mie Prefecture.

Mikimoto Pearl Island

The visit to Mikimoto Pearl Island has changed my mind about the precious jewel. To be honest, I am not a jewellery kind of girl and I thought it was an attraction I don’t mind skipping on my already activity-filled itinerary.

But I’m glad I paid a visit to this world famous pearl brand and its birth place – Toba.

I’m sure you have heard of Mikimoto, but did you know that the founder, Mikimoto Kokichi (御木本幸吉), born in 1858, was the first person who had successfully create the first cultured pearl in the world?

Omg I just had a goosebump moment just like when first learnt about the inventor of instant noodles, Ando Momofuku’s story. Their life stories all share several similarities:

1. Undying support from their wise wife
2. Determination to get through multiple failures, near bankruptcy and hardship
3. A burning passion to seek innovation and improvement no matter the age
4. They both died at age 96

Creepy! Now I am really convinced that the saying – beside every great man, is a great woman – does hold water.

In 1927, Mikimoto met Edison, the great inventor who was in awe with his pearl cultivation. Edison commented, “Diamonds and pearls are the only things my laboratory could not produce.” – to which Mikimoto responded, “If you were the moon of the world of invention, I would simply be one of the many tiny stars”.

Oh. My heart.

I made it there just in time for the ama diver show. Instead of seeing dolphins glide along the water, you will see several ladies dip gracefully into the water to retrieve oysters that are ready for harvest.

Pay attention also to their special breathing technique in order to protect their lungs.

I have been to two different ama huts now, it was nice to finally see them in action for the first time. They were amazing.

In the Mikimoto Pearl Museum, you will find history of pearl cultivation documented with illustrations and real-life samples.

Natural pearls were in lots of random shapes. Mikimoto was also the person who has created the round-shaped pearls that are so widely seen today. I wouldn’t have known!!

Now the burning question is, how the hell are pearls even made? For sure the oysters don’t spit out random prized jewels every now and then when they feel like it.

No worries, the kind staff in the museum will be explaining about the process in details. It’s too complicated for me to explain it in 2019 English but basically you will need to perform a surgery to insert a round bead made of another oyster’s shell into the oyster and it will start to coat the bead with nacre (the shiny coating or what we call mother-of-pearl) as a natural defense to protect itself from an alient object in its body and therefore pearls are formed over time. So in a way, you can say that pearls are like your gallbladder stones, but shinier.

The first time I saw how a surgery was performed was in Uwajima, Ehime prefecture and I was clueless as hell but this visit has definitely opened my eyes the way you pour boiling water on clams. Haha.

Take the chance also to be a pageant queen or a princess for a moment, wearing Mikimoto’s pearl-encrusted crown. One can only wonder how much this is worth.

Though pearls are not my thing, I was quite interested in its pearl-calcium cosmetic range. The Chinese always have a thing for 珍珠粉  – pearl powder since ancient time, mostly for skin whitening and other beauty benefits.

If your wallet stops you from buying the prized precious pearls, at least check out their cosmetic counter and bring home some affordable skin care. I got a set of pearl masks to prepare for my next travel and I’m excited to use them!

Ise Grand Shrine

Ise Grand Shrine, or Ise Jingu, or just “Jingu”, needs no further introduction. I have also blogged about it twice. Once in 2017, and another time just weeks ago.

It was my third time here, and I loved it just as much.

One may expect the greatest shrine of whole Japan to be uniquely picturesque like Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, or at least photo-worthy like Hakone Shrine in Kanagawa. Not to disappoint you, but the shrine of Ise Jingu is extremely simple and plain, clad mostly ashen in earthy tones with the tamajari (玉砂利) – gravel that lines the sando (参道 – walkway to the shrine) and wooden structures of tones that seem to melt into each others. In fact, you are not even allowed to take photographs beyond the staircase to the main shrine (see above picture).

So, Ise Jingu is not an Insta photospot for social media boasting. Instead, it is a divine territory where one seeks to purify his soul and rediscovers gratitude in life. You can save the photo-taking for later, when you visit a nostalgic old town nearby (up right next!).

After having a fair share of spiritual quest and divine topics, let’s move on to something jovial and loved by everybody – delicious street snacks!

Oharai-machi & Okage Yokocho

Located just a short walking distance from Naiku (inner shrine of Ise), Oharai-machi is definitely not to be missed – for its many merchant stores selling an assortment of both modern and traditional craft, AND, endless delicious quick treats.

Okage Yokocho is located at the center of the district and is a newly build old town that replicates the Edo charm featuring lots of yummy eats. Here are some of my top picks.

Butasute Croquette

My no.1 top recommended snack here is Butasute’s mince meat croquette. Do expect a queue depending on the crowd as it is extremely popular!

A 100 yen coin buys you the juiciest mince meat croquette you’ll ever taste.

Can you believe that this is my first budget meal in Mie? After being spoilt with abalones, cheap but delicious street food is surprisingly comforting too.

Wakamatsuya

Just a short walk down the street is Wakamatsuya, a shop selling all sorts of nerimono – assorted grilled or fried fish cake. The signature is Ise Hiryozu, a stuffed fish cake filled with kamaboko, vegetables, mushroom and quail egg, it’s pretty filling so it’s best you share it with someone as there are many more food adventure waiting for you to discover!

From the same shop I also sampled Chizu-Bo, a fish cake filled with natural cheese that’s a hit with the young and old alike. It is said that over 1 million Chizu-Bo was sold and counting!

Fukusuke Ise Udon

Mie is well known for all sorts of luxurious gourmet, but honestly I had yet to hear about any nationally famous affordable eats. However, there’s one you should be checking out especially when you are in the area, and it is the Ise Udon.

I was told that it taste very very different from any udon served elsewhere in Japan, and when I received the bowl of piping hot noodle, I thought, oh my goodness, isn’t this loh shee fun??

Ise Udon’s texture is… unlike Sanuki from Kagawa that has an al dente chewy texture or Inaniwa from Akita that’s smooth and bouncy, Ise udon was… airy? Fluffy? Oh my god I don’t even know how to describe it. It is indeed very, very different, especially served in a thick soy broth that resembles our Malaysian/Singaporean version of black soy sauce.

Akafuku

Akafuku is mandatory, and even if you don’t buy it here you can get it at most of other souvenir shops or even at train stations or even outside of Mie, because it is that popular.

However, there probably isn’t another place that serves Akafuku-Gori!

The shaved ice is drizzled with rich matcha syrup, and as you dig into the featherlike snowflakes, you will find the hunted treasure – Akafuku red bean paste.

Shinon Daiko

I write this specially for myself. Haha.

Located just next to Fukusuke Ise Udon is a small event space, and there comes my favorite performance – Taiko drum show.

The performance expresses gratitude to the gods for prosperity and abundance of the town. It was mesmerizing. I love taiko. So much.

If you don’t wanna miss the taiko performance, do make sure you come by Oharai-machi during weekends.

Matsusaka City

We are moving on to another city – Matsusaka.

Only 15 minutes away by Kintetsu’s express train from Ujiyamada Station, Matsusaka is the perfect location to visit before or after Ise Jingu’s pilgrimage.

Anyway, no matter where you come from, I am making Matsusaka a compulsory stop on your itinerary, because… we are feasting again!

Gojouban Yashiki

Our first stop in Matsusaka is Gojouban Yashiki, an old town of samurai residences who guarded the Matsusaka Castle, preserved by its descendants until today.

But first, we are going to cosplay a little.

Matsusaka Momen – an Indigo-dyed cotton was sold by Matsusaka merchants in the Edo period. Check out Utsukushiya, an old storehouse converted into a traditional guest house where you can stay the night at, or simply rent an indigo cottom kimono to stroll around the old town for extra Insta points.

Walking down the Gojouban Yashiki lane in my pick of indigo cotton kimono. It’s exceptionally comfy by the way!

This is the view from Matsusaka park, overlooking the original residence of samurai, built in the year of 1863.

The story of how these samurai settled in Matsusaka was a heartwarming one. Originally, they served the great Tokugawa family in Kishu (now Wakayama), but one day they were ordered to serve a different master. However their loyalty to the Tokugawa was the life for them that they chose to give up their samurai status altogether, and were unemployed for 6 years.

For the whole 6 years they pleaded to be allowed back to work for the Tokugawa family, and finally they were given the duty of guarding the Matsusaka castle.

So incredibly neat with perfectly maintained hedge along the stone pavement. These houses are very rare as the descendants of the samurai still live in these houses, making them “living samura houses”. These residences have been designated as National Important Cultural Properties.

I was told that spring time is also popular as there are quite a few cherry blossom here so people are free to host BBQ or picnic sessions. While hanami‘ing.

Former Hasegawa Residence

Matsusaka is home to many affluent merchant families who made big names in Edo (Tokyo) trading all sorts of goods. The world-famous Mitsui conglomerate’s birthplace is right here, Matsusaka.

I visited the Hasegawa former residence, a successful merchant who traded cotton in Edo.

Most parts of the residence is preserved by its family as it was.

The residence was so massive I was wondering how many people were living here. There was also rice pots that looked like it could serve a whole village.

Just like many rich families, the residence also features a beautiful Japanese garden.

Can you imagine having this at your back yard?

And your very own shrine? This is bliss.

Isshobin Miyamachi Ten (Matsusaka Yakiniku)

The first time I had my dinner at Isshobin was back in 2017. Saying that it was unforgettable is an understatement.

In this 3 years, I believe I have sampled many, many many many other types and brand of beef, but Isshobin remains on top of my list as having the best value for the best quality of meat.

One may assume that to taste such an exquisite rank of beef, one must have it in a fancy, reservation-only 5 star hotel. Many are often surprised that Isshobin Matsusaka Yakiniku is a family friendly restaurant with the most casual atmosphere. You are welcome to come in your T shirts, jeans and sandals.

In fact, Isshobin is so casual that its yakiniku is served conveyor-belt style!!

Just to give perspective how special this breed is – every cattle has a unique 10-digit ID number one can search online to find information about its lineage and the farm it came from.

In the “quality” column, the quality of the beef is ranked and displayed.The label “special grade” (tokusan) indicates that the beef comes from Special Grade Matsusaka Cattle.

The best members to have a Matsusaka feast with. Thank you, Matsumoto san, Koyama san and lovely Kate. This trip will never be the same without their help.

Just like dining in conveyor belt sushi restaurants, you pick the plate that catches your eyes, and grill them fresh on your table stove.

This is “niku no oosama“, literally “king of meat”. One slice costs JPY1250.

Top class marbling that only spells luxuryyyyyy. It’s a famous saying that one can tell the high quality of fat which melts by the heat from your palm.

My recommended way (personal preference) to eat the beef is to order the non-marinated one. Just pure beef grilled to perfection (overcooking is a big no), served with just salt and wasabi if you prefer. There are other condiments such as shoyu or miso paste but I feel that a simple sprinkle of salt draws out the maximum umami from the tender meat.

I have developed an obsession for reimen (冷麺 – cold noodle) after each yakiniku session as the shime dish (the final dish). I’m very particular about my reimen, but this hit the spot.

Honestly I don’t get the watermelon slice, but the sourness of umeboshi (pickled plum) and the crisp of cucumber is just the right combination to a refreshing end of a rather fatty and potentially cloying meal.

This was our achievement. Guess how much it cost? Although I think you have already guessed a few times from my IG story and feed, but it’s worth repeating again and again:

JPY15000.

That’s like SGD195. That’s like less than SGD50 per person. For world-class A5 Matsusaka beef. And that, my friend, is what I call “kosupa saiko” – f**** awesome cost performance.

That’s all for today. I’ll leave you right here feeling hungry itching for ace beef. You are welcome.

In my next post, we are going to explore more nature, get trained to be a kickass ninja, before filling our tummy with yet another world-class beef.

Stay tuned.

I’m sure you already knew about my #47PrefectureMission and that I have completed this life mission early June this year.

I visited Mie in 2016 for two things:

1.Ise Jingu Shrine
2. Matsuzaka Beef

The two things that Mie is probably most famous for. And these two things alone warrant a visit to Mie. This time around, I’m on a new mission – to go deep. Real deep. For all 47 prefectures. All over again.

I am a proud #VisitMieSupporter of 2019.

We Malaysians and Singaporeans love food. So in this series of blog posts, I’m bringing you on a journey with me to Mie, the paradise of world class gourmet all condensed in one single prefecture.

Here’s Day 1.

Access – Shimakaze Scenic Train

I have always grouped Mie under the Kansai region, but the fact is that it might take you shorter time if you come from Nagoya (Aichi prefecture). Either way, Mie is a large prefecture bordering also Kyoto, Nara, Gifu and Shiga, so no matter which neighbor you pick to travel in from, you have a long long way to see the many wonders of Mie prefecture.

One of the best ways to make your journey to Mie more memorable is to embark on a scenic railway ride.

I travelled to Mie prefecture via Kansai airport, although it was a rather long journey of 2.5 hours, I totally enjoyed a luxurious time in Shimakaze Limited Express, a premium train bound for Ise-Shima running from Kyoto, Osaka and Nagoya by Kintetsu Railway.

Do note that Kintetsu is runs most of the lines in Mie prefecture so it would be wise to get a Kintetsu Rail Pass. I have covered this in my previous blog post on Kansai here.

Love that they have large-sized luggage locker free of charge.

Relax yourself into the ultra-comfy leather seats that have way too many buttons for reclining and seat adjustment.

Shimakaze is one of the rare trains where you can order freshly cooked meals at the cafe, or as you like, a light bento at the comfort of your own seat.

Visit car no.3 to enjoy some Mie specialty meals such as seafood pilaf, Matsusaka beef curry rice, Ise lobster miso soup and more.

Watch the stunning greenery change as the train speeds through, while enjoying your in-train lunch.

This train runs once daily from Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya, and arrives at its last station, Kashikojima.

This train is highly popular among the locals so do make advanced booking online before your trip.

Ama Hut Satoumian

In my previous blog post on Kansai, I visited an Ama hut located in the Toba region called Ama Hut Hachiman, so this time I decided to try another Ama hut experience, as I was so fascinated with this rare tradition since thousands of years ago in Japan.

To recap, an Ama (海女) is a female diver who starts to free-dive since she is a child by observing her mother or other older ama, for various treasures in the sea including abalone, pearls, sea urchins, Ise lobster and other seafood and even seaweed.

You can more about it in my previous blog post on Ama. And today we are focusing on the food!

Ama Hut Satoumian, a humble ama hut that just received Cool Japan Award 2019, focuses on offering the most premium fresh ingredients – the traditional style.

Because slippers are too mainstream.

The meal prices start from JPY4000, depending on your choice of seafood. We had a whole squid, assorted clams, himono (dried fish) and really humongous whole abalone grilled to perfect for only JPY8000.

This is going to cost at least double when it is served in Tokyo, or more, when it arrives at the shore of Singapore.

As always, chatting with the ama is a pleasant experience. These wise ladies invariably have this cheery temperament, gentle smiles, chatty with their stories while multitasking on ensuring your seafood is grilled to perfection.

An whole grilled squid just for me!

Drop by its little Ama museum located next to the hut to get to know more about this amazing tradition and their daily life.

And perhaps cosplay a little too! This is the traditional Ama diving costume when they are at work – diving. Yes, no fancy diving gear! I was told they only wear the wetsuit during winter season when the waters are cold.

Trust Japan to create a cute anime out of every single profession imaginable.

“Wow, what a beautiful lobster,” says Megu the teenage ama diver (in my head).

Katsuo No Tenpaku

Can you take a guess what this is?

It is probably not an exaggeration to claim that this is what made Japanese food the way it tastes like today. It is the very item that makes the base of Japanese food – dashi.

And katsubushi is a very important ingredient for dashi. In English, katsuobushi is called “bonito flakes”. Ah, now you get it.

Katsuo No Tenpaku is a very humble, rustic traditional goya (小屋  hut) that is so low key you won’t even notice, but don’t worry, your nose will guide you there. The scent of smoke chips and the aroma of freshly shaved katsuobushi will not be mistaken.

I spent about an hour at Katsuo No Tenpaku, and I have learnt more about katsuo than I ever had in my entire life. So sometimes I think that there’s no place too trivial for a visit. You constantly bring home something with you in your heart.

I have learnt that it takes months of repeated cycles of smoking and fermentation in order to produce a bag of fluffy bonito flakes. And I always so over-generously pour it over my rice without thinking twice.

I also took home the word “神人共食” – “Sharing food with Gods”. I learnt that Katsuobushi was originally meant to be an offering for the gods, and in this region, to the Ise Grand Shrine. This is how sacred and precious a food katsuobushi is.

I’m not sure how many of you are interested in the Shinto culture, but it was a surprise to discover the spiritual connection between food and the divine. I was deeply impressed.

Anyway, let’s move on to food. Which I’m sure all of us are interested in!

I had a try at shaving the rock-hard katsuo on a “kanna”.

Here’s my prized katsuobushi! Looks just like pencil shavings in a sharpener case.

Tenpaku san, the owner then opened up a steaming hot pot of white rice, pour the freshly shaved bonito flakes on top, and drizzle soy sauce over. I am already drooling.

Pencil shavings rice bowl, anyone?

It was AMAZING. I’m really bad at food reporting, but it was amazing. I was telling Tenpaku san why I bothered waking up 6am every day and spend one hour to cook breakfast. This will only take 1 minute!!!

THIS. Just this. Good quality bonito flakes on top of hot rice, seasoned with shoyu. The simplest soul food for many Japanese – “okaka gohan“. It has become mine now.

With the very jovial 4th generation owner of Katsuo no Tenpaku – Tenpaku san himself. Not forgetting bringing back souvenirs for my kitchen.

Shima Mediterranean Village

Many people’s dream is to travel around the world.

You know my dream? My dream is to travel around the world – in Japan.

I thought I have been transported to Spain (or is it Greece? Or Italy? Turkey?!) the moment I entered Shima Mediterranean Village.

I was greeted by an exotic atmosphere with passionate latino melody playing at the background, and a lazy house cat having an afternoon siesta.

There was not a hint of of Japan in sight (unless you look really up close on the food menu or until an overly polite non-European staff start to keep bowing).

Shima Mediterranean Village is a resort (I would totally say that it is a theme park too!) with many beautiful, spacious villa-style guest rooms, and at least a hundred insta spots.

You don’t even need to try. Every little nook and cranny is your gram-worthy inspiration.

Some of the decors and actual materials used including art pieces, floor tiles are sourced from its original countries, giving the village a really authentic vibe.

Souvenir shops that exude Mediterranean charm, you will really forget that you are actually in Mie, Japan!

This resort’s popularity is quick on the rise spreading like wild fire on Instagram. Remember you heard it from me first.

It makes a perfect romantic couple getaway, as well as family vacation with lots of spacious room accommodating a good number of guests.

I couldn’t find anything Japan-familar other than Toto washlets and Mitsubishi air conditioners. Well, those are exceptions that just have to be made-in-Japan.

Even if you are not staying the night, it makes an unforgettable day trip to Europe, minus the dreadful long flight, tiresome bargaining and potential pickpockets.

Lastly, just before the sun sets, embark on a sunset cruise that brings you along the beautiful Ago Bay.

Amaris Sunset Cruise

We got on the boat from the pier of Shima Mediterranean Village and set on a cruise.

Amaris is a small chartered boat, but that’s what makes it so special. Time and price can be customized according to your request or special occasion.

We are leaving Spain! Well, at least now the captain speaks Japanese.

Our final destination of the night was getting nearer.

Wait what? We are checking in the hotel by a boat?

Oh right. I forgot we are in Venice now.

Shima Kanko Hotel The Bay Suites

I was spoilt rotten on the very first day – checking into Shima Kanko Hotel The Bay Suites, the very hotel where Prisident Obama, Prime Minister Abe and other country leaders had their sweet bonding time during the G7 Summit 2016.

The Shima locals are very proud of it that the meeting/dining table arrangement is kept exactly how it was like during the summit.

All the suite rooms have an ocean view of the Ago Bay. Everything spells lux. I give it a rate of G7.

Also if you pay attention to the decor in the hotel, you will find lots of pearl decorations, a local specialty (more on that another day!) of the Shima region. Spot the massive pearl chandelier at the lobby!

“La Mer” French Restaurant

While almost everything on Day 1 was a highlight of the day for me, my first dinner was a majestic feast to end the night with.

With Higuchi Hiroe who leads this Michelin 1 star french restaurant. I was told that she is always seen running around the restaurant doing stuff. It was really nice of her to personally come and greet all of her guests. Such a passionate, hardworking, respectable lady.

I’m someone who doesn’t even know how to use her cutlery properly in a fine dining restaurants, but I know when something is delicious. This is an sea urchin platter with… lots of sea urchin. Even the “ice cream” was sea urchin!

Ise lobster bisque is a classic here so it has to be your choice of soup.

Catch of the day was katsuo. A completely different fare from what I had at Katsuo No Tenpaku.

Would anyone complain about having too much abalone in one day? Remember Ama Hut Satoumian? It was lunch! Is it really okay to spoil me this much?

The abalone steak was the most flavorful abalone I’ve ever had, I mean, it is crispy on the outside!! How is that even possible??

Dessert was white peach in fruit gelee.

Even the herbs for tea are homegrown by Higuchi san herself.

I picked La Mer again for my breakfast the next morning. It was great because I didn’t get to enjoy the view the previous night when it was all dark.

In the menu, I could choose between eggs Benedict or omelette with abalone, and I thought it would probably be too much a sin to have abalone 3 meals in a row, so here’s my eggs Benedict.

And I was all fuelled for another activity-packed second day about pearls, shrines and samurais.

Stay tuned!

Dear Blog,

Today you turn 15 years old. Happy 15th birthday.

Dear Me,

Hi, it’s me. I mean you. Anyway, we haven’t talked in a long time.

Remember the draft you wrote for this 15th anniversary? About how you are thankful but bitter at the same time, about your insecurities, your desperation, your existential crisis, your cynicism, your doubt of self-worthiness?

I deleted that post.

I’m sorry. I’m sorry that you wasted all the late hours staying up crafting a post which you are not quite sure you wanted to write in the first place.

I deleted it because I don’t think we needed it anymore. I deleted it because I think it’s time we talk.

Firstly and most importantly, I want to tell you that you did well. You are doing well. And I am proud of you.

Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Don’t ever allow anyone to tell you that you are not enough. You are enough. In fact it is unbelievable how enough you are.

You are amazing to me.

You tried, even when things seemed really, really, really impossible.

You did not know what to do but you tried.

You tried everything.

You kept trying.

You pulled yourself together.

You expected no one else but yourself to help.

You tried to focus on the good and the now even when the shadows of the past tried to so ferociously consume you.

You failed. You made mistakes. You regretted. You are tired. You tripped. You felt guilty. You lost it. You gave up. You ungaveup. You gave up again. You ungaveup again. You blamed all sorts of things. You hated yourself. You hated everyone. You thought that you weren’t good enough. You thought that you will never be good enough.

And that’s okay. Because I forgive you.

I know you didn’t mean it. I know it was just part of your attempt to keep trying. You were and are trying all sorts of things you could just in hope to make things a little better.

You are not sure if it is all better, but you keep trying.

You keep trying to be better. And that’s enough. Trying is enough.

You did well.

In fact it shocked me how well you did. So, thank you.

Thank you for trying.

Thank you for being you.

Thank you for loving yourself.

I love you too.

Thank you for keeping this blog alive for 15 years. You will always have me even if you lose everyone else. I’m here. Your most loyal reader in this world.

Hugs,

Me

09/09/2019

Ladies (and gentlemen too!), there’s no more excuse not to take care of ourselves.

True, sometimes we don’t even have that 5 minutes to properly remove make up (or even put on make up in the first place) and apply that one moisturizer. Not to mention a good face massage. I know that all too well. I once often accidentally brushed my teeth with face wash when everything was a blur juggling two kids under two.

But Japanese technology is here to help. Having one of the busiest lifestyles in the world, the latest beauty trend in Japan is a simplified, convenient beauty regime.

Have you ever imagined that now you have the ability to take care of dry skin of your ENTIRE BODY in just 5 seconds?

We all have that dry skin moment despite living in one of the most humid countries, yet we spend so little time taking care of it. Although humidity is high, UV rays are very strong and damage from UV rays causes loss of moisture inside the skin and the progression of dryness. Air conditioning is another cause of dry skin (how can we ever live without air-con these days?). It deprives the skin of moisture and causes inner skin dryness which may not appear immediately on the skin surface. So yes, even in Singapore’s climate we have to take precaution!

I have lots of mosturizing products (read my previous post on ORBIS U), but I hardly ever thought to take care of my other body parts and keep them well hydrated, unless the problem is severe – chapped lips, cracked heels or rashes from extreme dry climate, etc.

But now with ORBIS DEFENCERA, all you need is 5 seconds to prevent moisture from escaping dry skin. 

How?

By eating the skin care.

Yes. Welcome to the next generation of skin care.

For all my life, I thought dry skin could only be addressed by applying slabs of moisturizer and sticks of lip balm, I never thought that it could be improved from within, too.

ORBIS spent 10 whole years in developing and testing this ground-breaking product – the first ever and the only oral skin care in Japan – ORBIS DEFENCERA.

What is even more significant – the safety and effectiveness of ORBIS DEFENCERA is certified by the government of Japan, and we all know that Japan has really stringent standards.

ORBIS DEFENCERA, is officially Japan’s first skin care “FOSHU” – Food for Specific Health Uses. In Japan it is called “Tokuho” – 特定保健用食品.

FOSHU is the only type of food product that is allowed to display health claims, so imagine what a milestone of achievement it is for ORBIS! I’m really happy with this amazing news.

Just allow me to elaborate a little more what a remarkable breakthrough this is – FOSHU has very rigorous screening process and is not available for standard supplement products such as vitamin tablets. Some of the examples of FOSHU foods that I often buy include Meiji’s Bulgaria LB81 yogurt that increases the intestine’s defense against harmful substances, Kao’s Healthya Green Tea that reduces visceral fats in the body, Marusan’s soymilk that lowers bad cholesterol, and of course, Yakult that keeps our guts healthy.

 And ORBIS DEFENCERA, to increase protection for skin prone to dryness and roughness.

Just walk into a random drugstore in Japan and you will find thousands of beauty supplements, but ORBIS DEFENCERA is the first and only skin care product that has attained the FOSHU certification. And to be recognized as a FOSHU, many criteria must be cleared, and it includes clinical studies involving 400 individuals, evidence of the effect and evidence of safety. So yes, you can say that ORBIS DEFENCERA is certified effective and safe.

What it is made of

The key ingredient is DF-Ceramide, an extremely rare and high purity ingredient derived from brown rice. Only 2 grams can be extracted from one tonne of brown rice. (One tonne!!!)

How it works is that it increases the skin’s own ceramides, and heightens the skin’s moisture by creating an “Inner Aqua Barrier” which helps to prevent moisture from escaping. Our skin contains ceramides which work as a barrier that protects the skin from external stimuli. But over time and as a result of exposure to various forms of damage, our skin’s level of ceramides decreases, forming gaps in between the skin cells which allow moisture to escape easily. DEFENCERA helps to strengthen the outermost layer of the skin, while filling up the gaps in between cells!

Sounds deep? Yes it’s beyond skin-deep.

Usage

Nothing can be simpler. It comes in a blue sachet. Taking just one sachet a day offers the same effect as applying skin lotion to the body for 24 hours. It is in powder form and you can simply tear it open and consume it as it is without water.

How it tastes

I have to say that all ORBIS’s oral supplements tastes really good (Calcium tablets, ORBIS Collagen Re Force, etc). ORBIS DEFENCERA is Yuzu-flavored, and while there are lots of powder-form supplements in the market these days, sometimes I find them a little tricky to consume – sometimes the powder bit gets into the throat and makes you choke/cough a bit – haven’t you had that experience?

That’s why I was very surprised the first time I tried a sachet of ORBIS DEFENCERA – it actually tasted like super fine citrus icing sugar powder you sprinkle on hot fluffy pancakes – it just instantly melts on your tongue and you don’t even need water to wash it down. It tastes really nice!

It is also great for people who are bad at swallowing pills/capsules.

Convenience

Since it is in convenient sachet form, it also makes the best travel skin care solution. I just pack however stick I need for the days I’ll be traveling and consume every morning when I wake up at the hotel. It’s a great solution to dry skin when your travel schedule is fully packed and you don’t have time to re-apply skin lotion every other hour, especially if you are traveling to cold weather countries.

Effects

It is recommended that you take ORBIS DEFENCERA for at least 3 months to see results.

DEFENCERA helps in improving skin against dryness, and even fine lines caused by dryness. Of course, since it is inner care that goes to the entire body, you can also see improvement on skin areas that are prone to roughness such as elbows, heels and shins and the back, a body part that is actually prone to dryness and often neglected from moisturizing care.

For me I’m into the second month of consistent consumption, the one thing I noticed is that I stop having to apply eye drops and lip balm constantly when I fly, as one of the dryest places you can be is inside a flying plane. where I have always prepped for maximum hydration. I can feel that I’m doing something good for myself so I’m gonna continue it.

So yes! ORBIS DEFENCERA is definitely an impressive skin care solution that is effective, easy to consume and super convenient. You must be thinking that it would only make sense it if cost quite a lot for all the years of effort poured into its research and development and the extremely rare key ingredients. But it actually works out to be very reasonable, especially since it cares for the whole body – think facial moisturizer, body lotion, lip balm, vaseline, all combined in one tiny sachet!!

ORBIS DEFENCERA is retailing at S$54 for 30 sachets, so one box lasts for a month.You can get it at ORBIS Takashimaya S.C, the ORBIS Online Store, Robinsons Raffles City, Metro Causeway Point (M Beauty) and selected Sasa stores.