Mie
Best known as Ise Shrine, one of the most famous shrines, which originated tourism in Japan
Mie prefecture is located on the east side of Kii Peninsula on the Honshu island. It is best known as Ise Shrine, one of the most famous shrines in Japan.
In the Edo Period around 200 to 400 years ago, having a trip to Ise Shrine became popular, which is said to be an origin of tourism in Japan.
Ise Shrine considered the most sacred shrine in Japan as the Naiku, the Inner Shrine that is said to have been built over 2,000 years ago, enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun God. The imperial family is a descendant of Amaterasu Omikami, thus Ise Shrine historically has had a strong connection to the imperial family.
Ise Shrine is unique in that it is entirely torn down and rebuilt every 20 years by following an ancient Shinto tradition.
Mastusaka gyu - one of the highest graded beefs in Japan
Yokkaichi tonteki - thickly cut pork roasted with sauce and garlic
Sanma zushi - lightly pressed sushi rice topped with picked saury
Gikakushi paper means paper that imitates leather. Its production method was first discovered by someone in Mie and tobacco pouches made by Gikakushi became popular souvenirs for tourists to Ise Shrine.
Iga Kumihimo is braided Cord made of think silk threads from 8th century. It is was used for religious tools, but nowadays it is widely used to tie obi belt for kimono. Ise Katagami, finely cut paper stencils, is another local product in Mie. It is used for decorating kimono patterns.
Yunohana senbei
Hinodeyaseika Co., Ltd.
2020 2nd session Gold Award
Yunohana Senbei was born in Yunoyama Onsen in Komono, Mie Prefecture, in 1959. Yunoyama is a historic hot spring town that has continued to provide healing calm for 1,300 years while also being home to Gozaisho ropeway boasting the tallest iron supporting tower of its kind in Japan. Yunohana Senbei was created based on the idea of the founder Kazuo Chikusa who sough to produce tansan senbei (soda crackers) with an exclusive container that can be appreciated as a souvenir by tourists. The package design of an impressive pink color with illustrations of landmarks has remained unchanged since its first launch. The white flowers in the package represent “yu-no-hana” (literally “hot spring flowers”), which is a compound found in the spring water crystalized in the form that resembles a flower. The senbei crackers were originally made by mixing spring water into the dough, but now they are made using clean river-bed water from the river that flows at the foot of Mount Suzuka. Yunohana Senbei, produced with a method and design faithful to tradition, has been appreciated by a wide rage of customers as a souvenir unique to a hot spring resort over 60 years. The new package with a heart-shaped balloon is created this year in hope of lifting people’s spirit by delivering an inspiring message as the world strives to make it through difficult times. The heart-shaped balloon flies up as you scan it with a smartphone camera. It also provides a 360-degree view of the hot spring town allowing you to enjoy an augmented reality experience from home.