13 Family-Friendly Attractions in Mie, from Marine Life to the World of Ninja

Mie's attractions are spread across areas such as Ise, Toba, and Shima; Iga; and northern Mie. Choose a base that suits your plans—for example, Ise and Toba for aquariums and theme parks or Iga for ninja culture and outdoor experiences—to make getting around easier.

Mie offers plenty of experiences to spark children's curiosity, including encounters with marine life and other animals, ninja activities, and crafts. Combining theme parks with hands-on attractions can lead to new discoveries for parents and children alike.

After a day at amusement parks and other attractions, unwind with seaside views or at a hot spring resort—another special part of traveling in Mie. Balancing active fun with time in nature makes for a comfortable trip the whole family can enjoy.

This popular aquarium houses more species than any other in Japan, with everything from marine mammals to fish. It is also the only aquarium in Japan with a dugong and offers an extensive range of shows and exhibits.
Visitors can observe endearing animals such as finless porpoises and sea otters up close. Unusual exhibits such as the Laboratory of Bizarre Creatures are another highlight. Parents and children can lose themselves in the wonders of living creatures.

This theme park recreates Spanish streetscapes and features a variety of attractions and parades. Many are inspired by Spain, and an authentic flamenco show is among the highlights.
With everything from rides for young children to thrill rides, every family member can spend the day their own way. There are also plenty of photogenic spots for capturing travel memories.

This hands-on museum in Iga, the birthplace of ninja, introduces visitors to their history, ingenuity, and way of life.
The Ninja House looks like an ordinary farmhouse, but it contains revolving walls, hidden stairways, trick doors, and other mechanisms designed to protect secrets such as gunpowder-making techniques and ninjutsu. Visitors can see these features firsthand.
Powerful ninjutsu demonstrations and shuriken-throwing activities are also popular. Trying them together can make for a memorable family experience and plenty to talk about.

This zoo is surrounded by abundant nature and lets visitors get close to a variety of animals.
Guests can feed hamadryas baboons, pygmy goats, sheep, ponies, emus, and other animals. This close interaction is one of the zoo's defining features. The zoo also takes in rescued animals, making it a place where encounters with them can teach visitors about the value of life.

This hands-on agricultural park focuses on farming and food, offering craft activities and animal encounters. Workshops use ingredients produced at the park to make foods such as sausages, Jersey milk bread, tarts, and ice cream.
Other highlights include milking cows, riding ponies, and watching miniature pig shows. Visitors can spend a full day discovering the appeal of nature and food. Shared experiences here can become lasting family memories.

Located on 459-foot-high Mount Yokoyama, this observatory overlooks a scenic coastline dotted with 60 islands of various sizes. Its modern viewing terrace also has a café serving sweets and drinks made with ingredients from Ise-Shima, where visitors can take a break while admiring the satoumi seascape.
At the visitor center below the observatory, images projected across three walls and the floor introduce the natural environment and ama diver culture of Ise-Shima National Park. Walking trails in the area allow families to admire the scenery or stroll through nature at their own pace.

Located near Meoto Iwa, this aquarium offers opportunities to interact with marine life. It is popular for its exceptionally close encounters with marine mammals, fish, and other sea creatures.
Highlights include sea lion and walrus performances, along with a wide variety of events where visitors can touch the animals directly. Families can spend a cheerful time experiencing marine life up close.

One of Japan's largest amusement parks, this popular attraction offers plenty of fun for children and adults alike. Its most popular ride is HAKUGEI, a world-class hybrid roller coaster.
In addition to thrill rides, the park features family attractions and an enormous pool open only in summer—more than visitors can experience in a single day. Family members can each find their favorites and make lasting memories together.

Known as the venue for international races such as the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, this mobility-themed park also includes an amusement park and hotel. It offers many vehicles suited to different ages and heights, including ones that children can actually drive.
Racing circuit-inspired attractions and go-kart experiences let visitors discover the excitement of controlling a vehicle themselves. Parents and children can take on the challenges together and experience the world of motorsports firsthand.

This flower theme park offers scenic views throughout the year as seasonal flowers bloom across its grounds. Highlights include the Begonia Garden, a large greenhouse, and flower fields that change with the seasons.
In recent years, the Nabana no Sato Illumination, held annually from fall until around spring, has attracted the most attention. Its enchanting combination of flowers and lights creates a memorable setting for families.

This scenic area features numerous waterfalls along a gorge and abundant seasonal nature. Long regarded as sacred ground, it is known as a spiritual site where monks and ninja historically trained.
Visitors can follow the walking trail between waterfalls and stop at attractions such as the Akame Falls Aquarium and Ninja Forest. Families can take a leisurely walk while discovering the area's nature and history.

This theme park based on Baby Star Ramen lets visitors discover the appeal of snacks through play. It features extensive hands-on content, including indoor and outdoor obstacle courses and workshops for making original Baby Star Ramen.
Be sure to visit Baby Star Dining, which serves original menu items available only here, including Baby Star katsu curry and Baby Star noodles with thick sauce. Families can play, eat, and immerse themselves in the world of snacks.
*“Baby Star,” “Hoshio-kun,” and “Butamen” are registered trademarks of Oyatsu Company Ltd.

This cruise lets visitors admire the scenery of Toba Bay from the water and stop at Dolphin Island. Views of the islands and harbor town from the sea are part of the appeal of the boat trip.
Admission to Dolphin Island is included at no extra charge with the sightseeing cruise, allowing visitors to meet dolphins and otters. Activities such as feeding dolphins and trying the work of an animal keeper give families an opportunity to experience marine life up close.

Surrounded by the abundant nature of Ise-Shima National Park, this comprehensive resort offers everything from activities to hot springs. Its extensive grounds feature a variety of options, including exhilarating seaside golf at NEMU GOLF CLUB, a garden pool, and marine cruises.
After an active day, unwind in the hot springs and savor the resort's leisurely pace.

This official hotel next to Suzuka Circuit allows guests to remain immersed in its world even after enjoying the amusement park and racing circuit. With natural hot springs and a buffet restaurant, it is also a comfortable place to recover after a full day of fun.
The hotel is ideal for travelers who want to make the most of Suzuka Circuit. Parents and children can enjoy a memorable stay while reflecting on their day together.

This popular official hotel at Nagashima Resort offers both leisure and hot spring experiences.
Guest rooms receive water directly from the source, while Yuami no Shima features one of Japan's largest open-air bath complexes, providing plenty of ways to unwind after a day of fun. This destination resort hotel lets guests experience the amusement park, hot springs, and seasonal flower displays.
Families can enjoy both active recreation and leisurely relaxation during their resort stay.