The prefecture of Mie is adjacent to the cities of Osaka and Nagoya. The lands are rich with one-third of the entire prefecture designated as natural parks.
Tranquility descends the region, with the coastline in the east and mountains in the west.
It is culturally blessed with a diverse list of credits to its name. The Iga area has long been noted as the birthplace of Ninjas, enigmatic people who wore black costumes and baffled enemies with mysterious tricks. Located in the midst of mountains, the area continues to retain its historical culture. The Ueno Castle, whose stone moat wall is the tallest in Japan, dominates the centre of the Iga area. Many similar castles were built in other parts of Japan throughout the 15th Century, a time when Ninjas were most active.