The Holy Princess
SAIO
In ancient Japan, unmarried Imperial princesses were selected through fortune-telling to serve Amaterasu, the sun goddess.
For 660 years the Saio princesses prayed to the Gods
for peace and prosperity.
The Saio’s Daily Life
Each Saio left the capital to live in a palace called Saiku and to serve the sun goddess. She dedicated much time to prayer, but only 3 times a year did she visit Ise Shrine itself.
Apart from her official duties, she is said to have spent a life of purity while writing Waka poems, enjoying music, and reading stories.
Forbidden To Love
Saio princesses were forbidden to love and marry because they were supposed to serve only the Gods.
But they were only human; and a tragic love story is remembered even hundreds of years later recorded in “The Tales of Ise”.
FESTIVALS
Saio Festival
1st weekend of June
View the parade of the Saio princess and her entourage arriving at Saiku in their wonderful colorful costumes.
Oyodo Gion Festival
End of July
Join a summer float festival on land and on water, with a spectacular fireworks display as the crowning highlight.
The Forgotten Palace
SAIKU
The impressive Saiku palace was the official residence of the Saio princess during her time as the imperial priestess of the sun goddess Amaterasu, and was almost lost and forgotten.
But in the mid-20th century, Saiku was rediscovered through excavation research confirming that a gigantic palace complex had actually existed, and in 1979 the site of the former Saiku palace was designated a national historical site.
The Saiku palace construction comprised of roads, planted trees, measured 1 km from east to west and 500m from north to south comparable to the State of the Vatican City. It housed more than 500 officials of various roles to support the Saio princess.
RELATED EXPERIENCES AND SPOTS
Saio Experience
Step into the role of the Saio by putting on a 12-layered Kimono, and experience history with all the senses.
Fortune Telling Experience
Have your fortunes read through the traditional fortune-telling method called Boku.
Saiku Historical Museum
Learn all about the history of the Saio Princess and the Saiku Palace at the Saiku Historical Museum.
Itsukinomiya Hall
Immerse yourself in the Heian period: play traditional board games, and put on a 12-layered Kimono like the Saio princess.
Saiku Heian Era Park
Explore the three reconstructed government office buildings used for rites and banquets in the 9th century.
1/10 Scale Model of the Saiku-ato Site
Take in the architecture and outline of the faithful Saiku Palace reconstruction on a 1/10 scale.
Ancient Ise Road
Walk the Ancient Ise Road, the connection between the ancient capital, Kyoto and Ise Shrine during the Heian era.
Local
MUST EATS
Meiwa Town grows delicious rice and vegetables, used in the Heian Period-inspired lunch boxes.
For the best experience, give your taste buds a treat with locally brewed sake and sake sweets as a dessert.
RELATED SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS
Itsuki Chaya
Enjoy a beautifully presented Heian Period-inspired lunch box with fresh regional ingredients.
*Book your bento box 7 days in advance.
Asahi Sake Brewery
Explore a traditional sake brewery founded in 1875 and try their unique sake ice cream and sake cakes.
Itsukian
Sample steamed sweet dumplings called Sake Manju made using sake lees, a byproduct of sake production.
Minoriya
Enjoy a short break with traditional Japanese sweets and tea at this charming tea house.
Torimisoya
Taste tender chicken grilled with Miso sauce and served with a bowl of locally grown rice.
Traditional
ARTS AND CRAFTS
Since the Edo Period, Meiwa Town has produced a range of small useful items from indigo-dyed cotton and leather-like Washi paper.
RELATED EXPERIENCES AND SPOTS
Leather-like Paper Making Experience
Create sturdy imitation leather from Washi paper and make it into a souvenir book cover.
Self-guided
ITINERARIES
Meiwa Town is best discovered on foot or by bicycle.
Here are our recommended routes for exploring Meiwa Town.
You can do this course by bicycle as well.
① Saiku Historical Museum
Learn all about the Saio Princess and the Saiku Palace at the Saiku Historical Museum using video, models, and historical artifacts.
-
13 min. walk
② Ancient Ise Road
Walk the Ancient Ise Road, the connection between the ancient capital, Kyoto and Ise Shrine during the Heian era.
-
5 min. walk
③ 1/10 Scale Model of the Saiku-ato Site
Take in the architecture and outline of the faithful Saiku Palace reconstruction on a 1/10 scale.
-
5 min. walk
④ Heian-style Lunch at Itsuki Chaya
Enjoy a beautifully presented Heian Period-inspired lunch box with fresh regional ingredients.
*Book your bento box 7 days in advance.
-
2 min. walk
⑤ Itsukinomiya Hall
Immerse yourself in the Heian period: play traditional board games, and put on a 12-layered Kimono like the Saio princess.
-
3 min. walk
⑥ Saiku Heian Era Park
Explore the three reconstructed government office buildings used for rites and banquets in the 9th century.
-
3 min. walk
⑦ Take Shrine
Make a prayer at Take Shrine, believed to have been the location of the ancient royal palace of Saio during the Heian period.
-
2 min. walk
⑧ Afternoon Sweets at Minoriya
Enjoy a short break with traditional Japanese sweets and tea at this charming tea house.
-
2 min. walk
End Point: Saiku Station
End your exploration of Meiwa Town at Saiku Station.
-
5 min. walk
Starting Point: Take Shrine
Give a prayer at Take Shrine, believed to have been the location of the ancient royal palace of Saio during the Heian period.
② Asahi Sake Brewery
Explore a traditional sake brewery founded in 1875 and try their unique sake ice cream and sake cakes.
-
13 min. ride
② Oyodo Coast
The west coast of Meiwa Town is popular as a campsite and also the location of a couple of historically important sites.
-
5 min. ride
③ Lunch at Torimisoya
Taste tender chicken grilled with Miso sauce and served with a bowl of locally grown rice.
-
15 min. ride
End Point: Saiku Station
Finish your tour and return your bicycle at Saiku Station.
-
12 min. walk
TOURS AND RENTALS
Walking Tour
Join a leisurely walking tour with a knowledgeable guide around the major sights of Meiwa Town and let the story of the Saio Princess unfold.
SAIKU-ling Tour
Join a guided cycling tour to discover Meiwa Town from all angles: history, food, landscape, and people.
Bicycle rental
Rent a stylish electric bicycle to explore all corners of Meiwa Town by yourself.
Learn, Walk, and Enjoy with the
Mobile AppGet it now!
Explore Saiku at your fingertips with the “Saiku Guide” App available in English on iPhone and Android.
Recommended
ACCOMMODATION
Meiwa Town itself doesn’t offer many accommodation options, but because of its convenient location between Matsusaka and Ise, travelers can stay close by and explore the wider area.
Saio no Miya
Immerse yourself even more in the Heian period by booking a stay at this Japanese-style luxury hotel in Ise with a Saio theme.
Hanare 6tsuki
Experience rural Japan by staying at this rental holiday home in Meiwa Town.
Meiwa Town
LOCATION
Meiwa Town is located in Mie Prefecture between Matsusaka to the west and Ise to the southeast. Meiwa Town faces Ise Bay and is surrounded by farmland.
EXPLORE MEIWA’S SURROUNDINGS
How to
ACCESS
By Train
★ If you are using a JR pass from Nagoya, please pay an additional 520 yen to the train manager as the train partially uses a non-JR track.
By Car
