Centuries ago millions of pilgrims trekked to Japan's spiritual home in Mie Prefecture, especially to celebrate the cyclical dismantling and rebuilding of Ise Grand Shrine — the embodiment of Japanese shrines.

Along with being ranked among Japanese as the number one "power spot" travel destination, or source of divine energy, the prefecture also enjoys a rich food culture, many historical sites, a robust industrial sector and bountiful nature.

With a little less than 2½ months before the Ise-Shima Summit on May 26-27, there is little wonder why Mie Gov. Eikei Suzuki is ebullient: he is getting the opportunity to showcase the area's omotenashi — Japanese-style hospitality — to visitors making their own pilgrimage from across the globe.