A Day in Ise


2018.03.23

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

Ise is a fairly small and quiet town, but combined with other areas, there is still more to do than is possible in a single day. Home to the famous Ise Shrine, the city is overflowing with untouched natural beauty, rich history, and a spiritual energy unlike anywhere else. In order to make the most of your time in the area we’ve compiled a quick guide for you.

  • A Day in Ise

    A Day in Ise

    When you first arrive, you should probably head straight to Ise Shrine. Most people start by going to Geku, the outer shrine, and then either walk through the old pilgrimage route or take a bus to Naiku, the inner shrine. Either way, once you’ve hit these major spots you can then spend a bit more time in Ise without rushing.

    A Day in Ise

    A Day in Ise

    After Naiku, Okage Yokocho and Oharai-machi just in front of the shrine entrance are popular places to visit for those making their way to the sacred shrine, but it’s much more than just a thoroughfare. This historic strip was an important section of the main Ise pilgrimage road, and today you can still explore many of the traditional stores and restaurants that populate the street. As you wander down this traditional shopping street keep an eye out for akafuku mochi, an Ise specialty, and try the various street foods.

    A Day in Ise

    A Day in Ise

    While you’re there, take a break at the Isuzu-chaya teahouse along the Isuzu River. Here you can have seasonal Japanese sweets and sip matcha tea while you admire the view from the windows. Their garden is spectacular, and the snacks are just what you need after a fair bit of walking.

    A Day in Ise

    A Day in Ise

    Once finished with the Ise Jingu area, it really depends on your preferences. Some people like to get a bus or drive themselves to Futami to see the Meoto Iwa wedded rocks sitting in Ise Bay. They’re beautiful to see, but if you can’t get super excited about them it’s worth sticking around in Ise a bit more.

    A Day in Ise

    A Day in Ise

    It’s still unappreciated by tourists, but the Kawasaki area of Ise is the former merchant district, with old homes and shops bordering the Isuzu River. There are some nice shops, including several new cafes, and you can also tour the former house of a merchant family and see how they lived in the old days. Kawasaki is also a great place to stay the night, as there are guesthouses opening up there, and the atmosphere is quite unique as far as Ise goes.
    We recommend getting dinner in Ise, and no matter your taste there’s bound to be at least one place that suits you. If you decide to move on, many people go down to Toba or Ise Shima where most of the hotels are located. Ise doesn’t have a lot of accommodation, but in those seaside towns there are places to stay and looks of good food.

    Ise Jingu Geheiden
    place
    Mie Ise-shi Ujitachicho 1
    phone
    0596241111
    opening-hour
    [1-4, Sep.]5:00-18:00[May- A…
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    Geku Shogu
    place
    Mie Ise-shi Toyokawacho 279
    phone
    0596241111
    opening-hour
    5:00-18:00 (varies depending…
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    Ise Jingu Geheiden
    place
    Mie Ise-shi Ujitachicho 1
    phone
    0596241111
    opening-hour
    [1-4, Sep.]5:00-18:00[May- A…
    View Allarrow
    Okage Yokocho
    place
    Mie Pref. Iseshi Ujinakanokirichou
    phone
    0596238838
    opening-hour
    9:30-17:00(Depends on the se…
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  • Isuzuchaya Main Branch
    place
    Mie Pref. Iseshi Ujinakanokirichou 30
    phone
    0596227000
    opening-hour
    9:00-17:00[Cafe]9:30-16:30
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    Futami Okitama-jinja Shrine
    rating

    4.0

    381 Reviews
    place
    Mie Pref. Iseshi Futamichoue 575
    phone
    0596432020
    opening-hour
    [Giving Office] [Summer] 5:…
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    Oishiya Ryokan

    569-75 Futamicho Chaya Ise Mie

    Agoda
    • Oishiya Ryokan
    • Oishiya Ryokan
    • Oishiya Ryokan
    • Oishiya Ryokan
    • Oishiya Ryokan

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