21 Best Things to Do in Ise-Shima and Mie Prefecture


2020.03.16

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

21 of the Best Things to see and do in Ise-Shima and Mie Prefecture

On their first to Japan many tourists are drawn to the bigger cities, but if you want a more laid back experience you should visit Mie Prefecture.

From the beautiful mountains to the calming coasts this area has tons to offer with its impressive shrines such as Ise Jingu, the stunning scenery along the trails of Kumano Kodo, luxurious hot springs, delicious food, and much more.

Here are the best things to see and do in Mie Prefecture, with a strong focus on Ise-Shima.

  • 01

    Ise Jingu (Geku)

    Ise Jingu - A great walk when you're surrounded by nature

    Ise Jingu - A great walk when you're surrounded by nature

    "Akafuku" - a sweet soup made from red beans. ※Summertime is "Akafuku-gori"

    "Akafuku" - a sweet soup made from red beans. ※Summertime is "Akafuku-gori"

    The formal route that most people will take, is the visit to Geku Outer Shrine — known for enshrining Toyouke Omikami (the goddess of agriculture and industry). You can proceed to the Naiku Shrine from here. The Geku Outer Shrine is a 10-minute walk from Iseshi Station.

    A 5-minute walk from the shrine however will land you at the famous Akafuku tea shop. In the summertime, you can enjoy some refreshing Akafuku-gori. This is shaved ice with matcha syrup served with Akafuku-mochi (a rice cake topped with sweet red bean paste). In the wintertime, you can warm up with Akafuku-zenzai, a sweet red bean soup with mochi.

    akafuku gekuzentokusetu
    rating

    4.5

    130 Reviews
    place
    Mie Pref. Iseshi Honmachi 14-1
    phone
    0596227000
    info
    【URL】https://www.akafuku.co.jp/
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    Geku Shogu
    place
    Mie Ise-shi Toyokawacho 279
    phone
    0596241111
    opening-hour
    5:00-18:00 (varies depending…
    info
    【URL】https://www.isejingu.or.jp/about/geku/index.html
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  • 02

    Ise Jingu (Naiku)

    Ise Jingu (Naiku) - main shrine "Kotai Jingu"

    Ise Jingu (Naiku) - main shrine "Kotai Jingu"

    Amaterasu Omikami (sun goddess) was enshrined around 2,000 years ago in the Inner Shrine. This place is known as the most sacred shrine in Japan.

    Legend has it that the sun goddess hid herself in a cave after she could'nt tolerate her brother's violent acts. Hiding herself away inadvertantly deprived the Earth of sunlight. The other gods became worried, so they tricked her into coming out willingly with luringly good music & dance.

    If you want to see the Holy Mirror (symbol of Ameterasu Omikami), then you will need to go inside the main sacred palace located within the main sanctuary.

    Following an ancient Shinto custom, the main shrine building is completely rebuilt every 20 years, with the most recent rebuild completed in 2013.

    Due to the large size of the grounds, you might want to set aside 1-2 hours if you're planning on seeing everything.

    Ise Jingu Geheiden
    place
    Mie Ise-shi Ujitachicho 1
    phone
    0596241111
    opening-hour
    [1-4, Sep.]5:00-18:00[May- A…
    info
    【URL】https://www.isejingu.or.jp/about/naiku/index.html
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  • 03

    Oharai-Machi & Okage-Yokocho

    Store "Okagesama" in Okage-Yokocho

    Store "Okagesama" in Okage-Yokocho

    The street view of Oharai-Machi

    The street view of Oharai-Machi

    Just a street down from Ise Jingu, you will find yourself in the small district of Oharai-Machi where there are many shops and restaurants.

    In the center of Oharai-Machi lies Okage-Yokocho. This beautifully stone paved street is lined up with traditional style building that will give you a sense of what it was like in the Edo/Meiji period.

    Restaurants like the Butasute restaurant is known for their delicious Wagyu beef. Be sure to try their tasty tofu donut while in the area. Isuzugawa Cafe is praised as one of the best cafes in the area. It is situated right on the Isuzukawa River, so enjoy a fresh cup of coffee with a homemade cake while you enjoy the view of the river and the surrounding greenery.

    Read more at:
    Where to Eat in Ise

    Okage Yokocho
    place
    Mie Pref. Iseshi Ujinakanokirichou
    phone
    0596238838
    opening-hour
    9:30-17:00(Depends on the se…
    info
    【URL】https://www.okageyokocho.co.jp/
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  • 04

    Try Ise udon at "Okada-ya"

    Ise Udon

    Ise Udon

    Getting souvenirs at Okage-Yokocho is also great fun

    Getting souvenirs at Okage-Yokocho is also great fun

    If you are going on a trip to Ise, trying udon is a must. Udon in Ise is unique. You'd be surprised to find that the noodles are much thicker and much softer.

    The udon noodles are mixed with a sauce made of tamari soy sauce and dashi (soup stock), topped off with green onion slices. Okada-ya is praised by the locals as having the best bowl of Udon in Ise! If the locals say its the best, then who am I to argue.

    Ise Udon Okadaya
    place
    Mie Pref. Iseshi Ujimazaikechou 31
    phone
    0596224554
    opening-hour
    10:30-17:00
    info
    【URL】https://www.ise-cci.or.jp/iseudon/html/shop_detail.php?id=20151215112437
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  • 05

    Tsukiyominomiya: the hidden spiritual hot spot of Ise Jingu

    A little known power spot located between the inner & outer shrines - "Tuskiyomi-no-miya"

    A little known power spot located between the inner & outer shrines - "Tuskiyomi-no-miya"

    Tsukiyominomiya is famous as the hidden spiritual hot spot of Ise Jingu. It is located near the inner shrine (Naiku). Within Tsukiyominomiya there are 4 shrines that are dedicated to deities Tsukiyomi-no-mikoto (god of the moon and brother of the sun goddess), Tsukiyomi-no-mikoto-no-aramitama (soul of power), Izanami and Izanagi (the mother and father gods of all other gods in Japanese mythology).

    These 4 shrines are meant to be visited in a specific order, so be sure to follow the instructions. First you start with one dedicated to Tsukiyomi-no-mikoto, then proceed to Tsukiyomi-no-mikoto-no-aramitama, then to Izanagi’s shrine, and then lastly to Izanami’s shrine.

    Tsukiyomi-no-miya
    place
    Mie Pref. Iseshi Nakamurachou 742-1
    phone
    0596241111
    opening-hour
    [1-4/Sep.] 5:00-18:00[May--A…
    info
    【URL】https://www.isejingu.or.jp/about/naiku/tsukiyomi.html
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  • 06

    Futami Okitama Shrine: a place of purification

    They say the "Futami Okitama Shrine" is benefitial for lovers

    They say the "Futami Okitama Shrine" is benefitial for lovers

    Located in Futamiura, Futami Okimata Shrine is where many begin their visit to Ise Jingu.

    A visit to Futami Okimata Shrine is believed to bring success in marriage and goodluck for matchmaking. Enshrined here is the deity Sarutahiko-no-okami (god of guidance). You will see many frog statues around the shrine, since they are considered to be the deity's familiars.

    During a ceremony called Hamasangu, visitors can first stop here to purify their minds and bodies. During purification, enjoy the fresh breeze and gentle sounds of the waves. After having been cleansed of impurifications, you should then head over to Ise Jingu.

    Futami Okitama-jinja Shrine
    rating

    4.0

    381 Reviews
    place
    Mie Pref. Iseshi Futamichoue 575
    phone
    0596432020
    opening-hour
    [Giving Office] [Summer] 5:…
    info
    【URL】https://www.isejingu.or.jp/about/naiku/tsukiyomi.html
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    Oishiya Ryokan

    569-75 Futamicho Chaya Ise Mie

    Agoda
    • Oishiya Ryokan
    • Oishiya Ryokan
    • Oishiya Ryokan
    • Oishiya Ryokan
    • Oishiya Ryokan
  • 07

    Meoto Iwa: A Place of Beauty and Love

    As long as you find the right rock, she'll stay by your side

    As long as you find the right rock, she'll stay by your side

    Can you feel the love tonight

    Can you feel the love tonight

    Near the Futami Okimata Shrine you will see two large rocks in the ocean connected together by a rope. This spot is Meoto Iwa which means “Wedded Rocks”, with the larger rock representing the husband and the smaller one representing the wife.

    A romantic place for couples to visit, the best time to go is from May to July when you can enjoy the stunning view of the rising sun between the two rocks. If you visit in autumn and winter, you can also get a beautiful view of the moon shining between the rocks. This spot is understandably very popular with visitors and local photographers.

    Meoto Iwa (Husband and Wife Rocks)
    rating

    4.0

    669 Reviews
    place
    Mie Pref. Iseshi Futamichoue 575 Meoto Iwa in
    phone
    0596432020
    info
    【URL】https://www.kankomie.or.jp/spot/detail_2231.html
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    Oishiya Ryokan

    569-75 Futamicho Chaya Ise Mie

    Agoda
    • Oishiya Ryokan
    • Oishiya Ryokan
    • Oishiya Ryokan
    • Oishiya Ryokan
    • Oishiya Ryokan
  • 08

    Eat Authentic Matsusaka Beef

    Sample image of Wagyu - Yakiniku

    Sample image of Wagyu - Yakiniku

    Sample image of Wagyu - Yakiniku

    Sample image of Wagyu - Yakiniku

    A visit to Mie is not complete without trying some delicious Matsusaka beef. The meat comes from cows that are raised in strict conditions which results in a beef with lots of marbling, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth quality.

    Sukiyaki is a popular dish featuring thinly sliced Matsusaka beef and is usually accompanied by a variety of vegetables that is cooked in a soy sauce broth right at your table. Another dish to try is Amiyaki which features Matsusaka beef grilled to perfection. If you want something fancier, stop at Wadakin where you can enjoy amazing gourmet Matsusaka dishes.

    Read more at:
    Japan’s Best Wagyu is in Mie

    和田金
    place
    神奈川県大和市福田2-6-4
    phone
    0462679930
    info
    【URL】http://e-wadakin.co.jp/
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    no image
  • 09

    Experience the Mediterranean while being in Japan at Shima Mediterranean Village

    Landscape of the area

    Landscape of the area

    Feels like a beach resort in places

    Feels like a beach resort in places

    Located in Ago Bay, this beautiful resort has all mediterranean style buildings which make it seem otherworldly.

    The resort is surrounded by stunning scenery which draws in many tourists. Shima Mediterranean Village is made up of 5 towns, each designed differently to replicate the styles of the original Mediterranean areas they represent.

    Even if you decide not to stay here, you can come for the cuisine and enjoy various dishes from Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and more.

    志摩地中海村
    place
    三重県志摩市浜島町迫子2619-1
    phone
    0599521226
    info
    【URL】https://www.puebloamigo.jp/
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    no image
  • 10

    Stay at Shima Kanko Hotel

    Chosen for the Ise-Shima summit - Shima Kankou Hotel

    Chosen for the Ise-Shima summit - Shima Kankou Hotel

    Café & Wine bar "Rian"(リアン)

    Café & Wine bar "Rian"(リアン)

    Also situated on Ago Bay, Shima Kanko Hotel is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounding views of the area. After seeing some wild birds in the hotel's large Japanese garden, enjoy a beautiful sunset over Ago Bay in the evening.

    There are many activities offered at the hotel including stargazing, tea ceremonies, pottery painting classes, and more. As a top rated hotel, it was chosen for the Ise-Shima summit in 2016.

    Shima Kanko Hotel
    place
    Mie Pref. Shimashi Agochoushinmei 731
    phone
    0599431211
    info
    【URL】https://www.miyakohotels.ne.jp/shima/index.html/
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  • 11

    Take a ride on pleasure boat: The Kashikojima Espana Cruise

    Sail the Japanese waters with the "Kashikojima Espana cruise"

    Sail the Japanese waters with the "Kashikojima Espana cruise"

    "Goza Shirahama" Beach has been selected as one of the top 100 locations

    "Goza Shirahama" Beach has been selected as one of the top 100 locations

    The Kashikojima Espana cruise is a great way to sightsee and enjoy the beauty of Ago Bay whilst being aboard a spanish-themed pleasure boat.

    The boat has many outdoor seating areas but you can also get a private room for a fee of course. If you do prefer outdoor seating, sitting on the deck of the boat will give you a 360 degree view of the beautiful scenery. The cruise lasts roughly around an hour.

    One of the highlights of the cruise is a visit to a cultured pearl factory where they show you the process of pearl culturing.

    Kashikojima Espana Cruise
    rating

    4.0

    4 Reviews
    place
    Mie Pref. Shimashi Agochoushinmei 752-11 (Kashikojima)
    phone
    0599431023
    opening-hour
    9:30-15:30
    info
    【URL】https://shima-marineleisure.com/cruise/espana/info/
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  • 12

    Get the whole Ama experience at the Ama Hut Osatsu Kamado in Toba

    Ama divers

    Ama divers

    Fish caught in Ise and fried on the spot

    Fish caught in Ise and fried on the spot

    At the Ama Hut you will be able to talk to some remarkable women, known as Ama, who carry on a tradition that has lasted for thousands of years.

    These women dive into the ocean without diving equipment to catch shellfish, abalone, sea urchin, sea cucumber, and more. Ama will rest in huts by the shore called "Ama Huts". This is where visitors can enjoy a meal made from freshly caught seafood.

    As you enjoy your meal, listen to the interesting stories of the Ama divers to learn what their life at seas is like.

    Read more at:
    Meeting Mie's Ama Female Divers

    Ama Hut Experience Osatsu Kamado
    rating

    4.0

    20 Reviews
    place
    Mie Pref. Tobashi Ousatsuchou 1238
    phone
    0599337453
    opening-hour
    [Lunch]11:30-13:30[Tea time]…
    info
    【URL】https://osatsu.org/
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  • 13

    Learn everything about pearls at Mikimoto Pearl Island

    Watch the Ama acquire pearls in real-time

    Watch the Ama acquire pearls in real-time

    Check out the shells that actually contained pearls in the Pearl Museum

    Check out the shells that actually contained pearls in the Pearl Museum

    Purchase these items in the "Pearl Plaza" next door to the Pearl Museum

    Purchase these items in the "Pearl Plaza" next door to the Pearl Museum

    Mikimoto is known as the first person in the world to successfully produce a cultured pearl. At Mikimoto Pearl Island, you can learn all about him and everything there is to know about pearl cultivation.

    The Ama divers are famous for collecting the oysters used for cultivating pearls. Listen to the unique whistle they use to control their breathing (no oxygen tanks used) and then watch them go down to the depths. Be sure to take a look at the stunning pieces of pearl jewelry on display.

    Mikimoto Pearl Island
    place
    Mie Pref. Tobashi Toba 1-7-1
    phone
    0599252028
    opening-hour
    9:00-17:00(depending on the …
    info
    【URL】http://www.mikimoto-pearl-museum.co.jp/
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    Kaigetsu

    Toba 1-10-52

    Agoda
  • 14

    Ishigami-san (Shinmei) Shrine: The shrine for women

    Ishigami-san (Shinmei) Shrine

    Ishigami-san (Shinmei) Shrine

    A subordinate shrine of Shinmei-Jinja Shrine, this is where the Ama women have gone to do their worshipping for many years. Now, women from all over Japan go to Ishigami-san Shrine with the promise that Ishigami-san will grant each of them one wish.

    Visitors write down their wish on a piece of paper, put it in the wish box, and then pray in front of the statue of Ishigami-san to have their wish fulfilled.

    Shinmei-jinja Shrine (Ishigami-san)
    place
    Mie Pref. Tobashi Ousatsuchou 1385
    phone
    0599336873
    opening-hour
    open everyday
    info
    【URL】http://www.toba-osatsu.jp/ousatu_miru.php
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  • 15

    Experience the underwater world at Toba Aquarium

    Dugong

    Dugong

    Enjoy a sea lion show

    Enjoy a sea lion show

    Visit the biggest aquarium in Japan! It's one of the hottest tourist spots in Toba, home to more than 30,000 aquatic animals from 1,200 different species.

    Enjoy learning about various sea creatures such as jellyfish, sea lions, seals, and otters. Toba Aquarium is divided into 12 zones, each with its own theme. Every hour there are the animal shows which are very popular and feature performances by dugongs, sea lions, and walruses.

    At the "Weird Living Creatures Research Center" you will be able to learn about the strangest sea creatures you have ever seen!

    Toba Aquarium
    rating

    4.5

    818 Reviews
    place
    Mie Pref. Tobashi Toba 3-3-6
    phone
    0599252555
    opening-hour
    9:00-17:00[7/20-8/31]8:30-17…
    info
    【URL】https://www.aquarium.co.jp/
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  • 16

    Eat Oysters at Yokichiya

    You can get a plump oyster like this

    You can get a plump oyster like this

    Toba city is very famous for its oyster culture. A trip here is not complete without trying these fruits of the sea.

    If you want to cook your own oysters, there are many places where you can buy freshly caught ones.

    If you want to enjoy oysters restaurant-style, one of the best places to go is Yokichiya which is famous for its all-you-can-eat oyster deals at great prices (starting from November until March). In other parts of the year, they offer different seafood such as eel and octopus.

    Yokichiya
    rating

    3.5

    19 Reviews
    place
    Mie Pref. Tobashi Uramurachou 1414-15
    phone
    0599325520
    opening-hour
    [Weekday]11:00-14:00[Saturda…
    info
    【URL】https://www.aquarium.co.jp/
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  • 17

    AQUAIGNIS Hot Spring Resort

    AQUAIGNIS Hot Spring Resort

    AQUAIGNIS Hot Spring Resort

    At AQUAIGNIS you can enjoy the hot springs in style. Located in Komono in Mie prefecture, this stylish and tranquil resort is the perfect place to go to relax.

    Luxuriate in the outdoor hot spring bath while soaking in the beautiful surrounding scenery. Even if you aren't staying at the resort, you can still use the hot spring bath for 600 yen. The mountain spring water will leave your skin feeling silky smooth.

    They also have a beauty salon, relaxation facility, and even a stawberry farm where you can enjoy stawberry picking. All you need for rapid rejuvination.

    AQUAIGNIS
    rating

    4.0

    190 Reviews
    place
    Mie Mie-gun Komonocho Komono 4800-1
    phone
    0593947733
    info
    【URL】https://aquaignis.jp/
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  • 18

    The spectacular light illuminations at Nabana-no-Sato

    Acclaimed to be the no.1 illumination performance in 2018

    Acclaimed to be the no.1 illumination performance in 2018

    Enjoy scenes like this during the daytime

    Enjoy scenes like this during the daytime

    Located in Kuwana city, Nabana-no-Sato is a large and stunningly beautiful botanical garden. Tourists from all around the world are drawn here to see the wide variety a flowers.

    A flower festival is held in spring where the fields come alive! You will come across the tulip gargen landscape; a barrage of colors that come together to form a grand-scale like painting. Each season has its own variant of flowers which are breathtakingly beautiful.

    The light illuminations though are what Nabana-no-Sato is most famous for. These take place from mid-October up till May. The main area of the light installation stretches nearly 90 feet high and 500 feet wide. Each LED light is lit in a sequence, making the entire thing look like a moving picture. Quite the show.

    Nabana no Sato
    rating

    4.0

    7 Reviews
    place
    Mie Pref. Kuwanashi Nagashimachoukomae Lacquer field 270
    phone
    0594410787
    opening-hour
    10:00-21:00 (Varies dependin…
    info
    【URL】https://www.nagashima-onsen.co.jp/nabana/
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  • 19

    Nagashima Spa Land

    "Nagashima Spa Land" is the place to be if you're searching for some scream-inducing joyrides

    "Nagashima Spa Land" is the place to be if you're searching for some scream-inducing joyrides

    "Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima" located in Spa Land

    "Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima" located in Spa Land

    Located near Nabana-no-Sato is Nagashima Spa Land. This is the second biggest amusement park in Japan. With over 40 rides, there is something for the whole family to enjoy; from small rides for young children to gigantic rides for the thrill seekers.

    Be sure to spend some time shopping at Jazz Dream (Nagashima’s outlet shopping mall) where you can find name brand items at budget-friendly prices. When you are ready for some relaxation, head over to Yuami no Shima, a massive hot spring complex that will accomadate your wishes. With their indoor and outdoor hot springs baths, saunas, hot tubs, and massage services, they should have what you need.

    Nagashima Spa Land
    place
    Mie Pref. Kuwanashi Nagashimachourayasu 333
    phone
    0594451111
    opening-hour
    9:30-17:00※Subject to chang…
    info
    【URL】https://www.nagashima-onsen.co.jp/spaland/
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    Hotel Hanamizuki

    333 Nagashimacho Urayasu Yokkaichi

    Agoda
    Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima
    rating

    4.0

    482 Reviews
    place
    Mie Pref. Kuwanashi Nagashimachourayasu 368
    phone
    0594458700
    opening-hour
    [Shop] 10:00-20:00 (Depends …
    info
    【URL】https://mitsui-shopping-park.com/mop/nagashima/
    View Allarrow
  • 20

    Suzuka Circuit

    International race circuit - "Suzuka Circuit"

    International race circuit - "Suzuka Circuit"

    Race with your kid at the "Motopia"!

    Race with your kid at the "Motopia"!

    Located in Suzuka city, the Suzuka Circuit is the longest racetrack in Japan. Many car races take place here, but if you want to experience the thrill of driving a race car, you can pay to get behind the wheel of an electric car and zip around the track.

    Besides the racetrack, there' an amusement park and swimming pool for those who want to bring their children. There are a ton of restaurants in the vicinity for when you get hungry, so no worry there. If you want, you can go to a race car themed hotel and fill up your tank. Excuse the pun.

    Suzuka Circuit
    rating

    4.5

    217 Reviews
    place
    Mie Pref. Suzukashi Inouchou 7992
    phone
    0593781111
    opening-hour
    Facility/Season/Held Depends…
    info
    【URL】https://www.suzukacircuit.jp/
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  • 21

    Hike along the Kumano Kodo

    "Kumano Kodo" has been selected as a world heritage site

    "Kumano Kodo" has been selected as a world heritage site

    The Ise trail that begins ar Kumano

    The Ise trail that begins ar Kumano

    Kumano Kodo (熊野古道) is a general term that refers to a network of 4 pilgrimage trails that connect the shrines of Kumano Sanzan together. There are three main Kumano shrines: Hongu Tiasha, Hayatama Taisha, and Nachi Taisha. The trails are located in the southern part of the Kansai region. Pilgrimage routes were created so that people could move easily between the sacrad areas of the Kii-Peninsula.

    Aside from that, there are also many other pilgrimage trails that connect different ares such as Ise, Osaka, Wakayama, Koya, and Yoshino. The Iseji route begins at Kumano, where you have the option to move east to get a front-row seat of Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and then finally you can head all the way to Ise Jingu in the North. Pack some lunch if you're thinking about it.

    An old proverb says "Seven times to Ise, three times to Kumano" expresses how often a person was willing to make the trip. How willing are you?

    Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
    place
    Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture other
    phone
    0597890100
    opening-hour
    Free walking
    info
    【URL】http://www.hongu.jp/kumanokodo/
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    SEN.RETREAT CHIKATSUYU

    中辺路町近露1806 Tanabe

    Agoda

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