Ise Travel Guide (Mie/Kansai/Japan/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Ise

Ise is a beautiful city in Mie Prefecture, Kansai region, Japan. It is famously known for being the spiritual home of the Shinto religion and considered a sacred place by many Japanese people. Ise’s rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes make it a charming destination for travelers around the world.

List of Places to Visit in Ise

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Ise Grand Shrine: One of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, it is a must-visit place to experience its spiritual and cultural significance.
Okage Yokocho: A traditional village modeled after the Edo period, featuring shops and restaurants showcasing traditional crafts and local cuisines.
Ise Azuchi Momoyama Culture Village: A theme park that replicates the history and culture of Japan’s Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1603).
Takamatsu-guchi Cultural Museum: An open-air museum that displays old houses and crafts of the local area.
Ise Traditional Handicraft Center: A center that showcases and sells traditional Ise crafts such as Ise-katagami (paper stencil) and Ise-koma (spinning top).

Natural Attractions of Ise: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Meoto Iwa: A pair of sacred rocks in the ocean linked by a rope, which symbolizes the bond between a married couple.
Ago Bay: A scenic bay that is famous for its pearls and seafood. Try sea kayaking and cruising to explore the bay.
Yokoyama Observation Deck: A hilltop observatory with a panoramic view of Ise Bay, hills, and the city.
Oharai River: A beautiful river with an old-fashioned shopping street along its banks that sells local specialties and souvenirs.
Akafuku-Dori Street: A charming street lined with tea houses, souvenir shops, and restaurants selling the famous Ise specialty “Akafuku,” a sweet bean paste confectionery.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ise

Ise Higashi Kaido Trail: A beautiful historic trail through the Ise countryside with old temples, shrines, and natural attractions.
Tsuzurabashi Suspension Bridge: A beautiful pedestrian suspension bridge over the Isuzu River connecting two hiking trails offering stunning views of the river and the valley.

Best Things to Do in Ise: Activities and Tours

Ise-katagami Stencil Workshop: Make your own souvenir by learning the traditional paper stenciling method from experts.
Ise Udon Making Class: Discover the secrets of making traditional Japanese udon noodles in this fun and interactive class.
Ise-koma Making Class: Learn how to make spinning tops with traditional woodworking techniques and design your unique top.
Ise-brewery Tour: Visit a local Sake brewery and taste different types of Sake, the famous Japanese rice wine.
Mochi Pounding Experience: Join the fun of pounding mochi, the traditional Japanese rice cake with wooden mallets.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ise

Day	Activities
1	Visit Ise Grand Shrine, Okage Yokocho, and Ise Traditional Handicraft Center
2	See Meoto Iwa, Yokoyama Observation Deck and Akafuku-Dori Street
3	Take a hike or kayak at Ago Bay
4	Explore the Tsuzurabashi Suspension Bridge and Ise Azuchi Momoyama Culture Village
5	Visit Takamatsu-guchi Cultural Museum and Oharai River
6	Join the Ise-katagami Stencil Workshop, Ise Udon Making Class, and Ise-brewery tour
7	Relax and visit local cafes, shops, and restaurants

Food and Drink Scene of Ise

Must-Try Dishes

Akafuku: A sweet bean paste confectionery made with mochi and covered with kinako (soybean flour) on top.
Ise Udon: A thick, chewy, and flat noodle served in dashi broth with various toppings such as fried tofu, shrimp tempura, and grated radish.
Tekone-zushi: A bowl of sushi rice topped with marinated tuna, with soy sauce and other condiments on the side.
Ise-ebi: A delicious local lobster known for its tender and juicy meat.

Local Beverages

Sake: A traditional Japanese rice wine made from fermented rice. Ise is famous for its high-quality sake.
Green Tea: Ise is also known for its high-quality Japanese green tea, which is famous for its fresh and delicate taste.

Where to Stay in Ise: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kotobuki Sou: A traditional Japanese inn located near the Grand Shrine, featuring comfortable tatami rooms and traditional Japanese breakfast.
Toba Grand Hotel: A modern hotel with hot springs, restaurants and beautiful views of the ocean.
Stay in Kashiko Island: Stay in this beautiful island and enjoy the peaceful and quiet rural lifestyle of Japan.

What to Buy in Ise: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Ise-katagami: A traditional Japanese paper stencil used for dyeing kimono and other fabrics.
Ise-koma: Handmade spinning tops with traditional woodworking techniques made from local woods.
Ise-ebi Products: Bring home Ise-ebi flavored chips, crackers, and other souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Ise

Shinto Religion: Shintoism is deeply rooted in Ise, and visitors are expected to show respect to the religion, its customs, and its deities.
Kimono: Wearing kimono attire is an excellent way to experience Japanese culture and respect the local customs.
Respectful Mannerism: Japanese people value respectful behavior and attitude. Be polite, courteous, and mindful of your surroundings.

Best Time to Visit Ise

The best time to visit Ise is during spring and fall. In spring, from March to May, the cherry blossoms bloom, and the mild temperature makes it pleasant for outdoor activities. In fall, from September to November, the colorful foliage of the maples and the cool climate create picturesque scenery.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ise

Do:

Respect local culture and customs.
Wear respectful attire when visiting shrines and temples.
Try local cuisines and specialties.

Don’t:

Do not enter the shrine or temple wearing shoes.
Do not take photos of the deities or objects inside the shrine.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ise

Ise is a safe city to visit with a low crime rate. However, be mindful of traffic when driving or walking and use caution when exploring outdoor activities.

Health in Ise

Ise has excellent health facilities, and many hospitals and clinics are located within the city. Visitors should have travel insurance, and it is advised to check vaccine recommendations before traveling.

Getting to Ise: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ise

The closest airport to Ise is Chubu Centrair International Airport, located approximately two hours away by car. Alternatively, Nagoya Airport is approximately 90 minutes away by car.

Bus Stations Near Ise

Ise has three bus stations located around the city. Meitetsu Bus Center connects to Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo.

Other Options

Ise is situated on the Tokaido Shinkansen Bullet train line, with trains running from Tokyo Station and Shin-Osaka Station, taking around two hours and forty-five minutes.

How to Get Around in Ise

Ise is a small and compact city, and most of the sightseeing spots are accessible on foot. However, there is also public transportation, such as buses, that connect different attractions in Ise.

Where to Go Next from Ise: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nara: A city famous for its ancient temples, shrines, and the Nara Park, home to over a thousand tame deer.
Kyoto: The former capital of Japan, famous for its traditional temples, shrines, and beautiful gardens.
Osaka: The vibrant and lively city, known for its food, entertainment, and shopping

Conclusion

Ise is a hidden gem and a must-visit destination for travelers who are passionate about culture, nature, and outdoor activities. The combination of rich culture, natural beauty, and local specialties make Ise a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. Explore Ise and discover the kindness, hospitality, and traditions of Japan.

Ise Image Gallery

Roof of Naiku's Grand Shrine

Kintetsu Railway's ''Shimakaze'' train

Meoto Iwa

Ise udon