The Ise Region is in Mie Prefecture, Japan. This is one of the popular destinations in Japan, famous for the unique olden cityscape, cultural sites like shrines and beautiful natural landscapes. You can access Ise from Tokyo via a 3 hour 40 minute train ride via the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen and Kintetsu-Limited Express to Iseshi Station. Here are 10 spots you definitely don’t want to miss when visiting Ise!
In and around Ise Grand Shrine
1. Appreciate culture and nature at the Ise Grand Shrine, Geku Palace
Ise Grand Shrine is located nearby Isezugawa Station, and is one of the many shrines in the Ise region with rich history and cultural importance. The shrine is split into several regions, and here is the Geku (outside worship area) section. The appropriate way to visit this shrine is to pay respects at the Geku first, followed by the Naiku (inside worship area). The Geku is where people cleanse themselves and enter the shrine.
Ise Grand Shrine, Geku (outside worship area)
Address: 1 Ujitachicho, Ise, Mie
Opening Hours: January to April, and September: 5:00am - 6:00pm, May to August: 5:00am -7:00pm, October to December: 5:00am-5:00pm
Access: 30 minute walk from Isezugawa Station
Website: Ise Jingu Shrine
2. The beautiful Suzuka River in Ise Grand Shrine Naiku
Apart from the various shrine compounds that you can find in most Japanese shrines, what makes Ise Grand Shrine stand out is the beautiful nature that can be appreciated there. Suzuka River, a crucial river in the Mie region, flows through the Naiku region of the shrine. The river not only provides a beautiful landscape but also a special meaning to the Japanese who treats it as a spiritual river.
Ise Grand Shrine Naiku
Address: 1 Ujitachicho, Ise, Mie
Opening Hours: January to April, and September: 5:00am - 6:00pm, May to August: 5:00am - 7:00pm, October to December: 5:00am-5:00pm
Access: 30 minute walk from Isezugawa Station
Website: Ise Jingu Shrine
3. Yamatohime-no-miya Shrine known for the shrine on a hill
The Ise Grand Shrine is a shrine that consists of a total of 125 shrine compounds, and one of them is the Yamatohime-no-miya Shrine. Located just 7 minutes from Isezugawa Station by foot, it is on a small hill called Kurata Hill.
Yamatohime-no-miya Shrine
Address: Same as the Ise Grand Shrine
Opening Hours: January to April, and September: 5:00am - 6:00pm, May to August: 5:00am - 7:00pm, October to December: 5:00am - 5:00pm
Access: 7 minute walk from Isezugawa Station
Website: Yamatohime-no-miya Shrine
4. Located within Ise Grand Shrine - Tsukiyominomiya Shrine
The Tsukiyominomiya Shrine is another shrine compound located within the Ise Grand Shrine. It is about 1.8 kilometers away from the Naiku region of the Ise Grand Shrine. This shrine is where the younger brother of the Amaterasu Oomikami – the main God of Ise Grand Shrine Naiku – Tsukiyomino Mikoto, is worshipped.
Tsukiyominomiya Shrine
Address: Same as the Ise Grand Shrine
Opening Hours: January to May, and September: 5:00am - 6:00pm, May to August: 5:00am - 7:00pm, October to December: 5:00am - 5:00pm
Access: 9 minute walk from Isezugawa Station
Website: Tsukiyominomiya
5. Visit the gods of Ise Grand Shrine (Museo Sengukan)
The Museo Sengukan is located in the Geku region of the Ise Grand Shrine. It is a museum where people can learn about the importance of the Gods to the lifestyle and culture of Japan. Various exhibits including videos are displayed there, including a model showing how the architecture in the Ise Grand Shrine is actually made.
Museo Sengukan
Address: 126-1 Maeno Toyokawacho, Ise, Mie Prefecture
Opening Hours: 9:00am - 4:30pm (closed on 4th Tuesday of the month)
Access: 7 minute walk from Sengu Line Iseshi Station
Website: Museo Sengukan
6. Oharaicho Street
Oharaicho Street is located right outside the Ise Grand Shrine and this is where most people have their lunch after a spiritual visit to the shrine. At Oharaicho Street, a wide variety of local specialties can be savored, including extremely fresh seafood caught from the local sea. One of the must-tries in Oharahcho Street is the “Akafuku Mochi” showed in the picture, a Japanese sweet that best represents the Ise region. Sweet red bean paste is wrapped around extremely soft and chewy mochi, creating a fantastic harmony of sweetness in your mouth.
Oharaicho Street
Address: 48 Ujinakanokiricho, Ise, Mie
Access: 20 minute walk from Isezugawa Station
Website: Oharaicho Street
7. The best food street in Ise - Okage Yokocho
Okage Yokocho is another place famous nationwide for having amazing food. This is the best place to visit if you want to appreciate the best of Ise’s local food. A myriad of walk-as-you-eat food such as Mitarashi Dango and Ise Oden can be savored at Okage Yokocho. Showed in the picture is the unique soft cream that can be enjoyed at “Ise Shoyu Honten”. While it may look just like an ordinary soft cream, it is actually a vanilla-soy sauce soft cream crafted specially from local made soft cream! The sweet vanilla flavor is a perfect match with the soy sauce!
Okage Yokocho
Address: 52 Ujinakanokiricho, Ise, Mie
Opening Hours: Weekdays: 9:30am – 5:30pm, Weekends: 9:30 – 6:00pm
Access: 20 minute walk from Isezugawa Station
Website: Okage Yokocho
Beyond Ise Grand Shrine
8. The twin rocks of Futamiokitama Shrine
Futamiokitama Shrine is a famous power spot in Ise best known for the Meoto-Iwa, literally translating to “Husband and Wife Rocks”. The Meoto-Iwa is a unique rock that can be viewed from the shrine. Two huge rocks formed right beside each other, apart from all the other rocks in the area, making it look like they are married to each other. During the summer season, many photographers flock to Futamiokitama Shrine as a special sunrise can be viewed there – the sun will rise from in between the two rocks! A scared Shinto Rope is tied to the two rocks to symbolize their importance as well.
Futamiokitama Shrine
Address: 575 Futamicho, Ise, Mie
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Access: 20 minute walk from Sangu Line Futamino-Ura Station
9. Visit the God of studies at Sarutahiko Shrine
Sarutahiko Shrine is located just 10 minutes from Ise Grand Shrine, and worshipped here is the God of studies Sarutahiko no Kami. Many students visit this shrine yearly to pray for good results. One of the must-dos in Sarutahiko Shrine is to visit and touch the Octagonal rock placed infront of the main shrine compound, which is said to be the power spot within the shrine.
Sarutahiko Shrine
Address: 2-1-10 Ujiurata, Ise, Mie
Opening Hours: 9:30am - 4:00pm
Access: 20 minute walk from Isezugawa Station
Website: Sarutahiko Shrine
10. Become a Ninja at Ise Azuchimomoyama Bunkamura!
Ise Azuchimomoyama Bunkamura is located at the Futami area of Ise and is a unique theme park where you can experience the lifestyles and traditions of ancient Ise. One of the main attractions of Ise Azuchimomoyama Bunkamura is the Ninja experience. Not only can you learn about the history and culture of Ninjas, you can even borrow their Ninja costumes and cosplay to be one while exploring the theme park! Over 100 costumes are available there.
Ise Azuchimomoyama Bunkamura (A.K.A. Chonmage World)
Address: 1201-1-1 Futamicho Mitsu, Ise, Mie
Opening Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Access: 17 minute walk from Sangu line Futamino-Ura Station
Website: Ise Azuchimomoyama Bunkamura
The beauty of Japan’s history
Filled with various historical and cultural sites, Ise is a must-visit for those who love anything Japanese. Be it a trip with your family, friend or even alone, Ise is the perfect destination for those who want to experience the best of Japan’s history!
History
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