Ise Grand Shrine is the spiritual center of Shinto, rebuilt every 20 years for over a millennium. The inner shrine sits deep in a cryptomeria forest, hushed and immense. Oharai-machi and Okage Yokocho, the streets leading to the shrine, are lined with mochi shops, teahouses, and Ise udon stalls.
What Ise is known for
Top-rated in Ise
Aizen-in
4.7temple
This temple in Iga is the Matsuo family temple, which makes it the site of haiku poet Matsuo Bashō's grave, though only his hair is buried here.
Futami Okitama Shrine
4.4shrine
Coastal shrine near the romantic wedded rocks with gardens and architecture at nearby Hinjitsukan villa.
Sengukan Museum
4.5museum
Museum documenting Ise Grand Shrine's ceremonial rebuilding every two decades with cypress wood.
Oharai-machi & Okage Yokocho
4.4restaurant
Edo-era pilgrim street near Ise Shrine serving akafuku mochi and Ise udon since 1707.
Okage Yokocho
4.2landmark
Charming area with replica Edo-period wooden buildings housing craft stores & restaurants.
Miyagawa
3.9nature
The Miyagawa flows from the mountains of the Odaigahara plateau through Mie Prefecture to Ise Bay, passing within walking distance of Ise Grand Shrine.
Ninja Kingdom
3.6entertainment
Theme park recreating life during Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi's feared rule.