Ise & Shima, Go Deeper
Home to Ise Jingu, the spiritual heart of Shinto and the most sacred shrine in Japan, rebuilt from scratch every twenty years. Beyond the cedar groves lie pearl-farming bays, wedded rocks in the sea and the pilgrim food streets that have fed travellers for centuries.
- Tap Open in Google Maps on any place for live directions, transit, hours & reviews.
- Get an ICOCA / Suica IC card — tap on/off trains, subways & buses, no ticket needed.
- Carry some cash (¥) — many small shops, shrines & old streets are cash-only.
- Go early: the famous spots are calm and beautiful before ~9am.
Ise Jingu — Naiku (Inner Shrine)
The inner shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and Japan's most sacred site. Cross the Uji Bridge over the clear Isuzu River into towering cedar forest; the main hall is rebuilt anew every twenty years.
Ise Jingu — Geku (Outer Shrine)
The outer shrine to Toyouke, goddess of food and harvest, and by tradition the first stop before Naiku. Quieter and shaded, it sets the reverent pace of the whole pilgrimage.
Okage Yokocho
A recreated Edo- and Meiji-era street of wooden shops and eateries at Naiku's gate, thronged as it has been for centuries of pilgrims. Try freshly grilled skewers, Akafuku mochi and local sake.
Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks)
Two sea rocks joined by a sacred rice-straw rope, honoured at Futami Okitama Shrine as husband and wife and as guardians of the rising sun. Best at dawn in early summer, when the sun climbs between them.
Sarutahiko Shrine
Shrine to the god who guides travellers onto the right path — popular for blessings on new ventures and journeys. A short walk from Naiku, marked by an unusual octagonal stone pillar.
Kongosho-ji (Mt Asama)
The temple that guards Ise Jingu 'from the demon's gate,' high on Mt Asama with sweeping views over Ise Bay. Reached by the Ise-Shima Skyline toll road past a hilltop lookout.
Mikimoto Pearl Island (Toba)
The islet where Kokichi Mikimoto grew the world's first cultured pearl. Ama free-divers still demonstrate the old pearl-hunting way, in white cotton, in the cold sea off Toba.
Yokoyama Viewpoint (Ago Bay)
A hilltop deck over Ago Bay, where dozens of pine-clad islets and pearl-culture rafts float in a maze of blue inlets. The scenery that gave the Ise-Shima region its national-park status.
Ise Udon
Ise's own udon: extra-soft, fat noodles under a small pool of dark, sweet tamari sauce — no soup. Made to be eaten fast by pilgrims, it is the comfort food of the shrine town.
Crafts of this region
Authentic pieces made near here — learn the story, then bring one home.
Shigaraki Ware
信楽焼 · Kōka, Shiga
Uji Matcha
宇治茶 · Uji, Kyoto
Nishijin Weaving
西陣織 · Nishijin, Kyoto
Sakai Blades
堺打刃物 · Sakai, Osaka
Kishū Lacquer
紀州漆器 · Kainan, Wakayama
Kyoto Folding Fans
京扇子 · Kyoto
Nara Ink Sticks
奈良墨 · Nara
Plan this trip
Curated experiences (tea ceremonies, guided walks) and places to stay for this route.
Coming soon