Ise, Mie
Area Guide

Pilgrims traditionally visit Geku (Outer Shrine) first and then proceed to Naiku (Inner Shrine). A frequent local bus connects the two shrines in about 15 minutes.

Don't miss Akafuku Mochi (sweet red bean paste over soft rice cake), Ise Udon (thick, soft noodles in rich dark tamari sauce), Tekone-zushi (marinated bonito sushi), and Ise Ebi (spiny lobster).

Oharai-machi is the 800-meter stone-paved approach street leading to Naiku, while Okage Yokocho is a bustling recreated Edo-to-Meiji village square located right in the middle of Oharai-machi.

Take the JR Sangū Line from Iseshi Station to Futaminoura Station (about 8 minutes) and walk 15 minutes along the scenic approach to Futami Okitama Shrine, or take the CAN Bus directly.

No, both Naiku and Geku are completely free to enter, though adjoining museums such as Sengukan and Jingu Chokokan charge a small admission fee.

Photography is permitted along the forested approaches and bridges, but strictly prohibited inside the inner stone steps and sacred fence of the main sanctuaries at both Naiku and Geku.

Head up the Ise-Shima Skyline to the Mount Asama Observation Deck, where you can soak in a scenic footbath and snap photos by the 'Postbox in the Sky' overlooking Ise Bay.

Look for Ise Momen (colorful striped traditional cotton textiles), Iwato-no-Shio (sacred sea salt from Futami), Ise Uiro steamed sweets, and local craft beers from Ise Kadoya.

Both Naiku and Geku open at 5:00 AM every day of the year. Visiting early in the morning lets you experience the serene cedar groves before the daytime crowds arrive.

Iseshi Station (JR and Kintetsu) is closest to Geku (a 7-minute walk), while Ujiyamada Station and Isuzugawa Station (Kintetsu) offer convenient bus access to Naiku.