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City in Kansai, Japan
Photo: (WT-en) Jpatokal at English Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Ise (伊勢市 Ise-shi) is a city in Mie prefecture, Japan. Ise is primarily known for the eponymous Ise Shrine, arguably the holiest and most important Shinto site and the reputed home of the Emperor's Sacred Mirror.
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伊勢神宮
The shrine consists of two sites, some 6 km apart but connected by a sacred forest. Access to the inner sanctum of these sites is strictly limited, with the general public allowed to see little more than the thatched roofs of the central structures, hidden behind three tall wooden fences. (Guards are on hand to make sure nobody gives in to temptation.) Visitors can, however, enjoy the ancient forest, and those with an eye for architecture will enjoy the many wooden buildings along the path.
Outer Shrine; 外宮
Dedicated to the goddess of food, clothing, and housing, Toyouke-o-mikami. Accordingly, there are snacks and souvenirs available at a stand near the main gate. The smaller of the two, it is a 5-minute walk from Ise Station.
Inner Shrine; 内宮
Dedicated to the sun goddess, Amaterasu-o-mikami, and is the larger and more important of the two. There are a few ponds full of colorful carp, and the river that runs nearby has the less colorful ones who didn't make the cut.
河崎界隈
The old merchants quarters of town. Many old buildings remain. Good for a stroll.
夫婦岩
Also known as the Husband-and-Wife Rocks or the Wedded Rocks, these two rocks just offshore are tied together with a Shinto shimenawa rope weighing over a ton. The rocks are said to represent Izanagi and Izanami, the creator gods of Shinto myth, and the larger "male" rock has a small torii gate on top. While photos often make the rocks appear much larger than they really are, it is still a unique and interesting site.
伊勢シーパラダイス
A small aquarium where you can enjoy shows by seals and walruses, and can touch and interact with the animals.
神楽祭
There are spring and autumn versions of this event. Performances of dance, music, noh, shigin and displays of flower arrangement are held in the garden at Naiku.
宮川の花火
Though not as spectacular as some fireworks festivals in Japan, this is in fact a competition for fireworks producers. Original and unique fireworks can be seen.
奥野家
Quality Japanese-style food at a reasonable price.
喜多や
Sublime charcoal-grilled eel (unagi 鰻) dishes.
美鈴
A little family run restaurant. They're famous in the area for gyoza(餃子), but also serve fried chicken, rice balls, and oden.
One of the nicer bars in the area. It has a good selection of drinks and is a popular hangout for local expats thanks to its affable, English-speaking owner.
日の出旅館
A traditional style ryokan.
大石屋
A renovated, wooden, traditional style ryokan that overlooks the sea.
ゲストハウス風見荘
A backpacker's hostel renovated in 2018. The staff is very friendly, and can speak English well enough to help you with almost anything you need.
おはらい町
Shop and enjoy the atmosphere. This stretch of shops and restaurants retains a real historical feel. The restaurants on the left offer a nice view over Isuzu River. Halfway up the road on the right is Okage Yokochou (おかげ横丁), a relatively new addition, with more eateries and a variety of souvenir shops. The best time to visit is in the weekend. Often you can enjoy a free performance such as a taiko (Japanese drums). Avoid this area in the weeks after New Year. The massive crowds of people visiting Naiku make it hard to enjoy. If you go in the height of summer take your swimwear and you can enjoy a dip in Isuzu river. Swimming above the stonework near the bridge is strictly prohibited but swimming in the deeper spot adjacent to the car park is fine. Not many people swim there, mostly local school kids, but the water is clean and clear, take your goggles for a good view of the massive carp.
By train
Ise's main train station is Iseshi (伊勢市), which is served by Japan Railways and the private Kintetsu Railway.
By bus
Willer Express operates overnight bus service from Tokyo to Ise. Buses leave from the Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal (Basta Shinjuku), as well as from nearby Kawasaki.
A regular bus service operates between Ise Station and Naiku. Another option for those who want to explore the area further is the CAN Bus day pass.
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