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There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Ise sharing quite a few of those!
Ise, a city steeped in culture and tradition, beckons visitors with its mystic allure and abundant shrines.
From wandering through the bustling streets lined with quaint shops, to indulging in local delicacies, Ise offers a glimpse into the heart of Japan.
Whether you seek solace in nature or delight in the vibrancy of urban life, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Ise to satisfy your wanderlust.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Ise:
1. Ise Grand Shrine
Ise Grand Shrine is a sacred site in Japan dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, and one of the most important Shinto shrines in the country.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the two main shrines, Naiku and Geku, which are rebuilt every 20 years to exacting specifications using traditional techniques.
They can also stroll through the surrounding forests, visit the Meoto Iwa, or “husband and wife rocks,” and learn about Shinto rituals and beliefs.
Don’t miss: The Kagura-den, or music hall, where visitors can watch performances of traditional Shinto dances and music. The Okage Yokocho, a street of traditional shops and restaurants just outside the shrine’s gates, is also worth a visit.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, and wear comfortable shoes for the walk between the two shrines.
Respect the shrine’s rules regarding photography, dress, and behavior, and consider hiring a guide to gain deeper insight into the shrine’s history and significance.
2. Okage Yokocho
A reconstructed traditional Japanese street located in Ise city, Mie prefecture.
What to see or do: Stroll down the cobblestone street and experience the atmosphere of old Japan. The street is lined with various shops and restaurants selling handmade crafts, traditional Japanese sweets, sake, and seafood.
Don’t miss: The tea house that offers traditional Japanese tea ceremony experience and the authentic Japanese bakery that sells delicious anpan (sweet bean paste bun).
Insider travel tips: Make sure to try the local specialty dish “Ise udon” which is a unique style of thick udon noodles served with savory soup and toppings such as tempura and grated daikon radish.
The street can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so try to visit on a weekday.
3. Futamiokitama Shrine
A Shinto shrine located in Ise, Mie Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Admire the unique torii gates set in the sea and the rocky coastline. Visit the sacred Meoto Iwa, or “Wedded Rocks,” that appears to be floating in the ocean.
Enjoy the beautiful views of the sunrise and sunset.
Don’t miss: A visit to the Futami Sea Paradise, which is adjacent to the shrine. The aquarium features more than 15,000 marine creatures, including dolphins, seals, and sharks.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds. Don’t forget to get your omikuji (fortune-telling paper strips) and omamori (charms for good luck) at the shrine.
Wear comfortable shoes as there are some steep stairs to climb.
4. Meoto Iwa
Meoto Iwa, also known as the Wedded Rocks, is a pair of sacred rocks located in the ocean off the coast of Futami in Ise City, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can view the rocks from the shore or take a boat ride to get a closer look. The rocks are considered to be a symbol of marriage and the unity of two deities in the Shinto religion.
Don’t miss: The view during sunrise or sunset, when the rocks are beautifully illuminated. Also, the nearby Futami Okitama Shrine is worth a visit.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to visit Meoto Iwa during low tide, when the rocks are more visible.
There are many local souvenir shops and restaurants in the area, so take some time to stroll around after visiting the rocks.
5. Mikimoto Pearl Island
Mikimoto Pearl Island is a museum and pearl farm located on an island in the Ago Bay of Ise, Japan.
What to see or do: – Take a tour of the pearl farm and learn about the history of pearl cultivation in Japan.
Don’t miss: – The Ama divers show, where local female divers perform traditional pearl diving techniques.
Insider travel tips: – Book a tour in advance to ensure availability and avoid long wait times.
6. Oharai-machi
A charming street in Ise City that has preserved the traditional Edo-period architecture and atmosphere.
What to see or do: Stroll along the street and admire the beautiful historic buildings, browse the numerous shops selling local crafts, snacks and souvenirs, and visit some of the small shrines and temples.
Don’t miss: The Okage Yokocho, a lively food alley where you can try delicious local specialties such as Ise udon, akafuku mochi, and freshly grilled seafood.
Insider travel tips: Go early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds and get a more authentic experience. Wear comfortable shoes as the street is cobbled and uneven.
Don’t forget to bring cash as many of the shops and food stalls don’t accept credit cards.
7. Sarutahiko Shrine
Sarutahiko Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Ise, Japan. It is dedicated to Sarutahiko-no-Okami, the deity of guidance and protection.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive torii gate and walk through the sacred forest to reach the main hall of the shrine.
There is also a purification fountain where visitors can cleanse themselves before entering the shrine. In addition, visitors can buy charms and amulets as souvenirs.
Don’t miss: The lantern festival held every year in early February is a must-see event. Thousands of lanterns are lit throughout the shrine, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
8. Toba Aquarium
Toba Aquarium is a top-rated aquarium located in Toba City, Japan that showcases thousands of marine creatures from the Pacific Ocean.
What to see or do: Visitors can walk through the 900-meter-long Aqua Gate tunnel and observe schools of tuna, rays, and sharks. Additionally, visitors can enjoy watching dolphin and sea lion shows, as well as feeding experiences.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the giant tank showcasing whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. The aquarium also has a sea otter exhibit that is sure to delight visitors.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds.
9. Ise Azuchi-Momoyama Culture Village
A theme park that recreates Japan’s Azuchi-Momoyama period (late 16th century to early 17th century) with replicated buildings, gardens, and daily performances.
What to see or do: Explore the traditional Japanese architecture and artifacts, wander through beautiful gardens, observe live cultural demonstrations such as tea ceremonies, shuriken throwing, and samurai sword fighting.
Don’t miss: The Oda Nobunaga Museum and its exhibit of the feudal lord’s life, the ninja adventure course, and the Izakaya (Japanese pub) where you can enjoy local food and drinks.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to catch the daily parade featuring period attire, music, and dance. Purchase a set ticket online that includes entrance and all activities.
Take a train or bus from Nagoya station, it takes 30 minutes to reach the village.
10. Ise Aharenge-machi
Ise Aharenge-machi is a traditional fishing village located in Mie Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: – Take a stroll by the scenic coastline and enjoy the picturesque views of the ocean.
Don’t miss: – The Ise Aharenge-machi Festival held annually on the first Sunday of June, featuring traditional dance performances and a fireworks display over the sea.
Insider travel tips: – Visit in the early morning to witness the fishing boats returning to port with their catch of the day.
11. Ise Azuchimomoyama Bunka Mura
Ise Azuchimomoyama Bunka Mura is an open-air museum located in Ise City, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s reconstructed and preserved buildings from the Azuchi-Momoyama period (late 16th century). There are 30 buildings in total, including samurai houses, temples, shrines, and merchant homes.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to participate in a traditional tea ceremony in one of the museum’s tea rooms. Also, be sure to check out the impressive Noh theater, which hosts performances throughout the year.
Insider travel tips: If you plan on visiting in the summer, be prepared for the heat and humidity. To avoid crowds, consider visiting on a weekday.
Finally, take advantage of the on-site restaurant and try some local cuisine, such as Ise udon or tekonezushi.
12. Komyoji Temple
Komyoji Temple is a 16th-century Buddhist temple located in the heart of Ise City, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors to the temple can explore the beautiful gardens and grounds surrounding the temple, as well as admire the impressive architecture.
The main hall of the temple houses a statue of Amida Buddha, and visitors can also see a variety of other Buddhist statues and artifacts.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the temple’s famous cherry blossom trees in bloom during the springtime.
The temple also holds several festivals and events throughout the year, including a New Year’s Eve bell ringing ceremony and a traditional Japanese drum festival.
Insider travel tips: It’s recommended to visit the temple early in the day to beat the crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.
If you’re interested in learning more about the temple’s history and significance, you can arrange for a guided tour through the temple’s website.
And don’t forget to bring a camera – the photo opportunities at Komyoji Temple are endless!
13. Ise Kadoya Shuzo Brewery
Ise Kadoya Shuzo Brewery is a historic sake brewery located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the sake-making process, sample various sakes, and purchase bottles of their favorites.
The brewery also has a restaurant that serves Japanese cuisine paired with their sakes.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to try their signature sake, called “Shimotsukare,” which has won numerous awards for its smooth, clean taste.
Insider travel tips: Book a tour in advance to ensure availability, and bring cash as credit cards may not be accepted. The brewery is closed on Wednesdays, so plan accordingly.
Additionally, visitors should be aware that the tour is primarily conducted in Japanese, so some knowledge of the language or a translator may be helpful.
14. Ise Shrine Geku
Ise Shrine Geku is one of the primary shrines of Japan’s Ise Jingu, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. It is located in Ise city, Mie prefecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can marvel at the shrine’s impressive wooden architecture, which is constructed using traditional Japanese techniques. Take a stroll through the surrounding forest to experience Japan’s serene beauty.
Don’t miss: Make sure to witness the traditional Shinto rituals performed by the shrine’s priests. Also, keep an eye out for the sacred mirror, one of the shrine’s most important treasures.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the week to avoid the crowds or early in the morning. Combine your visit to Ise Shrine Geku with a trip to its sister shrine, Naiku, which is located nearby.
Remember to be respectful of the shrine’s customs and traditions while visiting.
15. Akafuku Honten
What to see or do: Try the signature sweet, Akafuku mochi, and enjoy a cup of matcha tea in the lovely teahouse.
Don’t miss: Watching the skilled staff hand-make the delicate mochi sweets in the shop’s open kitchen.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting during peak tourist season, be prepared to stand in line for a bit to get into the teahouse.
Also, consider purchasing some Akafuku mochi to take home as a unique souvenir.