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Before you go
Your trip to Ise.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Ise – Mie Destination Ise-Shima (Ise; Toba)
How to get there
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Aeroporto Internacional Chubu Centrair (NGO) Tokoname · 140 km
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Estação de Ise-shi 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Kintetsu express trains reach Ise-shi from Nagoya in about 1h20 to 1h30 and from Osaka in about 1h45 to 2 hours; JR also connects Nagoya to Ise-shi. Chubu Centrair (NGO) is the airport near Nagoya.
How many days
One day for Geku, Naiku and Oharai-machi; an extra half day for Meoto Iwa and Futami.
When to go
All year, with mild weather in spring and autumn. At New Year and on holidays the shrines receive crowds. Summer is hot and humid.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. Geku is within walking distance of the station, frequent buses link Geku and Naiku, and a train serves Futami.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Ise
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Morning
Outer Shrine
Walk from Ise-shi Station to Geku, cross the bridges and the grove to the main shrine, and visit the Sengukan museum, which explains the reconstruction rite.
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Afternoon
Inner Shrine
Take the bus to Naiku, cross Uji Bridge over the Isuzu River, purify your hands at the riverbank and walk among cedars to the main shrine.
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Evening
Oharai-machi and Okage Yokocho
Before shops close, stroll the pilgrims’ streets in front of Naiku, tasting Ise udon, tekone-zushi and the sweet akafuku.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to eat in Ise?
Ise udon—thick, soft noodles with a dark sauce; tekone-zushi—sushi with marinated bonito; and akafuku—a rice cake covered with sweet red bean paste, a traditional pilgrims’ treat.
Can you photograph at Ise Shrine?
On the paths and in the groves, yes. Photography is prohibited on the steps and in front of the main shrines.
How long does it take to visit both Ise shrines?
About 1 hour at Geku and 1h30 to 2 hours at Naiku, plus bus travel. With Oharai-machi, plan for a full day.
How to get from Ise to Meoto Iwa?
By JR Sangu Line to Futaminoura in about 10 minutes, then around a 15-minute walk, or by bus from Ise-shi Station.
Beyond the guide
