Things to do in Ise, Japan

Our most recommended things to do in Ise, Japan

From Nagoya: Ise’s Sacred Shrines and Captivating Coastlines

From Nagoya: Ise’s Sacred Shrines and Captivating Coastlines

Located not far from Nagoya, Ise is blessed with abundant natural beauty, from towering cypress groves to indented coastlines and mountains painted in colorful foliage. The region is also home to Japan’s most sacred shrine, Ise-Jingu. Touring these sacred grounds is a special opportunity to understand the heart and soul of the Japanese people. Marvel at the natural beauty of the region and refresh your body and soul with spiritual experiences and delicious cuisine as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide from Nagoya on this full-day tour.

Hands-on Pearl Harvesting Workshop!

Hands-on Pearl Harvesting Workshop!

1⃣Select a live Akoya pearl oyster from the aquarium and pick them up using tongs Please select your Akoya oyster. 2⃣Wear a glove on your non-dominant hand, use a special tool to extract the pearl from the Akoya pearl oyster and remove the slime Akoya pearl oysters smell fishy, so you are asked to handle them wearing gloves. It's exciting to see what kind of pearl you will get. After extracting the pearl, wash it lightly with water. 3⃣Select the metal fittings for your accessory Choose your favorite metal fittings for a beautiful pearl accessory! *No refunds will be given even if you choose a fitting that is less expensive than the set price. 4⃣Included in the Fee Cell Phone Strap Processing: 1 Akoya oyster (JPY 1,100) + metal fittings (JPY 1,650) Pendant Processing: 1 Akoya oyster (JPY 1,100) + metal fittings (JPY 2,200) *All prices include processing fees. 5⃣Not included in the Fee The price difference between the metal fittings you choose on-site The pearls can be made into accessories of your choice! You can choose from cell phone straps, pendants, and clip-on or regular earrings. Other options (pinsbrooches, bracelets, tie stoppers, tie pins, etc.) are available, but these will incur an additional charge. *Additional charges are to be paid on-site. All processing is done by our staff. While you wait, take a tour of the store and enjoy the beautifully-designed pearl accessories。 This activity can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to the elderly.

A trip to visit Ise Grand Shrine and experience Ama culture

A trip to visit Ise Grand Shrine and experience Ama culture

9:00 Meet somewhere in Ise City, Toba City, or Shima City (This tour will be moved entirely by car.) Shop, eat, and stroll through a traditional Japanese town at Okage Yokocho. We will visit Ise Jingu, the most famous shrine in Japan. Dining at Hachiman Kamado Listen to the stories of Ama divers while eating at the Ama hut restaurant. Mikimoto Pearl Island visit Watch a traditional Ama diver show and experience the culture of Ama divers and pearls. 17:00 Disband somewhere in Ise City, Toba City, or Shima City

Ise-Shima Tour

Ise-Shima Tour

9:00 Meet in Ise City, Toba City, or Shima City This tour will be by car Stroll around Okage Yokocho Stroll through Okage Yokocho in Oharai Town Visit Ise Jingu Lunch (according to your preference) Have lunch at Okage Yokocho according to your preference. Gathering spring water in the forest of Ise Jingu Drive to the upper reaches of the river that flows through Ise Grand Shrine and draw spring water. Shima's beautiful sea guide We will guide you to a large white beach or a private beach depending on your preference. Experience the culture of the sea people We will guide you to Mikimoto Pearl Island or the Sea Museum. 17:00 Dissolved in either Ise City, Toba City, or Shima City

Tour to recreate the Ise pilgrimage of the Edo (1600s A.D.)

Tour to recreate the Ise pilgrimage of the Edo (1600s A.D.)

9:00 Meet at Ise City, Toba City, or Shima City (This tour will be by car) Visit Married Couple Rocks and Futami Okitama Shrine In the past, people performed misogi by bathing in tidal water, but today, people perform misogi by visiting Futami Okitama Shrine. From Futami Okitama Shrine, you can also see Meoto-iwa. Visit the Geku (Toyouke Grand Shrine) of Ise Jingu The deity is Toyouke-no-omikami, the god of food and industry. After visiting the main shrine, you can also visit the separate shrines, Taka-no-miya, Tsuchi-no-miya, and Kaze-no-miya. We will have lunch at OHARAIMACHI and OKEGAYOKOCHO, the approach to the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu (Imperial Grand Shrine). (This can be changed to a local restaurant if you prefer.) You can also buy Japanese traditional crafts and souvenirs in OHARAIMACHI and OKEGAYOKOCHO. Ise Jingu, Naiku (Koutai Jingu) The deity is Amaterasu Omikami, who is regarded as the general deity of the people. After visiting the main shrine, you can also visit the separate shrines, Aramatsuri-no-miya and Kazahinomi-no-Miya. Mt. Asama and Kongoshoji Temple This temple protects the demon's gate of Ise Jingu Shrine. After visiting the main hall, go to Okunoin Temple. On both sides of the path leading to the Okunoin Temple, stupas 2 to 8 meters high are erected. Take a footbath at the observatory near Mt. Asama and Kongoshoji Temple to relieve the fatigue of the day. 17:00 Dismissal to Ise City, Toba City, or Shima City

Ise: Ise Grand Shrine and Okage Yokocho Guided Tour

Ise: Ise Grand Shrine and Okage Yokocho Guided Tour

Discover the sacred beauty and rich history of Ise with an expert-guided tour. Begin your journey at Ise Grand Shrine, Japan’s most revered Shinto shrine, nestled in a serene forest. Stroll through the peaceful surroundings of Naiku and Geku, the inner and outer shrines, and learn about the ancient rituals and traditions that continue to this day. Wander through the charming Okage Yokocho, a traditional shopping street offering local delicacies and crafts. Your guide will provide in-depth insights into the history and significance of Ise, ensuring a deeper connection to this spiritual destination. Use public transportation to enhance your local experience, with private vehicle options available on request. Uncover the timeless charm of Ise.

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What people are saying about Ise, Japan

Overall rating

4 out of 5 stars
4
4 out of 5 stars
(2 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

It was a great trip! Our tour guide, Kim, made the tours very pleasant by stopping every now and then to give us some information, but also always making enough time available if we wanted to take a closer look at something. The recommendations for the various offers were also great. The Amaterasu Shrine in Ise Jingu in particular would not have been nearly as good without a guide, as we would have lacked the necessary background knowledge. This meant we were able to enjoy the day to the full. We would book this trip again in exactly the same way!

5 out of 5 stars

I can wholeheartedly recommend the tour to the Ise Shrine. I had a wonderful and eventful day with lots of background information and plenty of time to explore and buy souvenirs. I was the only participant that day, but the tour still went ahead as planned and with Kim as our guide it was a unique experience. Our driver Umematsu drove us safely to the various stops on our tour in a comfortable minibus. An all-round successful day!

5 out of 5 stars

The guide Kyohei is reliable, punctual, funny and great company. He was able to cheer us up despite the infernal heat. The only criticism concerns the traditional seafood barbecue which was not carried out at a traditional Ama hut but at a restaurant run by an Ama woman. Thanks Kyohei

5 out of 5 stars

The tour was very interesting, it's one of the best I've done in Japan. Shoko our guide was able to answer all our questions and she allowed us to learn more about Shintoism. For any lover of Japanese culture, I highly recommend this activity.

5 out of 5 stars

The guide was very attentive and helpful. Due to the typhoon, I didn't want to extend the trip too much, but the tours we did were great.