Ise [Mie]

Q. Which area of Mie is Ise located?

A. Around the Ise Bay area in eastern Mie. 

Q. How can I access to Ise from Tokyo?

A. By Shinkansen.

Q. Ise-Jingu Shrine is famous in Ise. Could you tell me more about it?

A. Shinto is Japan's indigenous religion, and Ise-jingu Shrine is its most sacred site, where the sun goddess Amaterasu is enshrined. You could visit the shrine and surrounding area as a daytrip, but staying overnight will allow you to explore at a more leisurely pace.

While Ise-jingu's inner sanctuary is its most famous feature, the outer shrine and the Sengukan Museum next door are also worth seeing. Both are in central Ise, about a 10-minute walk from Iseshi Station. The architecture at the outer shrine is similar to the inner shrine, though less grand.

The Sengukan Museum features displays on the shrine and its architecture, as well as a scaled-down replica of the outer shrine's main complex, a sacred site off limits to the public. You can also see copies of the many treasures stored away from human eyes in the main shrine.

Q. What”s around Ise-Jingu area?

A. The inner shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu, Shinto's sun goddess and mythical ancestor of Japan's emperors. It's also said to house the yata-no-kagami, a sacred mirror that is one of the nation's most holy relics.

To the left of the entrance to the inner shrine is a long, meandering, old-fashioned street lined with shops and restaurants which is well worth taking time to explore.

To enter the shrine precincts, cross the wooden Uji Bridge, passing through the torii gates on either side.

Q. Are there any shops for souvenirs or local food?

A. Wander the nearby street of Oharaimachi and Okage Yokocho Square to sample culinary offerings like Ise's uber-thick udon noodles and shaved ice. If you're a green tea aficionado, Ise is the country's third-largest producer of the stuff, so be sure to have a cup. This is also a good chance to pick out special gifts for friends and family back home.

Wander the nearby street of Oharaimachi and Okage Yokocho Square to sample culinary offerings like Ise's uber-thick udon noodles and shaved ice. If you're a green tea aficionado, Ise is the country's third-largest producer of the stuff, so be sure to have a cup. This is also a good chance to pick out special gifts for friends and family back home.

Matsusaka was once a thriving merchant town with a castle that towered over the area, and the walls of the castle remain for sightseers to explore. The city's modern-day claim to fame is the heavily marbled Matsusaka beef that rivals, and some say outdoes, the more well-known Kobe variety. They even make sushi with it. Matsusaka's yakitori, topped with miso, has also gained a stellar reputation among foodies.

Q. Any other interesting spots to visit??

A. For sun worshippers and ocean lovers, there are numerous beaches along Ise Bay, particularly in Toba, east of Ise City.

Word Focus:

delicacy ごちそう、珍味

mythical 神話の

Precinct 寺院などの境内

solemn atmosphere 厳粛な雰囲気

purify 清める

masses (人の)群れ

marbled (肉で)霜降りの

worthwhile visit 訪れる価値