LOADING...

The essence of Japan is found in Ise

Discover the unseen spirit of "Japanese-ness" in Ise

DISCOVER in ISE

In Ise, there is a sacred shrine that has been supporting Japan with prayers for over 2,000 years.
These prayers are strongly linked to two key things: rituals and food.
Through these traditions, you can find the spirit that Japan has valued for generations.
By learning about these rituals and food, you might discover something important—things even Japanese people may not notice.
Visit Ise and find what truly matters.

Experience Ise

Shinto

Discover the Heart of Japan

What is Shinto?

Shinto is a part of everyday life in Japan.
It holds the culture of Japan within its practices.
How did the Japanese understand and connect with nature (the world)?
Experience the spiritual culture of Japan through Shinto.

鳥居の写真
皇学館大学での体験授業の様子 皇学館大学での体験授業の様子
Kogakkan University

Shinto has no sacred texts. That is why experiencing it is essential for understanding. Kogakkan University is one of only two institutions in Japan that train Shinto priests. Learn about Shinto through experiences with professionals and students who are dedicated to this path.

Experiences at Kogakkan University

Take part in experiences focused on "rituals" and "food" in Shinto. Within the actions of the priests, you can see the spirituality that Japan has cherished for generations. Also, explore the Shinto Museum with a guide to deepen your understanding of Shinto. Experience the world of Shinto, which you may think you know but will discover is more profound than you imagined.

Learn the "True Essence" of Japan through Shinto at Kogakkan University!

Want to know more about the experiences offered at Kogakkan University?
Learn more

Ise Jingu

The Unique Origin of the Heart of Japan

What is Ise Jingu?

Known as "the hometown of the Japanese spirit," Ise Jingu is the origin of Japan's heart.
It is a unique place where prayers have been offered without change for about 2,000 years.
By exploring the secrets of the "rituals" and "food" passed down at Ise Jingu, you can discover the spiritual culture that Japan has cherished.

鳥居の写真
実際のガイドの様子 実際のガイドの様子
What is Interpretation?

"Communicating the unseen through the seen" is the method of interpretation. It means not just describing buildings but conveying their deeper, invisible meanings and values. At Ise Jingu, there are many important things that you can only notice when they are shared. Ise Jingu holds many things that we hope people will come to recognize.

Interpretation Experience

Guides trained in interpretation will take you through both Naiku and Geku of Ise Jingu. At Naiku, the theme will be the "rituals" of Ise Jingu. At Geku, the focus will be on Ise Jingu and "food." You'll hear stories that make you think, "Really? I didn't know that!"

For a deeper understanding of Ise Jingu, try the Interpretation Guide Experience!

Want to learn more about the Interpretation Guide Experience at Ise Jingu?
Learn more

The Museum of Ise Jingu

Touch the "Core" of Ise Jingu

What is the Museum of Ise Jingu?

In Ise City, there is the Museum of Ise Jingu, where you can gain a deeper understanding of the "rituals" and "food" of Ise Jingu.
By viewing replicas of buildings and real ritual tools used in ceremonies, you can experience Ise Jingu in a more tangible way.
There are also rare exhibits that you can only see here.

鳥居の写真
神宮農業館
Touring the Museum of Ise Jingu with a Guide

At the Sengūkan, guides will take you through exhibits focused on "rituals." At the Jingu Chokokan and Jingu Nogyo-kan, guides will focus on "food." Step into the world of Ise Jingu and deepen your understanding through stories shared by guides and curators.

For a deeper understanding of Ise Jingu, the Interpretation Guide Experience is highly recommended!

Enhance your Ise Jingu guided tour with the museum option for an enriching experience!

Enjoying "Naorai"

From the Extraordinary to the Ordinary

What is Naorai?

In Shinto rituals, food offerings dedicated to the deity are shared among participants after the ceremony, allowing them to receive blessings from the deity. This is called "Naorai."
Naorai also serves as a transitional ritual, moving from the extraordinary (ceremonial) to the ordinary (daily) world.
In other words, Naorai is one of the important "food" traditions cherished in Japanese culture.

外宮参道ハレカラミケ
What is Harekaramike?

The Geku of Ise Jingu, known for enshrining Toyo'uke-no-Omikami, the deity of food, is where the Geku Sando (Geku approach) is located. Harekaramike is a food experience based on the theme of "Naorai" that can be enjoyed on the Geku Sando. It includes Naorai bento and course meals made with offerings presented after a ritual performance. Souvenirs are designed to help you recall your time in Ise as you transition from the extraordinary (Hare) to the ordinary (Ke). In Japan, the extraordinary is sometimes expressed as "Hare," and the ordinary as "Ke." Why not take home an important meal (Mike) from the Geku Sando as you move from the extraordinary back to the ordinary?

What is the Geku approach?

Ise Jingu’s Geku enshrines Toyo’uke-no-Omikami, the deity of food. Located at the heart of this sacred area is the Geku approach. Naorai, a traditional Japanese practice closely tied to food, is an essential part of Japanese culture. Take this opportunity to rediscover the rich food culture of Japan along the Geku approach.

パン屋麦外観"
ドアを開けるスタッフ
販売しているパン

Bakery Mugi

  • 13-6, Honmachi, Ise City, Mie Prefecture, JapanGoogle Map
  • Products：Bread
  • The Maker's Passion： "A bakery that blends into daily life and connects people." The bakery has inherited the bread from Yamashita Bakery, which was previously located at the same spot, and now stands along the approach to Geku. They prepare bread early in the morning, adjusting to the day's temperature, humidity, and wind, crafting the bread with the same care as one would approach a living being.
  • instagram：@panya_mugi
お食事
調理中のスタッフ
店内

Mirepoix

  • 1-1-4, Iwabuchi, Ise City, Mie Prefecture, JapanGoogle Map
  • Products：Bento, Course meal
  • The Maker's Passion："I want to share the wonderful ingredients of Ise with as many people as possible." Blessed by the rich land of Ise, our vegetables are grown with care and dedication. From the mountains of Ise-Shima, which are connected to Ise Jingu, to the nutrient-rich waters that flow into the sea, nature provides us with its finest gifts. With a passion for showcasing these exceptional ingredients, Bistro Mirepoix was born.
  • instagram：@bistro.mirepoix
  • Website：bistro-mirepoix.com
ジェラート
フルーツからジェラートを作っているスタッフ
外観

EKA Gelato

  • 2-16-21, Uraguchi, Ise City, Mie Prefecture, JapanGoogle Map
  • Products：Gelato, Pastries
  • The Maker's Passion：We strive to create gentle, body-friendly gelato and baked goods by minimizing the use of refined white sugar and instead using natural sweeteners like beet sugar and raw cane sugar. In addition to our classic offerings, we highly recommend our seasonal specialties made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Ise City and Mie Prefecture.
  • instagram：@eka_gelato
  • Website：eka-gelato.com

A journey that transforms your everyday life

宇治橋の写真

Visiting Ise is your own unique "festival."

Take your time to explore and connect with the real.

Discover, reflect, and let your perspective change.

When the 'festival' ends, return to your everyday life, carrying new insights.

Both the extraordinary and the ordinary are cherished and meaningful days.

  • Uniqueness

    Experiences Found Only Here Ise Jingu and Kogakkan University are one-of-a-kind to Ise. The experiences here are truly unique.

  • 和紙

    Transformation

    Experiences That Change You Understanding Japanese spiritual culture helps you reconnect with yourself and nature.

  • 森林

    Wellness

    Balancing Mind and Body Time spent in the forest of Ise Jingu is a blend of healing and learning.

  • 合掌

    Challenge

    Challenges Only Possible Through Travel Try movements and breathing you don't usually do through experiences of Shinto practices.

  • 握手

    Impact

    Community Contribution and Sustainability Local people take the lead in welcoming guests, helping to develop local talent through these interactions.

Change your "everyday" with a visit to Ise
Contact us today!

Inquire about the tour here!

Model Plan

Change your "everyday" with a visit to Ise
Contact us today!

Inquire about the tour here!

Access

For those coming by public transportation

Access to Ise City Station
and Uji-Yamada Station

From Tokyo and
the Kanto Area

You can use the Shinkansen and JR Rapid Mie, or the Kintetsu Limited Express.

If you are traveling from Tokyo Station by trainabout 3 hours 20 mins

  • Tokyo Sta.

    Shinkansen Nozomi

    100 mins

    Nagoya Sta.

    JR Rapid Mie・
    Kintetsu Limited Express

    90 mins

    Ise City Sta.

  • Tokyo Sta.

    Shinkansen Nozomi

    100 mins

    Nagoya Sta.

    Kintetsu Limited Express

    90 mins

    Uji-Yamada Sta.

From
Centrair Airport

Meihan Limited Express or Ferry (Tsu Bell Line), Kintetsu Limited Express or JR Rapid Mie.

If traveling by train about 2 hours

  • Chubu Centrair
    intl. Airport Sta.

    Meihan Limited Express,
    or μ-Sky (Muskai)

    30 mins

    Meitetsu Nagoya Sta.
    → Nagoya Sta.

    JR Rapid Mie

    90 mins

    Ise City Sta.

  • Chubu Centrair
    intl. Airport Sta.

    Meihan Limited Express,
    or μ-Sky (Muskai)

    30 mins

    Meitetsu Nagoya Sta.
    → Kintetsu Nagoya Sta.

    Kintetsu Limited Express

    80 mins

    Ise City Sta.

  • Chubu Centrair
    intl. Airport Sta.

    Meihan Limited Express,
    or μ-Sky (Muskai)

    30 mins

    Meitetsu Nagoya Sta.
    → Kintetsu Nagoya Sta.

    Kintetsu Limited Express

    90 mins

    Uji-Yamada Sta.

If traveling by ferry about 2 hours

  • Centrair Port,
    Ferry Terminal

    Ferry

    45 mins

    Tsu Nagisamachi Port

    Mie Kotsu Bus

    12 mins

    Tsu Eki-mae
    → Tsu Sta.

    Kintetsu Limited Express・
    JR Rapid Mie

    35 mins

    Ise City Sta.

  • Centrair Port,
    Ferry Terminal

    Ferry

    45 mins

    Tsu Nagisamachi Port

    Mie Kotsu Bus

    12 mins

    Tsu Eki-mae
    → Tsu Sta.

    Kintetsu Limited Express

    40 mins

    Uji-Yamada Sta.

From
Osaka and the Kansai Area

You can use the Osaka Loop Line or the Kintetsu Limited Express.

If you are traveling from Osaka Sta. by trainabout 2 hours

  • Osaka Sta.

    JR Osaka Loop Line

    20 mins

    Tsuruhashi Sta.

    Kintetsu Limited Express

    100 mins

    Ise City Sta.

  • Osaka Sta.

    JR Osaka Loop Line

    20 mins

    Tsuruhashi Sta.

    Kintetsu Limited Express

    110 mins

    Uji-Yamada Sta.

Partner

Change your "everyday" with a visit to Ise
Contact us today!

Inquire about the tour here!