Day 2 START
Futami Okitama Shrine
Futami Okitama Shrine enshrines the deity Sarutahiko Okami and is known for its blessings for matchmaking, marital harmony, and traffic safety. The Okitama Shinseki is a sacred rock where deities arriving from Tokoyo-no-Kuni, the eternal land, first come ashore, with Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks) standing as its gate stones, and the great twisted rope strung between them (shimenawa) is said to form a sacred boundary separating the realm of the gods from the mortal world.
20 minutes by Car
Ise Shrine, Outer Shrine (Geku)
Nestled in the heart of Ise City at the foot of Mount Takakura, the Outer Shrine (Geku) comprises a main sanctuary, four auxiliary shrines, and numerous other sacred buildings, and enshrines the god Toyo’uke-no-Omikami. Toyo’uke-no-Omikami serves as the deity of sacred food offerings for Amaterasu Omikami of the Inner Shrine (Naiku) and is revered as the god of food and a guardian of clothing, food, shelter, and industry.
10 minutes by Car
Ise Shrine, Okage Yokocho
Okage Yokocho is a town recreated to capture the vibe of Ise during Edo-era pilgrimages. A massive stone lantern marks the entrance, and over 50 shops line the streets. With local specialties, Ise souvenirs, seasonal events, and the distinctive architecture and scenery of the Ise road, you’ll want to take your time to explore, eat, and shop here.
1minute on foot
▼ The Sangu Kaido Pilgrimage Road From Kuwana to Ise, Known as the “Mochi Kaido”
Akafuku (Akafuku Main Store)
Akafuku was established over 300 years ago in 1707. The distinctive shape of Akafuku mochi is modeled after the murmuring Isuzu River that flows through the sacred grounds of Ise Shrine, with the three ridges in the sweet bean paste representing the current and the white mochi representing the pebbles on the riverbed.
Taiko Shusse Mochi (Taiko Shusse Mochi)
Founded in 1565, the shop carries on the tradition of grilled mochi (pounded rice cakes), a beloved Ise specialty loved by even the great unifier of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Taiko Syusse Mochi is a traditional hand-grilled soft mochi wrapped around tsubu-an (chunky red bean paste) for a sophisticatedly sweet treat.
Jindai Mochi (Senokuniya)
"Kamiyo Mochi from Senokuniya is made with only the finest ingredients, including Aka Daiya azuki beans from Hokkaido, wild mugwort, and the glutinous rice brand Hiyoku from Saga Prefecture, polished from whole grain. This authentic mugwort mochi is made with only natural ingredients, with no preservatives or artificial coloring. Pick up souvenirs at the shop on the first floor, then enjoy Ise-Shima specialties at Kamijian, an eatery on the second and third floors. "
Iwato Mochi (Iwatoya)
Iwatoya is a historic shop located near the Uji Bridge at the entrance to the Inner Shrine (Naiku) of Ise Shrine. Savor local dishes such as Ise udon and tekone-zushi along with housemade Japanese sweets. A perfect stop for a meal and souvenirs when touring Ise, Toba, and Shima.
10 minutes on foot
Ise Shrine, Inner Shrine (Naiku)
"Cross the Uji Bridge and Walk the Long Gravel Path Into Sacred Grounds At the foot of Mount Kamiji and Mount Shimaji along the banks of the Isuzu River, the Inner Shrine (Naiku) enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, revered by the Japanese as the supreme ancestral deity. Within these sacred grounds stand numerous shrines in addition to the main sanctuary and auxiliary shrines, such as shrines to Takimatsuri-no-Kami, Misakadono, and Yuki -no-Mikura, while along the path next to the main sanctuary, the Mishine-no-Mikura and Geheiden offer an up-close look at the distinctive shinmei-zukuri architectural style unique to Ise Shrine. The Imibiyaden is where sacred food offerings are made, while the Haraedo in front of it is where purification rites take place during festivals. "
25minutes by car
HOTEL VISON
HOTEL VISON is built on a mountainside against a backdrop of sweeping natural landscape and the Taki mountains, letting you immerse yourself in nature. The property consists of six standalone villas for private retreats and a 10-story hotel building with a total of 155 rooms set along a slope, with every room commanding views of the natural splendor of Taki.
