Japan's most sacred shrine - Ise City

"​Ise Jingu(Ise Shrine) is the shinto shrine that the Japanese adore as "Soul of Japan". Located in Ise city, Mie Prefecture, Japan." 

(isejingu.co.jp)

After a 3 hour train ride from Tokyo, you'll find yourself in another rural part of Japan. Only this time, you'll find yourself in walking distance to one of the most sacred shrines in the country and delicious meals like the "Ise Udon" and the crispy soft eel bowls ("Unaju").

My father says the beauty of Ise is its proximity to the mountain and the sea. You go a few km in one direction and you reach the beautiful ocean (and pearls) ☺️. You go the other way and you see an overwhelming amount of mountains. 

​1. Ise Jingu (Ise Shrine)

"After searching in many regions (to permanently enshrine and worship Amaterasu-Omikami) , finally the princess received a revelation that Amaterasu-Omikami should be enshrined and worshipped eternally in Ise. It is approximately 2,000 years ago." (isejingu.co.jp)

2. Take a break at the recreational areas of the shrine. Find some Ise Udon and warm up...

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​3. Explore other shrines in Ise City. 

4. Drive to Toba for this beautiful view of the sea.

5. Can't forget this one. Unaju. Eel bowls.

See details on the google map below! 

 Other references:
- Ise Jingu's official introduction to the "Soul of Japan"

How to get to Ise from Tokyo:
- Shinkansen to Nagoya (JR Japan Pass available) + JR train from Nagoya (~3 hours)
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Click to access jpinsider's customized map for your travel to Ise!