10 Key Spots to See in the Ise Area
The Ise Region is located in Mie Prefecture, a hot tourist destination famous for its unique traditional cityscapes, cultural sites like shrines and beautiful natural landscape. You can access Ise from Tokyo via a 3-hour, 40-minute train ride, first taking the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Nagoya and then the Kintetsu Railway to Iseshi Station.
10. Become a Ninja at Ise Azuchimomoyama Bunkamura!
Ise Azuchimomoyama Bunkamura is located at the Futami area of Ise and is a unique theme park where you can experience the lifestyles and traditions of ancient Ise. One of the main attractions of Ise Azuchimomoyama Bunkamura is the Ninja experience. Not only can you learn about the history and culture of Ninjas, you can even borrow their Ninja costumes and cosplay to be one while exploring the theme park! Over 100 costumes are available there.
9. Visit the God of studies at Sarutahiko Shrine
Sarutahiko Shrine is located just 10 minutes from Ise Grand Shrine, and worshipped here is the God of studies Sarutahiko no Kami. Many students visit this shrine yearly to pray for good results. One of the must-dos in Sarutahiko Shrine is to visit and touch the Octagonal rock placed infront of the main shrine compound, which is said to be the power spot within the shrine.
8. The twin rocks of Futamiokitama Shrine
Futamiokitama Shrine is a famous power spot in Ise best known for the Meoto-Iwa, literally translating to “Husband and Wife Rocks”. The Meoto-Iwa is a unique rock that can be viewed from the shrine. Two huge rocks formed right beside each other, apart from all the other rocks in the area, making it look like they are married to each other. During the summer season, many photographers flock to Futamiokitama Shrine as a special sunrise can be viewed there – the sun will rise from in between the two rocks! A scared Shinto Rope is tied to the two rocks to symbolize their importance as well.