Ise Jingu Pilgrimage and Okage Yokocho One-Day Course

Long affectionately called Oise-san, Ise Jingu holds a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people. After walking the broad grounds to worship at the inner shrine, stroll the gate-town streets of Oharaimachi and Okage Yokocho for a relaxed food walk. This classic course lets you feel both the sacred calm and the lively bustle of the town in a single day.

Course Route

9:00 Start at the Inner Shrine (Naiku) Cross the Uji Bridge over the Isuzu River and walk the gravel approach. Purify yourself at the cleansing basins, then move slowly through the fresh, clear air.

9:30 Worship at the Main Hall Head to the main hall enshrining the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami. Quietly join your hands at the top of the stone steps. Remember that photos are only allowed below the steps.

10:30 Visit the Auxiliary Shrines Walk to auxiliary shrines such as Aramatsuri no Miya and Kazahinomi no Miya. The tree-lined paths show a different beauty in every season.

11:30 Stroll Oharaimachi Enter the stone-paved street that leads from the Uji Bridge. Rows of old gable-roofed buildings line the way, packed with souvenir shops and eateries.

12:30 Lunch and Snacks at Okage Yokocho This lively quarter sits midway along Oharaimachi. Try Ise udon and tekone sushi, then enjoy the famous Akafuku mochi at the Akafuku main store. Plenty of walk-and-eat treats await.

14:00 Move to the Outer Shrine If time allows, take a bus to worship at the outer shrine (Geku). By old custom it is proper to visit the outer shrine first, a tradition known as Geku-sensai.

Highlights

The standout of the inner shrine is its solemn approach wrapped in the Isuzu River and deep forest. Ancient towering trees line the way, and simply walking calms the heart. At Oharaimachi and Okage Yokocho you can enjoy Ise specialties and an atmospheric townscape. Akafuku mochi, Ise udon, and tekone sushi are flavors not to be missed.

Access and Tips

Buses from Kintetsu Ujiyamada Station or Iseshi Station are handy for reaching the inner shrine. Roads around the area get very crowded on weekends and holidays, so public transport is recommended. The earlier in the morning you visit, the fewer the crowds and the fresher the air. If you worship at both shrines, the traditional order is to visit the outer shrine first.

A Quick Tip

Ise Jingu is large, and even the inner shrine alone involves a fair walk, so wear comfortable shoes. Shifting your food walk slightly away from the busy lunch hour lets you enjoy it at a relaxed pace.