Ise Jingu, Japan’s most sacred shrine, the pearl islands of Toba and the Kumano Kodo trails on the Kii Peninsula.
Kintetsu limited expresses reach Ise from Nagoya, Osaka and Kyoto. Allow a full day for the shrine and a night in Ise or Toba.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesIse Jingu has two main sanctuaries: the Outer Shrine (Geku) and the Inner Shrine (Naiku). Tradition is to visit Geku first. Oharai-machi and Okage Yokocho near Naiku have traditional shops and food.
Buses link Geku and Naiku in about 15 minutes. Dress modestly and follow photography rules near the sanctuaries.
Read this area guide →Mikimoto Pearl Island explains pearl cultivation and shows ama divers. Ago Bay in Shima has inlets and islands; seafood includes spiny lobster and oysters.
Toba is a short train ride from Ise; Kintetsu continues to Kashikojima.
Read this area guide →The Iseji route of the Kumano Kodo World Heritage trails runs through cypress forests to the coast. Magose Pass has well-kept stone paving; Shishi-iwa and Onigajo are coastal sights.
Trains along the coast are infrequent; plan transport and walking times carefully.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Visit Geku, the Outer Shrine, early.
Bus to Naiku and walk the approach.
Ise udon and akafuku at Okage Yokocho.
Seafood dinner in Toba or Shima.
Try Ise udon, akafuku rice cakes, spiny lobster, Matsusaka beef and tekone-zushi.
Stay in Ise for an early shrine visit, or in Toba and Shima for seaside ryokan.
Kintetsu limited expresses serve Ise-shi, Toba and Kashikojima. JR Kisei Line runs along the Kumano coast.
