How to Spend a Day on a Day Trip to Ise from Kyoto

Ise is a peaceful and spiritual town in Mie Prefecture, best known for Ise Jingu, Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine. It’s a perfect day trip from Kyoto if you want to experience traditional culture, beautiful forests, and local food in a calm, less crowded place.

Let’s dive into the perfect itinerary for your day!

Take a Train to Iseshi Station (Main Station in Ise)

• Travel Time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours

• Departure Station: Kyoto Station

• Arrival Station: Iseshi Station (main station near Ise Jingu)

Train Options:

Kintetsu Limited Express – Comfortable, fast, and direct (recommended)

• Route: Kyoto Station → Yamato-Yagi → Iseshi Station

JR Line – Slower, with transfers, but covered by the JR Pass

• Route: Kyoto Station → Nagoya → Iseshi Station

Tip: Take a train between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM to enjoy a full day in Ise.

Visit Geku – The Outer Shrine of Ise Jingu

• Distance: 5-minute walk from Iseshi Station

Geku is one of the two main parts of Ise Jingu. It is quiet, sacred, and surrounded by tall trees.

What to Do at Geku:

✔ Walk through the large torii gate and down peaceful gravel paths
✔ Visit the main shrine building (no photos near the inner part)
✔ Enjoy the calm forest atmosphere
✔ Visit Takimatsuri-no-Kami, a small shrine near the river
✔ Check out the Ise Cultural Museum next door (free)

Take a Bus or Taxi to Naiku – The Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu

• Travel Time: About 20 minutes by local bus or taxi

Naiku is the most sacred Shinto shrine in Japan. It is believed to house Amaterasu, the sun goddess.

What to Do at Naiku:

✔ Cross the famous Uji Bridge over the Isuzu River
✔ Walk the long forest path to the shrine, surrounded by ancient trees
✔ Wash your hands in the sacred river for purification
✔ Visit the main sanctuary (no photos allowed)
✔ See the Shogu buildings, which are rebuilt every 20 years as tradition

Tip: You can take photos of the entrance, bridge, and outer buildings.

Explore Oharaimachi and Okage Yokocho

Just outside Naiku's entrance

These two streets look like old Japan, with wooden buildings, small shops, and local snacks.

What to Do:

✔ Shop for souvenirs, lucky charms, and traditional items
✔ Visit the Okage Yokocho History Museum (small fee, but interesting)
✔ Walk slowly and enjoy the old-town feeling

Try local foods like:

• Ise Udon – Soft, thick noodles with a dark soy sauce broth

• Croquettes – Hot and crispy fried potato or meat snacks

• Akafuku Mochi – Famous red bean rice cakes from Ise

• Grilled rice crackers, soft serve ice cream, and sweet potatoes

Have Lunch in Oharaimachi or Nearby Naiku Area

There are many cozy restaurants around Naiku with local flavors.

Lunch Ideas:

• Butasute – Famous for beef rice bowls and croquettes

• Ise Hōshoan – Set meals in a quiet old-style house

• Hinodeya – Local dishes, sashimi, and tempura

Vegan / Vegetarian Options:

• Yamato-an Café – Simple vegetarian meals, rice and veggie sides

• Sari Sari Café – Relaxing place with plant-based meals and homemade sweets

• Mother’s Café (near Iseshi Station) – Healthy lunch plates and vegan-friendly dishes

Tip: Eat lunch between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to avoid crowds and get a seat.

Visit Meoto Iwa (The Wedded Rocks)

• Travel Time: 25–30 minutes by bus from Naiku or Iseshi Station

Meoto Iwa is a pair of sacred rocks in the sea, tied together by a large rope. They represent marriage and harmony.

What to Do:

✔ Take pictures of the rocks with the sea and sky
✔ Visit Futami Okitama Shrine nearby
✔ Walk along the seaside path and enjoy the ocean breeze
✔ Get a small snack from nearby cafés (ice cream, sweet buns)

Visit Ise Sea Paradise or Toba Aquarium

If you finish early and want more activities, you can visit one of these:

• Ise Sea Paradise – Animal shows and chances to get close to sea lions and walrus

• Toba Aquarium – One of the best in Japan with dugongs, penguins, and many fish

Getting There:

• Take the train from Iseshi Station to Toba Station (about 25–30 minutes)

Enjoy a Relaxing Break Before You Leave

Before going back to Kyoto, take time to rest and maybe enjoy some sweets or a light meal.

Café Options:

• Akafuku Main Shop – Enjoy matcha tea with Akafuku mochi

• Café Mother’s – Good for coffee, tea, and light meals

• Bonte Ise – Simple café near Iseshi Station with snacks and drinks

Take a Train Back to Kyoto in the Evening

• Travel Time: About 2 to 2.5 hours

Return from Iseshi Station to Kyoto Station using:

• Kintetsu Limited Express

• JR Line (if using the JR Pass)

Tip: Check train times ahead. Trains from Ise don’t run very late, so try to leave by 5:30–6:30 PM.