The Pilgrim's Town Outside the Gates

For centuries, pilgrims travelling to Ise Jingu would end their long journey by passing through the vibrant townscape of Oharaimachi, a stretch of traditional buildings that served the spiritual and practical needs of millions of visitors. Today, this area remains one of the most charming and atmospheric streets in Japan — a perfect complement to the tranquil forest shrines just a short walk away.

Oharaimachi: A Living Edo-Period Streetscape

Oharaimachi is an 800-metre stretch of preserved and restored Edo-period architecture running from the Uji Bridge at Naiku's entrance toward Ise City centre. The street is lined with wooden buildings housing shops, restaurants, cafés, and galleries — all built in a style consistent with the town's historic character.

Walking Oharaimachi, you'll find:

  • Akafuku mochi shops — The most famous local sweet, a soft rice cake covered in sweet red bean paste. The flagship Akafuku shop on this street has been operating for centuries and draws long queues.
  • Local sake breweries — Several shops sell Mie Prefecture's distinctive sake and mirin (sweet rice wine), which has been brewed in this region for generations.
  • Ise udon restaurants — The local style of udon features thick, soft noodles in a dark, sweet soy-based broth. It is unique to this region and not widely found elsewhere in Japan.
  • Craft and souvenir shops — Hand-crafted goods including local pottery, woodwork, and woven textiles.

Okage Yokocho: The Alley of Gratitude

Okage Yokocho (おかげ横丁) is a compact alley tucked within Oharaimachi, developed in 1993 to recreate the atmosphere of the Edo and Meiji-era townscape that once surrounded the shrine. The name refers to the okagemairi — the massive popular pilgrimages of the Edo period — and the gratitude (okage) that pilgrims felt.

Despite being a modern development, Okage Yokocho is carefully designed with authenticity in mind. Buildings were sourced from across the Ise region — some are original structures relocated here — and the alley has an unmistakably historic atmosphere.

What to Do in Okage Yokocho

  • Try local street food: Grilled skewers of seafood, te-kone sushi (local tuna sushi), and freshly made rice crackers.
  • Visit the Okage-za theatre: A small museum and performance space featuring displays on the history of the okagemairi pilgrimages.
  • Browse speciality shops: Everything from Ise-specific food products to regional sake, netsuke carvings, and Shinto-themed crafts.
  • Photograph the architecture: The lantern-lit alleys and traditional signage make for exceptional photography, especially early morning or in the evening.

Futami Okitama Shrine

About 15 minutes from Ise by train (Futaminoura Station on the JR Sangu Line), the Futami Okitama Shrine is a must-visit. Famous for the Meoto Iwa — the Wedded Rocks — two sea rocks connected by a sacred rope (shimenawa) visible offshore. The larger rock bears a small torii gate on its crown. These rocks are considered sacred because Amaterasu is said to have first appeared in the sea here. The view of the rocks at sunrise is iconic.

Toba and the Shima Peninsula

Extending beyond Ise, the Shima Peninsula offers stunning coastal scenery, the Toba Aquarium (one of Japan's finest), and the opportunity to meet the famous Ama divers — female free-divers who have harvested abalone and seafood from these waters for centuries. Toba is easily reached from Ise by Kintetsu train in about 20 minutes.

Practical Information

  • Oharaimachi / Okage Yokocho hours: Most shops open from around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; some restaurants open later.
  • Access: 5-minute walk from Naiku's Uji Bridge, or served by the CAN Bus from Geku.
  • Crowds: Busiest on weekends and public holidays. Weekday mornings are pleasantly quiet.