If you want to experience Japan’s sacred history and beautiful seaside landscapes in one trip, head to Ise and Toba in Mie Prefecture. They’re easy to reach from Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and even Kansai International Airport (KIX). A day trip is possible, but staying overnight gives you more time to relax and explore.
This guide covers transportation, highlights, food, shopping, and travel tips for first-time visitors.
Getting There
From Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- By Train (1–2 transfers)
KIX → (JR Kansai Airport Rapid or Nankai Line) → Tennoji / Shin-Imamiya / Namba
From Namba, take the Kintetsu Limited Express to Ise-shi Station or Isuzugawa Station (about 2.5–3 hrs).- Nankai option: KIX → Nankai Namba (~45 min) → Kintetsu Limited Express
- JR option: KIX → Tennoji (~50 min) → subway or JR to Tsuruhashi/Namba → Kintetsu Limited Express
From Ise-shi or Isuzugawa, take a bus (~10 min) to the Naikū-mae stop (Ise Grand Shrine entrance).
- By Limousine Bus + Kintetsu
KIX → Osaka Namba by airport limousine bus (~50–60 min)
Namba → Ise by Kintetsu Limited Express (~2 hrs)
Total time: around 3 hours.
From Shin-Osaka
- Shin-Osaka → (Osaka Metro Midosuji Line ~15 min) → Osaka Namba
- Namba → Ise by Kintetsu Limited Express (~2 hrs)
- Bus from Ise-shi/Isuzugawa to Naikū (~10 min)
Total time: about 2.5 hours.
From Kyoto
- Kyoto Station (Kintetsu Kyoto) → Kintetsu Limited Express direct to Ise-shi/Isuzugawa (~2.5–2.75 hrs)
- Bus from Isuzugawa to Naikū (~10 min)
Total time: about 2.5–2.75 hours.
Travel Tips
- Reserve seats on the Kintetsu Limited Express for comfort, especially with luggage.
- Direct trains from Kyoto/Shin-Osaka are fastest and easiest.
- From KIX, the simplest way is limousine bus to Namba, then Kintetsu Limited Express.
Ise Grand Shrine & the Historic Town Streets
The Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingū) is considered the spiritual heart of Japan. It has two main shrines — the Inner Shrine (Naikū) and the Outer Shrine (Gekū) — with most visitors starting at Naikū.
- Uji Bridge & Great Torii — Crossing the wooden bridge over the Isuzu River feels like stepping into sacred space.
- Sacred Forest Approach — A peaceful path lined with ancient trees.
- Kazehi-no-miya (Wind-Praying Shrine) — A quiet sub-shrine deep in the forest.
- Purification Ceremony (O-harai) — Visitors can join a traditional ritual for blessings (donation from ~¥5,000).
- Goshuin (Temple & Shrine Stamps) — Beautiful calligraphy to collect as a keepsake.
Okage Yokocho — Food Hopping Heaven
Right outside the shrine gates is the Okage Yokocho district, part of the restored Oharai-machi street. This lively area recreates an Edo-to-Meiji atmosphere and is famous for street food and local crafts.
Food to Try While Walking
- Akafuku Mochi — Soft rice cakes with sweet red bean paste, a local classic.
- Ise Udon — Extra-thick, soft noodles in a rich soy-based sauce.
- Matsusaka Beef Croquettes — Juicy, easy-to-eat beef snacks.
- Tekone Sushi — Local-style marinated tuna over sushi rice.
- Seasonal sweets & matcha drinks — Great for dessert lovers.
Walk, snack, and share with friends or family — it’s the perfect way to taste many flavors in one visit.
Enjoy the Sea in Toba
After connecting with Japan’s spiritual heart and enjoying food in Okage Yokocho, head to Toba for ocean views and island adventures.
- Dolphin Island (Iruka-jima) — A 15-minute ferry ride takes you to this family-friendly spot where you can touch dolphins and watch a sea lion show (included in admission). Scenic sea views await from the island.
- Toba Bay Cruise
Sightseeing boats depart from the Toba Marine Terminal, touring the bay and stopping at charming islands:- Mikimoto Pearl Island — Birthplace of cultured pearls, with a museum, pearl cultivation demonstrations, and a large jewelry shop.
You’ll find everything from fine pearl necklaces and earrings to affordable accessories — perfect for souvenirs or gifts. - Dolphin Island — For dolphin and sea lion encounters, ideal for families.
- Mikimoto Pearl Island — Birthplace of cultured pearls, with a museum, pearl cultivation demonstrations, and a large jewelry shop.
- Fresh Seafood — Toba is known for oysters, abalone, and spiny lobster. Enjoy seafood restaurants near the terminal or in town.
Travel Tips
If you plan to visit multiple islands, museums, or take several buses and ferries, this pass can save you a lot of money and make travel stress-free.
- Footwear: Paths at Ise are gravel; Mikimoto Pearl Island and Dolphin Island have slopes — wear comfy shoes.
- Clothing: Bring a light jacket — sea breezes can be cool.
- Timing: Visit Ise Grand Shrine early in the morning for serenity and great photos.
- Souvenirs:
- Ise — Akafuku mochi, Ise udon
- Toba — Pearl jewelry & accessories from Mikimoto Pearl Island
- Approximate Costs (2025):
- Kintetsu Limited Express (one-way): ~¥3,000
- Bus: ~¥430
- Toba Bay Cruise (Mikimoto & Dolphin Island stops): ~¥2,000–¥3,000
- Dolphin touch experience: ¥500–¥1,000
- Purification ceremony: ¥5,000+
Travel Smart: Kintetsu Rail Pass (Unlimited Ride Ticket)
The Kintetsu Rail Pass is a great value for travelers exploring Kansai and Ise-Shima.
Key Points
- Unlimited rides on Kintetsu trains for 5 consecutive days (regular trains & rapid).
- Travel between Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Nagoya, Ise, Toba, Shima is included.
- Separate limited express tickets required if you want reserved seats on faster trains.
- Discounts or benefits at selected attractions and stores.
- Available as an e-ticket (QR code) or paper ticket.
- For foreign tourists only.
- Price: around ¥4,900–¥5,400 (as of 2025).
Full details & purchase: Kintetsu Rail Pass 5-day Official Site
If you plan to travel between Osaka/Kyoto/Nagoya and the Ise-Shima area — and make side trips to Nara or other Kintetsu-served cities — this pass can save a lot of money and make travel simpler.
Why Visit Ise & Toba
Ise lets you feel Japan’s ancient mythology and spirituality, then step into the lively Okage Yokocho for food hopping and souvenirs.
Toba adds fresh sea air, a scenic bay cruise, Mikimoto Pearl Island for pearl shopping, and Dolphin Island for marine encounters.
It’s a trip where culture, history, nature, and the sea all come together beautifully.
