To Ise Shrine and Odai for a peaceful journey through nature
Ise is an area steeped in history. For over 2,000 years, it has been a place of worship, as it is the home to Ise Shrine—a sacred site considered to be the spiritual center of Japan. You’re planning a trip that will begin at this shrine and take you deep into the nature-rich part of the Ise-Shima region known as Okuise to the town of Odai. It is the heart of Ise, a town built on mountainous terrain through which the pristine Miya River carves its way. As you plan your weekend getaway, your excitement mounts for this journey into an unfamiliar land. Mountains and streams, tradition and religion—and hopefully, a few surprises as well!
From Ise Shrine to Okuise
You’ve decided to stay at the Fairfield by Marriott Mie Okuise Odai, whose location in the center of Odai makes it easy to access from the Ise area.
7 a.m. Nagoya Train Station
9 a.m. Ise Shrine (Geku)
11 a.m. Lunch at Tsutaya
12:30 p.m. Okage Yokocho
2:30 p.m. Ise Shrine (Naiku)
5:30 p.m. Dinner at Tsukitsubo
Day 1 Total Travel Distance 194km
Day 1 Total Travel Time 3 hours 20 minutes
You’ve made Ise Shrine your first destination. Following tradition, you plan on paying your respects at both the inner and outer shrine complexes. In the afternoon, you’ll head toward the town of Odai, where you hope to savor the local specialty—ayu sweetfish from the Miya River—and drink in the rich natural beauty of Okuise.
＊＊＊
You head south on the Ise Expressway towards Ise Shrine, which is about a two-hour drive from Nagoya Station.
Geku: Where religion meets daily life
The traditional starting point of an Ise pilgrimage
Ise Shrine consists of an outer and an inner complex, known respectively as Geku and Naiku. The gods enshrined in Geku are responsible for preparing food for the goddess Amaterasu-omikami (who is enshrined at Naiku), which is why this is where religious rites and festivals are held. Following the long-held tradition that one must first pray in Geku before heading into Naiku, you make sure that your journey begins at the outer complex.
Geku lies right next to a bustling city. However, as soon as you pass through the torii gate at Hiyoke Bridge, the noise falls away. You breathe in the crisp morning air and walk forward, the gravel crunching underfoot. It is so pleasant here! Your heart feels light, almost washed clean.
Tsutaya: A noodle restaurant catering to Ise pilgrims
The secret behind the soft noodles
Any visitor to Ise will find themselves craving Ise udon. This noodle dish is characterized by soft, thick noodles and a tamari-based soup. When you first taste it, you may be surprised by the softness of the noodles. Apparently, they are boiled for a long time to aid digestion—which makes sense, considering that the dish was originally created for exhausted pilgrims!
Tsutaya was founded around 1945 and is one of the oldest restaurants specializing in Ise udon. Its traditional broth, made by simmering dried fish, bonito flakes, and kelp for hours, has made it a popular spot among travelers and locals alike. How many other travelers have taken a break here over the years? Now that you know the origins of this local dish, you appreciate its flavor even more.
In centuries past, the streets of Okage Yokocho bustled with pilgrims. You nibble on an akafuku rice cake as you stroll past buildings constructed in the traditional architectural style of the Ise region.
Naiku: The center of prayer in Japan
A millennia-old place of worship along the clear waters of the Isuzu River
Naiku—the inner complex of Ise Shrine—enshrines Amaterasu-omikami, the sun goddess said to be the ancestral deity of the Japanese imperial family. Since its founding a staggering 2,000 years ago, Naiku has become perhaps the most important holy site for people to pray for the health of Japan and its people.
At the entrance stand Uji Bridge and its torii gates—sacred boundaries marking the transition from the mundane to the sacred. Before stepping foot on the bridge, you pause to bow. Once across, you stop to purify yourself in the Isuzu River. As you cleanse your hands in the cool, refreshing river water, you think of the many generations of people who have done exactly the same at this riverbank. Then, it is time for the most important part of your visit to Naiku—paying your respects to the sun goddess herself at the very heart of the complex.
During the 40-minute drive to Odai, the scenery changes completely. Entering Odai feels like stumbling upon a lost village.
Tsukitsubo: Sweetfish and home cooking
Raised in clear waters and prepared by hand
When you ask for the best place to try ayu sweetfish, a local specialty, you are directed to Tsukitsubo. Ayu are typically eaten during the summer months, but here they are served year-round. The server tells you that Tsukitsubo is run by an ayu farming company that experiments with different cultivation methods, discovering how best to serve delicious ayu at any time of the year. The fish are carefully raised from fry in the clear waters of the Miya River, and their food is strictly controlled. The extensive menu, with everything from young to egg-bearing ayu, is proof of the company’s dedication.
The large windows offer a spectacular view, so you tuck into your meal while looking down at the emerald waters of the Sono River. You decide to order a set meal of salt-grilled komochi ayu. The egg-bearing fish, frozen in the fall, is slowly grilled over charcoal. The ayu itself is, of course, exquisite, and all of the side dishes are beautifully prepared.
Tsukitsubo has a steady stream of loyal customers from the area, not least the group of neighborhood moms who come to prepare bento boxes for the local police and fire stations. Now that you have savored the local specialty and a bit of home cooking, you feel as though you are really getting to know the town of Odai.
Unwinding for the night at Fairfield by Marriott Mie Okuise Odai
By the time you check into your hotel, night has settled. Although your itinerary did not take you to many of the sights in the city of Ise, you thoroughly enjoyed exploring Ise Shrine and feel deeply satisfied with the first day of your trip. You grab your bag from the car and head to the front desk. The comfortable vibe and cheerful staff put you at ease instantly.
That evening, you settle onto a sofa in the Lobby Lounge, leisurely sipping on a craft beer purchased at the Marketplace inside the hotel. When planning a trip, it’s easy to cram in too many attractions, but you know it’s important to take some time to relax your mind. As you reflect on the sacred atmosphere of Ise Shrine and the journey to Odai, the night deepens around you.
1 room, 1 night ¥15,730〜