Ise is an off-the-beaten-path city known for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Ise?
You should plan to spend around $96 (¥13,634) per day on your vacation in Ise. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $26 (¥3,714) on meals
- $47 (¥6,622) on local transportation
- $90 (¥12,772) on hotels
A one week trip to Ise for two people costs, on average, $1,343 (¥190,876). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$671
¥95,438
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,343
¥190,876
-
One Month
Per person
$2,877
¥409,020
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,343
¥190,876
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,686
¥381,752
-
One Month
For a couple
$5,755
¥818,040
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Ise cost?
A one week trip to Ise usually costs around $671 (¥95,438) for one person and $1,343 (¥190,876) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Ise on average costs around $1,343 (¥190,876) for one person and $2,686 (¥381,752) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Ise will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Ise on average costs around $2,877 (¥409,020) for one person and $5,755 (¥818,040) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Ise expensive to visit?
Ise is a smaller city that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.
Although Ise can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $42 (¥5,965) per day, mid-range travelers spend $96 (¥13,634) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $183 (¥26,053) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Ise.
Within Asia, Ise is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Nagoya or Koh Lipe.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Ise Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Ise?
The average Ise trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Ise travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
Ise on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$20
(¥2,794)
|
$45
(¥6,386)
|
$86
(¥12,203)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$20
(¥2,897)
|
$47
(¥6,622)
|
$89
(¥12,653)
|
|
Food 2
|
$11
(¥1,625)
|
$26
(¥3,714)
|
$50
(¥7,098)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$3
(¥391)
|
$6
(¥893)
|
$12
(¥1,706)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-3
(¥152-455)
|
$2-7
(¥346-1,039)
|
$5-14
(¥662-1,986)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Ise. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $42 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
For visitors to Ise, food is often a highlight, but budget travelers frequently choose street food or cook in their hostels, which may limit their experience of the local culinary delights.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most tourists in Ise are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $96 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $183 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the city, prepare for a pricier experience. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Toba Private Customized Half Day Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Ise
The cost of hotels in Ise can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $240, but peak season (summer) average prices jump to $448. Overall, prices range from $84 to $1,101. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Ise for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $90 (¥12,772). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $45 (¥6,386) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Ise? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Ise has a good public transit system, which means you could stay outside the city and commute in, but you'll have to balance cheaper accommodation with higher transport costs.
By skipping summer and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Ise
Ise has a good public transit system that reaches some of the major sights. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour. If you want to save money and get around quickly, the public transit is the way to go if it's conveniently located to where you're going. Also, you'll find taxis and rideshare services around town.
In certain neighborhoods, Ise is walkable, making it simple to explore the attractions. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $47 (¥6,622) per person, per day, on local transportation in Ise. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Ise is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$47
¥6,622
If you're driving, check for convenient parking at your hotel.
In Japan, trains are one of the fastest and lowest cost means of transportation. Getting a Japan Rail Pass can save you money if you plan to stay for several days or more. Regional and nation-wide passes are available, usually for the number of days of your choice.
How much does it cost to go to Ise? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Ise will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Ise
The food scene in Ise is incredible, so be sure to spend time tasting all the local dishes. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Ise can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Ise is $26 (¥3,714) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$26
¥3,714
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Ise is around $26 (¥3714) per person, with previous travelers spending from $11 to $50. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Ise are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $8
- Lunch: $4 to $10
- Dinner: $8 to $18
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
The local specialty of Ise is a Japanese spiny lobster, known as Ise-ebi in Japanese. Another local favorite includes Ise udon, a very simple dish of thick noodles in a strong flavored sauce with spring onion. For dessert, a popular confection is akafuku, a mochi rice cake wrapped in red bean jam which is often served with complimentary green tea. Ise udon and akafuku are common to find in at stalls around Naiku. You can also buy akafuku it boxed at the main stations, Iseshi Station and Ujiyamada Station. Being a coastal city, Ise also has many seafood items on its restaurant's menus. And of course throughout Japan, the alcoholic beverage of choice is sake-made from fermented rice.
Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Instead of buying drinks, bring a water bottle. It's also an environmentally friendly option.
Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Ise
It's no wonder that tourists flock to Ise, as it is known for its food, museums and attractions, beaches, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Ise typically cost an average of $6.28 (¥893) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$6.28
¥893
When visiting Ise, one comes to see the Ise Shrines. The Inner Shrine, also known as Naiku, is dedicated to the sun goddess and is the larger of the two. One of Japan's most sacred shrines, it is believed to have been established over 2000 years ago, with a unique architectural style that resembles ancient rice granaries. A visit to the Inner Shrine begins at the Uji Bridge with a large traditional torii gate on either end marking the shrine's entrance. The shrine itself is simple and barely painted, surrounded by peaceful trees in the surrounding woods. There is also an area for visitors to cleanse themselves with the waters of the sacred Isuzugawa River. Other features of the complex include the main sanctuary atop a flight of stone stairs, a number of smaller shrines, and an ancient rice granary used to store offerings.
The Outer Shrine, also known as Geku, is dedicated to the Shinto guardian and deity of food, clothing, and housing and is traditionally the first shrine to be visited. The deity, Toyouke, provides food for the sun goddess who is enshrined in the Inner Shrine to the south. The Outer Shrine is believed to have been established over 1500 years ago, about 500 years after the Inner Shrine. Both the Inner and Outer Shrines are rebuilt every 20 years, keeping the simplicity of the architecture intact, a style nearly free of influence from the Asian mainland. The grounds of the Outer Shrine are a bit smaller than the inner with a series of paths amongst tall trees. At the entrance to the shrine grounds stands the Sengukan Museum, which exhibits replicas of the Inner Shrine and main sanctuary.
Beyond shrines, another popular sight to visit while in Ise is Meoto Iwa, also called the Husband and Wife Rocks or the Wedded Rocks. The two rocks just offshore are tied together with a Shinto shimenawa rope weighing over a ton. They are said to represent Izanagi and Izanami, the creator gods of Shinto myth, with the larger male rock supporting a small torii gate on top.
Futami Sea Paradise, just a few minutes' walk from Meoto Iwa, is an aquarium that offers another range of activities from seal and walrus shows to interactive hands on activities with the animals.
A nice way to explore destinations in Ise is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima) for $41 details
- Shirataki Takigyo Waterfall Meditation Experience in Toba for $30 details
- Toba Private Customized Half Day Tour for $171 details
Nightlife Budget in Ise
The nightlife in Ise offers a relaxed and calm vibe. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $4.87 (¥693) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Ise per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$4.87
¥693
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Traveling in Ise
Ise, Japan
A coastal city of Japan, Ise is best known for the Ise Shrine, arguably the holiest and most important Shinto site and the reputed home of the Emperor's Sacred Mirror. The shrine dates back to 4 BC and actually consists of two shrines: the inner shrine called Naiku and the outer shrine called Geku.
Neighborhoods & Around
Oharaimachi is the main route to approaching the Inner Shrine of Ise. About one kilometer long, the stretch is lined by many traditional style buildings, housing shops and restaurants-some of which have been catering to pilgrims and tourists for several centuries. This is also a great place to indulge in some of the local flavors like the noodle dish of Ise Udon or the sweet treat of the akafuku. Halfway down the street there is a district called Okage Yokocho which recreates a scene of centuries past from the Edo Period to the early Meiji Period, with a variety of interesting shops and restaurants open to explore. Kawasaki Kaiwai is another interesting district standing as the old merchants' quarters of town with many traditional buildings still remaining.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.