Should You Visit Ise?

Is Ise worth visiting?

Ise is worth visiting for one to three days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Ise City is located on the coast and is home to the Ise Jingu shrine complex. These Shinto shrines are located in a forested area that offers a peaceful park-like setting that you can explore. The city also has wonderful seafood and traditional buildings.

Ise, Japan

Reasons to Visit Ise

Food
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).

Museums
While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

Beaches
There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Shopping
There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

Authenticity
Ise has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.

Is Ise worth visiting in the Summer?

The weather in Ise is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 26°C (79°F). But it can get as warm as 29°C (85°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.

The peak season for travel is summer in Ise, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.

This is a great time of year to relax at the beach and wander through the museums.

Is Ise worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Ise. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.

Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 17°C (63°F).

You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to browse through museums.

Is Ise worth visiting in the Winter?

This is the low season for travel in Ise. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.

The weather in Ise can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 5°C (40°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the cuisine.

Is Ise worth visiting in the Spring?

Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during spring, and temperatures hover around 13°C (56°F).

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Ise, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.

This is a great time of year to browse the shops and browse the museums.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Ise

Nightlife: Most people don't associate Ise with a lively nightlife scene. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Ise might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Ise here or see if Ise is expensive here.

Related

What is Ise most famous for?

Ise is most famous for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting. The city is very popular for its food. It's also known for museums, beaches, and shopping. It is often described as off-the-beaten-path, overlooked, and authentic.

What is the most famous sight in Ise?

The most popular sight in Ise is the Ise Jingu shrine complex. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Ise on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Ise Jingu shrine complex and other attractions here.

How touristy is Ise? Is it a popular city to visit?

Ise is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $40
• Shirataki Takigyo Waterfall Meditation Experience in Toba: $29
• Ise Grand Shrine Private Guided Tour: $88

How long should I spend in Ise?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Ise is one to three days. Since Ise has activities such as dining, many visit for up to three days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Ise? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Ise?.