Japan's most sacred shrine complex, a hands-on lucky cat painting workshop, and the legendary Wedded Rocks rising from the sea — all in one extraordinary day. Ise Jingu has been a place of pilgrimage for over 2,000 years. Walking its ancient cedar forest paths is unlike anywhere else in Japan.
After the shrine, you'll try your hand at painting your own Maneki-neko (lucky cat) at a local workshop — a beloved keepsake to take home. The day ends at the dramatic Meoto-iwa coast, where two sacred rocks joined by a shimenawa rope are said to represent a married couple.
- Ise Jingu — Japan's most sacred shrine, visited by millions each year
- Ancient cedar forest and Uji Bridge approach
- Okage Yokocho & Oharai-machi food street — taste Ise specialties
- Hands-on Maneki-neko painting experience (optional — can be skipped on request)
- Meoto-iwa (Wedded Rocks) at Futami coast
- Private door-to-door vehicle from your hotel in Nagoya
- English or Chinese speaking guide
Tour Price
per group
+ Expressway tolls, fuel & parking (approx. ¥20,000)
Maneki-neko painting experience ¥1,540/person (Optional)
Lunch not included
What to Expect
Your Day, Step by Step
Pickup at Your Hotel in Nagoya
Your guide picks you up at your hotel. The drive to Ise takes approximately 1.5–2 hours by expressway.
Ise Jingu — Japan's Most Sacred Shrine
Walk the forested approach to the Inner Shrine (Naiku), crossing the ancient Uji Bridge. Learn about the shrine's 2,000-year history and the rare tradition of rebuilding it every 20 years.
Oharai-machi & Okage Yokocho — Stroll & Lunch
Explore the charming Edo-style streets near the shrine. Browse local shops and enjoy lunch at your own pace — try Ise udon, fresh seafood, and local sweets.
Maneki-neko Painting Workshop (Optional)
Paint your own lucky cat at a hands-on workshop. Your guide will explain the meaning behind each color and symbol. A unique, personal souvenir to take home. This activity is optional — if you prefer to skip it, we can adjust the itinerary accordingly.
Departure for Meoto-iwa
Head to the Futami coast for the iconic Wedded Rocks.
Meoto-iwa — The Wedded Rocks
Two sacred rocks connected by a thick shimenawa rope, rising from the sea at Futami. A peaceful and photogenic end to the day's sightseeing.
Departure for Nagoya
Head back to Nagoya, relaxed and carrying your freshly painted Maneki-neko (if you joined the workshop).
Arrive Back at Your Hotel in Nagoya
Approximate return time. Actual times may vary depending on traffic and the pace of the day.
The forested approach to Ise Jingu's Inner Shrine
What's Covered
Included & Not Included
Private Vehicle
Door-to-door pickup and drop-off at your Nagoya hotel. Comfortable Toyota Alphard for up to 7 guests. (If joining the Maneki-neko painting workshop, capacity is up to 4 guests.)
English or Chinese Guide
Your guide accompanies you throughout the day, sharing the stories and spiritual significance of each site in English or Chinese.
Maneki-neko Workshop (Optional)
Hands-on lucky cat painting experience. Workshop fee is not included in the tour price and is paid separately. Can be skipped on request.
Not Included
Expressway tolls · Fuel & parking (approx. ¥20,000) · Lunch & drinks · Maneki-neko painting experience ¥1,540/person (optional, paid separately)
Why Ise, with Misae
A guide certified by
Mie Prefecture itself.
Misae is a certified member of the MIE Navigators — a programme run by Mie Prefecture to train official regional guides. Completing it requires deep knowledge of Mie's history, sacred sites, and cultural context. It's the reason she can walk you through Ise Jingu not just as a beautiful place, but as a living, breathing tradition — and tell you why it still matters 2,000 years on.
Learn about MIE Navigators →In the Moment
A day that looks like this.
Ise Jingu — Japan's Most Sacred Shrine
The inner shrine grounds — 2,000 years of Shinto tradition
Misae brings the history to life — details you'd never find on a sign
The shrine is rebuilt every 20 years — unchanged for 20 centuries
A rare glimpse of a Shinto ceremony being performed
The ancient stone steps leading to the inner sanctuary
With Your Guide
Walking Okage Yokocho — Misae knows exactly where to stop
A moment by the sacred pond in the shrine forest
Okage Yokocho — The Old Town
Okage Yokocho — the old pilgrimage town, still full of life
Ise udon — thick, soft noodles in a dark sweet soy broth. A must.
Maneki-neko Painting Workshop
Deep in concentration — every cat turns out completely unique
The finished cats — a one-of-a-kind souvenir to bring home
The handshake that says it all — see you next time
Meoto Iwa — The Wedded Rocks
Meoto Iwa — two sacred rocks joined by a shimenawa rope, honoured for centuries
A warm goodbye at the end of a full day — see you next time
Good to Know
Practical Information
Group Size
Up to 7 guests. If your group joins the Maneki-neko painting workshop, capacity is up to 4 guests (workshop venue limit). Without the workshop, the full group of up to 7 can join. The price is per group.
Meeting Point
Your hotel lobby in the Nagoya area. Pickup from Nagoya Station area can also be arranged. Please confirm your hotel at booking.
Dress Code at the Shrine
Comfortable walking shoes are essential — the shrine approach involves long walking paths. There is no strict dress code, but respectful attire is appreciated.
Cancellation
Please see our cancellation policy for full details. Workshop bookings require advance notice for cancellations.