The Kii peninsula that contains Mie and Wakayama prefectures are two places I've passed on visiitng since it requires a special trip south from a westward destination (i.e. Nagoya or Oasaka). On this long November weekend (TWCU cultural festival) I decided to visit Ise, Mie taking a fiend's advice that Koyasan in Wakayama would be better visited in the summer (cool mountain escape) or winter (lovely snow filled landscape).
This is a sculpture outside Iseshi station near where my hotel was. The cannon under a shinto gate is a curious reminder of the Shinto religion that saw the Emperor as a god and led Japan in a militarized war of aggression in the 19302 and 40s.
Another distinctive manhole cover in Ise.
This is the torii gate to the Outer Shrine (Geku).
One of the most impressive features of the grounds for me were the massive tress in the shrine.
Isekadoya brewery is based in the city and has a small branch outside the Outer Shrine.
Isekadoya Comfort Ale & Ise Pilsner with Matsuzaka beef nikuman.
After a 20-30 minute bus ride I arrived at the Inner Shrine (Naiku), entrance is always through torii gates.
Ise shrine's ancient massive trees are said to be "power spots." "Power spots" are places believed to endow visitors with refreshing or healing energy. In Japan, the concept generally centers around feng shui principles and sites where the Earth's energy is said to well up—meaning many power spots are tied to ancient shrines, creation myths and Shugendo mountain worship.
There's a massive shopping street near the Inner Shri (Naiku), Okage Yokocho.
Another Isekadoya location near the Inner Shrine (Naiku), White Sands IPA and tartar oysters.
The Geku (Outer Shrine) teishoku (dinner set) with mini Ise udon (noodles), mini Tekone zushi (bonito with vinegar rice), mixed tempura with two prawns! pickles, and miso soup with local nihonshu.
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