How to go from Nagoya to Shingu?
Fuji, Ise
©auntmasako, pixabay
Access to the Grand Shrine at Ise
From Nagoya to Shingu, get on the Limited Express Wide View Nanki or on the Mie ‘rapid’ train. This last train is more convenient to reach Ise.
Limited Express Wide View Nanki
From Nagoya, get on the Limited Express Wide View Nanki or on the Mie ‘Rapid’ train, which is ironically much slower.
If planning to visit the Grand Shrine at Ise, this last train might be more convenient since it directly connects Nagoya to Ise, although it is not as luxurious as the Nanki. Reserved and non-reserved cars are available on both trains.
0 KM - Nagoya Station
44 KM - 0H55 - Tsu Station
A section of the track between Nagoya and Tsu is owned bya private company, Ise Railway. You will need to pay a small fee to the train conductor. (¥800)
63 KM - 1H11 - Matsusaka Station
A city where local cows are given beer to drinkand body massages. Stop here to taste the beef that makes Matsusaka’s reputation.
71 KM - 1H18 - Taki Station
If you took the Nanki, change here if you plan to visit the Ise Grand Shrine. The Mie rapid train continues to Ise.
- Ise-Shima National Park
Located 100 km south of Nagoya, this park is blessed with subtropical vegetation, small islands dotting its shoreline and the most revered Shinto shrine in Japan,the great Ise Shrine. Its bays and inlet are home to the famous Mikimoto pearl and consequently, pearl cultivating rafts. Head for Ago Bay for the most scenic spots in the park.
152 KM - 2H41 - Owase Station
You can enjoy several glimpses of the coast in between the tunnels.
186 KM - 3H16 - Kumano-Shi Station
Take a 5-minute bus ride from this station to reach Onigajo. The coves on its shore are said to be a former pirates’ hideouts.
231 km - 3H27 - Shingu Station
Discover Ise
What to see?
Ise Jingu
With 6 million visitors each year, the Ise Grand Shrine is the spiritual home of the Shinto religion. This understated and uncluttered shrine is open daily, all day and has no entrance fee. A 10-minute bus ride (¥410) separates the outer Shrine (or Geku) from the inner Shrine (Naiku).
Exit from the JR side of Ise Station,turn right and walk along the main road until you reach the shrine’s entrance (8 minutes).
Open daily, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., free.
Meoto Iwa
The ‘Wedded Rocks’ are celebrities in Japan. You can gaze upon the two spouses, with their feet in the water andbound by a sacred rope, from a small sanctuary populated by stone frogs.
15-minute walk from JR Futaminoura.
Where to stay?
Asahikan 朝日館
This old ryokan was established 270 years ago. It offers a beautiful view of the Ise shoreline. All rooms have ocean views.
228 Futamicho Chaya, Ise, Mie, 519-0609
Tel : 0596-43-2001 / www.asahikan.jp
Toba Hotel International 鳥羽国際ホテル
A luxurious hotel with wonderful ocean views. Take the shuttle bus from Toba station to the hotel, just three minutes away.
1-23-1, Toba, Toba-shi, Mie, 517-0011
Tel : 0599-25-3121 / hwww.tobahotel.co.jp
Where to eat?
Nikenchaya 二軒茶屋
Located near the entrance to the Ise Grand Shrine, this restaurant serves various seafood dishes customized to accompany the local microbrew beer, ‘Shinto Beer.’English menu available.
Open daily, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tel : 05-9623-8773 / www.kadoyahonten.co.jp/english/restaurant/
Yamada やまだ A perfect place to stop for a bowl of Ise Udon noodles as you stroll through the Oharai Machi District on your way to the Ise Grand Shrine. Located on the right side of the street towards the end of Oharai-dori.
Open daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Thursdays.
05-9625-1120
