[Mie] Ise: Full-Day Guided Tour of Shrines and Oharaimachi

• This tour offers a rare opportunity to explore Ise—the spiritual heart of Japan—by visiting its most revered shrines in the traditional pilgrimage order, starting with the coastal Futami Okitama Shrine, followed by Toyouke Daijingu (Outer Shrine), Sarutahiko Shrine, and culminating at the Inner Shrine (Kōtai Jingu), the most sacred site in Shinto. Along the way, you'll discover myths, rituals, and centuries of tradition with a knowledgeable local guide who brings each site to life. You’ll walk the same sacred paths as ancient pilgrims, experience the power and tranquility of forested sanctuaries, and enjoy a peaceful break in the Edo-style Oharaimachi district, where traditional sweets and charming shops await. With deep cultural storytelling, spiritual insight, and a route rarely covered in one day, this tour connects you directly to Japan’s living heritage in a way that’s both personal and unforgettable.

Located along the scenic coast of Futami, this shrine was historically the place where pilgrims purified themselves with seawater before approaching Ise Jingu. The site is most famous for its “Meoto Iwa,” or Wedded Rocks—two sacred stones in the sea bound together by a heavy shimenawa rope, symbolizing the union of male and female deities. With waves gently lapping at their base and the sun rising over the water, the scene evokes a deep sense of spiritual reverence and timeless serenity.