Oharai Machi, Okage Yokocho
In front of the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu Shrine, there's a street called Oharai Machi that bustles with numerous worshippers every year. From the Edo Period to early Meiji Period, many people called Onshi lived here and performed Shinto dance and music for their worshippers (Oharai), thus, the name Oharai Machi is believed to have come about.
It really has that classic Japanese old-town feel, and the whole street is super fun to explore. Once you start walking and snacking, it’s hard to stop.
There are lots of local Ise foods and souvenirs, and the atmosphere is lively without feeling too chaotic. The wooden streetscape also looks great in photos.
I’d recommend going on an empty stomach. Akafuku, Ise udon, and the other local specialties are definitely worth trying. It does get crowded on weekends, but it still feels like the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and wander around.
