Matsushima, one of the "Three Great Views of Japan," is known as one of those must-visit places in a lifetime, and it truly lived up to the trip.
Taking a sightseeing boat to admire the islands quietly resting on the sea was amazing. The large and small islands are beautifully arranged across the water. They look somewhat similar at first, yet each has its own character. It felt like wandering into a landscape painting, with depth stretching beyond sight.
Even the haiku poet Matsuo Basho found it hard to put this beauty into words. It’s absolutely worth a visit.
Matsushima | Review by 周黛西
Other Reviews by 周黛西
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Akafuku-Main store
Founded in 1707, during the early Edo period, this long-established store has been welcoming visitors to Ise Jingu shrine for centuries with its famous "Akafuku Mochi." This traditional Japanese sweet consists of a mochi rice cake topped with smooth sweet bean paste, and its shape is distinctive. The three lines on the bean paste represent the pure flow of the Isuzu River that runs through the sacred grounds of Ise Jingu, while the white mochi symbolizes the pebbles at the riverbed.
As soon as you enter Okage Yokocho and turn into an alley, you'll see Akafuku. Their signature “Akafuku Mochi” is chewy mochi covered with red bean paste, similar to Taiwanese red bean mochi. The red bean paste is sweet but not cloying, and it's a perfect match with a cup of hot tea. No wonder there's a constant stream of customers. The matcha shaved ice is also great, with their signature red bean paste and two pieces of mochi hidden inside. It's the perfect treat for cooling off.
The main store is in the middle of the street, and takeout gift boxes are also available, but they have a short shelf life, so it's best to enjoy them there. -
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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.
Okage Yokocho is next to Ise Jingu and has lots of authentic Japanese food, cafés, and shops. Enjoy traditional sweets from the long-established Akafuku shop and seafood from Ise while browsing the stores. The lively atmosphere completely immerses travelers in the experience.
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Ise Jingu
Known affectionately as "Oise-san," the shrine is usually called "Ise Jingu-Shrine," but officially, it is called "Jingu-Shrine".
Walking into Ise Jingu, towering trees lined both sides. Listening to the gentle sound of cicadas and walking along the gravel path, I quietly became one of the worshippers. I stopped briefly by the Isuzu River, where the clear water and soft breeze took away the summer heat. It was peaceful and serene. I liked the simple, unadorned atmosphere, and felt that my restless, heat-weary heart found calm here.
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