【Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-】 Mie Prefecture, Ise City
Introduction: Zatsu Tabi and the Charm of Mie Prefecture
“Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-” is a unique anime series in which the protagonists Chika and Riri travel throughout Japan based on survey results from SNS. In the 7th and 8th journeys, the Ise-Shima area of Mie Prefecture becomes the stage, featuring many tourist spots including Ise Grand Shrine, a representative sacred site of Japan, the Meoto Iwa rocks at Futami Ura, and Oharai Town street.
This article introduces sacred sites in Mie Prefecture that appeared in the anime in chronological order, and provides comprehensive explanations of access methods, travel time, and recommended routes for actual pilgrimage. This article is packed with useful information for fans as well as those planning to visit Mie Prefecture.
About Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-
“Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-” is based on a travel essay manga by Kenta Ishizaka and was adapted into a television anime in 2024. The protagonists Chika and Riri decide their travel destinations according to survey results solicited on SNS, enjoying unexpected places and encounters, making it unique compared to conventional travel works.
The charm of this series lies in the ability to rediscover the appeal of each location from a “zatsu” (casual/miscellaneous) perspective not found in tourism guidebooks. In the Mie Prefecture episodes, while visiting Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s most prominent sacred sites, the characters also visit local restaurants and unexpected hidden spots, depicting Mie Prefecture’s appeal from multiple perspectives.
Overview of the Mie Prefecture Episodes and Featured Episodes
Mie Prefecture appears in the 7th journey “A Town Where You Can Meet Gods? And then…” and the 8th journey. Chika and Riri were planning a trip to the Ise Bay area, but when Riri invites them to “go meet the gods,” they head to Ise City in Mie Prefecture.
In the series, the Outer Shrine and Inner Shrine of Ise Grand Shrine take center stage, with careful depictions of restaurants along the approach, Oharai Town street, and the Meoto Iwa rocks at Futami Ura, which are the main tourist attractions in the Ise-Shima area. Additionally, the series depicts unique episodes characteristic of Zatsu Tabi, including interactions with local people and mysterious encounters with gods (?).
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spot Detailed Explanations
Shiroko Fishing Port (Shiroko Gyoko)
Shiroko Fishing Port in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, appears in the opening scene of the anime. Located on Ise Bay, this fishing port functions as a center for local fishing and maintains an unpretentious atmosphere unspoiled by tourism.
In the anime, it is depicted as a seaside landscape, and visiting in person allows you to feel the sea breeze and the vibrancy unique to a fishing port. If you visit early in the morning, you may also see fishing boats coming and going and freshly caught seafood.
Access Information:
- About 15 minutes on foot from “Shiroko Station” on the Kintetsu Nagoya Line
- By car, about 15 minutes from “Mie Kawagoe IC” on the Ise Bay Coast Expressway
- Public parking is available around the fishing port
Ise City Station
Ise City Station serves as the gateway to Ise Grand Shrine and is the main station used by many pilgrims. In the anime, the station building and surrounding atmosphere are depicted in scenes of Chika and Riri’s arrival.
The station building is a modern structure but incorporates Japanese-style design elements befitting a temple town of Ise Grand Shrine. There is a tourist information center in front of the station where you can obtain tourist maps and pamphlets of the Ise-Shima area. It is recommended to gather information here as a base for pilgrimage.
Access Information:
- JR Sangu Line and Kintetsu Yamada Line “Ise City Station”
- About 1 hour 30 minutes from Nagoya by Kintetsu Limited Express
- About 2 hours from Osaka by Kintetsu Limited Express
- There is a bus terminal in front of the station with frequent service to the Outer and Inner Shrines
Ise Grand Shrine Outer Shrine Approach
The approach from Ise City Station to the Outer Shrine, depicted impressively in the anime, features about 400 meters of shops and restaurants selling souvenirs and food along the way, allowing for enjoyable strolls before and after worship.
The atmosphere of the approach maintains the historic charm of an ancient temple town while harmonizing with modern shops, creating a unique space. The surroundings change character depending on time of day—serene early morning, bustling with pilgrims during the day, and peaceful in the evening.
Points to Visit:
- About 5 minutes on foot from Ise City Station
- Many shops selling local specialty products line the approach
- Dining establishments are abundant, with local dishes such as Ise udon and temochi sushi available
Wakamatsu-ya
“Wakamatsu-ya,” where Chika enjoys food in the anime, is an established restaurant on the Outer Shrine approach. The “Hiryozu” (vegetable tempura) featured in the series is known as this restaurant’s specialty.
Hiryozu is a fried food based on tofu characterized by a fluffy texture and mild flavor. The outside is crispy while the inside is fluffy, topped with sauce rich in broth. It has become a popular pilgrimage destination as many fans visit after seeing the anime.
Store Information:
- Business hours: around 10:00–17:00 (may close when sold out)
- Closed: Irregular
- Hiryozu can be purchased individually and eaten while walking
- The aged storefront creates an excellent atmosphere
Ise Grand Shrine Outer Shrine (Toyouke Daijingu)
Ise Grand Shrine consists of 125 shrines centered on two main shrines: the Inner Shrine and Outer Shrine. The Outer Shrine, formally called “Toyouke Daijingu,” enshrines Toyouke-no-Oomikami, who presides over clothing, food, and shelter. According to the ancient custom of “Gaigu Saisai” (Outer Shrine First Worship), it is proper etiquette to worship at the Outer Shrine first.
In the anime, the torii gate, approach, and main shrine of the Outer Shrine are depicted with care, and the sacred atmosphere is beautifully expressed. When visiting in person, you can experience the special feeling of walking along an approach surrounded by cedar trees hundreds of years old and being enveloped in pure air and silence.
Worship Points:
- Time required for worship: approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour
- The approach to the main shrine is a gravel path; comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Photography is permitted outside the torii gate (forbidden at the main shrine)
- Early morning worship (around 5:00–6:00 a.m.) allows fewer people and a more sacred atmosphere
Akane Shrine (Toyokawa Akane Inari Shrine)
Akane Shrine, one of the auxiliary shrines within the Outer Shrine grounds and formally called “Toyokawa Akane Inari Shrine,” also appears in the anime. Located on the Outer Shrine worship route, this shrine attracts many visitors.
Although a small shrine, it is characterized by red torii gates and offers the atmosphere of Inari worship. Adding this shrine to your Outer Shrine visit makes for a more enriching worship experience.
Access:
- Located within the Outer Shrine grounds; can be visited during main shrine worship
- A few minutes’ walk from the main shrine
Ise Grand Shrine Inner Shrine (Kōtaijingu)
The Inner Shrine, formally called “Kōtaijingu,” is the central entity of Ise Grand Shrine, enshrining Amaterasu Ōmikami, the ancestral deity of the imperial household. It appears as an important stage in the anime, with beautiful depictions of the Isuzu River purification area, the Ujibashi Bridge, the approach, and the main shrine.
Upon crossing the Ujibashi Bridge, you enter the sacred domain. As you walk along the approach listening to the sound of the Isuzu River, you feel your heart purified. The approach to the main shrine is lined on both sides by cedar and cypress trees hundreds of years old, enveloped in a solemn atmosphere.
Worship Points:
- Time required for worship: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
- The Ujibashi Bridge has right-side traffic as standard (left side on return)
- You can purify your hands at the Isuzu River purification area
- The main shrine is off-limits for photography; worship quietly
- The Inner Shrine is larger than the Outer Shrine; allow ample time for your visit
Access Information:
- About 15 minutes by bus from the Outer Shrine to “Naiku-mae” stop
- About 20 minutes by bus from Ise City Station
- Parking available (public transportation recommended during busy periods)
Oharai Town Street
Oharai Town Street, which thrives as the temple town for the Inner Shrine, recreates the streetscape from the late Edo to early Meiji periods. Along this approximately 800-meter street, buildings in traditional architectural style stand in rows, allowing you to enjoy a time-warp atmosphere.
In the anime, Chika and Riri are depicted strolling along the street; the bustling atmosphere and beautiful historic streetscape are impressive. The ability to sample Ise udon, temochi sushi, Matsusaka beef skewers, and other Mie Prefecture specialty foods while walking makes this a major attraction.
Recommended Points:
- Time required: 1 to 2 hours (including meals and shopping)
- Numerous restaurants and souvenir shops line the street, starting with Akafuku’s main branch
- Okage Yokocho (located within Oharai Town Street) is also a must-see
- Walking food includes Ise croquettes and gomoku gohan and is popular
Toba Area
The anime also features scenes of traveling toward the Toba area. Toba is part of the Ise-Shima National Park and is a tourist destination characterized by beautiful ria-type coastlines and fresh seafood.
With good access from Ise Grand Shrine by train (about 30 minutes), it is worth extending your trip if time permits. There are many attractions, including the Toba Aquarium and Toba Bay tour.
Access:
- About 15 minutes by JR Sangu Line and Kintetsu Toba Line from Ise City Station
- About 40 minutes by bus from Naiku-mae
Futami Ura
Futami Ura is a coastal area between Ise City and Toba City, famous for its Meoto Iwa rocks. The anime features important scenes set here, with beautifully depicted seacoast scenery.
Along the Futami Ura coastline, traditional inns and souvenir shops remain, preserving the atmosphere of an old seaside hot spring town. A stroll while feeling the sea breeze offers a sense of freedom different from visiting Ise Grand Shrine.
Access:
- About 15 minutes on foot from “Futami Ura Station” on the JR Sangu Line
- About 20 minutes by bus from Ise City Station to “Meotoiwa Higashi-guchi” stop
Meoto Iwa (Couple’s Rocks)
The Meoto Iwa rocks, impressively featured in the anime, are a scenic beauty within the grounds of Futami Okinokami Shrine. The image of two rocks—large and small—bound together by a sacred rope has long been revered as a symbol of couples and matchmaking.
The larger rock (male) stands 9 meters high, while the smaller rock (female) stands 4 meters high. The sacred rope binding the two rocks spans 35 meters and weighs 40 kilograms. The rope is replaced three times a year, with the large sacred rope replacement rituals in May, September, and December drawing many worshippers.
In the series, it also appears in scenes with an old man (god?), serving as an important turning point in the story. Upon actually visiting, you will be moved by the mystical landscape created by the sea, rocks, and sacred rope.
Viewing Points:
- Around the summer solstice (mid-June), you can see the sunrise between the Meoto Iwa rocks (weather dependent)
- Don’t forget to worship at Futami Okinokami Shrine
- The grounds also feature attractions such as “Ama-no-Iwaya” (Heavenly Rock Cave) and “Ryugu Shrine”
- Time required: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Akafuku Futami Branch
“Akafuku Futami Branch,” visited by Chika and Riri in the anime, is a branch of Akafuku near the Meoto Iwa rocks. The series depicts the characters eating “Akafuku Ice,” attracting many fans to this pilgrimage site.
Akafuku Ice is a popular summer-limited menu item featuring fluffy shaved ice topped with Akafuku mochi and matcha syrup. It stands apart from ordinary shaved ice, with its delicate texture that melts on the tongue and the subtle sweetness of Akafuku mochi perfectly matching.
Store Information:
- Business hours vary by season (opens early during summer months)
- Akafuku Ice is summer-limited (approximately late April to late September)
- Prepare for wait times exceeding 1 hour during busy periods
- You can enjoy an ocean view from inside the store; the atmosphere is excellent
- Akafuku mochi (year-round product) is also delicious
Efficient Pilgrimage Routes
We introduce model courses for efficiently visiting Mie Prefecture’s sacred sites in one day.
One-Day Course (8:00–18:00)
8:00 Arrival at Ise City Station
↓ 5-minute walk
8:10 Outer Shrine Approach exploration and Hiryozu at Wakamatsu-ya
↓ 5-minute walk
8:30 Ise Grand Shrine Outer Shrine worship (1 hour)
↓ 15-minute bus ride
10:00 Ise Grand Shrine Inner Shrine worship (1.5 hours)
11:30 Lunch and exploration at Oharai Town Street (2 hours)
↓ 20-minute bus ride
14:00 Arrival at Futami Ura
14:15 Meoto Iwa and Futami Okinokami Shrine worship (1 hour)
15:30 Akafuku Ice at Akafuku Futami Branch (1 hour including wait time)
↓ 40-minute train and bus ride
17:00 Arrival at Ise City Station
18:00 Departure
Two-Day Course
For those wishing to pilgrimage at a leisurely pace, a two-day course is recommended.
Day 1:
- Morning: Visit Shiroko Fishing Port (Suzuka City)
- Afternoon: Arrive at Ise City Station, worship at Outer Shrine, explore Outer Shrine approach
- Evening: Stay at a hotel or inn in Ise City or Futami Ura
Day 2:
- Early morning: Early pilgrimage at the Inner Shrine (around 6:00 a.m.)
- Morning: Explore and shop at Oharai Town Street
- Afternoon: Meoto Iwa and Futami Ura, Akafuku Futami Branch
- If time permits, extend to the Toba area
Detailed Access and Transportation
Access from Major Cities
From Nagoya:
- Kintetsu Limited Express: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, ¥2,470 one way
- JR Local Express Mie: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, ¥1,980 one way
- By car: approximately 2 hours via the Tomei-Meishin Expressway and Ise Expressway
From Osaka:
- Kintetsu Limited Express: approximately 2 hours, ¥3,290 one way
- By car: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes via the Meishin National Route and Ise Expressway
From Tokyo:
- Shinkansen plus Kintetsu Limited Express: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, around ¥12,000 one way
- By plane: approximately 3 hours via Chubu Centrair International Airport (including ground transportation)
Local Transportation
Bus:
- Mie Transportation operates extensive bus service
- “Outer-Inner Shrine Circular Bus” is convenient between the Outer and Inner Shrines (service every 15 minutes)
- One-day passes (¥800 for adults) are economical
Taxi:
- About 5 minutes from Ise City Station to Outer Shrine, around ¥1,000
- About 15 minutes from Outer Shrine to Inner Shrine, around ¥2,500
Bicycle Rental:
- Bicycle rentals available around Ise City Station
- Electric-assist bicycles are recommended (approximately ¥1,000 per day)
On Foot:
- About 4 kilometers from Outer Shrine to Inner Shrine, approximately 50 minutes on foot
- Established as the “Jingu Worship Walking Course”
Precautions and Etiquette When Visiting
Worship Etiquette
As Ise Grand Shrine is Japan’s most representative sacred site, proper etiquette should be observed.
- Bow when passing through torii gates
- Walk along the edges of approaches, as the center is considered the path of gods
- Photography at the main shrine is forbidden
- Basic worship is “two bows, two claps, one bow”
- Refrain from conversation and worship quietly
Attire and Items
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential (approaches have gravel paths)
- Summer: sun umbrella, hat, sunscreen
- Winter: warm clothing
- Rain gear (weather can change quickly)
- Drinking water (especially in summer)
Peak Seasons
Allow ample time when visiting during these particularly crowded periods.
- New Year’s holidays (January 1–3)
- Golden Week (April 29–May 5)
- Obon (August 13–16)
- Weekends and holidays
Early morning (6:00–8:00 a.m.) and weekdays are relatively quiet, allowing for leisurely worship.
Recommended Local Cuisine
Ise Udon
A Mie Prefecture local dish featuring thick, soft noodles topped with rich tamari soy sauce. “Fukusuke” and “Okada-ya” on Oharai Town Street are famous.
Temochi Sushi
A fisherman’s dish originating from bonito and tuna. Vinegared rice topped with fish cut and marinated in soy sauce broth offers a refreshing flavor.
Matsusaka Beef
Mie Prefecture’s representative brand beef. Oharai Town Street has numerous shops offering Matsusaka beef skewers and croquettes, perfect for eating while walking.
Ise Lobster and Abalone
The Ise-Shima area is a treasure trove of seafood. Ise lobster and abalone are exceptional and can be enjoyed at inns and restaurants.
Choosing Accommodations
Ise City
- Convenient access to Outer and Inner Shrines
- Abundant choices from business hotels to luxury inns
- Around Ise City Station is ideal as a base
Futami Ura
- Many seaside hot spring inns
- Good access to Meoto Iwa
- Charm of breakfast with a sunrise view
Toba and Shima
- Full selection of resort hotels and luxury inns
- Excellent seafood dining
- Some distance from Ise Grand Shrine but a nature-rich environment
Using Pilgrimage Maps
The official website publishes a “Zatsu Map” summarizing spots featured in the anime. Accessing it on a smartphone and confirming locations on-site while on pilgrimage is recommended.
Additionally, sharing comparison photos of your shots with anime scenes on SNS allows interaction with other fans. Use hashtags such as #ざつ旅聖地巡礼 #ざつ旅三重.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (March–May)
- Cherry blossom season (late March to early April): cherry blossoms along the Isuzu River are beautiful
- Mild weather ideal for worship
- Be aware of Golden Week (late April to early May) crowds
Summer (June–August)
- Around the summer solstice (June 21), sunrise can be seen between the Meoto Iwa rocks
- Akafuku Ice is available (late April to late September)
- Heat precautions essential; early morning worship recommended
Autumn (September–November)
- Fall foliage season (mid-November to early December): the approach is beautifully colored
- Pleasant weather, the most comfortable time for worship
- Abundant autumn cuisine
Winter (December–February)
- New Year’s holidays (January 1–3) are the most crowded period
- Worship in clear, crisp air is exceptional
- Ensure proper winter clothing
Conclusion: The Appeal of Zatsu Tabi Mie Prefecture Pilgrimage
The Mie Prefecture episodes of “Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-” center on Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s most representative sacred sites, and provide a stage of remarkable appeal where history and culture, nature and gastronomy harmonize. Whether for anime fans’ pilgrimage or to rediscover Mie Prefecture’s charm, this destination is ideal.
From Shiroko Fishing Port through the Ise Grand Shrine’s Outer and Inner Shrines, Oharai Town Street, to the Meoto Iwa rocks at Futami Ura, each spot has unique charm. Visiting places depicted in the anime deepens understanding of the work while allowing you to encounter Mie Prefecture’s profound appeal.
Whether taking time for leisurely pilgrimage or efficiently visiting major spots—enjoy “zatsu” travel at your own pace. And perhaps you will encounter something mysterious with the gods.
Through pilgrimage, fully experience the appeal of both the anime’s world and Mie Prefecture in reality, and create wonderful memories.
