Okage Yokocho

This is a recommended spot for enjoying the taste and atmosphere of Ise, along with a visit to Ise Jingu. In an area that reproduces the streets of Ise during the Meiji era, there are shops where you can enjoy Ise's famous dishes. Among them, the recommended dishes are Ise udon, which is thick and soft noodles mixed with a black soy sauce, and akafuku mochi, which is a smooth and lightly sweetened red bean paste wrapped in mochi. You can also taste local sake and beer provided by local breweries, and enjoy food tours such as menchi-katsu, kamaboko with plenty of ingredients, and dango.

Okage Yokocho is lined with shops selling processed, easy-to-eat seaweed such as tsukudani and furikake made from high-quality seaweed harvested from the sea of Ise-Shima, as well as pickles, kamaboko, dried fish, Matsusaka cotton, Iga-kumi braided cords, and other traditional handicrafts. Each item has been designed to fit modern lifestyles, making them perfect souvenirs that are sure to please. It's not just for friends and family, but also fun to find the perfect item for yourself as a memento of your trip.

At the entrance of Okage Yokocho, a large maneki-neko welcomes visitors. If you look closely, you'll see maneki-neko of various sizes throughout the area, often placed near shop signs or entrances, pleasing the eyes of passersby. Each maneki-neko in Okage Yokocho has its own unique personality. There are chubby maneki-neko with big bellies, colorful and glamorous maneki-neko carrying good luck charms, and maneki-neko holding tea, among many other types. Some shops even have their own original designs, so you might make a fun discovery while searching for your favorite maneki-neko. Additionally, there is a maneki-neko specialty shop in Okage Yokocho that gathers over 1000 types of maneki-neko from all over Japan. They come in various sizes and designs, including works by contemporary artists. You're sure to find your favorite maneki-neko there. Searching for maneki-neko while strolling around is one of the ways to enjoy Okage Yokocho.

Okage Yokocho offers various experience events. In the Maneki-neko painting experience, you can freely color a Maneki-neko that can also be used as a piggy bank or mini planter. There are also events for both adults and children, such as dressing up in Ise Momen's kimono, making moss balls and moss bonsai. The "Okage-za Mythology Museum" where you can experience the world of Japanese mythology is also recommended. You can learn about the beginning of Japanese mythology and Ise in a theatrical and three-dimensional exhibition. Please check the official website for event times and fees.

The "New Moon Morning Market" held on the 1st of every month is bustling with people from 5 am. The main attractions are the "New Moon Mochi" sold at the Akafuku main store and the "New Moon Porridge" served at various shops in the Okage Yokocho. The New Moon Mochi is a type of mochi made in honor of the local custom of "New Moon Visits," and the types of mochi sold, such as yomogi mochi, sakura mochi, and sasawara bi mochi, vary each month (no sales in January). The New Moon Porridge also changes its ingredients monthly, offering porridge that reflects the season, such as with green peas or ayu fish. The market is so popular that long lines form before dawn every month. Some shops even distribute numbered tickets before opening, so be sure to wake up early and visit.