![[Ise City, Mie Prefecture] Touring spots you’ll want to visit by motorcycle | A pilgrimage to Ise Shrine that you shoul](https://motopeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/3627-1760873956997.jpg)
You can access the Ise-Shima Skyline by heading north on National Route 23 near Uji Bridge and turning right onto Prefectural Route 32. The ocean view of the islands floating in Ise Bay is spectacular.
The address and coordinate data below indicate the location of the outer torii gate of Uji Bridge, which spans the entrance to the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu. Traveling south from Nagoya along Ise Bay, you pass Yokkaichi, known for its petrochemical complex, Suzuka, home to a race track, and Matsusaka, famous for its brand-name beef, before approaching Ise-Shima National Park.
If you head east on the Ise Expressway, exit at Ise-Nishi Interchange, turn right, head south on Prefectural Route 32 (Ise-Isobe Line), and turn right onto National Route 23 to arrive at Uji Bridge. It’s about a five-minute drive away, with parking lots, public restrooms, and a nearby shopping district.
Alternatively, if you turn left from Ise-Nishi Interchange and head north on Prefectural Route 32, you’ll reach Toyouke Daijingu (Ise Jingu Geku), also about a five-minute drive away. All routes are approximately 2.5 km from the interchange. This route is close to Ise-shi Station on the Kintetsu Yamada-Toba-Shima Line (Sangu Line).
From Osaka, take the Shin-Meishin Expressway, Meishin Expressway, and Ise Expressway. We also recommend taking a route via local roads, crossing several mountain passes. From Tokyo, take the Tomei Expressway, the Chuo Expressway, and then the Ise Expressway. Alternatively, take a ferry from Irago on the Atsumi Peninsula to Toba.
With a variety of routes to choose from, including a combination of expressways and local roads, it’s fun to plan your own route and stopovers. Beyond Ise Grand Shrine lies Ise-Shima National Park in Mie Prefecture, blessed with beautiful scenery. We also recommend extending your trip to the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture. Mie, Nara, and Wakayama prefectures are dotted with numerous hot springs. A trip combining a visit to Ise Shrine, a thorough tour of its power spots, with a stay at a hot spring is also a wonderful option. For more information
on the Ise Grand Shrine pilgrimage, please refer to the Ise Grand Shrine website below. The guide provides detailed explanations of not only the history but also the proper etiquette and manners for worship, deepening your knowledge. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to stroll through the vestiges of the old Oharaimachi (Okage Yokocho). It’s a good idea to take time for lunch or tea.
And if you’d like to ride a motorcycle, we recommend the Ise Bay Skyline. The winding roads offering views of the islands floating in Ise Bay are exceptionally refreshing.
Turn right onto Prefectural Route 32 from National Route 23, cross the Isuzu River, and turn left at the fork near Mie Prefectural Isuzu Park on your left. The Ise Bay Skyline is just a 10-minute drive away, followed by the Asakumayama Observatory, which is another 7 minutes away.
The Ichiuda Observatory is located at an elevation of 300 meters. On clear days, you can enjoy panoramic views of Ise Bay, including Chubu Centrair International Airport and the Chita Peninsula in the distance. Meanwhile, the Asakuma Summit Observatory is at an altitude of 500m. There are walking trails, souvenir shops, and a foot bath facility nearby. The “Postbox in the Sky” is also beautiful and recommended for taking commemorative photos.
Visiting Ise Grand Shrine and enjoying the view from the Ise Bay Skyline will purify your mind and bring you a sense of calm.
This is a pilgrimage to Ise Shrine that everyone, not just riders, should visit at least once.
The customary order of pilgrimage to Ise Shrine is from the Outer Shrine to the Inner Shrine.
Kotaijingu Shrine (Naiku), where Amaterasu Omikami (the ancestral deity of the Imperial family) is enshrined.
Uji Imazaike-cho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture (approximately 5 minutes by car/approximately 2.4km from Isuzugawa Station on the Kintetsu Toba Line)
The clear waters of the Isuzu River are crossed by Uji Bridge (the entrance to the Inner Shrine). The riverside is also recommended as a pleasant stroll course.
“Jingu Forest.” The approach to the Inner Shrine is surrounded by lush nature.
The area around the shrine is also filled with the charming scenery that is unique to Ise.
The shopping street “Oharaimachi Street” (Prefectural Route 715, Ise Kaido) continues to feature the unique architectural style of Ise. The stone-paved road stretches for about 800m from Uji Bridge to Sarutahiko Shrine.
Ise Shrine official website
URL: https://www.isejingu.or.jp
Ise City Tourism Association (Oharaimachi/Okage Yokocho) website
URL: https://ise-kanko.jp/purpose/oharaimachi-okageyokocho/
Okage Yokocho, located in the middle of Oharaimachi Street, has a retro atmosphere.
The “Sky Post” is located at the Asakuma Mountain Observatory. It offers a magnificent view of Ise Bay. It is less than 10km from Uji Bridge.
