Ise shrine (Short trip from Nagoya)

When we travel, we seek both its tradition and shopping, right?
You can pretty much enjoy shopping in Nagoya. So, why don't you try Japanese traditional pleace?

Well, Ise shrine might be a good place to visit then!

Ise is in Mie prefecture, which is west of Aichi.
Let's say it's about 2 hours from Nagoya station by Kintestu or JR train.

Access to Ise shrine: http://www.isejingu.or.jp/english/koutu/koutu.htm

Ise Shrine is a religious pleace where people visit and pray for their happiness. It's very open for everybody, and actually most people go there just for fun. There are big shopping area as well. You can enjoy eating snacks on the street. Since Ise is close to the sea, you can eat fresh seafood like oysters. Well, mostly oysters;)


Ise travel association: http://ise-kanko.jp/english/index.html



Entrance of Ise Shrine.

Sake lined up for New Year!



We wash your hands and mouth before you meet God.

It's surrounded with beautiful nature.

 

One of a shop on the street. It's fun to try local food there.

 

A view on the shopping street. It's super crowded in New Year.

 

 

Akafuku is one of the most popular shop. They sell Japanese sweets for many many years.

 

Henba-mochi. This is also famous in Mie prefecture. It's 160 yen for two mochi.

 

 

 

 

Takayama 2 (Short trip from Nagoya)

 

So, since there are many tourists from both inside and outside of Japan, you can find some experience-based facilities in Takayama.

I made this!
At Omoide taiken kan (http://giftgift.sakura.ne.jp/03miru/omoide.html)

This is well explained in many language!
http://www.hida.jp/english/activities/experiences/making-sarubobo-doll

Sarubobo. You can choose colors. It takes about 30 to 60 min depends on how crowd.
1,600 yen per sarubobo.

 

 This red charactor is famous in Takayama, and it's called "Sarubobo". I just learned that it means happy monkey baby, and wishing ones healthy life and happiness.

 

This is how.....



This is where you start.

There is a helper. No need to worry if you are not good at sewing.

I used glue, and made few stitchies.

done!

My hubby made handmade senbei (rice cookies)


You are given very tiny rice cookies, and you put it into the oven soon get bigger. Seems easy, but he says it requires special talent! ;)

It's 600yen, and you get to bring 10 senbei. Tastes simple, and I liked it. Warm senbei, you better try!

 



Takayama (Short trip from Nagoya)

 

We made a short trip to Takayama-city, in Gifu prefecture in December 29-30!
You may have heard of the city since there were many many travellers from overseas.

It takes about 4 hours from Nagoya to Takayama by train (JR).
For more information about the train, please check the wesite below!
Japan Railway: http://english.jr-central.co.jp/index.html
There are some discount tickets: http://english.jr-central.co.jp/tickets/value/hokuriku/


This is good value for international travellers!
Japan Rail Pass:  http://japanrailpass.net/
*please be aware that you must purchase it before you come to Japan.



 

 

Usually, Japanese train system is quite punctual, however, if it's snowing in winter, you are gonna have to expect some delay.

 

 

So, what's fun to do in Takayama? Eating while walking!!

We have tried may thiings.

Hidagyu no nigiri (Hida beef's sushi) 600 yen for two.

 

Takayama Ramen (pretty simple, fish based soup) 550yen

Mitarashi dango (Rice dumpling seasoning with soy sause)
70 yen


 

Coming up next! I will show you what we can atually experience there!