The city of Ise is located in central Mie Prefecture on the eastern tip of Kii Peninsula, the largest peninsula on Japan’s largest main island Honshu. Every year, the autumn season brings in a flurry of tourists and sightseers who flock to see the city’s leaves expressing their vibrant hues of red and yellow. The city boasts a magnificent catalogue of sightseeing spots, but perhaps the most famous of all is Ise Grand Shrine, whose inner and outer shrine give visitors a sense of what the townscape looked like in ancient times. This can also be seen at Sarutahiko Shrine, amongst other places.

In this article, we’re going to introduce you to 4 must-visit souvenir shops near the inner shrine for your Ise travel bucket list.

Amano Pearl

When talking about specialty products of Ise, the one thing that’s sure to come to the minds of Japanese people are the pearls sold in the city. Amano Pearl can be found in Oharaimachi, an almost 1km long street lined with traditional shops. The owner themselves purchases and appraises the pearls while the shop staff manufacture and design gorgeous accessories to sell at an affordable price.

Accessory – ¥2,200

This rose-shaped necklace is a design favoured by women of all ages. They have plenty of other high-quality bargain picks like this too.

The shop’s diverse line-up of beautifully accessories includes those perfect for combining with one pieces and dresses, as well as for parties. Prices and designs vary greatly, so there’s bound to be something for everyone who steps inside this quaint store. So if you’re shopping for souvenirs during your trip to Ise, then you absolutely have to pay a visit to Amano Pearl to see the city’s famous pearls.

▶︎Amano Pearl – Oharaimachi Branch

Address: 45 Ujiimazaikechō, Ise, Mie

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00

No Fixed Holidays

Official Website: https://www.amanopearl.jp/

Matsujiro Honey – Ise Oharaimachi Branch

Matsujiro Honey is a long-standing honey shop that was established back in 1912. The shop sells various varieties of honey, including flavours you won’t find in supermarkets like apple honey and soba honey.

Hanabana – ¥864

Hanabana is the shop’s No. 1 most popular variety of honey and it’s made in Mie Prefecture. Its name in Japanese means “flowers,” and as the name suggests, it includes the nectar of numerous types of flowers. It has a smooth texture and distinct full-bodied floral fragrance.

Centre: Mini Honey Soap – ¥503 / Right: Honey Soap – ¥2,200 / Left: ¥2,200 Honey Face & Body Oil (48ml) – ¥2,200

The shop even sells its own honey-imbued cosmetics, all made with natural ingredients. Their soap is made with their popular Hanabana honey, and gives off a flavoursome honey smell. Your skin is left smooth, moisturised and smelling great after using it.

Their rich honey oil too is made with 90% plant-derived oil and is free from preservatives. It’s a great option for the coming dry season and is gentle on the skin.

If you visit the shop, they let you taste test their different types of honey too! Find your favourite.

▶︎Matsujiro Honey – Ise Oharaimachi Branch

Address: 7 Ujinakanokirichō, Ise, Mie

Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00

No Fixed Holidays

Official Website: https://www.matsujiro.shop/

Uoharu

Uroharu first opened its doors in 1931. Their products are sold as souvenirs to help spread the word of Ise’s rich food culture.

Same No Tare – Salt Flavour / Mirin Flavour

The item you absolutely want to look out for when going into Uohara is their “Same No Tare,” another Ise speciality. It was originally only eaten in Shima, Ise, but it was picked up on national television, leading it to become a food souvenir associated with Ise.

Uoharu’s products are seafood based, and there’s plenty to choose from. If you’re looking for a food product specifically from Ise then look no further than Uoharu.

▶Uoharu

Address: 49 Ujinakanokirichō, Ise, Mie

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (*Changes depending on season)

Closed: Wednesdays (Except on national holidays in which case closed on Thursdays)

Official Website: https://www.samenotare.jp/uoharu/

Henbaya – Oharaimachi Branch

Yet another speciality product of Ise comes from the much-beloved Henbaya, which first opened way back in 1775. The speciality products, also called “henbaya,” can be ordered either for takeout or enjoyed in the shop.

Henbaya (Includes 2) – ¥160

Henbaya are thin, round sticky rice cakes made with top of the range domestic ingredients and packed with smooth red bean paste. Both sides of these deliciously fragrant rice cakes are browned, and when bitten into, fill and melt in your mouth with the sweet, smooth flavour of the bean paste.

At the Oharaimachi branch of Henbaya they sell various other rice cakes too, all chewy and made with high quality ingredients from Japan. Pick up a pair and enjoy the sweet taste of Ise.

▶︎Henbaya – Oharaimachi Branch

Address: 1-149-1 Ujiurata, Ise, Mie

Closed: Mondays (Except on national holidays in which case closed on Tuesdays)

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Eating in-store runs until 16:30)

*Products may sell out before 17:00

*Opening hours subject to change for January

So, if you’re making a trip to the beautiful city of Ise, you now know the must-visit spots for finding souvenirs. Let us know if you visit any!