Hey fellow travelers! Mark here, your friendly American backpacker, back with another Asian adventure to share. This time, I'm taking you on a whirlwind tour from the vibrant city of Nagoya to the serene, spiritual heart of Ise. Get ready for a journey that blends modern luxury with ancient tradition, a sensory feast of gleaming gold and sacred history. Trust me, this is one trip you won't want to miss!
A Golden Stay in Kanazawa: Luxury Doesn't Have to Break the Bank
Just a quick hop from Nagoya, Kanazawa boasts a gem of a hotel, opened in August 2020. Its location? Perfect. Literally a minute's walk from Kanazawa Station, a shopper's paradise brimming with local treats and souvenirs. I'm talking gold-leaf everything – honey cakes, plum wine, you name it! I admit, I went a little overboard, but being able to stash my haul back at the hotel between shopping sprees was a lifesaver.
But the real magic begins inside the hotel. Upon entering, you're greeted by a breathtaking gold-leaf pine tree sculpture, a testament to the hotel's commitment to showcasing local artistry. Throughout the hotel, from the lobby to the rooftop bar, you'll find stunning works of art. The gold-leaf pine tree, crafted from recycled materials like bicycle chains, is a particularly impressive example. It's truly dazzling.
The rooms themselves are spacious and modern, equipped with all the essentials – USB charging ports, top-brand speakers, the works. But the real star of the show? The breakfast. An epic spread of over 100 dishes spanning various cuisines, including made-to-order options. I'm talking fresh-squeezed juices, everything you could possibly crave. I was stuffed until dinnertime!
And the best part? This luxurious experience doesn't come with a hefty price tag. This Kanazawa gem is incredibly affordable, especially considering the incredible breakfast. I stayed for around $190 a night – a steal compared to its sister hotel in Ginza, which costs double!
From Gold Leaf to Sacred Ground: A Pilgrimage to Ise
After indulging in Kanazawa's golden splendor, I set my sights on Ise, the mythical birthplace of Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess. This leg of the journey offered a welcome shift from material indulgence to spiritual reflection.
Ise is easily accessible from Nagoya via Kintetsu or JR lines, with the journey taking about 80-100 minutes. This city houses Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan's three most sacred shrines, and arguably the most important. It's said that every Japanese person should visit Ise Grand Shrine at least once in their lifetime. With over eight million annual visitors, it’s clearly a significant pilgrimage site.
Ise Grand Shrine is massive, comprised of the Outer Shrine (Geku) and the Inner Shrine (Naiku). The typical pilgrimage begins at Geku, easily reachable from Ise Station (about a 5-600 meter walk). Geku is dedicated to Toyouke-no-Omikami, the deity of food, clothing, and shelter, and caretaker of Amaterasu’s food. Prayers here are often for bountiful harvests and business prosperity.
Naiku, the Inner Shrine, houses Amaterasu herself. I highly recommend taking a bus between Geku and Naiku, as it simplifies navigation. The shrine complex is over 2,000 years old, yet the buildings appear remarkably new. This is due to the unique Shikinen Sengu tradition, where the entire shrine, including the bridge, is rebuilt every 20 years. The last rebuilding occurred in 2013, with the next scheduled for 2033. Visiting during a Shikinen Sengu allows you to witness both the old and new shrines simultaneously, a truly special experience believed to amplify the spiritual energy of the site.
| Shrine | Deity | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Outer Shrine (Geku) | Toyouke-no-Omikami | Bountiful harvests, business |
| Inner Shrine (Naiku) | Amaterasu-ōmikami | Sun Goddess, most important deity |
A Taste of Ise: Savoring the Flavors of a Sacred City
After a spiritually enriching experience at Ise Grand Shrine, I indulged in the local cuisine. My recommendation? Ise Ebi Maru, a renowned 50-year-old restaurant famous for its fresh seafood. I opted for the Kaisen-don, a delicious seafood rice bowl brimming with fresh tuna and local catches for under $16. Don't forget to try the wasabi, freshly grated with sharkskin to enhance its flavor. And the fisherman's soup (Ryoshi-jiru)? A hearty bowl packed with Ise shrimp (Ise-ebi) and other local seafood for around $8!
This trip from Nagoya to Ise offered a fascinating blend of modern comfort and ancient tradition. From the glittering gold of Kanazawa to the serene spirituality of Ise, it’s a journey that caters to both the adventurer and the soul-seeker. I highly recommend this experience to any traveler venturing to Asia. Until next time, happy travels!
