Oharaimachi

Oharaimachi (おはらい町) is a historic street located in Ise, Mie Prefecture, Japan, that leads to Ise Jingu, one of the most sacred Shinto shrines in Japan. The street is lined with traditional buildings and shops that sell local specialties, souvenirs, and food.

The history of Oharaimachi dates back to the Edo period (1603-1867), when it was a popular spot for pilgrims to Ise Shrine, with 2 to 4 million people visiting the shrine annually. The street is divided into two sections, the Uji Bridge side and the Okage Yokocho side, each with its own unique character.

The Uji Bridge side of Oharaimachi is home to many traditional shops selling souvenirs and local products, such as Ise Udon, a type of noodle made with local ingredients, and Akafuku mochi, a sweet rice cake covered in sweet bean paste. Visitors can also find traditional crafts and clothing, as well as local sake and other alcoholic beverages.

On the Okage Yokocho side of Oharai-machi, visitors can experience what life was like in the Edo period with its narrow streets, traditional buildings, and storefronts. The area is home to the Okageza Theater, which offers performances of traditional Japanese plays, and the Toyokawa Akone Inari Shrine, which is dedicated to the god of prosperity and good luck.

Getting there

From Iseshi Station to Oharaimachi:

Bus	Iseshi Station ↓ Geku Naiku Line ↓ 12 minutes (10 stops) Jingu kaikan-mae Bus Stop ↓ Walk about 3 minutes ↓ Oharaimachi (Cost 390 yen)
Walk	About 54 minutes (3.8 km)