Ise’s KitchenIse City
On foot or by bicycle, the charming Kawasaki district, located along the Seta River which runs through the center of Ise, is perfect for a stroll to discover the traditional crafts.
Itto-bori-3Ise City
Some of the warehouses in the area have been renovated and turned into gallery and store spaces. Here you will find unique handmade souvenirs.
Netsuke-4Ise City
Ise's traditional handicrafts "Ise Shunkei" and its lacquerware made from cypress wood, the famous Ise Washi paper or its original Netsuke sculptures.
Ise-Washi-6Ise City
Ise Washi - TAIHOU Washi Kougyou
This store and museum is located on the premises of TAIHOU Washi Industry, which manufactures Japanese paper used for sacred cards of the Ise Shrine.
Ise-Washi-3Ise City
The handmade craft paper, which is typical of Ise and uses cedar bark and seaweed, has a gentle texture that soothes the heart. The adjacent Ise Washi Gallery can also be viewed when the museum is open.
Netsuke-2Ise City
The Netsuke Museum of Mr. Tadamine Nakagawa
The Netsuke Museum is the workshop of Mr. Tadamine Nakagawa. You can admire his beautiful Netsuke sculptures and discover the secrets of their making. But what is a Netsuke? A Netsuke (literally roots to attach) is a button-like toggle worn by men in pocketless kimonos.
Netsuke-5Ise City
Ise netsuke are made from boxwood collected from Mt. Asama in Mie Prefecture, even though their materials vary from ivory, horn, wood, bamboo, and so on.
Itto-bori-4Ise City
Ittôbori Sculpture Yukiteru KISHIKAWA
The Ise Itto-bori carving technique has been handed down since the Edo period (1603-1867) and was started by shrine carpenters constructing the shrine at Ise Jingu every 20 years.
Itto-bori-2Ise City
Currently, the main products are zodiac signs and lucky charms distributed by the Jingu Shrine at New Year's and handcrafted by Mr. Kishikawa. His work is displayed in shrines throughout Japan, including Ise Jingu Shrine, as well as in private homes.
