Ise Overview
Ise , formerly called Ujiyamada (宇治山田), is a city in central Mie Prefecture, on the island of Honshū, Japan. Ise is home to Ise Grand Shrine, the most sacred Shintō shrine in Japan. The city has a long-standing title – Shinto (神都) – that roughly means "the Holy City", and literally means "the Capital of the Kami". As of 31 July 2021, the city had an estimated population of 123,533 in 55,911 households and a population density of 590 people per km². The total area of the city is 208.53 square kilometres (80.51 sq mi).
Ise Key Statistics
Population122432
Area208 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés120 / 12 / 37
Practical Essentials for Ise
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
Getting Around Ise
Ise Main Station & Rail Lines
伊勢市 (Iseshi)
Train Travel to Ise
Ise is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Ise
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Ise
Cover Your Trip to Ise
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Ise
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Ise
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Ise
¥3,400,000*est
Median household income / year
78*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Ise
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Ise
When was Ise founded?
Ise was founded on January 1, 1955.
How old is Ise?
Ise is roughly 71 years old.
What is the population of Ise?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 122,432.
What is the land area of Ise?
Ise covers roughly 208 km².
What is the main railway station in Ise?
The primary hub is 伊勢市 (Iseshi).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Ise?
The city has roughly 120 parks, 12 museums and 37 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Ise expensive to live?
Ise is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Ise?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Ise?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Ise has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Ise?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Ise?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Learn more ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Ise?
Ise hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Ise?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Ise?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Ise?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Ise?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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