After visiting the Ise Grand Shrine, I had lunch at Okage Yokocho in front of Naiku. Okage Yokocho is a food theme park that recreates the streets of Ise during the Edo period. Not only can you see traditional buildings from Ise, but you can also try food and souvenirs that are unique to the Ise area. If you have the chance to visit the Ise Grand Shrine, be sure to check out Okage Yokocho.
Okage Yokocho
It was about a 15-minute walk from Naiku to reach Okage Yokocho. As I arrived at the entrance of Okage Yokocho, a beckoning cat greeted me.
The streets were lined with many souvenir shops and restaurants, giving the town an elegant feel.
Fukusuke
Fukusuke is a restaurant that specializes in Ise Udon noodles. The restaurant is named after the legend that eating Ise Udon brings good fortune. Fukusuke is a traditional Japanese doll with a large head that bring happiness.
I went to the counter and ordered “handmade Ise Udon noodles” and a “Jinto Beer,” a local brew. I paid the bill and was given a wooden tag with a number. I sat down and waited for my udon to be ready.
Most of the tables were taken when I entered the restaurant at 12:30. So I sat at a table outside the restaurant. The table was covered with a bamboo screen to block out the sunlight. The Isuzu River flowed behind the street. A refreshing breeze blew through the air, and I felt rejuvenated.
fter about five minutes, when my food was ready, the waiter called out the number on the wooden tag. When I responded, the waiter brought my order to my table.
Ise Udon
Ise udon has been a favorite of pilgrims and travelers visiting Ise for generations.The udon noodles were highly thick. The sauce was black and sticky, and only a small amount was in the bowl. Typical Japanese udon noodles are submerged in the sauce, but Ise Udon has the sauce on the noodles. I had the thick noodles mixed with the sauce. Despite its appearance, the sauce was not spicy but sweet and light. When I ate the thick noodles, they were chewy and had a soft exterior but a hardcore. The only topping was chopped green onion as a condiment. The sauce was well seasoned with bonito broth, so I did not need any additional spices.
Udon was considered a special feast for Japanese people during the Edo period. At that time, the daily diet of Japanese people typically consisted of rice and other grains. Udon, made by grinding wheat into flour, was reserved for special occasions such as festivals.
Sinto Beer (神都麥酒)
Sinto Beer is a locally brewed beer produced by Ise Kadoya Brewery in Ise City. This beer is made from ancient rice grown in Ise-Shima and is a reproduction of a beer made in Ise around 1880.
It has a refreshing taste with low bitterness and goes well with Ise udon noodles.
Butasute
Butasute was established in 1909 and specialized in Ise beef. At the store’s entrance was a take-out sales counter where visitors could purchase top-quality wagyu beef and famous beef croquettes.
The line of customers waiting to purchase the croquettes often stretched outside the store.
The most popular item was the croquette made from minced Japanese black beef, which had the flavor of wagyu beef trapped in a crispy batter.
Wagyu beef croquette
I waited in line for a bit, but the waiter was quick and efficient, so it didn’t take long for me to order. I ordered the croquette, and the waiter promptly wrapped it up in paper and handed it to me.
When I took a bite of the croquette, I was pleasantly surprised by how crispy the batter was and how juicy the meat was. The flavor of the beef soaked into the croquette, making it delicious even without any sauce. Overall, I was impressed with the quality of the croquette.
The restaurant in the back of Butasute offers a variety of delicious beef-based dishes, such as beef bowl, sukiyaki, and grilled beef. I’ll have to try one of those dishes on my next visit.
Isoage-Maruten
As I was traveling from Nagoya to Ise on the Kintetsu Line, I noticed a lot of signs for a store called “Maruten” along the way. I decided to check it out, and I’m glad I did!
Isoage-Maruten is a store that sells freshly made Isoage, a type of fried fish and seafood. They use only fresh seafood so that I could taste the seafood’s authentic flavor in their Isoage. It was delicious!
Takobo
Takobo is an octopus-based Isoage. The octopus, which comes in large pieces, is very satisfying and has a firmer and more elastic texture.
The red ginger mixed into the batter adds flavor and beauty to the dish. Customers can enjoy a freshly made, hot octopus on a stick when they order. Made with fresh ingredients, Takobo is a delicious taste of the sea.
Take a leisurely walk while enjoying a snack.
As I wandered around Okage Yokocho near the Ise Grand Shrine, I snacked on some tasty treats. My top recommendations are:
- Ise udon noodles from Fukusuke.
- Croquettes from Butasute.
- Octopus sticks from Isoage-Maruten. If you ever find yourself at the Ise Grand Shrine, check out Okage Yokocho and try these delicious snacks.
If you ever find yourself at the Ise Grand Shrine, check out Okage Yokocho and try these delicious snacks.
