Private Cultural Saio Princess Tour near Ise Jingu
Active
6h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
In this unique Heian era (794-1185) culture tour near Ise Jingu, you will step into the role of the "forgotten" princess Saio and will experience how she spent her days in the historical Saiku Palace.
This exclusive tour is highly recommended for Japanese history lovers and visitors of Ise Jingu. With a professional private guide you will be able to discover a less known part of Ise Jingu's history and experience the life of a 10th century Japanese aristocrat, long before the samurai caste appeared. The highlight of the tour - putting on an expensive twelve-layered kimono(Juni-Hitoe) and enjoying Heian era entertainment - takes place in a faithfully reproduced cultural treasure building which used to be part of the Saiku Palace. This is a unique and rare to find experience which focuses on the culture, traditions and lifestyle of the imperial court aristocrats from one of the most prolific eras in Japanese history.
Total of 2 females and 1 male costumes available.
Available options
Private Cultural Saio Princess Tour near Ise Jingu
What's included
Private transportation
Lunch
Guide fee, activity fee, entry to facilities
Coffee and/or Tea
Detailed itinerary
1
Learn in details about the imperial princess Saio who served Ise Jingu Shrine and spent her lives in beauty and purity. Watch the video exhibition "Saio Gunko" visualizing the life of Saio princess. Just around the museum see the 1/10 scale model of the Saiku Palace, the Ancient Ise Road and stop by Haraigawa River where the Saio princess used to purify herself before arrival to her palace.
2
Lunch at Restaurant Ryu, which combines French cuisine with local ingredients and crafted tableware.
3
A faithfully reconstructed Heian era building, part of the ancient Saiku Palace, will be rented out exclusively for you. Dress in a multi-layered junihitoe kimono and experience a day of an ancient Japanese aristocrat in the 10th century.
4
Walk through the spiritual Take Shrine believed to be the place where Saio's residence was.
5
Enjoy a coffee or tea break at Minoriya café located just in front of Take Shrine. You can see exhibited examples of local crafts from the area.
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
North exit of Saiku Station
About Mie Prefecture
Mie Prefecture, located in the Chūbu region of Japan, is renowned for its natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage. From the sacred Ise Jingu shrines to the picturesque Ise-Shima National Park, Mie offers a blend of spiritual sites, scenic landscapes, and unique local traditions.
Top Attractions
Ise Jingu
Ise Jingu is Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine complex consists of over 100 shrines, with the main Naikū and Gekū shrines being the most significant.
Religious
2-3 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Ise-Shima National Park
This national park offers stunning coastal landscapes, lush forests, and scenic hiking trails. It is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Nature
Half to full day
Free (some attractions may have fees)
Nabana no Sato
Nabana no Sato is a stunning seasonal flower park located on the shores of Ise Bay. It is famous for its illuminated night displays and vast fields of tulips, kochia, and other flowers.
Nature
2-3 hours
¥1,500 to ¥2,000
Matsusaka Castle
Matsusaka Castle is a reconstructed castle that offers a glimpse into Japan's feudal past. The castle grounds are surrounded by a moat and feature a museum and gardens.
Historical
1-2 hours
¥300 to ¥500
Suigetsu no Ie
Suigetsu no Ie is a traditional thatched-roof house that offers a glimpse into the lives of rural farmers in the Edo period. The house is surrounded by a beautiful garden and a pond.
Cultural
1-2 hours
¥500 to ¥1,000
Must-Try Local Dishes
Matsusaka Beef
Matsusaka beef is a premium type of Wagyu beef known for its tenderness, marbling, and rich flavor. It is often served as sashimi, grilled, or in hot pot dishes.
Dinner
Contains beef
Ise Udon
Ise udon is a type of thick, chewy udon noodle that is often served in a hot broth or as a cold noodle dish. It is a local specialty of the Ise region.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian-friendly (check for dashi broth)
Akame Shio Ramen
Akame Shio Ramen is a salt-based ramen dish that originated in the Akame region of Mie. It is known for its rich, savory broth and chewy noodles.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains pork and seafood
Hitaki Ika
Hitaki Ika is a grilled squid dish that is a local specialty of the Toba region. The squid is grilled over charcoal and served with a tangy dipping sauce.
Snack/Dinner
Contains squid
Popular Activities
Hiking in Ise-Shima National Park
Scuba diving in Ago Bay
Visiting Ise Jingu for a spiritual experience
Enjoying a traditional onsen (hot spring)
Exploring Okage Yokocho in Ise
Learning about pearl farming in Toba
Boat tours in Ago Bay
Swimming and water sports in Ise Bay
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
Spring brings cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, while autumn offers vibrant fall foliage and comfortable temperatures. These are the best times to visit for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Mie Prefecture is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. However, as with any destination, it is important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
- • Avoid unlicensed taxis and tour guides
Getting there
By air
- Chūbu Centrair International Airport • 50 km from Nagoya, 100 km from Mie
- Matsusaka Airport • 10 km from Matsusaka
By train
Kintetsu-Nagoya Station, Matsusaka Station
By bus
Nagoya Station, Osaka Station, Kyoto Station
Getting around
Public transport
Trains are the most convenient way to get around Mie, connecting major cities and attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Ise
Toba
Matsusaka
Kuwana
Day trips
Nabana no Sato
30 km from Nagoya • Half to full day
Nabana no Sato is a stunning seasonal flower park located on the shores of Ise Bay. It is famous for its illuminated night displays and vast fields of tulips, kochia, and other flowers.
Ise Jingu
100 km from Nagoya • Full day
Ise Jingu is Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine complex consists of over 100 shrines, with the main Naikū and Gekū shrines being the most significant.
Ise-Shima National Park
120 km from Nagoya • Full day
This national park offers stunning coastal landscapes, lush forests, and scenic hiking trails. It is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Festivals
Ise Grand Shrine Shikinen Sengu • Every 20 years (next in 2033)
Toba Fireworks Festival • Early August
Matsusaka Tanabata Festival • Early July
Pro tips
- Visit Ise Jingu during the Shikinen Sengu ceremony, which occurs every 20 years, for a unique and memorable experience.
- Try Matsusaka beef, a local specialty, at a traditional restaurant or izakaya (pub).
- Explore the scenic beauty of Ise-Shima National Park by hiking, cycling, or taking a scenic boat tour.
- Experience the illuminated night displays at Nabana no Sato flower park during the winter season.
- Learn about the history and production of pearls at the Toba Pearl Museum, and create your own pearl jewelry.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
