The Ise City History Museum opened its doors on April 25, 2026, in Mie Prefecture. The facility aims to share the rich history and culture of Ise City and deepen visitors' understanding and appreciation of the region.
Ise City sits at the gateway to Ise-Shima National Park and is home to an abundance of natural scenery, food culture, and historic sites — including shrines, landmarks, and many other treasured assets that have been preserved over the centuries.
The museum's exhibition rooms feature displays that bring the history and traditional culture of Ise City to life, while the cultural tourism information area introduces the city's diverse attractions, including sightseeing spots, traditional crafts, and local food culture.
Highlights of the Permanent Exhibition
The permanent exhibition covers a wide range of topics from multiple perspectives: the region's geography and natural environment, the history of human settlement as seen through archaeology, the flourishing of the Ise pilgrimage (Ise-Sangu), the development of the town surrounding the Grand Shrine, the history of shipbuilding as a major local industry, folk events and customs including the Okihiki ceremony, and the history of disasters and recovery efforts.
One of the standout exhibits is a full-scale Okihiki cart standing approximately 5 meters tall. Combined with audio and visual effects projected on a background screen, visitors can experience the atmosphere of being part of the procession itself.
In addition, a VR experience recreates the mansion of an Onshi — a guide who hosted pilgrims during the Edo period — allowing visitors to step into the role of a pilgrim and relive the journey of an Ise pilgrimage. The museum also incorporates numerous hands-on exhibits and video content so visitors can learn through immersive, enjoyable experiences.
Opening Information
- Opening date: April 25, 2026 (Saturday), from 1:00 PM
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM)
- Closed: Every Wednesday (next weekday if Wednesday falls on a public holiday)
- Admission: ¥300 for adults; free for high school students and below
- Location: 2F, Kita-kan, Ise Shimin Katsudo Center, 1-2-29 Iwabuchi, Ise City, Mie Prefecture
Inaugural Special Exhibition: "Wearing Okihiki — Regional Memories Carried on Happi Coats"
Running alongside the museum's opening is its first special exhibition, which focuses on the happi coats worn by the 72 Hoei (奉曳) teams that participate in the Okihiki festival — the traditional folk event associated with the Grand Shrine's Shikinen Sengu (periodic relocation ceremony).
Each happi coat features a unique pattern and design that reflects the history and pride of its community. The exhibition presents all 72 coats across four rotation periods, exploring the diversity of regional culture through the stories encoded in each design — a celebration of the "culture carried on one's back."
- Period: April 25, 2026 to September 6, 2026
- Venue: Special Exhibition Room, Ise City History Museum
- Admission: Shared with the permanent exhibition (¥300 for adults; free for high school students and below)
