NIPPONIA HOTEL Ise Kawasaki Shonin-machi, operated by Kazeno Heritage Co., Ltd. (Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture), is teaming up with Ise Rickshaw Tamaya — a local operator that knows Ise inside out — to launch a new experience-included plan called the "Tamaya Kago Plan." Starting September 9 (Wednesday), 2026, guests can ride through the streets of Ise aboard Kansai's only traditional "machi-kago" (town palanquin), taking the starring role in a milestone celebration.
Reviving a Tradition Fit for Life's Milestones
Ise Kawasaki once thrived as "Ise's kitchen," and its historic streetscape remains a defining feature of the neighborhood today. Since opening in 2025, NIPPONIA HOTEL Ise Kawasaki Shonin-machi has built its stays around the concept of "a healing hotel for pilgrims," drawing on the spatial charm and cultural experiences rooted in Ise.
In recent years, "anniversary travel" — marking birthdays, 60th-birthday celebrations, golden wedding anniversaries, and other life milestones on the road — has become increasingly popular. The palanquin was once reserved for the common people's most special "hare no hi" (hallmark) occasions: legend has it that when pilgrims came to worship at Ise Jingu, guides known as onshi would greet them and carry them by palanquin, treating them with the utmost care. Riding as the guest of honor toward Ise Jingu in a palanquin captures the spirit of a milestone celebration.
The new plan was developed together with Ise Rickshaw Tamaya, an operator well versed in Ise's culture and tourism resources. Riding as the star of the show in Kansai's only "machi-kago," guests can experience the history and culture of Ise in a celebration and pilgrimage befitting a major life milestone.
Two Highlights of the Experience
1. A Rare Ride Through Ise Aboard a Traditional "Machi-Kago"
The traditional "machi-kago" carries guests through the historic streets of Ise Kawasaki, lined with merchant houses and storehouses from the Meiji era, and around the area near Ise Jingu. Riders are cradled by a gentle sway as the scenery drifts past a small window — a distinctly out-of-the-ordinary way to travel that feels like stepping back in time.
2. A Deep Dive Into Ise's Stories, Guided by a Local Driver
The rickshaw drivers at Tamaya, born and raised in Ise, share the area's history and the stories behind Ise Jingu pilgrimages — details you won't find in any guidebook. In addition to the standard route from Ise City Station to the Outer Shrine and the hotel, drivers can also guide guests around other spots within about a kilometer of the city center on request, offering a deeper look at Ise's charms.
Experience Details
Activity name: A Pilgrimage to Ise by Town Palanquin — Swayed by a Traditional Kago, a Special Pilgrimage Journey Across Time
On sale: From September 9 (Wednesday), 2026
Available: Year-round (excluding severe weather)
Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (available in 5-minute increments; last ride departs 5:00 PM, last drop-off 6:00 PM)
Duration: About 30 minutes to 1 hour (including photos)
Route: A designated route within Ise City (within about 1 km: (1) Ise City Station to the Outer Shrine, (2) a location of your choice within Ise City)
Price: ¥88,000 (tax included)
Options:
- Private Ise Jingu guide with a Tamaya rickshaw driver: ¥6,600 (tax included, for up to 4 people)
- Rental set of a padded happi coat, hood, and folding fan: ¥4,500 (tax included)
Capacity: 1 person (a preschool-age child may ride along)
Reservations: Book online at the Tamaya Kago Plan reservation page
Sample One-Night, Two-Day Itinerary (With a Hotel Stay)
Day 1
3:00 PM — Check-in
6:00 PM — Dinner at a nearby restaurant (staff can recommend a spot based on your preferences)
9:00 PM — A quiet evening in your room
Day 2
8:00 AM — Breakfast inspired by "shinsen," the ritual offerings made to the gods
9:30 AM — Palanquin experience begins
10:30 AM — Palanquin experience ends; explore the area around the Outer Shrine or the streets of Kawasaki
11:00 AM — Check-out (luggage storage available)
If you add the private Ise Jingu guide option, it takes place right after the palanquin experience.
About Ise Rickshaw Tamaya
Drivers born and raised in Ise guide guests through the city by rickshaw and traditional town palanquin. Their local perspective brings Ise's history and stories to life, paired with attentive, heartfelt hospitality.
Learn more about Ise Rickshaw Tamaya: tamaya-rickshaw.com
About NIPPONIA HOTEL Ise Kawasaki Shonin-machi
Historic buildings throughout the Ise Kawasaki district have been renovated to house front-desk and guest-room functions across multiple buildings, turning the whole area into what is the district's first distributed hotel. Rather than operating its own restaurant, the hotel follows a "separate dining and lodging" model: guests are encouraged to dine at restaurants scattered throughout Ise Kawasaki, naturally exploring the town and discovering its food culture and local connections along the way. The hotel is designed as part of a broader placemaking effort, encouraging guests to explore the area through their stay and get to know the charm of Ise Kawasaki more deeply.
Learn more about NIPPONIA HOTEL Ise Kawasaki Shonin-machi: vmg-isekawasaki.com
Address: 2-14-12 Kawasaki, Ise, Mie (front-desk building)
