In April 2026, a new cultural tourist spot, the Ise City History Museum, opened in Ise City. This "participatory" history museum allows visitors to experience the culture and history of Ise, including its topography and formation, pilgrimages to Ise Shrine, the Okibiki festival, and festivals, through VR, videos, and three-dimensional exhibits. It is packed with highlights, including displays of actual festival floats and the latest digital exhibits that move with your gaze. It is a new must-see spot that will allow you to enjoy Ise tourism more deeply.
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In April 2026, the Ise City Museum of History opened in Ise City as a new cultural tourist attraction.
After 15 years following the closure of the Ise City Local History Museum in 2011, it has reopened as an interactive history museum that goes beyond simply "looking."
Inside the museum, you can experience the history of Ise in a multi-dimensional way, from its topography and formation to the pilgrimage to Ise Shrine, the Oshi culture, the timber hauling procession, the history of shipbuilding, traditional events, and the history of disasters and reconstruction.
Many exhibits incorporate digital images, VR, 3D displays, sound, and tactile sensations, making it an appealing way for even those unfamiliar with history to learn while having fun.
This is a new spot that we especially recommend for tourists visiting Ise.
The museum's permanent exhibitions are divided into a total of seven sections.
Let's start with the topography and natural environment of Ise, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and the sea.
Actual rocks and plant specimens are also on display, and the museum explores, from a topographical perspective, "why people gathered in Ise and why a culture flourished there."
The story then continues with the ancient history of Ise from the Paleolithic period to the Kamakura period, the bustling atmosphere of the Edo period when people came from all over the country on pilgrimages to Ise, and the history of the town as it developed as a town in front of the torii gate.
The exhibition is not just a simple panel display.
The exhibition is designed so that visitors can naturally experience Ise culture as they walk through it, with features such as "peepholes" within the illustrations that allow visitors to see related materials and trivia, as well as three-dimensional displays of costumes actually used in festivals, Noh masks, and baskets passed down through generations in the residences of Shinto priests.
One of the most eye-catching items inside the museum is the authentic log-hauling cart that was actually used.
This is a valuable original item that was once used in the "Nakanagaya" district of Misono-cho Nagaya and was donated to Ise City.
Seeing the gigantic wooden floats up close is truly awe-inspiring.
Furthermore, the exhibition space features a large screen showing actual footage of the timber-hauling procession, creating an immersive experience that makes you feel as if you are participating in the procession yourself.
Also pay attention to the "wannari" sound that resonates in the video. Wannari is the unique sound produced when the wheels and axles of the wooden cart rub against each other as it moves.
These sounds have been carefully passed down through generations by each group, and the sounds that resonate in the video convey the passion of the people of the sacred territory for the timber-hauling ceremony.
In fact, there's a knack to producing this beautiful and dignified sound from the bowl; it's said to be a test of years of experience, intuition, and the skill of the craftsman. Please listen carefully to the powerful sound along with the video.
Additionally, there will be an actual display of "Zai," a type of staff used in traditional Japanese woodcutters' songs.
Kiyari refers to the traditional chants and songs performed during the procession of timber being offered to the shrine, such as in the Okibiki ceremony. The kiyari songs play an important role in raising morale along the way, as people synchronize their breathing and move the ceremonial float forward.
There are differences between the floats used for river towing (made of wood) and those used for land towing (made of paper), and you can feel the difference in weight and texture by actually seeing and touching them.
During the Okihiki ceremony, people performing the Kiyari songs line up at regular intervals in the middle of the two ropes, and they perform the Kiyari songs as they proceed along the procession to the shrine.
The "Onshi" culture, which supported pilgrimages to Ise Shrine during the Edo period, is also a major highlight of this museum.
Oshi were people who spread the faith of Ise Grand Shrine by distributing amulets throughout the country, and also provided accommodation, prayers, and guidance for pilgrims. During the Edo period, they were the ones who supported pilgrimages to Ise, welcoming visitors from all over the country.
Inside the building, the former residence of the Shinto priest, "Mikkaichi Daifu Jiro Residence," is recreated using VR.
The waiting screen features an animation depicting the daily lives of people at that time.
Additionally, by operating a large touch panel, you can view what the interior of the building looked like at the time.
This exhibit uses VR footage and animation to provide a highly immersive experience of the world of pilgrimages to Ise Shrine in the past, where travelers stayed overnight and received prayers and guidance.
If you'd like to learn more about the Oshi culture, please also check out this special feature article.
▼Who were the "Oshi" who supported pilgrimages to Ise?
Even in the free cultural and tourist information area, there are unique exhibits that will make you want to stop and take a look.
One particularly noteworthy feature is the digital signage that moves in response to eye movements, resembling a folding screen.
The festivals, culture, and daily life scenes of Ise are depicted like an illustrated scroll, and are interspersed with detailed figures, tools, and events. If you gaze intently at a place that interests you, an explanation about that object will be displayed.
It's not just about watching videos; the feeling of "moving the exhibits from your own perspective" is refreshing, making it an interactive exhibit that naturally captivates both adults and children.
The screen also features various interesting facts about Ise's traditional events and culture, allowing you to deepen your understanding of Ise culture before sightseeing.
Furthermore, the area also features interactive exhibits, such as a puzzle of a wooden timber puller, allowing visitors to experience Ise's culture and technology while having fun.
The permanent exhibitions allow visitors to explore the history and culture of Ise through various themes.
This guide introduces the topography and natural environment of Ise, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and the sea. You can experience the unique character of Ise.
This exhibit introduces the origins of the town of Ise, from the Paleolithic period to the Kamakura period. You can learn about the changes in lifestyle and culture in each era.
This area recreates the world of pilgrimages to Ise Shrine, which flourished during the Edo period. It's a place where you can feel the vibrancy and charm of travel culture from that era.
Ise was born and developed as a town in front of the torii gate of Ise Grand Shrine.
The museum showcases the town's history and transformation through a variety of materials. Why not try imagining what the town looked like back then while looking at the old maps on display?
The museum displays a model of the Nippon Maru, which is said to have been built in Ominato by Kuki Yoshitaka, as well as exhibits showcasing the shipbuilding culture representative of the Ominato area, a port town in Ise.
The intricately crafted ship models reveal the high level of woodworking technology at the time, and related documents convey how Ōminato flourished as a shipbuilding town after the Meiji era, becoming one of the first towns in Japan to acquire Western-style shipbuilding techniques.
Experience the festival culture of Ise through actual wooden floats and video exhibits.
This is a popular area where you can feel the excitement of the actual festival.
The exhibition introduces Noh and Kyogen masks, Kanko dance costumes, and Shimenawa (sacred rope) culture.
We will explore the lifestyle and beliefs of Ise from the perspective of "why festivals are held."
Of particular note is the display of dolls dressed in the costumes of the Asama Kanko dance. Visitors can see the gorgeous costumes up close and feel the charm of the festival culture deeply rooted in Ise.
Ise has a unique culture of displaying shimenawa (sacred ropes) throughout the year, and this exhibition uses kamishibai (picture-story shows) to convey this culture in an easy-to-understand way.
Also on display is a type of shimenawa called "Ōtoguchi no Shimenawa," which is a long, thin rope that is extended and added to each year.
Furthermore, the Noh masks and bird-shaped helmets on display are reproductions meticulously crafted by artisans based on the originals, capturing even the smallest details. The expressions and textures are carefully recreated, making this a valuable exhibit that showcases the high level of traditional craftsmanship.
This section introduces the history of Ise, which has overcome numerous disasters, including storm surges, typhoons, and war damage.
The history of reconstruction allows us to feel the strength of the region and the way of life of its people.
In addition to the paid exhibits, there are also plenty of areas that can be enjoyed for free.
This area showcases Ise's food culture and traditional crafts.
The picture scroll-style digital signage allows you to learn about Ise's festivals and culture in a fun way.
A space where you can browse books and materials related to Ise.
You can also watch archived videos from within the museum, making it highly recommended for those who want to learn more about Ise's culture.
The museum shop also sells original goods that can only be purchased here.
We have a variety of souvenirs perfect for commemorating your trip, including Ise-themed Japonica notebooks, stickers, clear files, and original tote bags.
The Ise City Museum of History is also holding its first special exhibition, "Wearing the Log-Bearing Ceremony - Local Memories Carried on Happi Coats," until September 6th.
This exhibition focuses on the patterns depicted on the happi coats of each festival group, introducing the history and culture of the region.
This special exhibition can be enjoyed in conjunction with the permanent exhibitions.
Regarding the special exhibitionDetailed article about the special exhibition (Ise City Museum of History website)See also
The Ise City History Museum is designed with accessibility in mind, including being barrier-free.
• Elevator available
• Wheelchair and stroller access is available on all floors.
• Multifunctional restrooms and nursing rooms available.
Bone conduction earphones are available for rent.
Furthermore, by scanning the QR code on the exhibit, you can access multilingual explanations in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages.
Even tourists from overseas can enjoy themselves with peace of mind.
*Please check the official website for the latest prices, opening hours, and closing days.
◆Admission is free for visitors wearing a traditional happi coat for the Okihiki festival.
During the first special exhibition period (until September 6, 2026), admission will be free for visitors wearing a traditional happi coat for the Okihiki festival.
The history and culture of Ise are deeply intertwined with festivals and the Ise Grand Shrine.
If you're traveling around Ise, there's a place you should definitely stop by... Ise City Historical Museum.
Not just "seeing," but "hearing, touching, and feeling."
This is a new must-visit spot for Ise sightseeing, where you can enjoy a unique historical experience.
Currently, preparations are underway for the Shikinen Sengu (periodic rebuilding of the shrine).First Log-Pulling CeremonyThe ceremonies have also begun, and the town of Ise is enveloped in excitement for the upcoming relocation of the shrine.
Visiting the museum before actually participating in or watching the timber-pulling ceremony will deepen your understanding of the timber-pulling floats, the traditional work songs, and the festival culture, making the event even more enjoyable.
Next yearSecond Okihiki Ceremony" is also planned.
The town is buzzing with excitement as the shrine relocation ceremony approaches. Come and experience its culture and history for yourself.
