Kawasaki has long flourished as the kitchen of Ise. The town's layout, which used to open out towards the Setagawa River, has changed due to improvements to the river, but long-established stores that retain the atmosphere of the past remain, and old storehouses that have been revived for modern times have been opened and are attracting attention. Kawasaki Hondori in particular retains the atmosphere of the old townscape and is a popular tourist spot for strolling and shopping. It has a calm atmosphere that is perfect for walking around in a kimono. Futami Kaido, lined with shops such as Nikkenjaya Mochi, is also the salt road that transported sacred salt from Mishiodono Shrine to the Geku.

 

・Kawasaki Merchants Hall

This museum was renovated from Ogawatei, a long-established sake wholesaler, and makes use of the storehouse and shop layout of the merchant's buildings. It has seven storehouses, a main house and a detached building on a 2,000m2 site, and is a registered tangible cultural property of Japan. You can visit the Kawasaki Town Hall, which conveys the history and culture of Kawasaki, the Uchimura Museum, which displays tools of commerce from that time, the Merchant Storehouse, which has a selection of handmade goods and antiques, and the Kakugoza Theater, which hosts comedy shows and other events.

 

2-25-32 Kawasaki, Ise City

0596-22-4810

Exhibition room: 9:30-17:00 Merchant storehouse: 10:00-17:00

Closed on Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a public holiday), New Year's holiday

 

・River Station

Two river stations were built as part of the Setagawa River development project. Near Nikkenjaya Station there is a monument commemorating the arrival of Emperor Meiji, and the station building also features exhibits that convey the bustling past of boat visits to the shrine.

 

NPO Jinja Port Town Regeneration Group

0596-36-3755

 

・Machiya Tofu

This tofu restaurant is set in a townhouse that is several hundred years old. They use "Fukufukata" soybeans from Mie Prefecture and bittern from Owase, and a manufacturing method that does not produce soybean pulp keeps the flavor of the soybeans locked in. Their "freshly made tofu" is made in the in-store workshop and is smooth with the sweetness of the soybeans, allowing you to enjoy the original deliciousness of tofu. From the dishes to the desserts, everything is tofu-filled, making it a healthy way to fill your stomach.

2-14-12 Kawasaki, Ise City

 0596-25-1028

11:00-14:00 (Tofu sales 10:00-18:00)

Closed on Tuesdays

 

Mona Lisa

This hidden café sits quietly inside a private home that used to be a 100-year-old brown sugar storehouse. The storehouse's stone foundations and sturdy old ceiling beams remain intact, and the soft white interior creates a relaxing space. The popular chicken rice has fresh, fluffy rice that pairs perfectly with the mild-tasting chicken. The combination just explodes in your mouth.
There is also a souvenir corner, and the "Satonaka Cookies" made with sake, rice, and salt are popular.

 

2-4-4 Kawasaki, Ise City

 0596-22-7600

11:00～18:00

Closed: New Year's holidays, irregular holidays

 

・Nakamura Coffee

This is a coffee bean store that roasts its own beans. There is a cafe space inside the store, where you can choose your favorite beans and have them carefully hand-dripped. It is recommended when you want to take a break. In addition, these coffee beans were provided at the luncheon on the first day of the spouses' program held by Mrs. Abe at the Ise-Shima Summit.

 

2-27-21 Kawasaki, Ise City

0596-28-3294

Business hours: 9:00〜17:00

Closed: Irregular holidays

 

・Café Wack

A cafe where you can relax and chat. Children can also enjoy themselves in the tatami room, where there are toys for them and a chalkboard space for drawing on. In the evening, the lights are turned down and the cafe becomes an old-style bar. There is also a wide selection of food that goes well with alcohol, making it perfect for drinking parties or girls' nights. There is also a workshop next to the cafe where you can purchase works by active artists. Regular workshops are also held on making denim, accessories, and tile coasters. A laser processing machine is also installed, and you can rent it by the hour.

 

2-6-1 Kawasaki, Ise City

0596-63-8697

Business hours: 11:00-22:00

Closed on Mondays (one consecutive day off per month)

 

Kawasaki is about a 15-minute walk from Ujiyamada Station, or take the Mie Kotsu bus bound for Imaichishiki or Toba from JR Iseshi Station and get off at Kawasaki Hyakugo-mae. The scenery is perfect for a kimono. If you want to enjoy Ise at your own pace, be sure to stop by.