Food and Drink in Ise

Supermarkets

Groceries

• Gyū-Tora (ぎゅうとら)

  There are many Tiger mart shops around, selling groceries. Look for sales after 7pm, or in the veggie bins during the day for other discounts.

• Very

  Similar to Gyutora, there are a few of these shops around, selling groceries. Check for deals after 6pm. They also have a discount rack near the veggies. The pre-made food at Very is excellent, especially of the chicken variety.

• MaxValu

  There is one on Route 22 near a Gyutora. (Gyutora is a better choice for ready-made food, however Max-Valu will take your international credit card.)As noted, a 24-hour location can be found at Lala Park.

• Valor

  A new shopping center which includes a large grocery store, a Tsutaya rental store, a big home center, and a few other shops. Located in the neighborhood a few blocks north (straight out) of the Kintetsu side of Ise-shi station, near the new apartment towers.

• Jusco

  Grocery store located on the first floor, fare is almost identical to MaxValu.

• Kaldi Coffee Farm (Foreign food)

  Get your fix of food from home at this foreign food shop in LaLa Park next to the MaxValu. Prices are reasonable for a foreign food store and the selection of pastas, sauces, soups, curries and baking goods are great. Plus this shop also specializes in coffee beans! You can get them ground or whole in a wide selection. A real life saver!

• Fresh Vegetables

  At the end of the shopping street across from Ujiyamada Station (called Meirin-mura). You can buy the cheapest veggies in Ise at the stall and collect coupons (500 discount after 100 coupons collected, what a deal eh!). They sell cheap honey and garlic here.

Alcohol

• Aoki

  Large liquor store right at Miyamachi intersection. About a five minute walk south of Miyamachi Station. Look for the giant wine bottle sticking out of the building.

• Lics

  This grocery and liquor store is a ten-minute bike ride from Ujiyamada station. They have a good range of foreign wine and beers. The front is a konbini but the back is full of all kinds of liquors and wines. Behind Lics is a bulk food store with the cheapest herbs and spices in Ise. They have a good range of pasta, noodles and sauces. Open until 10pm.

• Momoya

  This small grocery store carries the cheapest wine around, about 600 for a bottle of get-you-drunk-cheap-stuff. They also have some foreign foods here if you venture a look around.

• Jusco

  Jusco has an impressive liquor shop.

• Craft Beer

  At some grocery stores, you can find Yona Yona, one of the few craft beers in Japan which is widely distributed. But for a local experience, try a Shinto beer. Shinto beer is just one of many beers from the Ise Kadoya brewery, which operates a brewpub called Biyagura on the aforementioned Futami Road.

• Kaldi

  Located in La La Park mall, this shop has perhaps the best variety of import beer in Ise. They also carry wine [and a variety of different import foods and ingredients].

• Vending Machines for booze

  •To the south of the Route 37 where it crosses the Seta River in downtown Ise there's a machine for beer, Chu-Hi, and sake. You can see it in front of a liquor store and beside a tabacco vending machine.

• •On the short stretch of road that is Rt 102 in Tōrichō （通り町）in Futami there are 2 machines for beer, Chu-Hi, and sake.

Bakeries

• Tonchin - Google map

  The best bakery in town is across the main road from Ise-shi Station. From the station, head towards Kazi. To the right of Kazi is a Hyaku-go bank, go past this bank down a little street. The last shop on the right (right before the stoplight) is tonchin. Closed every Monday, but sometimes closed sporadically or randomly out of bread.

• Baker Chef

  in Jusco, this is a good place for bread.

• Heidi Gyū-Tora

  Near Geo (on the main road between Ujiyamada Station and LaLa Park), has good bread.

• Anew

  An organic food shop, not a bakery, but they occasionally have rye bread, and recently, THE BEST MULTIGRAIN BREAD IN MIE, although only a few loaves at a time. From Ise Station, walk along the main road past Sato for a bit, and you'll see it on the left.

Cake Shops

They're everywhere! If you can't find one, check the area around the Miyamachi area, specifically the Takayanagi and Uranohashi shopping streets.

Kombini

Plenty are around in the city center. Circle K seems to have a monopoly on Ise, however a few other ones are around which is useful because Family Mart and Lawson are generally the easiest two to buy tickets / pay for various online services at.

• Family Mart

  Two around, one right in front of Iseshi Station, the other on Route 42 near Futami.

• Lawson

  Near Iseshi Station. On the other side of the main road from Shinmichi. If you head from the station on the main road in the direction of Miyamachi and Obata, it will be on your left.

• AM/PM

  One on the main road that runs between Ujiyamada Station and LaLa Park

Restaurants

Japanese Food

• Yoro no Taki (養老の瀧)

  A cheap Japanese style izakaya popular among the expad crowd. It has a lively atmosphere with 2 floors: tables downstairs, tatami upstairs. It has a picture menu, great food and is very reasonable. Top favorites: 'Jamanpotatoes' (potatoes with cheese and bacon), 'Mochi cheese balls' and well anything with cheese really. A big beer is 500 (nama biiru), and there is a happy hour between 5 and 6 for anyone interested.

• Misuzu Gyoza (ぎょうざの美鈴) - Google map

  A famous restaurant serving gyoza and kara-age (Japanese-style fried chicken). Located at Miyamachi intersection (and only a 5 minute walk south of Miyamachi Station (Kintetsu). Best gyoza in Ise. Unlike most kara-age in Japan, it's not boneless. Other than gyoza and chicken, they serve a "kani-koro", fried korokke with crab inside. The main menu is limited to these items but they're all excellent ... other items include onigiri and oden. 450 for eight gyoza. The restaurant is very small so don't bring too many people (or just go for take out). Open 17:00 - 24:00 and closed Mondays.

• Kazi (pronounced Kaji)

  Okonomiyaki and noodle place. Prices from 400. Kazi is popular with school kids and has English music. There's also a takeout window if you're in a hurry. Right on the main road outside Ise-shi Station (JR side).

• Gyukaku (牛角)

  Yakiniku restaurant straight north of Jusco (go under the highway). Cook your own meat/fish/veg to eat with a tasty sauce. About 1300 each with one beer.

• Sushi Roll (スシロー)

  Kaiten sushi (sushi comes around on a conveyor belt) restaurant directly across from Yamada Denki. Each plate of sushi is 105 yen. It is great for a budget dinner. The dishes are ok, not the best sushi, but what do you expect for 105! It is a popular family place, so you might have to wait to be seated, but the turnover is high, so the wait won't be long. Note: There's another sushi place, called kappa-zushi, farther down 23 on the other side of the road; it also features the sushi on the track, but takes it up a notch with a shinkansen line bringing special-order items.

• Tontei (とん亭) - Google map (two locations marked)

  Ramen shop with other good pork dishes (try the Tontei-teishoku). According to one regular, it has the best kara'age in all of Japan (it's good). Open until 3:00am. Two locations in Ise: One on Route 37 past Shinmichi (going towards the Miya river), the other is between the main post office and Very.

• Tan Tan Men

  Next to Sumaro (Chinese/Asian style rest). This is a spicy ramen restaurant. Bowls of ramen noodles are around 1000 each. (Another Tan Tan Men location is across from Lic's).

• Katsu-sei

  Specializes in fried pork cutlet. Right next to tan tan men. Meal sets start around 1000.

• Okonomiyaki

  There is a small restaurant in Shinmichi (covered mall) near Ise-shi station. It has a wooden front, and is easy to miss. Prices range from about (700-900). They also serve big beers. This place is a cheap favorite of the ALT's in Ise.

• Eel

  Eel (unagi) restaurants are all over Ise, just look for the flags with the large eel-shaped hiragana on them. Meal sets with rice and soup generally start at about ¥1000 but it depends on the restaurant. Don't believe Tsu when they say their unagi is better, both Tsu and Ise (and much of Mie) get their unagi from the same suppliers (mostly around Mikawa Bay). You can get the same good taste in Ise for at least ¥200-¥300 cheaper than in Tsu because Ise doesn't claim to be "famous" for it.

• Sushi Chefs

  There are good sushi chefs all over Ise, but most good shops can be found around Shinmichi and Miyamachi Station (the nightlife district). "Goemon" and "Daimonji" are both excellent, but there are many more. Your teachers probably know some good places in the area.

• Akafuku Shop (赤福本店 Akafuku Honten) - Google map

  Can't leave out Ise's extremely well-known dessert specialty. Although boxes of Akafuku can be purchased as far as away as Shin-Osaka Station and Nagoya Station, people who visit Ise have the chance to eat it fresh at the "main shop". A great place to bring your family and friends if they come to visit you in Ise, and serves as a great pre- or post-Ise Shrine snack. ¥280 gets you three pieces of Akafuku and some green tea, which is some of the best-tasting green tea in Japan. There is often a line at the shop however the long line is for the take-out line, the eat-in counter is further inside the shop (possibly hidden by the long take-out line) and rarely has much of a line. It is located along Okage Yokocho, at the corner of an intersection with a small bridge that goes over the Isuzu River -- a bridge for cars mind you, not the Uji Bridge which enters into Ise Grand Shrine.

  Tsuitachi Mochi: Akafuku also offers a special limited edition mochi available only on the first of the month called Tsuitachi Mochi (一日餅 lit: "First-Day Mochi"). In goes on sale at precisely 5:45 am and you can expect it to be sold out by around 8:00 am. It is available both in gift boxes and at the sit down area with tea. Prices vary month to month but are more or less 150 yen per mochi. The mochi is delicious and well worth a trip if you have people to impress with a gift. Keep in mind that April, July and October are the most popular months and sell out early! One can also make a nice morning of it by visiting one of the many restaurants in the Okage Yokocho area that are now serving traditional Japanese breakfasts for mochi pilgrims. If one goes by 6:30 am one can avoid the ridiculous rush for most months.

Italian / French

• Buono

  Authentic pasta restaurant, run by friendly Noboko (who speaks English). She has spent time in Italy learning to cook. Serves dishes that come with salad and wine for around 1500. Top dish: 'Pasta Gorgonzola'. Understands the concept of vegetarianism!

• Bon Cuore

  Has closed. Signage suggests a nabe (one pot) restaurant is the replacement. Once somebody gives it a look, check for an update.

• Cafe Rentier

  This is a great place if you don't mind splashing out. It's very small and cozy. Expect to pay about 3000 for a pasta dish (the 'Gorgonzola penne' is good). Alternatively you could just go in for a drink. They serve Brooklyn Larger. The owner is an artist who lived in New York for 8 years, and his artwork is often on display.

• Chianti

  There is a large salad/pasta/pizza bar as the lunch deal for about 1000. The dinner menu is quite extensive and well prepared. I think there may even be a real Italian working here. It is across from the Mie Board of Education office (near the Setagawa), a 10 min. bike ride from Ujiyamada station (on route 32).

• Pasta Restaurant

  Forgot the name. Immediately outside of Futaminoura Station. The building used to be a ryokan so it has a very traditional Japanese environment. Excellent pasta.

Chinese / Korean

• Tau Tau

  This restaurant serves buffet style Chinese food as a lunch special. It is located in front of Chianti's Italian restaurant. Prices are reasonable at between ¥1000-¥2000. Has a reputation among locals as the best Chinese food in town.

• Kawasaki Ni Chome (河崎二丁目食堂) - Google map

  This restaurant is situated in the Kawasaki warehouse district along the Setagawa (River). The menu is in Japanese, but the waiter can speak a bit of English. The food is supposedly a Chinese/Japanese cross and the menu changes with the season. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is relaxing. Look for a thatched doorway, tropical looking, on your left coming from downtown.

• Shelton King

  Funky, Asian restaurant on the 2nd floor of a building on route 23, near a bookstore, across the street from McDonald's, on the opposite side of the street from Jenny Crazy Pachinko. The menu is all in kanji, but the food is good. It is a little pricey, but a nice treat.

• Sumaro (四馬路)

  This is Japanized Chinese food. Great food, not very many vegetarian dishes though, be warned. They have great honey butter loaves and some spicy dishes. It is a good place for large crowds of people. Down the road from Misono Very in the direction of the Miya river.

• Hanayoshi

  This Korean restaurant has had rather mixed reviews. Even with good Japanese you might not be able to read the menu! If you have a good knowledge of Korean food you're probably sorted, and the food is authentic.

• Ninjin

  Popular Korean restaurant most of the way down Shinmichi.

Indian

• Lumbini

  This Nepalese place serves great and affordable food. There are sets for lunch and dinner for about 1000. They have a wonderful selection of naan breads and lahtis. This is a good place for vegetarians. It is a deceptively big restaurant with lots of tables and is good for large groups. It is a 5-10 min. bike ride from Ujiyamada Station, near the Mie Board of Education on Route 32, follows the Setagawa past the office until you see a small grey house on your left. Dinner is 5-10pm.

• Fulbari - Google map

  A menu very similar to Lumbini but a little cheaper. This small shop is located on Route 23 near Rental Car karaoke but on the other side of the street.

Family Restaurants

Family restaurants, or fami-resu in Japanese, are open late, inexpensive, and have picture menus

• Sato

  Located directly in front of Ise-shi station (JR side). Walk straight out the station and it is next to the Family Mart convenience store. Serves primarily Japanese food, and is a little pricier than other fami-resu places.

• Bamiyan

  Chinese / Asian fusion fami-resu. Located in LaLa Park.

• Saizeriya

  Italian family restaurant. Cheap and fairly good. Located near LaLa Park, across the street from McDonald's.

• Gusto

  Cheap food and an all-you-can-drink-tea-and-soda bar. Serves mostly western food or western-inspired Japanese food (lots of "hamburger steak"). There are 2 in Ise, one on route 23 near Misono Very, the other on route 37 near the bowling alley. It has a red roof with white writing. The Gusto King burger is actually pretty good. Rumors suggest that they also have a new breakfast menu.

Fast Food

• Yoshinoya

  Cheap and delicious gyudon (beef and onions on top of rice in a bowl). In front of Misono Very. Starts at ¥380. This is the only actual Japanese-style fast food restaurant in town.

• Mr. Donuts

  Ise's only Mr. Donuts is located in LaLa Park.

• Mos Burger

  Japanese-style hamburgers. On Route 23 between LaLa Park and Misono Very. Count on slow service, smaller serving sizes, but high quality.

• Lotteria

  Standard fare and not very good. Located in LaLa Park.

• McDonald's

  There are two, one directly outside of LaLa Park on Route 23, the other inside of Jusco. There's another one out on 37, and the drive-thru is open 24 hours.

• KFC

  On Route 37 a bit past the bowling alley (near the 2nd Street Recycle Shop).

American Pizza

There are several US-style pizza places in Ise and they are all ridiculously expensive, and be warned that they serve some abominable concoctions that even Americans would and could never dream of. At Chicago Pizza you can sit in (near Geku). Aoki and Pizza La deliver. With Aoki's, you can order online. Do the online order as a one-shot or set up an account for very easy future ordering.

Other

• Kapuna

  This is a Hawaiian-style restaurant (self-proclaimed) full of kitsch surf memorabilia. They serve excellent food and the tropical flavoured Chu-Hi's are a favourite. To get here, follow the Pearl Road towards Futami. After you cross the bridge there should be a pachinko parlour, a parking lot and a convenience store. Kapuna is in a wooden house behind the convenience store, at the back of the parking lot. Open Everyday, but Thursday till 3am. Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is funky.

• Macrobiotic Vegetarian Restaurant

  Near Ujiyamada Station, almost under the tracks. It is small, only 2 tables and can feel crowded with only 4 people in it. Excellent, if somewhat bland fare. It feels healthy though. Lunch sets are filling and only 800. Coming from Ujiyamada, it is on your left in a white house, easy to miss, right near the tracks. (sometimes closed on Fridays).

• Bondiya - Google map

  Serving a wide-ranging international menu, this restaurant was opened in the spring of 2010 by a Dutch expat, who runs the place with his wife. Early reviews suggest a nice, affordable menu. Seats just over 20 and can fill up fast. Open for lunch and dinner, but closed Tuesday nights and all day Wednesday. Located near Route 23 in a small complex just behind the complex with Sumaro, Tan Tan Men ramen, and the katsu restaurant.

Cafes

• Jam Shed Pur

  On the way to Naiku past the university you'll see a big yellow house. This is the home to a little gift shop and very nice reasonable cafe. The menu includes: smoothies (!!), lovely flavored coffees and nice cakes; pasta, (the chicken has been recommended); pita and bagels! They also have a few beers. Pay before you get your food here. They are open 7 days until 10pm. It is a perennial favorite of Ise JETs.

• Yes Cafe

  This is a great place to relax with a coffee or hot cocoa. The atmosphere is friendly, clean and sparsely modern. They also serve pastas, desserts, and sandwiches. Open till 10pm every day but Sunday.

• Komeda Coffee

  This cafe chain is very popular and can be busy. There is one under the Ise Expressway near Jusco and another just off Route 23 in the vicinity of Rental Car karaoke (also near a Circle K). They serve drinks, cakes, sandwiches and Japanese-style hamburgers. Prices are reasonable and the chairs are comfortable.

• Brazil Cafe

  Brazilian cafe. When coming from Geku, head past the NTT building and then turn left, it'll down that street just a little ways on your left.

• Cafe Rico

  Some may remember Net's Cafe, which closed in early 2010. In its stead comes Cafe Rico, which opened on June 18. It is located between ITV's headquarters and the Ise police station. Look for more info after it is scouted by some Ise folks. Their website has more information.

Bars

• Nanaimo - Google map

  With a relaxing atmosphere and a slate of regular customers, Nanaimo serves as the home bar for several of Ise's expats. From Ujiyamada Station, go past the Circle K and turn right at the major intersection. You'll find it on the left a bit past Mizuho Bank. Open nightly from 8 to midnight, though they'll often stay open later if customers are still going. A variety of food and a full bar are available. The menu offers some English and the owner can help you out if you can't speak any Japanese.

• Ise Kadoya Brewery - Google map

  Known also as Biyagura, this brewpub/restaurant is a gem in our little town. Their award-winning, internationally recognized line-up of craft beer is worth a trip, and it keeps many customers coming back time after time. Be warned, though, the beer is more expensive than your standard glass of Asahi, but it's well worth it if you're a fan of good beer. As a special but dangerous treat, you can enjoy an all-you-can-drink hour for just 1,000 yen on the two middle Wednesdays of the month (reservation advised). These nights feature the beers made in-house plus four guest beers from microbreweries around Japan. The food menu is a mix of Japanese, Chinese and western influences. Located on what some local ALTs call the "Futami Road" that goes from Route 23 to a T intersection with the road with the main post office.

• Fourth Club

  This is a cool bar in the center of Ise. They have lots of cocktails and a few kinds of beer. The owners are very friendly and one speaks English. The music is always in English and their taste is quite eclectic. Cocktails are around ¥700. Located on the smaller road running parallel to the main road from Ise-shi to Geku.

• Sunset Bar

  This is Ise's own surf bar. Apparently actual famous surfers have been rumored to hang out here. It is located on the outside of Shinmichi mall, upstairs, not quite as far as the Brazilian Store, opposite side. Drinks are ¥700.

• B's

  Sometimes referred to as the Irish Bar. Near Ujiyamada station, this is the only bar in Ise to have draft Guinness (¥900 a pint). There is a table charge of 250 per person and they are not afraid to chase people down to get it. They also serve food. Open 5pm until 12/1am. It is closed on Monday.

Clubs

• Daruma

  A new bar and club near the Watarai Bridge. Shares a customer base with Rhythm. Open until 5 a.m.

• Rhythm

  Near Ise Wel Sunpia Center (quite a distance out of town). This is advertised as a Hip Hop bar. It serves pizza. But be warned, the cover may be high and taking a cab there and back into Ise at night will add up.