Discover Scenic Spots with a Drive Along the Ise-Shima Skyline

If you are looking to discover some new scenic spots, take a drive along the Ise-Shima Skyline. This 16 km “driveway in the sky” connects Ise with Toba, offering stunning views through Mt. Asama in Ise-Shima National Park. It is a great trip with panoramic views of the coastline, Ise Bay, and the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you can even see Mt. Fuji and the Japan Alps.

Written by John Asano

Ise-Shima Skyline

The Ise-Shima Skyline is a 16.3 km sightseeing toll road connecting Ise and Toba. The road is often called “The Driveway of Heaven” as it takes you up to the highest elevations of Mt. Asama. The twisting mountain road is perfect for taking in breathtaking views, and there are plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way. Unfortunately, during our visit on a rainy autumn day, the coastline was mostly hidden, but the mist-shrouded mountains made for a magical experience.

Starting at Ise Jingu

Before we started our drive on the Ise-Shima Skyline, we paid a visit to Ise Jingu to pray for a safe and pleasant journey.
Ise Jingu is a complex of 125 Shinto shrines centered around two main shrines, Naiku (the inner shrine) and Geku (the outer shrine). We made a quick stop at Naiku before heading off on our drive. Walking around the vast precincts of the inner shrine, which has a history of about 2,000 years, was an other-worldly experience. We could absorb and breathe in the history of Oise-Mairi, the spiritual pilgrimage to Ise Jingu, which became a social phenomenon during the Edo period (1603-1868). After saying our prayers, it was time to make our way to the Ise-Shima Skyline to complete the second part of our Ise pilgrimage.

Spectacular Scenery

After leaving Ise Jingu, we made our way to the entrance of the Ise-Shima Skyline, less than five minutes from the main parking lot of Naiku. There are several parking areas with observatories along the side of the road, but the most notable one is at the summit of Mt. Asama.

The Asamayama Observatory

Our first stop on the drive was the Asamayama Observatory, the highest peak in Ise-Shima National Park at 555 meters. The observation area has some benches, where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning view of the coastline and the small islands scattered across the sea.

The observatory is also famous for having one of Japan’s highest mailboxes, a bright red retro post box called Tenku no Posuto, which literally means “The Mailbox in the Sky.” It is a fully functional mailbox where you can send yourself a postcard from the mountaintop.

There is also a relaxing footbath where you can soak your tired feet after the drive and take in the breathtaking views.

Asamadake Kongoshoji Temple

After soaking up all the amazing views, it was time for a change of scenery. We headed to Asamadake Kongoshoji Temple, located near the Asamayama Observatory. It is said that from ancient times, pilgrims visiting Ise Jingu would first purify themselves at Futamiura, an inlet of Ise Bay, then visit Geku, followed by Naiku, and finally make their way to Asamadake Kongoshoji Temple on Mt. Asama to complete their pilgrimage.

The temple was built in the late 6th century as a spiritual shield to protect the northeast side of Ise Jingu, considered an unlucky direction. In traditional Japanese geomancy, this direction is called the Kimon or “Demon Gate,” as it was believed that evil spirits could enter from this vulnerable point. The temple grounds feature a picturesque arched taiko-bashi (drum bridge) over a lotus pond, along with fascinating sutras to capture the attention of visitors.

The path leading to the inner sanctuary, called Okunoin, is surrounded by a unique graveyard filled with large number of tall wooden stupas commemorating the deceased. Both sides of the pathway are lined endlessly with these long wooden posts, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Japan.

After dealing with the crowd at Ise Jingu, it was nice to have this peaceful spot almost entirely to ourselves, surrounded by a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. The rain and mist during our visit only added to the mystical charm of the place and made it an unforgettable experience.

As we descended from the summit after leaving the temple, we had a pleasant surprise. Two deer appeared on the road and quickly scuttled away, followed by a gang of monkeys on the side of the road. Unfortunately, I was behind the wheel and couldn’t stop to take a picture. The drive offers not only spectacular scenery but also plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife.

Wrap Up

Driving along the roof of Ise-Shima National Park is a great escape from the city with its panoramic views and stunning natural landscapes. If you are planning a trip to Mie Prefecture to visit Ise Jingu, be sure to include this scenic drive in your itinerary.