Oishiya – A Beautiful Japanese Inn Overlooking Ise Bay
During our recent visit to Ise in Mie Prefecture, BRONZE MUSEUM JAPAN had the pleasure of staying at Oishiya, a beautiful traditional Japanese inn located directly along the coast of Futami, just a short walk from Futami Okitama Shrine and the famous Meoto Iwa, or Wedded Rocks.
We have introduced Futami Okitama Shrine in our previous article, but the place where we stayed deserves a story of its own. Oishiya is a wonderful Japanese ryokan, combining traditional hospitality with modern comfort. Above all, it offers something truly exceptional: a magnificent ocean view across Ise Bay.
From the guest rooms, the sea stretches out before you, creating an extraordinary sense of openness. The vast horizon, the changing colors of the water, and the gentle light over the bay make the view an attraction in itself. There is something deeply relaxing about looking out across the ocean without buildings or busy streets interrupting the scenery.
Oishiya's location is particularly special because of its connection to the traditions of Ise. For centuries, pilgrims visiting Ise Jingu traditionally purified themselves at Futami before proceeding to the sacred shrines. Staying so close to Futami Okitama Shrine allows visitors to experience this historic coastal setting at a more leisurely pace, rather than simply stopping for a few photographs.
The inn itself has a refined Japanese atmosphere. Tatami flooring, natural wood, and thoughtfully arranged interiors create a peaceful environment that reflects the traditional character of a Japanese ryokan. For overseas visitors, staying in such an inn offers an opportunity to experience a style of hospitality quite different from that of a conventional Western hotel.
Another attraction is the bathing experience. Oishiya offers baths overlooking Ise Bay, including an open-air bath where guests can relax while enjoying the coastal scenery. Some of its guest rooms also feature private viewing baths, allowing visitors to appreciate the ocean from the comfort of their own rooms.
Food is another important part of the experience. The inn specializes in Japanese cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients from the Ise-Shima region, particularly fresh seafood. Traditional kaiseki meals, carefully prepared and presented, reflect the close relationship between the local culture and the sea.
Yet what makes Oishiya especially memorable is the combination of its location, atmosphere, and magnificent view. The peaceful coastline of Futami is very different from the busy streets of Japan's major cities. Here, the sea becomes part of the experience of staying at the hotel.
For BRONZE MUSEUM JAPAN, which returns to Ise every three to four years for a pilgrimage to Ise Jingu, this stay was a particularly enjoyable part of our journey. We found Oishiya to be an excellent inn and would gladly recommend it to visitors who wish to experience traditional Japanese hospitality while enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Japan has many wonderful hotels, but there is something special about a traditional inn where the scenery outside the window is just as memorable as the accommodation itself.
At Oishiya, the ocean is not simply something you visit during the day.
It is there when you wake up, when you look out of your window, and when you take a moment to enjoy the quiet beauty of Ise Bay.
Sometimes, the most luxurious part of a journey is simply the view.
BRONZE MUSEUM JAPAN
photo : supervisor K
(This nighttime photo of the ryokan’s exterior has been enhanced using AI to improve clarity.)