Ise's Kitchen, The Old-fashioned Atmosphere
Beginning in the 16th century, the town of Kawasaki came to prominence as a transportation and trading hub, buzzing with buyers and sellers exchanging goods from regions far and wide across Japan. The old-fashioned atmosphere feels somehow nostalgic and familiar, a hint of classic Japan.
Kawasaki once served as “Ise’s kitchen”, a merchants' quarters that availed itself of the water transport of the Seta River to ferry merchandise. Pilgrims to the Ise Shrine would stop at this area for food and entertainment. The Ise Kawasaki Merchant Museum is housed in a renovated historic sake wholesaler shop that lasted for approximately 300 years. Visitors can tour an archive building that contains literature on both the history and culture of the area, a reception room that preserves the vestiges of the time, a garden, and a tea room. The museum also carries antique gadgets and is packed with the hustle and bustle of shoppers day after day.
We also recommend renting a bike from the Ise Kawasaki Merchant Museum and riding along the Seta River. The trail exudes a historic atmosphere and is another great way to enjoy the area.
Kawasaki once served as “Ise’s kitchen”, a merchants' quarters that availed itself of the water transport of the Seta River to ferry merchandise. Pilgrims to the Ise Shrine would stop at this area for food and entertainment. The Ise Kawasaki Merchant Museum is housed in a renovated historic sake wholesaler shop that lasted for approximately 300 years. Visitors can tour an archive building that contains literature on both the history and culture of the area, a reception room that preserves the vestiges of the time, a garden, and a tea room. The museum also carries antique gadgets and is packed with the hustle and bustle of shoppers day after day.
We also recommend renting a bike from the Ise Kawasaki Merchant Museum and riding along the Seta River. The trail exudes a historic atmosphere and is another great way to enjoy the area.
