In Ise there is a custom called Tsuitachi-mairi: visiting the Grand Shrine in the early morning of the first day of each month. "Tsuitachi" means the first day of the month. Giving thanks for the month safely passed and praying for the month ahead, people line the approach to the shrine from before dawn.

The air of Ise in the early morning

Worshipping while it is still dark allows you to greet the deity in the pure air of morning. Walking the approach to the sound of the Isuzu River, you will find a crisp stillness utterly unlike the bustle of midday. To begin the day — and the month — with a clear and refreshed heart: that is the appeal of Tsuitachi-mairi.

Tsuitachi-mochi, available only on the first

One of the pleasures of Tsuitachi-mairi is the Tsuitachi-mochi sold by Akafuku in Okage Yokocho on the first day of each month only. Every month except January — when the shop is busy with the New Year — a rice cake themed on the season appears: yomogi (mugwort) mochi in March, mugite-mochi in June, hagi-no-mochi shaped after bush clover in September, and yuki-mochi evoking snow-capped mountains in December, among others. Queues form from early morning — a seasonal tradition unique to Ise.

Tokiwakai treasures this Tsuitachi-mairi as one of the pillars of its activities. The early-morning visit, the once-a-month Tsuitachi-mochi, and conversation afterward — we hope many people will experience this Ise custom as a monthly moment to set their lives in order.