New Creative Japanese Restaurant "Migiwa no Mori" Opens at Ise Meoto Iwa

A new creative Japanese restaurant called Migiwa no Mori (汀の杜) is opening on the second floor of Ise Meoto Iwa Meoto Yokocho, a shopping and dining complex adjacent to Meoto Iwa — the iconic "Married Couple Rocks" landmark in Ise, Mie Prefecture. The pre-opening is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026, with the grand opening following on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Situated with sweeping views of Ise Bay, the restaurant serves creative Japanese cuisine that draws on local Ise-Shima ingredients, traditions, and scenery, with a particular emphasis on dashi (Japanese stock).

The Meaning Behind the Name

"Migiwa" (汀) refers to the water's edge — the place where waves wash ashore. "Mori" (杜) describes a space filled with dense trees and a sense of the sacred. Together, the name Migiwa no Mori evokes a boundary where sea and forest converge — a place where Ise's nature, ingredients, culture, and culinary craft all come together.

The aim is for guests to feel at ease while still experiencing something genuinely special — a place to slow down and enjoy a restorative meal.

Creative Japanese Cuisine Rooted in Ise-Shima

Migiwa no Mori's menu features creative dishes centered on locally sourced Ise-Shima ingredients and additive-free dashi preparations.

Sample Menu (Pre-Opening Period)

Migiwa no Mori Today's Lunch — from ¥2,000 (tax included)
Creative small dishes (five varieties), rice, soup, and pudding included.
Choice of main: Ise Chikara pork tonkatsu / Ise Chikara pork braised belly / Saikyo-style grilled Spanish mackerel / Five-piece sashimi assortment

Dashi Curry Ise Udon (with tonkatsu or braised pork) — ¥2,200 (tax included)
Curry Ise udon made with additive-free dashi, served with creative small dishes (five varieties) and a choice of Ise Chikara pork tonkatsu or braised pork belly.

Ise-Shima Specialty Irodori Gozen — ¥2,500 (tax included)
A classic set meal that allows diners to enjoy both tekone-zushi and Ise udon, two signature local dishes of the region, in a single sitting.

Children's Lunch — ¥1,650 (tax included)

Individual à la carte dishes, local sake, craft beer, and fruit wines are also on offer.

A Spacious Dining Room for All Occasions

The restaurant seats 96 guests in total, with open table seating and private tatami-style raised dining rooms available. It accommodates couples, families, and groups alike, as well as solo visitors stopping in for lunch. Views of Ise Bay through the windows add to the relaxed, unhurried atmosphere.

Pre-Opening Campaign

From May 1 (Friday) through May 10 (Sunday), all customers who order a gozen set meal will receive a special discount of ¥500 off per person during the pre-opening period.

Opening Schedule

Restaurant Overview