Ise-Shima: Discover Japan's Sacred Pearl Pilgrimage

Discover the Beauty and Culture of Ise-Shima, Japan

Nestled on the Shima Peninsula, Ise-Shima is a region in Japan that offers an unparalleled experience for seafood lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Known for its strong maritime heritage, this area is a paradise for those who appreciate the finest sushi and sashimi. Located west of futuristic Tokyo and southeast of historic Kyoto, Ise-Shima National Park extends into the Pacific Ocean and is famous for its vibrant flowering camellias.

Ise-Jingu, one of the most sacred Shinto shrines in Japan, has attracted pilgrims for centuries. The serene waters of Ago Bay, dotted with 60 forested islands, are ideal for oyster farming. The fearless free-diving Ama divers have been exploring these waters for over 2,000 years, and Ise-Shima is also the birthplace of the Japanese cultured pearl industry.

Explore the Cultural Treasures of Ise-Shima

Begin your journey by visiting Ise-Jingu, which consists of 125 shrines spread across a wooded area the size of Manhattan. The main sanctuaries, the Outer Shrine (Geku) and the Inner Shrine (Naiku), are connected by an old pilgrimage trail. Rituals are held throughout the seasons to express gratitude and pray for the prosperity of the Imperial House of Japan, abundant harvests, and global peace.

In Shinto beliefs, ancestors are revered as family guardians, and the power of nature is deeply respected. Each element of the natural world has its own kami (deity), and they are all honored accordingly. The cypress timber shrines at Ise-Jingu are rebuilt every 20 years using traditional techniques, without the use of nails. Inside the Sengukan Museum, you can learn how the venerated costumes, furnishings, and divine treasures are recreated.

Experience the Ama Divers and Pearl Farming

The Ama divers of Ago Bay, once exclusively women, descend into the depths without oxygen tanks. Originally dressed in just a loincloth, they have been collecting seaweed and catching sea cucumbers since around 3 AD/CE. Today, they use wetsuits and give diving demonstrations at Mikimoto Pearl Island in Toba, the world's first cultivated pearl farm. The gallery there features a glistening model of a five-storey pagoda made from 12,760 pearls.

For a hands-on experience, visit Pearl Miki to harvest your own cultivated pearl oyster from a pearl farming raft. The pearl you find inside can be polished and mounted on a chain as a souvenir. Fun fact: a cultivated pearl grows around a tiny bead inserted into the oyster’s sexual organ.

Enjoy Natural Landmarks and Scenic Views

Offshore in Futami-ura, the Futami Meoto Iwa Rocks are a large and small sea stack bound together with straw ropes, symbolizing the union of a married couple. Newlyweds visit to endorse their marital bliss, while singletons pray for good luck in matchmaking. The nearby Futami Okitama Shrine and the ocean walkway decorated with frog sculptures make for a peaceful stroll.

For panoramic views, take a 40-minute hike up to Yokoyama Observation Deck or tackle the two-hour trail from Kintetsu Asama Station to Mount Asama Kongoshoji, a temple located 555 meters above sea level. Built to ward off evil spirits, the temple is beside a red drum bridge spanning a lotus pond.

Indulge in Japanese Onsen and Local Cuisine

A must-try cultural custom is the Japanese onsen, a hot spring bath heated by geothermal activity. These baths are both therapeutic and social, and it's recommended to stay in the water for no more than 20 minutes to avoid dizziness. Some onsen prohibit tattoos, but others are tattoo-friendly.

When it comes to dining, Sushi Yutaka Zen at Moku Iseshima offers an exceptional culinary experience. Master sushi chef Hori uses the same razor-sharp knife for 36 years, serving raw seafood with a view of Ago Bay. At Ama Hut Satoumian, Ama divers prepare meals in a rustic wooden shack, showcasing dishes like roasted turban snails and abalone. Kappo Daiki, near Ujiyamada train station, is proud to have hosted the Imperial Household, offering tempura and thin slices of seafood and vegetables.

Stay in Luxury and Comfort

Hotels in Ise-Shima offer stunning water views. Oyado The Earth provides an immersive experience with private open-air baths and multi-course Kaiseki meals. Toba International Hotel features an onsen, a Pearl Aurora bath, and Japan’s first pearl spa. Shima Kanko Hotel, which hosted the G7 summit in 2016, offers stargazing events and yoga sessions. Nemu Resort is a tranquil haven with a golf course and tennis courts, while Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya Premier offers skyline views from its 18th-floor lobby.

Shop for Unique Souvenirs

At the Iwato Salt Factory, watch natural salt being dried from seawater, with optimal quality due to mineral-rich mountain streams. Katsuo no Tenpaku showcases the art of smoking and fermenting bonito fish to create katsuobushi, a key umami flavor in Japanese cuisine. Nikenjaya Mochi Kadoya Main Store, a teahouse since 1575, offers mochi sweets and a range of products including Ise Kadoya Beer. Oharaimachi shopping street near Ise-Jingu features Edo and Meiji-era architecture, with options for udon noodles and lucky cat figurines.

Plan Your Visit to Ise-Shima

To reach Ise-Shima, fly to Chubu Centrair International Airport and travel by high-speed boat or train. The five-day Kintetsu Rail Pass offers convenient access from Kyoto, Nara, or Osaka. With its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unique experiences, Ise-Shima promises an unforgettable journey through Japan’s heartland.