Ise, Shima, and Toba offer tourist attractions such as Toba Aquarium, Okage Yokocho, and Watakano Island; sightseeing events such as Shishimai (lion dance), Tenno Festival, and National Fireworks Festival dedicated to Ise Jingu Shrine; and local gourmet foods such as Akafuku, Ise udon, and Ichigo Daifuku.
Ise is also home to the Ise Jingu Shrine, which, like Izumo, was once said to be where the gods lived. In fact, there are many famous sites associated with this anecdote, and it is a very good area for sightseeing.
Toba also has a thriving fishing industry and aquaculture, and is known as a famous tourist destination for its delicious seafood, pearls, and other marine products, as well as its very high quality accommodations.
Shima is home to Shima Spain Village and Shima Marineland, which are very popular amusement facilities and famous tourist spots for families.
The Ise Jingu Shrine in Ise is divided into the Outer Shrine, which enshrines the gods of food, clothing, and shelter, and the Inner Shrine, which enshrines the deities of the Japanese people. The shrine is always crowded with visitors, as worshippers from all over the country visit throughout the year.
In addition, there are many sightseeing spots along the coast to the south, such as "Futami Okitama Shrine" and "Married Couple Rocks," which attract many students on school excursions and a constant stream of tourists.
If you want to explore this area by car, the "Ise-Shima Skyline" is a famous driving course that cannot be missed. The inner bay peeking out from the islands is very serene and offers a rich emotional atmosphere.
Toba, on the other hand, is packed with tourist spots that will please families and women, such as Toba Aquarium and Mikimoto Pearl Island. Shima is also home to many historic sites such as the Kompirayama Observatory, Ishibutsu (Stone Buddha), and Koshiga Castle Wall Ruins, which can be efficiently visited by car.
In particular, the Shima Ohashi (Pearl Bridge) and other sightseeing spots offer a very beautiful view that will refresh your mind. The Wagu Fishing Port is also a valuable experience where you can watch lobsters being landed.
In the entire Ise, Toba, and Shima area, the taste of marine products is unforgettable, especially seafood dishes such as Ise lobster and abalone, which are sure to make your taste buds tingle.
Many of the open-air baths available at lodging facilities in the area overlook the ocean, allowing visitors to bathe while viewing the magnificent scenery. If you are enjoying an excursion by car, you will be healed of your fatigue.
Futami Okitama Shrine is a well-known Shinto shrine in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, celebrated for its spectacular coastal setting and the iconic Meoto Iwa, or Wedded Rocks. These two offshore rocks, connected by a large sacred rope, are among the most recognizable spiritual landmarks in the region. The shrine has historically attracted more than 2.65 million worshippers annually, making it one of Mi...»
The Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu, known in Japanese as Naiku, is one of the most sacred sites in Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion. Located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, it enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and one of the most important deities in Japanese mythology. The sacred object housed within the shrine is the Yata no Kagami, the Sacred Mirror, one of the Three Imperial Regalia of J...»
Shima Spain Village: Parque España is a theme park inspired by Spain, where visitors can discover Spanish culture through exciting attractions, distinctive restaurants, and shops. The park is divided into four themed areas: Ciudad (the Spanish city), Tierra (the Spanish countryside), Mar (the Spanish sea), and Fiesta (Spanish festivals). Each area offers a different atmosphere, inviting guests to ...»
Okage Yokocho is a popular sightseeing area located in the heart of Oharai-machi, the traditional approach to Ise Jingu's Inner Shrine. The district recreates the atmosphere of Ise during the Meiji period (1868–1912), offering visitors a glimpse of traditional Japanese town life. Its name reflects both the gratitude of the famous Ise confectionery maker Akafuku, which has continued its business at...»
Toba Aquarium, located in Toba City, Mie Prefecture, is one of Japan's largest aquariums. The indoor facility measures approximately 240 meters in length, with about 1.5 kilometers of visitor pathways. It is divided into 12 zones designed around different natural habitats and is home to approximately 1,200 species of marine and other aquatic life. Highlights include lively sea lion performances a...»
Often described as one of the hidden wilderness areas of the Kinki region, Osugidani Gorge is counted among Japan's Three Great Gorges, alongside Kurobe Gorge and Kiyotsu Gorge. It is also included among Japan's celebrated remote and secluded scenic destinations. The gorge lies within Yoshino-Kumano National Park and forms part of the mountainous landscape associated with Mount Odaigahara, an are...»
Located within Ise-Shima National Park, Yokoyama Observatory is one of the best places to admire the spectacular scenery of Ago Bay. From the summit, at an elevation of 203 meters, visitors can look out over a beautiful ria coastline formed by more than 60 islands of various sizes. The observatory area features several viewing platforms and facilities, including the Yokoyama Tenku Café Terrace, w...»
Shima Mediterranean Village is a resort complex that recreates the charm of Mediterranean towns across an expansive site of approximately 33,000 square meters, roughly the size of two Tokyo Domes. Its colorful streets and distinctive architecture evoke the landscapes and townscapes of Andalusia and Castile in Spain, as well as Sardinia in Italy. The resort has expanded to include themed areas ins...»
Ise Jingu Geku, also known as the Outer Shrine of Ise Grand Shrine, is dedicated to Toyouke-no-Omikami, the deity who protects food, clothing, shelter, and various industries. Founded in 478, the shrine stands in an expansive sacred forest at the foot of Mount Takakura, where towering cedar trees line the grounds and chickens can often be seen wandering along the paths....»
Ise Ninja Kingdom is a historical theme park centered around a full-scale recreation of Azuchi Castle, the magnificent stronghold built by the famous warlord Oda Nobunaga. The park features streets inspired by Japan's Sengoku period (1467–1615), where visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of a bygone era through historical dramas, ninja action shows, and interactive attractions. With its ninja-themed...»
Ise Sea Paradise is an interactive aquarium where visitors can enjoy remarkably close encounters with marine animals. From walruses and spotted seals to otters and seahorses, the aquarium offers opportunities to observe and interact with a wide variety of fascinating creatures. With numerous events and hands-on activities, it is a place where visitors of all ages can have fun while learning about ...»
The Asama Mountain Summit Observatory offers sweeping, unobstructed views of Ise Bay and the Ise-Shima region. On clear days, visitors may even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance. The vast expanse of Ise Bay is particularly impressive, making this an ideal destination for enjoying the natural beauty of Mie Prefecture. The summit area is a panoramic leisure destination featuring walking...»
A Historic Temple Guarding the Northeast of Ise Grand Shrine Kongōshōji Temple stands near the summit of Mount Asama in Ise, Mie Prefecture. Historically regarded as the inner sanctuary of Ise Grand Shrine, it was an important destination for pilgrims completing their journey to Ise. The temple was also believed to protect the shrine from the northeast, a direction traditionally associated with m...»
A Traditional Townscape at the Gateway to Ise Jingu Oharai-machi is a historic district located in front of the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu in Ise City, Mie Prefecture. One of the region’s most popular sightseeing destinations, it stretches along the old pilgrimage route leading to the shrine. Stone-paved streets and traditional wooden buildings create an atmospheric setting where visitors can expe...»
A Shrine of Guidance and Good Fortune Sarutahiko Shrine is located near the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu, upstream along the Isuzu River in Ise City, Mie Prefecture. It enshrines Sarutahiko Okami and his descendant, Ota no Mikoto. According to Japanese mythology, Sarutahiko Okami guided Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, during his descent from heaven to earth. Because of ...»
The Birthplace of Modern Pearl Cultivation Mikimoto Pearl Island, located in Toba City, Mie Prefecture, is a popular attraction on the island where Kokichi Mikimoto, the man who helped establish Japan's pearl industry, became the first person in the world to successfully cultivate pearls. The island offers visitors an opportunity to discover the science, history, and beauty behind these precious ...»
A Beautiful Bay of Islands and Inlets Ago Bay is the largest inlet on the Shima Peninsula in Mie Prefecture. Famous for its beautiful rias coastline and its historical role in the development of pearl cultivation, the bay offers a spectacular seascape of winding shores, sheltered coves, and more than 60 islands of various sizes. The bay opens toward the sea between Goza Cape and Hamajima, with p...»
Dolphins, Sea Lions, and Panoramic Bay Views Dolphin Island is a small island in Toba, Mie Prefecture, known for its marine animal shows and scenic coastal surroundings. Visitors can enjoy performances featuring dolphins and sea lions, while an observation deck provides sweeping views of the beautiful Toba Bay. One of the island's most popular attractions is the dolphin-touch experience, offered...»
An Overview of the Scenic Lift The Dolphin Island Scenic Lift is a sightseeing attraction on Dolphin Island in Toba Bay, Mie Prefecture. It takes visitors up to an observation point where they can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding sea and islands. The ride offers a relaxing way to appreciate the island's natural beauty from above....»
An Overview of Goza Shirahama Beach Goza Shirahama Beach is a beautiful seaside destination in Shima, Mie Prefecture, renowned for its brilliant white sand and exceptionally clear, shallow waters. Selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Swimming Beaches, it is a popular place for families, couples, and friends to enjoy a relaxing day by the sea....»
An Overview of Goza Shirahama Coast Goza Shirahama Coast is a beautiful seaside destination in Shima, Mie Prefecture, known for its long stretch of white sand and exceptionally clear, shallow water. Recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Swimming Beaches, it is a popular spot for visitors seeking a relaxing day by the sea....»
An Overview of the Toba Bay Sightseeing Cruise Toba Bay is one of the signature scenic destinations within Ise-Shima National Park, known for its beautiful coastal landscapes and scattered islands. The Toba Bay Sightseeing Cruise offers visitors the opportunity to explore this picturesque bay from the water, enjoying views of the surrounding islands, fishing grounds, and natural scenery. One of ...»
A Gateway to the Ise-Shima Coast Toba Marine Terminal is a modern waterfront facility in Toba, Mie Prefecture, serving as an important gateway to the sea and the surrounding islands. Municipal ferries connecting Toba with nearby inhabited islands depart from here, as do sightseeing boats that cruise around Toba Bay....»
A Peaceful Shrine in the Ise Grand Shrine Complex Tsukiyomi-no-Miya is an auxiliary shrine of Ise Grand Shrine, affectionately known by locals as “Tsukiyomi-san.” It is dedicated to Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, the moon deity and younger brother of Amaterasu-Omikami, the principal deity enshrined at the Inner Shrine of Ise Grand Shrine. The shrine has a history dating back to before the Heian period (79...»
Akafuku is one of the most famous traditional sweets associated with Ise in Mie Prefecture. First created in 1707, during Japan’s Edo period, this beloved confection consists of soft mochi rice cakes topped with smooth, sweet red bean paste. The pieces are neatly arranged in a box, creating a distinctive appearance that has become instantly recognizable as a symbol of Ise’s food culture....»
A Beloved Noodle Dish from Ise Ise Udon is a regional specialty from Ise in Mie Prefecture, known for its exceptionally thick, soft noodles and distinctive savory-sweet sauce. The noodles are boiled for an extended period until they become tender and chewy, then coated in a rich sauce made with tamari soy sauce and dashi broth, often prepared with ingredients such as bonito flakes and dried sardi...»
The Origins of Tekone Sushi Tekone sushi is a traditional local dish from the Ise-Shima region of Mie Prefecture. It consists of vinegared rice topped with slices or chunks of red-fleshed fish, such as bonito or tuna, that have been marinated in a soy sauce-based seasoning. Shredded shiso leaves, ginger, and nori seaweed are added as fragrant garnishes, creating a colorful and flavorful style of ...»
Nikenchaya Mochi is a beloved traditional sweet from Ise, Mie Prefecture, known for its delicate rice cake skin, smooth red bean filling, and fragrant roasted soybean powder. Its origins date back to the Tensho era (1573–1592), when pilgrims traveling from the Owari and Mikawa regions to Ise crossed Ise Bay by ferry....»
Henba Mochi is a beloved traditional Japanese confection from Ise in Mie Prefecture, made by Henbaya Shoten, a shop founded in 1775 (the fourth year of the An'ei era). The shop originally operated as a teahouse beside the Miyagawa River along the pilgrimage route to Ise Jingu, serving rice cakes to visitors on their way to the sacred shrine. More than two centuries ago, there was no bridge across...»
A Beloved Summer Treat from Ise Akafuku Kōri is a popular Japanese shaved-ice dessert created in 1961 at Futamiura in Ise, Mie Prefecture, originally to refresh visitors enjoying the seaside in summer. Since its introduction, the recipe has been refined into the treat enjoyed today: finely shaved ice covered with rich matcha syrup, with sweet red bean paste and soft mochi hidden inside....»
Matoya oysters are a prized seafood delicacy from Matoya Bay on the Shima Peninsula in Mie Prefecture. Known for their rich flavor, natural sweetness, and plump, succulent meat, these oysters are nurtured in a bay whose unique environment provides ideal conditions for oyster farming....»
Okin Mochi is a traditional Japanese sweet from the Ise region of Mie Prefecture, known for its exceptionally soft, silky texture and fragrant mugwort flavor. Its story dates back to 1832, when a teahouse stood on a mountain pass near the old pilgrimage route to Ise Jingu. According to local legend, an elderly woman named Okin ran the teahouse. She carefully mixed freshly gathered young mugwort s...»
Yamamura Pudding is a popular Japanese dessert made by Yamamura Milk, a dairy company founded in 1919. Its distinctive richness comes from the company’s signature Yamamura Milk, which is made from fresh milk delivered daily and gently pasteurized without adjusting its natural fat content....»
Ise Tea is a renowned regional specialty of Mie Prefecture, known for its distinctive aroma and satisfying flavor. Mie ranks among Japan’s leading tea-producing prefectures in terms of cultivated area, production volume, and production value, following Shizuoka and Kagoshima. The region is particularly famous for kabusecha, a shaded green tea that accounts for approximately 30% of Mie’s total tea ...»
Ise Croquettes are a delicious local specialty in Ise, Mie Prefecture, where two distinctive varieties have earned a loyal following. One is a simple, satisfying croquette made primarily with pork, while the other is a luxurious cream croquette featuring the rich flavor of Japanese spiny lobster. Both offer visitors a tasty way to experience the region's food culture....»
Ise lobster is one of the most celebrated seafood specialties of Mie Prefecture, particularly the Shima Peninsula. With its striking appearance and powerful-looking shell, it is often regarded as the king of shrimp and lobster and is traditionally associated with longevity and good fortune. It is an essential ingredient for many Japanese ceremonies and celebratory occasions....»
A Traditional Sweet from the Ise Region Toraya Uiro specializes in uiro, a traditional Japanese confection that has long been made and enjoyed in homes throughout the Ise region of Mie Prefecture. While uiro is generally made with rice flour in many parts of Japan, the Ise-style version uses wheat flour, giving it a slightly different texture from varieties found in places such as Nagoya. Ise ui...»
Toba International Hotel Cheesecake is a beloved dessert at Toba International Hotel, an elegant establishment with a long-standing reputation, perched on the elevated Mondo Cape overlooking the beautiful waters of Toba Bay in Mie Prefecture. The hotel’s lounge is a wonderful place to enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee while taking in the spectacular sea views. Among its most popular offerings is its...»
Ise kamaboko is a traditional Japanese fish cake from Ise, Mie Prefecture, prized for its rich seafood flavor and pleasantly firm, springy texture. Its origins are closely connected to Kawasaki, a historic district near Ise Grand Shrine that was once known as the “kitchen of Ise.” Freshly caught fish from the Ise-Shima region was transported there by boat, supplying the ingredients for the area's ...»
Aosa, a type of edible green seaweed, is one of the signature marine products of Mie Prefecture. The waters of Ago Bay and Matoya Bay in Shima City are known for their rich marine resources and beautiful coastal scenery. Located within a national park, these bays feature the intricate inlets and headlands characteristic of a ria coastline....»
Turban shells (sazae) are a popular type of sea snail enjoyed along the coast of Mie Prefecture, particularly in the Ise-Shima region. Known for their appealing ocean aroma and firm texture, they offer a rich taste of the sea. Their slightly bitter internal organs provide a distinctive, more complex flavor that many Japanese food lovers appreciate....»
Abalone from the Ise-Shima region is a highly prized seafood delicacy from Mie Prefecture, recognized as one of the region's signature Mie Brand products. Abalone has a long-standing cultural significance in the area and is traditionally offered as a sacred delicacy to Ise Jingu, one of Japan's most important Shinto shrine complexes....»
Shōgatō is a traditional Japanese confection made primarily from ginger juice and sugar syrup. The mixture is simmered until thick, poured into molds, and left to harden into a simple, sweet candy with the distinctive fragrance and warming flavor of ginger. In earlier times, when travel was slow and preservation techniques were limited, shōgatō was valued for its long shelf life. It became one of...»
A Burger Celebrating Toba’s Local Ingredients Toburger is a local hamburger specialty created to showcase the rich seafood of Toba, a coastal city in Mie Prefecture. The main ingredient can be any locally sourced specialty that Toba is proud of, including small fish, oysters, fresh horse mackerel, and Japanese spiny lobster. These ingredients are prepared as burger patties, offering a creative an...»
The Origins of Hibayaki Hibayaki is a traditional seafood dish from the Shima region of Mie Prefecture. The name comes from hiba, a hearth-like place where female divers known as ama would gather to warm themselves. At these fires, freshly caught seafood, including spiny lobster, was grilled over charcoal and enjoyed straight from the sea. Because the seafood was traditionally grilled while stil...»
Anori fugu is wild tiger pufferfish weighing at least 700 grams, landed primarily at Anori Fishing Port in Shima, Mie Prefecture. Renowned for its delicate flavor and prized texture, this local specialty is enjoyed in a variety of traditional Japanese dishes, including thinly sliced sashimi, hot pot, and deep-fried pufferfish....»
Kinko is a traditional local food from the Shima region of Mie Prefecture, made from dried sweet potatoes. It originated as a way to preserve Hayato sweet potatoes, which are difficult to store for long periods. The potatoes are boiled and dried to prevent spoilage, creating a naturally sweet snack that has long been enjoyed by children and ama divers, as well as a preserved food for fishing crews...»
Ise takuan is a traditional pickled daikon radish specialty from Ise, Mie Prefecture. Its distinctive characteristics are a pleasantly sour taste and a firm, satisfying crunch. It is made using a time-honored fermentation method that brings out the natural sweetness of the radish while developing a deep, tangy flavor. The main ingredient is Misono daikon, a white radish variety developed specific...»
Ise chicken, also known by the name Kinso-dori, is a locally produced chicken from Mie Prefecture. It is prized for its tender texture, rich flavor, and mild aroma, making it a versatile ingredient in Japanese cuisine....»
Ise Akadori is a branded chicken developed for people who want something more distinctive than ordinary chicken, while remaining accessible as an everyday food. It is known for its firm, healthy texture, rich umami, and well-balanced fat content....»
Ouchiyama Milk is a well-known dairy product from Mie Prefecture, made from fresh milk produced by 32 dairy farmers belonging to the Ouchiyama Dairy Cooperative. The farmers follow the guiding principle that high-quality milk begins with healthy, well-cared-for cows, treating their animals with the same attention they would give to family members....»
Uramura oysters are a local seafood specialty from the Uramura area of Toba City, Mie Prefecture. Grown in a sheltered bay where nutrient-rich freshwater meets seawater, these oysters are prized for their plump, springy texture and concentrated sweetness, umami, and aroma....»
Anori fugu is a prized variety of wild tiger pufferfish caught in the waters stretching from Enshū-nada, including Ise Bay, to Kumano-nada. The name refers to wild tiger pufferfish weighing at least 700 grams that are landed mainly at Anori Fishing Port in Shima City, Mie Prefecture. Renowned for its delicate flavor and firm texture, Anori fugu is one of the region's celebrated winter seafood spe...»
Hōsai prawns are wild Japanese tiger prawns landed at Anori Fishing Port in Shima City, Mie Prefecture. Known for their generous size, firm texture, and concentrated sweetness, these prawns are a prized local seafood specialty associated with the fishing village of Anori....»
Ise Kadoya Brewery is a renowned craft brewery in Ise, Mie Prefecture, whose beers have earned recognition at international competitions. Its story is rooted in a long tradition of hospitality dating back more than 430 years, when the historic Ise Kadoya business welcomed travelers arriving by boat to visit Ise Jingu, one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine complexes. Alongside producing and sel...»
Same no tare is a traditional specialty of Ise in Mie Prefecture, made by drying shark meat in the sun after marinating it in salt or mirin, a sweet Japanese rice wine seasoning. This distinctive local food has a long history in the region, and dried shark meat was traditionally offered as a sacred offering at Ise Jingu. It has also been a familiar ingredient in the everyday cuisine of local resid...»
Itoin Senbei is a traditional Japanese confection from Ise, Mie Prefecture, with a long history as a prestigious local specialty. These delicate, thin crackers are made by combining eggs, wheat flour, and sugar, then baking the mixture until crisp. Each cracker bears a distinctive imprint known as an ito-in, which gives the confection its name. For generations, Itoin Senbei has also been used as ...»
Taiko Shusse Mochi is a traditional Japanese sweet from Ise, Mie Prefecture, named after Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the celebrated warlord who rose from humble beginnings to become one of Japan’s most powerful leaders, eventually attaining the prestigious court title of kampaku and the rank of daijō-daijin. According to local tradition, the origins of this grilled rice cake date back to a visit Hideyosh...»
Iwato Mochi is a traditional Japanese confection made by Iwatoya, a long-established shop founded in 1910. Located near Ise Jingu, one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrine complexes, the shop has been producing this beloved specialty of Mie Prefecture for generations. The confection takes its inspiration from Iwato Kagura, a traditional Japanese ritual performing art associated with the legendar...»
Kamiyo Mochi is a traditional Japanese sweet made by Senokuniya, a confectionery shop in Ise, Mie Prefecture. Its name reflects the phrase describing Ise as a time-honored town where the age of the gods seems to live on in the present day. In a region famous for its many traditional rice cakes, including Akafuku Mochi and Nikenchaya Mochi, Kamiyo Mochi stands out as a distinctive local specialty m...»
For approximately 2,000 years, abalone has been offered to Ise Jingu, one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrine complexes. According to tradition, this practice began when Princess Yamatohime-no-Mikoto, who traveled throughout Japan in search of a suitable place to enshrine the sun goddess Amaterasu, passed through Kunisaki and was delighted by the abalone presented to her by local female divers, ...»