From Nagoya and Kansai! Tourist attractions in Ise-Shima

Tourist attractions in Ise-Shima

Mie Prefecture, which is easily accessible from Nagoya and the Kansai region, is an attractive tourist destination with its rich history, natural scenery and beautiful sea. In this article, we will introduce popular tourist spots in the Ise/Shima area.

[Mode of Transportation]

Easy access to Ise-Shima with the Kintetsu Line
The Ise-Shima area is home to a number of historical and cultural assets, including the Ise Jingu Shrine. From Kansai and Nagoya, the most convenient way to get to Ise is to take the **Kinki Nippon Railway (Kintetsu)**. Kintetsu is a comfortable and fast way to reach Ise. Below is an overview of the time required to get to the main stations, recommended tickets, and types of limited express trains.

🚆 Near railroad line to Ise Shima:

From Osaka (Osaka Namba Station)

Time required: approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes (by express)
Main Lines: Osaka Namba Station → Tsuruhashi Station → Ise-shi Station, Ujiyamada Station, Isuzugawa Station

From Kyoto (Kyoto Station)

Time required: about 2 hours (by express)
Main Lines: Kyoto Station → Yamato Yagi Station → Ise-shi Station, Ujiyamada Station, Isuzugawa Station

From Nagoya (Kintetsu Nagoya Station)

Time required: approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes (by express)
Main Lines: Kintetsu Nagoya Station → Ise-shi Station, Ujiyamada Station, Isuzugawa Station

All of the above routes can be reached directly by limited express train, so there is no need to change trains and the journey is comfortable and smooth.

🚄 Recommended Express Train:

Puzzle "Shima Kaze" (from Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya)

Equipped with luxurious premium seats and café compartments, it's the perfect choice for those seeking a comfortable ride.

"Ise Shima Liner" Ise Shima (from Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya)

The view deck and saloon design are also attractive.

Recommended Accommodations

Metro Resort Shima Bay Terrace

This upscale resort hotel in the Shima area overlooks beautiful Inyu Bay. Enjoy a luxurious time with peaceful accommodations, gourmet cuisine using local ingredients, a large bath, and other amenities.

◇ Bright spot:
Sea View Rooms: Located on a small hill, the hotel's sea-facing rooms offer spectacular views of Inyu Bay.

Enjoy Ise Shima's seafood cuisine: the hotel's restaurants offer appetizing dishes made with fresh local ingredients.

Family-friendly: Spacious rooms and friendly service for family outings.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots

Ise Shrine (Naiku)

Ise Jingu Shrine, known as the "hometown of Japanese hearts and minds," has a history of about 2,000 years. In particular, the inner sanctuary is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, Japan's supreme deity, and has a solemn atmosphere.

"Okaげ横丁"

After the visit, you can go to Okage Yokocho for food and shopping. The townscape of the Edo and Meiji eras has been recreated, so it is fun to just stroll around.

◇Recommended Food:
Ttekone Sushi: A fisherman's dish in which fresh bonito or tuna is marinated and served on a bed of rice.

Akafuku: A traditional Japanese confection from Ise, soft rice cake wrapped in a slightly sweet red bean paste.

Ise Oolong Noodles: Extremely thick and soft noodles with a thick sauce are a local specialty.

Mikimoto Pearl Island

This is an island created by "Mikimoto Kokichi," the man who succeeded in culturing pearls for the first time in the world. Here you can learn about the history of pearls and the techniques of pearl culturing.

◇What to watch:
Pearl Museum: A detailed introduction to the mechanism of pearl production and the history of pearl cultivation.

Sea Maiden Show: A sea maiden in traditional white attire dives and collects shellfish with her bare hands.

Stores & Cafes: You can buy high-quality pearl products and enjoy desserts using pearls.

Toba Aquarium

Toba Aquarium is one of Japan's leading large-scale aquariums, with about 1,200 species, the most in Japan. It is famous for its dugongs.

◇What to watch:
Serena the Dugong: The only aquarium in Japan where dugongs are kept, this is a cute and cuddly aquarium not to be missed.

Sea Otter Sink: The scene of a cute sea otter knocking on a shell is very popular.

Sea Lion and Seal Show: Funny antics and performances that will mesmerize you.

Giant Amazon Tank: see oversized fish like the Giant Bone Tuna.

Shima Spanish Village

A Spanish-themed resort complex with a theme park, hotels and hot springs. You can enjoy exotic street scenes, authentic Spanish cuisine, and a variety of exciting amusement facilities.

◇What to watch:
Carnival Plaza: A popular photo spot that recreates the beautiful architecture of Spain.

Gran Montserrat Roller Coaster: A thrilling roller coaster with a Spanish mountain theme.

Flamenco Show: Enjoy the passionate dances from the Spanish mainland.

Spanish restaurant: offers authentic Spanish cuisine such as seafood rice and tapas platters.

[Summarize]

Mie Prefecture offers a wide variety of pleasures, including the rich history of Ise Jingu Shrine, the bounty of the sea in Toba, and the relaxation of a luxury resort hotel. Mie Prefecture is easily accessible from Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya, making it ideal for a weekend getaway. Why don't you go there and experience the charm?