Your Adventure Awaits
Legacies of Ise Shima
Mie Prefecture is a luminous sanctuary where the spiritual pulse of Japan beats in quiet harmony with the rhythmic tides of the Pacific. At its heart lies the ethereal Ise Jingu, a realm of ancient cedars and sacred silence that feels like the very birthplace of Japanese tradition, while the jagged coastline of the Shima Peninsula sparkles with the legacy of pearl divers and emerald-colored bays. The landscape transitions seamlessly from the mist-veiled peaks of the Kumano Kodo — where stone paths whisper stories of centuries-old pilgrimages — to the sun-drenched shores that yield the ocean’s finest treasures. It is a region defined by a refined, understated grace, offering a sensory journey through world-renowned Matsusaka beef, salt-sprayed cliffs, and a profound sense of timelessness that lingers long after the sun sets over the Ise Sea.
Japan
History & Culture
Art de Vivre
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When To Go?
Highlights
Accommodations
Differentiated in every sense of the word. From nostalgic restored merchant houses to cliff-edge modern ryokan overlooking into the Pacific Ocean and for Amanjunkies, rejoice, relax and rejuvenate in perhaps Japan's most visually-spectacular Aman Resort yet.
Experiences
An indescribable emotion is immediately felt. The authenticity, the human connections, the desire to reach perfection without the need for worldly validation. Perhaps Mie Prefecture is just staying true to its spiritual guidance, peace and well-being. This is thus manifested into everyday life and its storied heritage.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Nagoya OR Osaka OR Kyoto / Ise
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Depending on your gateway arrival, depart this morning from Nagoya OR Osaka OR Kyoto on the comfortable Premium Express Shimakaze private railway journeying in style and relaxation.
Arriving in the early afternoon at Iseshi Station, be met where we will be given an orientation and soon, a guided walk of Ise-Kawasaki. Once flourishing as the “Kitchen of Ise” and a vital hub of distribution, the town still preserves distinctive Machiya-style townhouses — such as gabled roofs and timber lattice enclosures — which are highly valued as local cultural assets. Accompanying us is renowned architect Mr Toru Takahashi, who has spent decades in the town's development and also a designer of the rooms in the hotel. We will also have time at leisure to savor delightful mochi and tea sampling in the time-honored Nikenchaya where we learn about its history as well as its association with the Meiji Emperor.
Finally, we retreat to NIPPONIA Ise-Kawasaki Merchant Town, an "albergo-diffuso" styled hotel that are carefully restored from former merchant buildings
DAY 2: Ise / Toba
Early this morning, we make our approach to Ise Jingu, Japan's most important Shinto shrine built more than 2,000 years ago dedicated to the supreme Sun Goddess Amaterasu where some of the most significant rituals are performed annually for the prosperity of the Imperial family, peace and bountiful harvest. Our path begins crossing the wooden Uji Bridge over the Isuzu River, marking the entrance into the sacred realm. A world of tranquility dominated by tall cypress and cedar trees leads us to the Naiku Inner Shrine where we will observe from the outside, attaining insights into the sanctity of life and offer our prayers and witnessing a traditional "Yamatomai" dance performed by Miko shrine maidens. Continue to the Geku Outer Shrine where we may witness morning processions of Shinto priests.
Later, you will have time to wander in Oharai-machi, an 800m stretch of beautiful Edo Period buildings that developed as a pilgrim center that are now adorn with traditional sweet shops, restaurants and craft stores.
Thereafter, we make our way to the coast of Ise Bay where our spiritual journey continues at the Futami Okitama Shrine, said to be the original place of purification on the pilgrimage path to Ise Jingu. Facing the shrine is the iconic Meoto-iwa "Wedded Rocks", two sacred rocks joined by a massive "Shimenawa" rice straw rope, symbolizing the bond of marriage and fertility.
Next, a scenic drive allows us astonishing views of sea before arriving at the Oyado The Earth, sitting atop a cliff set against the dramatic Pacific Ocean. Juxtaposition between traditional hospitality and a modern edgy atmosphere, we will enjoy 2 nights in the award-winning ryokan.
DAY 3: Toba (Excursion to Toshijima)
Today, we will peek into the lives of the local fishermen with an excursion to the island of Toshijima. Embarking on our private boat, we will get a deep insight of the local fishing industry where centuries-old traditions remain integral parts of daily life, and where local fishermen work to preserve the marine environment by promoting sustainable fishing practices. After a 20 minute boat ride from Toba to Toshijima, you will be led across the island, past racks upon racks used to dry fish and over a hill into a labyrinthine village. Here you can learn about the customs and traditions of the island. Weather permitting, you’ll get to attend the island’s vibrant seafood auction and watch buyers throng around the day’s catch. After trying to guess some of the fish prices, you’ll enjoy a lunch featuring Toshijima's seasonal seafood.
Returning back to Toba in the afternoon, we will have the chance to visit the iconic Mikimoto Pearl Island, the place of origin where pearls were successfully cultured by the legendary Kokichi Mikimoto. Witness an array of exhibits showcasing fabulous works and jewelries made from Mikimoto pearls and later, a glimpse of Ama woman divers performing free diving and the instrumental role they played in the early days of pearl-production.
DAY 4: Toba / Kashikojima
We depart Oyado The Earth today for an experiential private and exclusive meeting with an Ama woman diver for an insight into their daily lives and the challenges of continuity. Walking through the fishing village of Ishigami, deep conversations take place while witnessing the traditional and sustainable fishing practices intertwining to ensure not only continued livelihoods but maintaining the delicate balance of marine biodiversity. Later, we proceed to an Ama Hut sampling an assortment of freshly-caught seafood where Ama divers used to rest or prepare for their diving endeavors.
After a sensational lunch, we venture further south to the Yokoyama Observatory for an unspoiled view of Ago Bay, dotted by the 64 islands that surround it and numerous oyster rafts. Our final approach culminates in arriving at the Amanemu, a ryokan-inspired onsen resort in a sanctuary of restorative peace with envied sea views where over the next 3 nights, will be our abode.
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DAY 5: Kashikojima (Bounties of the Sea)
A refreshing morning begins with a visit to a working pearl farm for a deeper understanding of Ise Shima's pearl cultivation heritage since 1893. We will have the chance to harvest live Akoya oysters, extracting pearls and creating a unique accessory to take home with you.
Thereafter, we visit a bonito smokehouse where authentic bonito flakes have been made since ancient times with the abundance of "katsuo" bonito fish in the region. Experience shaving bonito flakes and get a taste of the bonito you shaved in freshly cooked rice, dashi and sake.
The day continues with a unique experience of pulling up undersea aged sake, sunk to the waters of Ago Bay to mature and ripen in the sea's constant favorable temperature where we have the rare chance to savor the smooth and mellow taste that has transformed the world's eyes from conventional ageing methods.
As the day wanes, we have an intimate omakase experience at Sushi Yataka Zen, located within the exclusive grounds of MOKU Ise Shima on the remote Masaki Island in Ago Bay accessible only by a private boat. Headed by master Chef Yuichi Hori, the restaurant champions the concept of "Sushi of the Journey" focusing exclusively on an omakase course crafted from the freshest seasonal seafood sourced directly from the abundant, calm waters of Ago Bay.
DAY 6: Kashikojima
You have a full day to enjoy at leisure to unwind and rejuvenate in the incredible environments of Ise Shima. Consider a cruise on the shimmering Ago Bay, visiting the beautiful grounds of the Shima Kanko Hotel - home to the 42nd G7 Summit in 2016. For golfing pursuits, Ise Shima boast an array of lauded golf courses that are some of the finest in Japan such as the stunning Nemu Golf Club. Or simply rejuvenate in the intoxicating environments of Amanemu for a fitting finale to your journey.
Oyster Connoisseurs:
Nearing sunset, we have arrange an authentic visit to an oyster farm where you will embark on a boat to the rafts, learning about the rich Matoya and Uramura oysters cultivation, harvesting process followed by an oyster omakase prepared in various methods and accompanied by champagne and wine.
DAY 7: Departure Kashikojima / Nagoya OR Osaka OR Kyoto
Our sojourn of Ise Shima comes to an end as we transfer to Kashikojima Station embarking on the Premium Express Shimakaze to return to Nagoya OR Osaka OR Kyoto.
Featured Hotels
Amanemu
Amanemu brings a fresh take on Japan’s traditional ryokan experience, set in the stunning Ise-Shima National Park. Designed by Kerry Hill, the architecture is sleek, understated, and perfectly in tune with its surroundings. Each of the 24 suites has a private onsen bath, and the villas are vast. The spa blends modern wellness with centuries-old thermal bathing rituals. Dining is a a celebration of Japan's culinary heritage, full of seasonal delights.
NIPPONIA Ise-Kawasaki Merchant Town
NIPPONIA Ise-Kawasaki Merchant Town provides a soothing experience for those who come to make the once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Ise Shrine. It is a decentralized hotel that turns the entire town into a single accommodation space, with the front desk and guest rooms being housed in historically significant buildings scattered around Ise Kawasaki.
Privileges
Priority Room Upgrade at check in*
$100 hotel credit per stay
Early check in/late check out*