Ise-Shima: Avoid Tourists with this Easy Side Quest! 伊勢志摩への一泊二日の旅！

Ise might be one of Japan’s best-kept secrets! ????✨ This trip totally changed my perspective on this historic and culturally rich region. Here’s everything I did:

⛩ Visited Ise Shrine – One of the most important Shinto sites in Japan, covering an area the size of central Paris! While much of it is sacred and off-limits, the atmosphere is serene and beautiful.
Access:
・Bus (Mie Kotsu): About 20 minutes by bus from Kintetsu Ujiyamada Station
→ Ujiyamada Station to Naiku-mae, a short walk from Naiku-mae Station
Official Website: https://www.isejingu.or.jp/en/

???? Explored Oharai Machi and Okage Yokocho! – A lively shopping street next to Ise Shrine! Packed with food stalls, gift shops, cafes, and restaurants. This place has so much energy, and you could easily spend hours here!

???? Took a train to Toba – A quiet, nostalgic harbor town with a deep connection to pearl cultivation. This is where people first learned to culture round pearls over a century ago!

???? Met Real Ama divers – These incredible women have been free-diving for shellfish, and seaweed, and pearls for generations. Today, you can meet them in an “Amakoya” hut, hear their stories, and enjoy fresh seafood. Such a special experience!
Access
Bus: Approx. 30 min by Ama Bus from Toba Station
Schedule: Departs from Toba Station at 12:45 (Reservation required)
Taxi: Approx. 30 min by taxi from Toba Station
⚠️Reservation required!!!!
Fee
・Deluxe Seafood Set (with Ise lobster or abalone): 8,500 yen per person
・Standard Set: 4,500 yen per person
Official Website: https://amakoya.com/english-page

????️ Saw Epic Views At Yokoyama Observatory:
Access
・Taxi: About 10 minutes by taxi from Kintetsu “Ugata Station”
・On foot: About 45 minutes on foot from Kintetsu “Shima-Yokoyama Station”
Fee: Free
https://www.kanko-shima.com/purpose/965/

Please follow these rules and manners when visiting:
・Avoid visiting at night or in bad weather
・Strictly no open flames
・Smoking is strictly prohibited
・Take your trash with you
・Do not pick plants

???? Cruised around Kashikojima – This gave me a whole new perspective on the Ise-Shima coastline, with fishing boats, seaside homes, and beautiful island views.
Entrada Kashikojima Access:
・On foot: About 1 minute on foot from Kintetsu “Kashikojima Station”
Fee
Plan: Kashikojima Round Trip Cruise
・Charter: 8,800 yen per boat (up to 12 people)
・Duration: About 25 minutes
Official Website: https://entrada-kashikojima.com/

???? Stayed in an oceanfront ryokan – Every room had a sea view, and the hotel was MASSIVE. Indoor gardens, karaoke, an arcade, and even a bowling alley—it’s perfect for families or big groups.
Access:
・About 3 minutes by microbus from Kintetsu “Kashikojima Station”
→ 2–3 regular trips per hour
Fee
・Kayo Building: From 29,700 yen per person (based on 2 people per room)
Includes 1-night stay with 2 meals
※The above rate applies to the Kayo Building, where we stayed this time
Official Website: https://hojoen.com/en/

???? Tried Matsuzaka Wagyu Sukiyaki – One of Japan’s top wagyu brands, known for its insane marbling and melt-in-your-mouth flavor. It’s pricey but totally worth it! Bonus: you even get a copy of the cow’s paperwork as a souvenir.
Access
・Kintetsu Train: About 5 minutes by car or 30 minutes on foot from Kintetsu “Toba Station”
Fee: Depends on the menu
Official Website: https://niku-matsumura.co.jp/

⛰ Hiked for an epic view – Not a big hiker, but this short 20-minute climb led to breathtaking views. Totally worth it!
Access
・Taxi: From Kintetsu “Ise City Station,” take a Sanco Bus via Sunny Road, get off at “Gokasho Bus Stop,” and walk about 10 minutes to the trailhead
・Aisu-no-Yakata: Free parking available, about a 5-minute walk to the trailhead
Fee: Free
※Approx. 30-minute one-way hiking trail

???? Rode the Shimakaze sightseeing train – This luxury train connects Ise-Shima with Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka, featuring reclining seats, private rooms, and even a two-story café. Wish it went all the way to Fukuoka!
Fee (Kashikojima – Kintetsu Nagoya): Total 5,060 yen
・Limited Express Fee + Shimakaze Special Car Fee: 2,690 yen
・Regular Fare: 2,370 yen

Official Website: https://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/shimakaze/

This trip introduced me to a part of Japan I hadn’t explored before, and now I can’t wait to go back. Would you add Ise to your Japan travel list? Let me know in the comments!????✨

#Ise #Toba #AmaDiver #JapanTravel #HiddenGems #Wagyu #ShrinesOfJapan #VisitJapan #IseShrine #LuxuryTrain #ExploreJapan #FoodieTravel #Shima

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