Enjoyable Even for a Day Trip! 6 Must-Visit Classic Tourist Spots in Ise-Shima

Located in the southeastern part of Mie Prefecture, Ise-Shima has long been a popular travel destination. In 2016, the G7 Summit was held in Kashikojima, bringing increased global attention to the region. Since then, Ise Grand Shrine, along with its surrounding historical structures and charming townscapes, has gained even more recognition. Compared to before the summit, the number of tourists has significantly increased, making Ise-Shima a vibrant travel destination. Ise-Shima is filled with attractions that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, from children to adults. In this guide, we introduce six classic must-visit spots in the area!

1. Ise Grand Shrine

Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu) is one of Japan's most sacred and revered Shinto shrines. Its official name is simply "Jingu," but it is commonly referred to as "Ise Jingu" or affectionately as "O-Ise-san" or "Daijingu-san." The shrine complex consists of 125 shrines, including the Inner Shrine (Naiku), Outer Shrine (Geku), 14 subsidiary shrines, 43 auxiliary shrines, 24 branch shrines, and 42 supervised shrines.

The Inner Shrine (Naiku) has a history of about 2,000 years and enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and the ancestral deity of the Japanese imperial family. It is highly respected throughout Japan. The Outer Shrine (Geku), with a history of approximately 1,500 years, enshrines Toyouke Omikami, the deity of food, clothing, shelter, and industry. A notable custom when visiting is that at the Inner Shrine, visitors walk on the right side, while at the Outer Shrine, they walk on the left. It is also customary to visit the Outer Shrine before the Inner Shrine, following the traditional pilgrimage order of the shrine’s festivals.

2. Toba Aquarium

Toba Aquarium ranks second in total visitor numbers among aquariums in Japan, following Osaka's Kaiyukan Aquarium. It is also the only aquarium in Japan where dugongs are exhibited, making it a particularly unique destination.
With approximately 1,200 species of marine life on display, it boasts the largest collection of exhibited species in Japan. Around 80% of visitors are adults, a much higher ratio compared to other aquariums, earning it the nickname "The Aquarium for Adults."

The aquarium is divided into 12 themed zones, featuring sea lion performances, dolphins, sharks, and amphibians such as iguanas and cats that live near the water. The exhibits are arranged based on their natural habitats. There are also special exhibition rooms, a crayfish corner, a marine gallery, and souvenir shops.

As of May 2018, the "Sea Animal Kingdom," which housed sea lions and Steller sea lions, was closed for renovations. Until its reopening, these animals were exhibited only in the "Water Corridor" section.

3. Okage Yokocho

Okage Yokocho is located in the heart of Oharai-machi, a bustling street lined with restaurants and souvenir shops stretching approximately 800 meters. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ise-Shima. The street is designed to replicate the townscape of the late Edo to early Meiji period, featuring traditional Ise-style buildings, warehouses from Ise-Kawasaki, and Western-style structures from Kuwana. Every detail has been carefully reproduced, giving visitors the feeling of stepping back in time.

With over 60 establishments, including specialty stores, cafes, and eateries, Okage Yokocho is lively even on weekdays. Beyond shopping and dining, the area is known for its seasonal events, street performances, and cultural workshops. Visitors can enjoy rakugo (comic storytelling), paper theater performances, and cooking festivals. There are also hands-on activities such as maneki-neko (beckoning cat) painting and kendama toy decorating.

4. Shima Mediterranean Village

Shima Mediterranean Village is a resort facility that authentically recreates the atmosphere of the Mediterranean. Inspired by the Andalusia and Castile regions of Spain and the island of Sardinia in Italy, this resort was designed by a Spanish architect, and all interior furnishings were imported from Spain. Visitors can experience the feeling of a Mediterranean vacation without leaving Japan. Each guestroom is uniquely designed, providing a soothing and luxurious atmosphere that makes visitors want to return again and again.

One of the highlights is the Alhambra-inspired natural hot spring, which is a sodium chloride thermal spring known for its heat-retaining properties. This unique onsen experience features soothing design elements, aromatic scents, and relaxing music.
In addition to accommodation, Shima Mediterranean Village offers various activities, including fishing, esthetic spa treatments, and swimming pools during summer. While primarily a resort, day-trip visitors can also enjoy its restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and craft workshops by purchasing an entrance ticket, which includes vouchers for use within the facility.

5. Yokoyama Observatory

Located at an elevation of 203 meters, Yokoyama Observatory offers one of the best panoramic views of Ago Bay, known for its stunning ria coastline. From the observatory, visitors can gaze upon approximately 60 small islands scattered across the bay, along with numerous pearl rafts floating on the water. The breathtaking view is so remarkable that it has been awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

Several observatory points are available in the surrounding area. From the southern side, visitors can overlook Ago Bay, while the eastern side offers a view of the Pacific Ocean. The western side provides a spectacular sight of the Kii Mountains and Kumano-nada Sea. On particularly clear days, it is even possible to see Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps. As of July 2018, the observatory was undergoing renovation, so visitors could only view the scenery from a temporary observatory platform. However, facilities such as the Sky Cafe Terrace observation deck, Komorebi Terrace, and Panorama Observatory have already reopened for use.

6. Bintama Road

Bintama Road is a 1-kilometer-long coastal promenade lined with "bintama" (glass fishing floats), traditionally used as floating markers for fishing nets. Recently, bintama has gained popularity as a decorative interior item, but here on Bintama Road, visitors can see them scattered along the path, reflecting sunlight during the day. Against the backdrop of the deep blue sea, the transparent glass floats create a mesmerizing and refreshing sight.

The true charm of Bintama Road lies in the difference between its daytime and nighttime atmosphere. In the evening, the bintama are illuminated, transforming the pathway into a magical and romantic scene. The area is lined with numerous traditional inns (ryokan), and strolling along the path in a yukata while carrying a lantern has become a popular activity among visitors staying overnight.

◎Summary of Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Ise-Shima

Since hosting the G7 Summit, Ise-Shima has experienced a surge in tourism. While world-famous attractions like Ise Grand Shrine and Toba Aquarium continue to draw visitors, other unique destinations also provide unforgettable experiences. The Shima Mediterranean Village offers a European resort-like ambiance, while Okage Yokocho preserves traditional Japanese architecture and nostalgic charm. For nature lovers, Yokoyama Observatory presents one of Japan’s most breathtaking views, while Bintama Road has become a popular Instagram-worthy location among young travelers. With plenty of sightseeing spots catering to all ages, Ise-Shima is a fantastic travel destination. Use this guide as inspiration to create the perfect personalized travel itinerary and enjoy your visit to Ise-Shima!

From Piazzale Roma, if you take Vaporetto No. 51, it takes about 20 minutes. If you take Vaporetto No. 2, it takes about 30 minutes. If you take Vaporetto No. 1, it takes about 40 minutes. If you walk, it takes about 40 minutes. From Santa Lucia Station, if you take Vaporetto No. 51, it takes about 25 minutes. If you take Vaporetto No. 1 or 2, it takes about 35 minutes. If you walk, it takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

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Enjoyable Even for a Day Trip! 6 Must-Visit Classic Tourist Spots in Ise-Shima