Starting with the famous tourist attraction "Shima Spain Village Parque España," Isobe Town in Shima City offers plenty of ways to enjoy yourself—whether through food, relaxation, history, scenery, or fun activities. This town, with its many peaceful and spacious highlands, boasts numerous spots where you can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and the sea. Open the window, and you’ll hear the soothing sound of the ocean and breathe in the refreshing scent of greenery. Here, we introduce the recommended sightseeing spots in Isobe Town, Shima City.
1. Shima Spain Village Parque España
The most famous tourist spot in Isobe Town is "Shima Spain Village Parque España," an amusement park themed around Spain, just as its name suggests. It’s packed with attractions that both children and adults can enjoy, making it perfect for a family trip! The waiting times for rides are around 30 minutes, so even families with small children can relax and have fun.
In addition to grand parades and shows, there are also spectacular fireworks displays depending on the season. Next to Spain Village is the "Ise-Shima Onsen Shima Spain Village," which offers hot spring accommodations. If you stay overnight, you can conveniently explore other parts of Shima City the next day!
Name: Shima Spain Village Parque España
Address: 952-4 Sakazaki Shimoyama, Isobe Town, Shima City, Mie Prefecture
Official/Related Website URL: http://www.parque-net.com/
2. Amanoiwato (Heavenly Rock Cave)
Amanoiwato is said to be the sacred cave where the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami secluded herself. It is also known as the "Rain-Praying God," and during times of drought, a "Rain-Praying Ritual" is sometimes performed here. Additionally, there is a pure spring water source called "Ama-no-Iwato Water Cave," which has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Famous Waters. Surrounded by the sacred Ise Jingu forest, the area offers a divine and spiritual atmosphere.
Name: Amanoiwato
Address: Eribara, Isobe Town, Shima District, Mie Prefecture
Official/Related Website URL: https://goo.gl/EgJu0L
3. Izawa-no-Miya Shrine
Located in Isobe Town, Shima City, Mie Prefecture, Izawa-no-Miya is a branch shrine of the Ise Grand Shrine. It is said that when Princess Yamato-hime-no-mikoto traveled around the Shima area, she entrusted Izawa-tomi-no-mikoto to build this sacred place.
Unlike the Ise Grand Shrine, Izawa-no-Miya doesn’t attract huge crowds of tourists, so visitors can enjoy a peaceful and calm atmosphere while worshipping. There’s even a theory that “the inner shrine of Ise Jingu is actually Izawa-no-Miya.” Although the grounds are not as vast, the serene and refined atmosphere of Izawa-no-Miya leaves a refreshing impression. It’s a highly recommended spot to visit before heading to the Ise Grand Shrine.
Name: Izawa-no-Miya
Address: 374 Kaminogo, Isobe Town, Shima City, Mie Prefecture
Official/Related Website URL: http://www.isejingu.or.jp/about/naiku/izawa.html
4. Fukujuso
Located on Watakano Island in Isobe Town, Shima District, Fukujuso is a hotel and traditional Japanese inn (ryokan). To reach the facility, guests take a dedicated boat ride for about 3 minutes from the parking area on the opposite shore. The bay, historically used as a "port for waiting on favorable winds" since the Edo period, has calm waters, so even those prone to seasickness can enjoy a smooth ride. The welcoming experience upon arrival is popular among guests.
When visiting Ise-Shima, you’ll definitely want to savor fresh seafood—and at Fukujuso, you can enjoy seasonal local ingredients at their finest. The ryokan also features its own natural hot spring source drawn from underground. The quality of the water is so pure it’s even drinkable, and it’s considered a healing spring. Soaking in their open-air bath will make you truly feel glad you visited Ise-Shima. There are also spa treatments available for extra relaxation.
Name: Fukujuso
Address: 517 Watakano, Isobe Town, Shima District, Mie Prefecture
Official/Related Website URL: http://www.fukujyuso.co.jp/
5. "Michi-no-Eki Ise-Shima" (Roadside Station Ise-Shima)
On the way from Ise City to Shima Spain Village, you’ll find "Michi-no-Eki Ise-Shima" (Roadside Station Ise-Shima). The building and the surrounding scenery have an appearance that reminds visitors of the famous Shima Spain Village. Inside the facility, there’s the local products market "Sasayuri no Sato," and nearby you’ll also find a lawn cherry blossom park where you can see ponies and other small animals.
You can buy local seafood and processed marine products as souvenirs, but the soft-serve ice cream made with "Pearl Salt" is an absolute must-try. The restaurant in the station also offers seasonal menu items, so if you’re looking for a proper meal, this is a great place to stop by.
Name: Michi-no-Eki Ise-Shima
Address: 511-5 Anagawa, Isobe Town, Shima City, Mie Prefecture
Official/Related Website URL: https://goo.gl/xYKUpM
6. Pearl Falco Isobe Store
The "Pearl Falco Isobe Store" in Isobe Town, Shima City, Mie Prefecture, is a well-known shop in Ise-Shima specializing in pearls. In addition to selling pearl-adorned accessories, they offer experiences like making your own pearl accessories or trying pearl-powder-infused bath salts. It’s a great place for those wanting a memorable keepsake from their trip.
Name: Pearl Falco Isobe Store
Address: 1680 Anagawa, Isobe Town, Shima City, Mie Prefecture
Official/Related Website URL: http://www.p-falco.com/
7. Miyage-dokoro Chuyo Main Store
Miyage-dokoro Chuyo Main Store is a souvenir shop known for being open until later hours. It’s popular for its local seafood products, which Isobe Town proudly offers. There’s a wide variety of natural seaweed, making it a favorite for both souvenirs and personal purchases. The store is open from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, but during summer, Golden Week, and New Year holidays, it stays open until 8:00 PM. Plus, it’s open year-round without any holidays.
Name: Miyage-dokoro Chuyo Main Store
Address: 937-8 Sakamoto, Isobe Town, Shima City, Mie Prefecture
◎ Summary
This area, famous for its delicious seafood, attracts many tourists from far and wide. While the proximity to Ise Grand Shrine adds to its charm, there are so many attractions that you won’t be able to see them all in just one day. Renting a car when you visit will make getting around much more convenient. Isobe Town in Shima City is a place where you can enjoy both sightseeing and gourmet food all year round. If you’re planning a trip, this is definitely a spot you should check out!