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【Sacred Ise & Scenic Shima】 3 Days of Faith, Food, and Coastal Beauty

Ise (Geku/Naiku), Shima (Ago Bay), Toba (Mikimoto Pearl Island), Futami (optional), Osaka - With Private Vehicle & English-Speaking Guide

Ise-Shima combines Japan’s spiritual heart with unique cultural and culinary experiences. From the sacred Ise Grand Shrine to coastal traditions of Ama divers and the world of pearls in Shima, this journey reveals both timeless faith and the richness of the sea.

  • 【Sacred Ise & Scenic Shima】 3 Days of Faith, Food, and Coastal Beauty
  • 【Sacred Ise & Scenic Shima】 3 Days of Faith, Food, and Coastal Beauty
  • 【Sacred Ise & Scenic Shima】 3 Days of Faith, Food, and Coastal Beauty
  • 【Sacred Ise & Scenic Shima】 3 Days of Faith, Food, and Coastal Beauty
  • 【Sacred Ise & Scenic Shima】 3 Days of Faith, Food, and Coastal Beauty

Seasonal Hightlights

  • Spring (March–May) Fresh greenery fills the forests of Ise Grand Shrine, creating a refreshing and serene atmosphere for shrine visits. Cherry blossoms and seasonal spring sweets are popular in Okage Yokocho. Ago Bay offers excellent seafood, with oysters and shellfish at their best.
  • Summer (June–August) Ama diver fishing season begins (July–September), making it the ideal time for Ama hut experiences. Cruises in Ago Bay showcase vivid coastal scenery and island views. Pearl cultivation tours and hands-on experiences are especially active during this season.
  • Autumn (September–November) Shrine approaches and Ise’s forests turn vibrant with autumn colors, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere. Ise lobster season opens in October, marking a peak period for gourmet dining. Mild temperatures make this the most comfortable season for walking and sightseeing.
  • Winter (December–February) Clear air brings a quiet, purified feeling to the shrine forests and coastline. Winter is the best season for Ise oysters, perfect for culinary-focused journeys. Enjoy a luxurious winter stay with hot springs and seasonal seafood at your ryokan.

Travel Itinerary

DAY City／Area Highlight Details & Experiences Accomodation Style Photo
DAY1 Route Options:
―From Nachi-Katsuura:
JR Limited Express Kuroshio
to Matsusaka (3.5–4 hrs),
then Kintetsu Ltd. Exp.
to Ise (20 min).
Total 4–4.5 hrs.
―From Kyoto:
Kintetsu Limited Express
direct to Ise
(approx. 2 hrs).		 Travel from the Kumano mountains to Ise, home of Japan’s most sacred shrine. Begin with the Outer Shrine and stroll lively food streets
  • Ise Jingu Geku (Outer Shrine) – ranquil forest setting, dedicated to the deity of food and harvest.
  • Oharai-machi & Okage Yokocho.-Traditional streets with food tasting:-Ise udon, Tekone-zushi, Akafuku mochi, Matsusaka beef snacks.
  • Culinary note:
    Lunch: Bento on train (ekiben)
  • Dinner: Kaiseki with Ise lobster, Matsusaka beef
 Luxury ryokan in Ise – refined kaiseki, serene atmosphere, modern comfort near shrine Route Options:<br> ―From Nachi-Katsuura:<br> JR Limited Express Kuroshio<br> to Matsusaka (3.5–4 hrs),<br> then Kintetsu Ltd. Exp.<br> to Ise (20 min).<br> Total 4–4.5 hrs.<br> ―From Kyoto:<br> Kintetsu Limited Express<br> direct to Ise<br>(approx. 2 hrs).
DAY2 Ise → Shima
(1 hr by car )		 Begin the day with a visit to Ise Jingu’s Inner Shrine, the spiritual core of Japan. Then travel to Shima’s beautiful coast, where the traditions of Ama divers and the heritage of pearl culture await.
  • Ise Jingu Naiku (Inner Shrine) – Sacred sanctuary dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess.
  • Ago Bay – Stunning ria coastline, famous for pearl rafts scattered across the sea.
  • Ama Hut – Meet Ama divers, hear their stories, and taste freshly grilled seafood such as abalone and turban shell
  • Optional:
    Sunset cruise on Ago Bay
  • Culinary note:
    Lunch: Ama hut seafood BBQ
  • Dinner: Kaiseki at seaside ryokan
 Seaside ryokan/resort in Shima – ocean view, hot springs, refined service Ise → Shima<br> (1 hr by car )
DAY3 Shima →
To Osaka: Shima →
Osaka
(approx. 4 hrs
by Kintetsu Ltd. Exp.)
To Kyoto: Shima →
Kyoto
(approx. 3.5–4 hrs
by Kintetsu Ltd. Exp.,
direct train available).		 Conclude the journey with the heritage of pearls and iconic coastal shrines before returning to Osaka. Reflect on the path from sacred mountains to the sacred sea.
  • Mikimoto Pearl Island – Discover the history of cultured pearls, from Kokichi Mikimoto’s innovations to modern jewelry.Pearl cultivation & diving demo
  • Futami Okitama Shrine & Meoto Iwa (optional) –stop at a seaside shrine symbolizing harmony and marriage, with scenic photo opportunities.
  • Optional:
    ― Pearl accessory workshop (create a small souvenir).
  • ーFutami seaside stop, pearl accessory shopping
  • Culinary note: Local specialties include fresh abalone, lobster, and oysters from Ise-Shima’s clear waters.
 End of tour – Osaka city hotel Shima →<br> To Osaka: Shima →<br> Osaka<br> (approx. 4 hrs<br> by Kintetsu Ltd. Exp.)<br> To Kyoto: Shima →<br> Kyoto<br> (approx. 3.5–4 hrs<br> by Kintetsu Ltd. Exp.,<br>direct train available).

Travel Itinerary

DAY1

City / Area
Route Options:
―From Nachi-Katsuura:
JR Limited Express Kuroshio
to Matsusaka (3.5–4 hrs),
then Kintetsu Ltd. Exp.
to Ise (20 min).
Total 4–4.5 hrs.
―From Kyoto:
Kintetsu Limited Express
direct to Ise
(approx. 2 hrs).
Highlight
Travel from the Kumano mountains to Ise, home of Japan’s most sacred shrine. Begin with the Outer Shrine and stroll lively food streets
Details & Experiences
  • Ise Jingu Geku (Outer Shrine) – ranquil forest setting, dedicated to the deity of food and harvest.
  • Oharai-machi & Okage Yokocho.-Traditional streets with food tasting:-Ise udon, Tekone-zushi, Akafuku mochi, Matsusaka beef snacks.
  • Culinary note:
    Lunch: Bento on train (ekiben)
  • Dinner: Kaiseki with Ise lobster, Matsusaka beef
Accomodation Style
Luxury ryokan in Ise – refined kaiseki, serene atmosphere, modern comfort near shrine
Photo
Route Options:<br> ―From Nachi-Katsuura:<br> JR Limited Express Kuroshio<br> to Matsusaka (3.5–4 hrs),<br> then Kintetsu Ltd. Exp.<br> to Ise (20 min).<br> Total 4–4.5 hrs.<br> ―From Kyoto:<br> Kintetsu Limited Express<br> direct to Ise<br>(approx. 2 hrs).

DAY2

City / Area
Ise → Shima
(1 hr by car )
Highlight
Begin the day with a visit to Ise Jingu’s Inner Shrine, the spiritual core of Japan. Then travel to Shima’s beautiful coast, where the traditions of Ama divers and the heritage of pearl culture await.
Details & Experiences
  • Ise Jingu Naiku (Inner Shrine) – Sacred sanctuary dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess.
  • Ago Bay – Stunning ria coastline, famous for pearl rafts scattered across the sea.
  • Ama Hut – Meet Ama divers, hear their stories, and taste freshly grilled seafood such as abalone and turban shell
  • Optional:
    Sunset cruise on Ago Bay
  • Culinary note:
    Lunch: Ama hut seafood BBQ
  • Dinner: Kaiseki at seaside ryokan
Accomodation Style
Seaside ryokan/resort in Shima – ocean view, hot springs, refined service
Photo
Ise → Shima<br> (1 hr by car )

DAY3

City / Area
Shima →
To Osaka: Shima →
Osaka
(approx. 4 hrs
by Kintetsu Ltd. Exp.)
To Kyoto: Shima →
Kyoto
(approx. 3.5–4 hrs
by Kintetsu Ltd. Exp.,
direct train available).
Highlight
Conclude the journey with the heritage of pearls and iconic coastal shrines before returning to Osaka. Reflect on the path from sacred mountains to the sacred sea.
Details & Experiences
  • Mikimoto Pearl Island – Discover the history of cultured pearls, from Kokichi Mikimoto’s innovations to modern jewelry.Pearl cultivation & diving demo
  • Futami Okitama Shrine & Meoto Iwa (optional) –stop at a seaside shrine symbolizing harmony and marriage, with scenic photo opportunities.
  • Optional:
    ― Pearl accessory workshop (create a small souvenir).
  • ーFutami seaside stop, pearl accessory shopping
  • Culinary note: Local specialties include fresh abalone, lobster, and oysters from Ise-Shima’s clear waters.
Accomodation Style
End of tour – Osaka city hotel
Photo
Shima →<br> To Osaka: Shima →<br> Osaka<br> (approx. 4 hrs<br> by Kintetsu Ltd. Exp.)<br> To Kyoto: Shima →<br> Kyoto<br> (approx. 3.5–4 hrs<br> by Kintetsu Ltd. Exp.,<br>direct train available).

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  • 【Sacred Ise & Scenic Shima】 3 Days of Faith, Food, and Coastal Beauty
  • 【Sacred Ise & Scenic Shima】 3 Days of Faith, Food, and Coastal Beauty
  • 【Sacred Ise & Scenic Shima】 3 Days of Faith, Food, and Coastal Beauty
  • 【Sacred Ise & Scenic Shima】 3 Days of Faith, Food, and Coastal Beauty
  • 【Sacred Ise & Scenic Shima】 3 Days of Faith, Food, and Coastal Beauty
  • 【Sacred Ise & Scenic Shima】 3 Days of Faith, Food, and Coastal Beauty
  • 【Sacred Ise & Scenic Shima】 3 Days of Faith, Food, and Coastal Beauty
  • 【Sacred Ise & Scenic Shima】 3 Days of Faith, Food, and Coastal Beauty
  • 【Sacred Ise & Scenic Shima】 3 Days of Faith, Food, and Coastal Beauty
  • 【Sacred Ise & Scenic Shima】 3 Days of Faith, Food, and Coastal Beauty

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