Iseshima: A Region Built Upon Environmentally-Conscious and Spiritual Living
Located in southern Mie Prefecture, Iseshima is a mild-weather region characterized by its pristine seas and mountains, enduring culture, and sustainable lifestyles that coexist with the environment. The spiritual heart of Iseshima is Ise Jingu (Ise Shrine), which is also regarded as the “Soul of Japan” since it enshrines deities central to Shinto. The shrine was established over 2,000 years ago and continues to maintain important rituals that demonstrate Shinto’s deep connection to nature. The tree-adorned complex and traditional Japanese aesthetics create an atmosphere that inspires the mind, body, and soul.
Nature is an integral part of the region’s spirituality and culture. The people of Iseshima have long lived in harmony with their environment, developing industries and ways of life that respect nature, while still enriching their communities. Iseshima National Park, which is roughly 60,000 hectares, is a testament to residents’ innate desire to preserve the vitality of their home. Here, bountiful oceans, uniquely-shaped coastlines, and verdant mountains form grand vistas. Ago Bay, defined by its lush islets against the blue sea, is one of the park’s most breathtaking areas.
Thanks to its flourishing marine environment, Iseshima has a prosperous local fishing industry and is best known for its Ise Ebi (Japaese spiny lobster), oysters, and abalones. One of the region’s cultural highlights are its Ama divers, whose customs originated over 3,000 years ago. The Ama are free-diving women who use traditional fishing techniques to source seafood. In Iseshima, visitors can join “Ama Hut Experiences” to learn more from these intriguing women while enjoying fresh, charcoal-grilled seafood.
Iseshima is also the birthplace of cultured pearls and is famous for its world-class pearls nourished by Ago Bay and enhanced by advanced cultivation techniques.
Discover unique Japanese ways of life in an area touched by nature and spiritually intertwined with the heart of Japan.
Dive Into Iseshima’s Sustainable Lifestyles and Awe-Inspiring Nature
Iseshima is abundant in culturally-inspiring and scenic experiences where visitors can interact with locals who are passionate about sharing their home’s charms.
Ise Jingu, a point of civic pride among residents, is approximately the same size as central Paris, housing 125 Shinto shrines and performing over 1,500 rituals annually. This revered shrine was founded by the eleventh emperor’s daughter as a place of worship for the sun goddess Amaterasu, Shinto’s most important deity. The shrine is divided into two main parts: Geku (Outer Shrine) and Naiku (Inner Shrine). Naiku is the most important building in Ise Jingu since it enshrines Amaterasu. Incredibly, the shrine rebuilds Geku, Naiku, and other important structures every 20 years as a reflection of rebirth and renewal. To immerse guests in the shrine’s deeper meanings, Iseshima offers numerous educational opportunities, including guided tours that explore its rituals and sacred food offerings.
Ise Jingu ©“Visit ISESHIMA” Bureau
Many of Iseshima’s industries and leisure activities are entwined with its ocean scenery. At Pearl Miki, experience pearl cultivation firsthand by inserting a nucleus into an oyster, a rare touristic opportunity in pearl farming. The experience also includes harvesting pearls and creating a piece of jewelry that elegantly highlights Iseshima’s internationally-acclaimed pearls.
Meeting the Ama is an invaluable experience truly unique to Iseshima. In fact, Toba City, located on the Iseshima Peninsula, has the highest population of Ama in Japan. Ama Hut HACHIMAN resting along Matoya Bay, sheds light on this long-established world, allowing guests to converse with the Ama, eat charcoal-grilled shellfish, and wear traditional Ama attire. The friendly women are full of interesting life stories. The exclusive experience wonderfully illustrates how Iseshima’s residents appreciate nature’s blessings and live as part of the Earth.
Ama
Within Iseshima National Park, Ago Bay shines with natural splendor, making it a popular area for ocean activities. Shima Nature School offers a year-round sea kayaking experience that explores the coastal waters and even stops at Masakijima, a serene island located in the heart of the bay. The company also offers guided walks and cycling tours across the national park. For a romantic bay experience, the Ago Bay Sunset Cruise, led by an experienced captain, provides up-close views of the yellow-orange sky sparkling on the sea.
Meaningful Luxury Enriched by Iseshima’s Oceans and Culture
Iseshima’s luxurious accommodations combine nature, fresh seafood dishes, private experiences, modern amenities, and top-notch relaxation to create memorable stays that embody the region’s distinct heritage. With private lodging and hotel options, Iseshima’s offerings suit a variety of travelers’ needs.
For a peaceful stay in a home that is exclusively yours, consider a private accommodation. COVA KAKUDA is a quiet coastal retreat that aims to revitalize Iseshima’s biodiversity through sustainable actions. The accommodation accepts just four groups a day and is located at a renovated pearl farm that overlooks Ago Bay. It also organizes outdoor activities, such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and yoga, to immerse guests in the plentiful environment. MOKU ISESHIMA, located on Masakijima Island, is perhaps one of the region’s most secluded accommodations. For overnight guests, this facility only accepts one group per day, ensuring an unparalleled lodging experience in Japan. One highlight is the Ago Bay sushi, which master sushi chefs prepare against the backdrop of Iseshima National Park. The accommodation also has lavish comforts, such as an infinity pool and sauna, as well as meaningful nature experiences.
COVA KAKUDA
Iseshima’s luxury hotels and guest rooms equally embody the region’s natural and cultural wealth. Shima Kanko Hotel The Bay Suites sits atop a lush hill overlooking the island-dotted bay. The facility’s Japanese and French restaurants serve gourmet dishes that exquisitely showcase Iseshima’s seafood, and its exclusive activities balance nature, cultural learning, and relaxation. Oyado The Earth is an accommodation that fully embraces Iseshima’s natural beauty, offering stylish guest rooms with private open-air, hot spring baths that face the precious environment. Amanemu, located beside Ago Bay, is a resort that provides a restorative lodging experience, featuring a hot spring bath filled with Iseshima mineral water, locally-sourced cuisine, special activities, and naturally-designed guest rooms and private villas. The facility is Aman’s, a global hospitality brand that specializes in elegant and intimate retreats, first hot spring resort.
Amanemu
Mie Prefecture-Exclusive Items That Embody the Harmonious Bond Between Humans, Land, and Sea
Iseshima’s local goods beautifully encapsulate the region’s deep-rooted relationship with the environment. Although Iseshima is arguably synonymous with the ocean, Mie Prefecture at large boasts diverse agriculture and is particularly known for its tea cultivation. In fact, Mie Prefecture is Japan’s third-largest tea producer and home to locally cultivated Ise tea. It includes varieties such as kabuse-cha, a luxury tea known for its mellow flavor, and fukamushi sencha tea, which has a rich fragrance and deep astringency.
Another product unique to Mie Prefecture is Gikakushi, a Mie Prefecture Designated Traditional Craft. This imitation leather is made from traditional Japanese washi paper and originated in Iseshima around the late 1600s. Gikakushi was highly regarded overseas and used as wallpaper in Europe. The material even won a gold medal at the 1900 Paris Exposition. Although production ended around the 1930s, it was revived in 2013 by a man from a former gikakushi-making family. Gikakushi were once popular products along the Ise Highway leading to Ise Jingu and can be considered an exclusive item rarely found outside of Mie Prefecture.
Gikakushi
Iseshima was the first place in the world to successfully cultivate pearls and is globally recognized for its high-quality pearls, which are grown in the warm, nutrient-rich waters of Ago Bay. Iseshima has multiple pearl accessory stores. A pearl product is a lovely way to memorialize the treasured landscapes and culture of Iseshima.
Pearl Miki
