One-Day Itinerary: Experience the Coastal Culture in Ise-Shima

Are you looking for a trip to enjoy natural scenery, ocean views, and fresh seafood, and to interact with the locals while learning about sustainable living? Well, look no further, because Ise-Shima is the perfect destination for you!
It is conveniently located and easily accessed by JR and Kintetsu trains from Nagoya, Osaka, or Kyoto. Once in Ise-Shima, make sure to visit Ise-Shima National Park, which offers various spots to explore for a day, then spend the night in a Mediterranean village for a fine dining and relaxing onsen experience. Check out our recommendations for a perfect day spent in Ise-Shima.

Written by Bonnie Chow
-Table of Contents-
・Shinmei Shrine in Osatsu City
・Visiting Osatsu-Kamado Ama Hut
・Yokoyama Observatory
・Kashikojima España Cruise
・Shima Mediterranean Village
・Wrap-up

Shinmei Shrine, Osatsu City

After arriving at Toba Station, our trip began at Osatsu, a quaint fishing village known for having the greatest number of ama divers, or professional freediving fisherwomen in Japan. Here, you can learn how this occupation has managed to harmoniously coexist with nature. It is said that the practice of women diving to gather shellfish dates back over 2,000 years, and the traditional method of diving without oxygen tanks is still in use! Even today, ama divers wear monocular diving masks that offer a wide field of vision to collect seaweed and abalone. The diving techniques developed by ama are unique and recognized as cultural assets of Japan.

We visited Shinmei Shrine, which is also called “Ishigami-san” by the locals, for it houses the stone deity of Ishigami-san within its sacred grounds. This spiritual site has gained popularity lately as visitors flood in from all over Japan, believing that the deity grants one wish to each female worshipper.

In fact, this shrine has long been a place where local ama divers prayed for good catches and safety at sea.

Before going in for a dive, ama divers decorate their gear with two types of designs that serve as protective talismans for safety in the sea. The lattice-pattern, known as Doman, represents many eyes watching over divers to ward off evil spirits, while the star-shaped Seiman, drawn in a single stroke, symbolizes the diver’s safe return from the sea. These designs are also on the amulets of Ishigami-san that can be purchased in the shrine.

It takes about five minutes to reach the Ama Culture Museum if you wish to learn more about the ama divers in Ise-Shima.

Visiting Osatsu-Kamado Ama Hut

After our trip to the shrine and museum, we decided to have a light meal and chat with ama divers to understand more about the traditional culture of Osatsu Village. An eight-minute walk took us to the Osatsu-Kamado Ama Hut, where divers usually rest and warm up after their morning dives.

Fresh seafood, including scallops, squid, and clams, was served with tea, along with mochi. The famous Ise lobster and abalone could be requested at an additional cost.

As the ama divers prepared our meal, we began chatting with them to learn more about their everyday life.

The ama diver who cooked for us has been working as an ama since she was twenty, and this year will mark her 50th year in the profession. Now, there are only a few hundred divers in this region, and to prevent overfishing, ama divers stop diving during the spawning season. Sitting on a bench in the ama hut overlooking the ocean, we felt incredibly lucky to interact with the experienced female divers and savor the delicious seafood grilled over charcoal, deepening our understanding of the rich culture of this area.

Yokoyama Observatory

The next stop is Yokoyama Observatory, one of the region’s most scenic viewpoints where visitors can take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the iconic Ago Bay.
Yokoyama Observatory is just a short taxi ride away from the station, or about a 40-minute walk if you are up for a scenic stroll. However, you choose to reach there, the breathtaking vista from 200-meters up makes the journey more than worthwhile. More than 60 small islands dot the calm blue waters, surrounded by lush green hills that change color with the seasons.

Kashikojima España Cruise

Who’s ready to set sail on a Spanish pirate ship across the Ago Bay?
This Spanish-style ship is a replica of a 16th-century tall ship from the Age of Exploration, offering a touch of adventure and history. The 50-minute leisure round-trip cruise glides comfortably through the deeper waters of Ago Bay, giving you a chance to take in the bay’s stunning scenery from a whole new angle.

If you are a Japanese anime fan, don’t miss the chance to head up to the third deck to enjoy the sea breeze and take the helm, just like a pirate captain steering through the waves.

The round-trip fee is 1,900 yen for adults and 1,100 yen for children, offering great value for a unique experience on the deep blue waters of Ago Bay.

Shima Mediterranean Village

The last stop of our trip was Shima Mediterranean Village, a stunning resort designed to replicate the charm of five picturesque towns from the Mediterranean coast.

Although we just came for a day trip, we were instantly captivated by the resort’s attention to detail. Everything, from the architecture to the atmosphere, truly felt like we had stepped into a Spanish seaside village.

The white brick houses, colorful flower decorations on the wall, the white rooftops, and the fountains contrast with the lazuline sky and deep blue Ago Bay creating picture-perfect spots everywhere.

Craving authentic Mediterranean cuisine made using fresh local ingredients? Pair that with a relaxing onsen experience and give yourself the pampering you deserve.

Day visits are available for just 700 yen for middle school students and older. Guests can enjoy lunch at a Michelin award-winning collaboration restaurant, take part in mosaic coaster-making workshops or spend a leisurely afternoon café-hopping through the charming village.

Wrap-up
Our day trip to the Ise-Shima area was truly unforgettable. From enjoying the panoramic views of Ago Bay at the observatory, to sailing the waters aboard a pirate ship, savoring fresh seafood prepared by ama divers, and immersing ourselves in the charming Mediterranean-inspired village, every moment felt special. If your next trip takes you to Osaka or Nagoya, be sure to include Ise-Shima in your itinerary. I’m confident you’ll create wonderful, lasting memories here!