The Best Scenic Drive: Ise Shima Pearl Road

The Best Scenic Drive: Ise Shima Pearl Road

Are you looking to experience the scenic Japanese countryside? Break away from the crowds and experience Japan like never before by taking a drive on Pearl Road. Pearl Road is a 23.8 km route connecting the cities of Toba and Shima. It is a pleasure to drive while watching the incredible coastline and enjoying the stunning natural scenery all the way. More importantly, it is free of charge, and you can drive without pressure. Pearl Road is in Ise Shima National Park, which gained renown as the location of the G7 Summit in 2016. It was also selected as one of the 50 Best Roads in Japan by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association in 2002.

Red torii gates next to the popular Ishigami-san in Shinmei Jinja Shrine 

Teatime at an Ama Hut

The opportunity to interact with real Ama divers and learn more about their unique culture was too tempting to pass up. So, we reserved teatime at Ama Hut Ousatsu-kamado, about a 5-minute drive from Shinmei Jinja Shrine to eat the grilled tasty seafood and chat with Ama divers.  

Ama hut Ousatsu-kamado has a stunning sea view  

Ama Hut Ousatsu-kamado, facing the ocean, is where divers rest and warm up after diving in the morning. 

Fresh charcoal-grilled seafood is served by Ama divers  

An interesting chat with an Ama diver  

The ama diver who cooked for us has been working as an ama diver since she was 20 and this year will be her 50th anniversary. It was such a great opportunity to be able to have a conversation with locals to learn more about the sustainable culture of this area.  

The smiles and hospitality of Ama divers touched us deeply 

Wrap Up

Driving along Pearl Road is pleasing and relaxing. It fulfilled all our desires to appreciate the natural scenery of the Japanese countryside, partake in the local cuisine, and interact with local people without the time pressure of relying on public transportation. We find this drive covers numerous spots that can be finished in half a day. We will never forget the soothing sounds of nature and the refreshing sea breeze during the drive. If you are planning a road trip to Mie prefecture, Pearl Road is a great drive for you to escape from the crowds and take a closer look at Japanese culture. 

 

Tourist attractions covered by this article