Ise-Shima National Park Tourist Attractions Activities Leisure Specials

Ise-Shima National Park
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Activity Japan Editorial Department
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The beautiful scenery of the Rias coast is attractive. Ise-Shima National Park " There is also a shrine that is said to be the most famous in Japan. A place that makes you feel a strong connection between people, nature and the gods is.

This is a must-visit place to add to your introduction to Ise-Shima National Park. Information on spots and activities you can enjoy in the surrounding area We will also tell you!
Use this to help plan your trip hey!

History, extent and location of Ise-Shima National Park

Ise-Shima National Park On November 20, 1946 (Showa 21), The first postwar national park The range is Mie Prefecture On the Shima Peninsula and its surrounding areas, Ise City , Toba City , Shima City , and straddles Minamiise Town.
Land area: 55,544ha , The marine area is 19,100ha. is.

Characteristics and attractions of Ise-Shima National Park

The Meoto Iwa rocks at Futamiokitama Shrine in Ise-Shima National Park
Images Courtesy: photoAC

Represented by Ise Shrine A historic, majestic and sublime spot In addition, Beautiful seascape with lush forests and ria coastlines Characterized by Ise-Shima National Park .
The proportion of privately owned land is very high at over 96%. The most populated national park in Japan People's lives are deeply connected to history and nature, and the landscapes of Satoyama and Satoumi still prevail today.

Things to do in Ise-Shima National Park

Below are some of the popular tourist spots in Ise-Shima National Park.

Ise Shrine

Ise Shrine ritual (Priests procession)
Images Courtesy: PIXTA

" Ise Shrine "teeth The official name is "Jingu" It is a shrine with a history of about 2,000 years. It is centered around "Koutaijingu", which enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, and "Toyouke Daijingu", which enshrines Toyouke no Omikami. 125 shrines, including auxiliary shrines and auxiliary shrines It consists of the following areas, most of which are located within Ise-Shima National Park.
Generally, Kotaijingu is called "Naiku" (Inner Shrine) and Toyouke Daijingu is called "Geku" (Outer Shrine).

Shrine Forest

The Isuzu River near Ise Shrine
Images Courtesy: PIXTA

" Jingu Shrine Forest " is a forest located upstream of the Isuzu River that flows along the banks of the Inner Shrine, and is commonly known as the "Shingūrin (shrine forest)." The vast forest of approximately 5,500 hectares has been preserved since the first Shikinen Sengu ceremony in 690 (the 4th year of the reign of Empress Jitō), Misomayama, where timber is cut down for construction It was established.
There are 850 species of plants growing in the Jingu Shrine forest. In addition to supporting a rich ecosystem, they also play an important role in preventing floods It is fulfilling its role.

Mt. Asakuma Observatory

View from the observation deck at the top of Mt. Asakuma in Mt.
Images Courtesy: photoAC

Mount Asama (555m above sea level) The highest peak in Ise-Shima National Park From the summit you can get a panoramic view of Ise-Shima, the Atsumi Peninsula on the opposite shore, and even Mount Fuji on a clear day.
" Asakuma Peak Observatory "teeth, The summit of the Ise-Shima Skyline, a road connecting Ise and Toba It is equipped with an observation deck, a shop, a snack corner, etc. There are also plenty of other attractions, such as the "Observation Footbath" where you can enjoy a magnificent view, the "Sky Post" which is a working postbox designated as a sacred place for lovers, and the "Asamadake Kongosho-ji Temple" which protects the unlucky direction of Ise Grand Shrine.

Meoto Iwa

Ise Meoto Iwa Rocks in Ise-Shima National Park
Images Courtesy: photoAC

" Meotoiwa (Married Couple Rocks) " is a scenic spot consisting of two rocks, Oiwa (9m high) and Onnaiwa (4m high), tightly bound together with a large shimenawa rope. It has long been known as a sunrise worship site (a place where gods and Buddhas can be worshiped from afar).
From May to July, you can see the sunrise between the Meoto Iwa rocks. It is especially famous for being able to see the sunrise rising behind Mount Fuji in the distance on clear days around the summer solstice. From October to January, the moon rises between the Meoto Iwa rocks. You can also see:

Rias Coast (Ago Bay)

Ago Bay in Ise-Shima National Park
Images Courtesy: photoAC

A ria coast is a coastline with a complex, sawtooth-like topography formed by crustal movement and rising sea levels.The deep bays make excellent natural harbors and are also suitable for aquaculture.
The coast of the Shima Peninsula is also a ria coast with many capes and inlets, and the " Ago Bay "teeth Japan's leading ria coastline Ago Bay is a thriving pearl farming area. The first place in Japan where pearl farming was successful Also known as:

Toba Observatory Ama no Terrace

Spectacular views from Toba Observatory "Ama no Terrace" in Ise-Shima National Park
Images Courtesy: photoAC

" Toba Observatory Ama no Terrace "teeth, An observation deck along the 23.8 km long Pearl Road, a driveway that connects Toba and Shima Located on a hill 163 meters above sea level, it is a scenic spot from which you can get a panoramic view of Toba's remote islands (such as Sugashima and Kamishima), the ria coast, the Atsumi Peninsula on the opposite shore, and the horizon.
On a clear day, you can even see Mt. Fuji. From the observation deck, you can watch the female divers fishing. In addition, at the attached cafe and shop, you can enjoy light meals made with local ingredients and purchase souvenirs from Ise-Shima.

Yokoyama Observatory

Yokoyama Observatory in Ise-Shima National Park
Images Courtesy: photoAC

" Yokoyama Observatory " is a scenic spot located in the southern part of the Shima Peninsula. Famous for pearl farming and ria coastlines, Enjoy a beautiful view of Ago Bay It's a location. The promenade is also well maintained. And, Hiking and trekking The observation deck is also home to the Yokoyama Sky Cafe Terrace Mirador Shima, where you can relax and enjoy drinks and sweets while taking in the spectacular view of Ago Bay.

Ugura Park

Starry sky from Ugura Garden in Ise-Shima National Park
Images Courtesy: photoAC
" Ugura Park " is a park developed on the Ugura Peninsula in Minamiise Town. It is also famous as a stargazing and sunrise spot. In the park, Four observation decks: Akebono Observatory, Miejima Observatory, Kasaragi Observatory, and Tachibana Observatory. There is.
From the Akebono Observatory and Kasaragi Observatory, you can see the Oyako Bridge, which was selected as one of the "100 Best Bridges in Japan," and from the Miejima Observatory, you can see the heart-shaped bay, which has been recognized as a sacred place for lovers. In addition, the Tachibana Observatory has a "Sky Swing."

Kinki Nature Trail (A trail to experience the Ise Shrine)

Kinki Nature Trail sign at Nakanoiso Observatory in Ise-Shima National Park
Images Courtesy: PIXTA

" Kinki Nature Trail " is a project that covers two prefectures and seven prefectures, including Mie Prefecture ( Fukui Prefecture , Shiga Prefecture , Kyoto Prefecture , Osaka Prefecture , Hyogo Prefecture , Nara Prefecture , Wakayama Prefecture , Tottori Prefecture ) across A long-distance nature trail spanning approximately 3,300 km is.
A total of 38 routes are available in Mie Prefecture. There are 14 routes within Ise-Shima National Park, including courses that recall history and courses that allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of the ria coast.

Map of tourist spots in Ise-Shima National Park

Ise-Shima National Park Activity Ranking

A pearl extraction experience conducted by Kikuchi Pearl Co., Ltd., a Mie Prefecture company

Ise-Shima National Park Now, let's experience pearl extraction. Handmade accessory making experience Including, Kayak Tour or BBQ is popular!

Recommended activities ranking in the Ise and Futami area

1 Rank

[Mie/Ise-Shima] Akoya pearl accessories made in the birthplace of pearls

Pearl Falco
Ise and Futami
3,300 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 3.5
  • (1 review/experience)

We will show a DVD that will help you understand the history of pearls and how to select them. While making your own accessories, you can learn about the history of Akoya pearls and pearl farming in Ise-Shima, as well as the value of pearls and how to distinguish them.

2 Rank

[Mie/Ise-Shima] Make accessories with colorful freshwater pearls

Pearl Falco
Ise and Futami
2,200 Yen ~ (tax included)

You can make your own original accessories with freshwater pearls of various colors. The duration is about 1 hour. It is a recommended activity that can be easily incorporated into your travel schedule.

3 Rank

[Mie Prefecture, Ise-Shima] Half-day Ise-san Kayaking <Rental Marine Shoes Included>

OUTISE
Ise and Futami
7,300 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 4.9
  • (9 reviews and experiences)

We will guide you to the best spots in Ise-Shima according to the weather of the day. We will travel freely around Ise-Shima so that all our guests can enjoy themselves with peace of mind. The main point is the Ise Bay mouth area, which is a 15-minute drive away, but depending on the weather, we may move to Matoya Bay or Ago Bay, which are a 40-minute drive away. The coastline, where untouched nature remains, is dotted with deserted beaches, and

4 Rank

[Mie, Ise, Futami] Within walking distance of Futami Meoto Iwa | Akoya pearl extraction experience | You can take them home or make accessories | A great memory of your trip to Ise ♪

Mie Prefecture Pearls
Ise and Futami
1,870 Yen ~ (tax included)

Would you like to try your hand at extracting Akoya pearls, which have an elegant color and an attractive luster? You can create memories that are unique to your trip to Ise near the Futami Meoto Iwa rocks! It's a short experience, so please drop by. The extracted Akoya pearls can be processed into your favorite accessories, or you can take them home as they are. *If you want to process them into accessories,

5 Rank

[Mie/Ise] Empty-handed barbecue! Freshly caught seafood from Ise-Shima [5-piece seafood set]

Futaminoura Seaside BBQ Site
Ise and Futami
1,950 Yen ~ (tax included)

At Futaminoura Seaside Barbecue Area, we offer a variety of menus so you can enjoy a barbecue without having to bring anything with you. This plan allows you to enjoy five types of seafood from Ise-Shima. *Prices vary depending on the number of people applying.

Recommended activity rankings in the Shima area

1 Rank

[Mie, Shima] Come empty-handed! Experience fishing on a raft at a pearl farm ♪

Pearl Workshop Shinju no Sato
Shima
1,980 circle 1,650 Yen ~ (tax included)
Discount campaign underway!
  • 4.5
  • (1 review/experience)

This is a fishing experience at a pearl farm in Ise-Shima, the birthplace of pearl farming. You can fish in a roofed house, so you can enjoy fishing even on rainy days and in the summer. You can fish until you run out of time and bait! You will be fishing in the natural sea, so you can catch fish that are migrating at the time. ★Fish that can be caught often: sea bream, pufferfish, horse mackerel, wrasse, sillago, mackerel, sardine, and flathead.

2 Rank

[Mie/Shima] Draw a picture with crayons and stick it on a plate! A one-of-a-kind crayon experience

Mie Narumi Co., Ltd. (NARUMI Factory Shop)
Shima
2,550 Yen ~ (tax included)

This is an experience where you can draw a picture with ceramic crayons and stick it on a plate. You can create your own one-of-a-kind piece. Bone china is light and durable, making it perfect for everyday use! The experience area is spacious, and there are other tableware exhibits, so there is plenty to see. There is also a direct store, so you can shop there.

3 Rank

[Mie, Shima] Stick designs onto mugs and bowls! A one-of-a-kind painting experience

Mie Narumi Co., Ltd. (NARUMI Factory Shop)
Shima
3,650 Yen ~ (tax included)

This is an experience where you can stick a design onto a mug or bowl. You can create your own one-of-a-kind item. Bone china is light and durable, making it perfect for everyday use! The experience area is spacious, and there are other tableware exhibits, so there is plenty to see. There is also a direct store, so you can shop there.

4 Rank

[Mie/Ise-Shima] Akoya pearl extraction experience ♪ Choose your own accessory making experience!

Pearl Workshop Shinju no Sato
Shima
2,640 circle 2,200 Yen ~ (tax included)
Discount campaign underway!
  • 4.8
  • (3 reviews/experiences)

This is a pearl harvesting experience at a pearl farm in Ise-Shima, the birthplace of pearl farming. It's fun to see what kind of pearls you get when you harvest them! You will get pearls of various sizes, shapes, and colors. You can harvest "Akoya pearls" with a diameter of 6 mm, or 8 mm if you're lucky! You can take the pearls home with you. You can use the pearls to make accessories.

5 Rank

[Mie/Ise-Shima] Experience removing Akoya pearls! Making a pearl pendant!

Pearl Workshop Shinju no Sato
Shima
4,640 circle 4,200 Yen ~ (tax included)
Discount campaign underway!
  • 5.0
  • (1 review/experience)

Experience pearl extraction and pendant making at a pearl farm in Ise-Shima, the birthplace of pearl farming. It's fun to try to extract the pearls and see what kind of pearls you get! You will get pearls of various sizes, shapes, and colors. You can extract "Akoya pearls" with a diameter of 6 mm, or 8 mm if you're lucky! Use the extracted pearls to make your own pearl pendant.

Summary of sightseeing spots and activities in Ise-Shima National Park

The red bridge of the Pearl Road and the sunset in Ise-Shima National Park, Matoya Bay Bridge
Images Courtesy: photoAC

This time, Ise-Shima National Park Recommended hotels in the area Attractions and Activities We introduced the following:

Ise Shrine and other religious sites and beautiful nature are deeply connected to people's lives. Attractive area is. Activities that allow you to experience nature and history It is also being implemented a lot!
Ise-Shima National Park, Enjoy it from a variety of perspectives What do you think?

*The content of this article is current as of March 2025.
Featured image provided by: photoAC

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