Ise-Shima National Park

Ise-Shima National Park is a coastal national park in eastern Mie Prefecture, encompassing the Shima Peninsula and its intricate ria coastline of bays, inlets, and forested peninsulas. Established in 1946, it is one of Japan's oldest national parks. The park is celebrated for its scenic coastline, centuries-old pearl aquaculture in Ago Bay, and the cultural presence of Ise Jingu (Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine), which lies just outside the park boundary in the city of Ise.

The primary access points are Toba and Kashikojima, both served by the Kintetsu Toba Line from Nagoya (limited express, about 2 hours). From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Nagoya and transfer. By car, the park is about 2.5 hours from Nagoya via the Ise Expressway.

A rental car is the most practical way to explore the park's scattered viewpoints and coastal trails. The Shima Kotsu bus network links Toba, Kashikojima, Ugata, and Goza, though services are infrequent. Sightseeing boats operate in Ago Bay and from Toba.

• Ago Bay — the heart of the park, famous for pearl cultivation rafts dotting the calm waters.

• Cape Daiozaki — a scenic headland with a white lighthouse and dramatic views over the Pacific.

• Mikimoto Pearl Island — a small island in Toba where Kokichi Mikimoto first cultivated pearls; it now houses a museum and ama diver demonstrations.

• Toba Aquarium — one of Japan's largest aquariums, focused on marine life of Ise Bay and beyond.

• Goza Coast — white-sand beaches and rocky cliffs along the southern reaches of the park.

• Shima Marineland — a smaller aquarium with dolphin shows and local species.

• Pearl culture boat tour — cruise Ago Bay to see the floating pearl rafts and learn about the cultivation process.

• Ama diver experience — visit a working ama hut in Ugata or Goza to watch free-divers in action and taste freshly grilled seafood.

• Hiking — coastal trails from Kashikojima to Goza offer outstanding seascapes; the Shima Peninsula Nature Trail is well-marked.

• Kayaking — the sheltered waters of Ago Bay are ideal for sea kayaking.

• Swimming — Goza Beach and other coves are popular for summer swimming.

The park's restaurants and ryokan serve Ise-ebi (spiny lobster) from November to April, ama diver-grilled shellfish, and fresh sashimi. Ago-no-sushi (vinegared mackerel pressed sushi) is a regional speciality.

Green tea from Mie Prefecture and local sake from nearby breweries are the standard beverages.

Accommodation ranges from luxury resort hotels such as the Shima Kanko Hotel (site of the 2016 G7 summit) and the Nemu Resort to mid-range ryokan in Kashikojima and budget minshuku in Goza.

Pearls are the definitive souvenir: Mikimoto-brand jewellery and loose pearls are sold in Toba and Kashikojima. Local seafood products like dried bonito and nori are available at roadside stations.

• Ise — Ise Jingu, Japan's most important Shinto shrine
• Toba — aquarium and Mikimoto Pearl Island
• Matsusaka — Matsusaka beef and castle town
• Kumano — the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route further south