2023’s Top Spot Ranking Tour: 2-Day Trip Featuring Shima City and Toba City

Explore Shima City and Toba City, located in the Ise-Shima region!

2023’s Top Spot Ranking Tour: 2-Day Trip Featuring Shima City and Toba City

Explore Shima City and Toba City, located in the Ise-Shima region!
This 2-day trip takes you to popular destinations and facilities featured in the 2023 Top Spot Rankings.
Enjoy a full experience of Shima City and Toba City over two days!

Required Time:2 Days, 1 Night
Means of Transportation:Car and Ferry

START

About 22 minutes by car from Ise-Nishi IC

Amano Iwato

The Sacred Hiding Place of Japan’s Sun Goddess

Follow a path through crisp, refreshing air to discover Amano Iwato, a cave of legend. This sacred site is said to be where Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess, withdrew in response to her brother Susanoo-no-Mikoto’s misdeeds. Her retreat plunged the world into darkness, urging the gods to reflect and restore harmony.

The spring water flowing from the cave is recognized as one of Japan’s "Top 100 Famous Waters."

Along the path to Amano Iwato, you’ll encounter a 360-year-old Oshima cherry tree known as "Iwatōzakura." In spring, it blooms with pure white flowers accompanied by fresh green leaves, creating a breathtaking sight.

The revered "Mikimoto Kusunoki" camphor tree can also be found in front of the worship hall. This tree was planted by Kokichi Mikimoto, known as the "Pearl King," who donated funds to improve the path to Amano Iwato.

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About 21 minutes by car

Yokoyama View Point

Look around 64 islands

There is an unbroken view of the Ago Bay, which is famous for its deeply indented coastline. The view of the approximately 64 islands and numerous pearl boats is absolutely incredible.

If you are visiting Yokoyama on 10th or 20th of the month, join the English guided walk by National Park Volunteers and a ranger, to explore the natural and cultural aspects of Mt. Yokoyama. (From 10am to 12am. Canceled in the case of rain. Check the PDF file for more information).

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About 16 minutes by car

Shima Mediterranean Village

Resort complex includes villa-style accommodation, restaurants, cafe and shops.

The Mediterranean-themed resort complex includes villa-style accommodation, restaurants, cafe and shops over an area of roughly 33,000 square meter. Streets inspired by those in parts of the Mediterranean such as the Spanish regions of Castile and Andalusia, are recreated in the beautiful countryside of Shima.

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About 42 minutes by car

Toba Marine Terminal

Designed to resemble a string of pearls, the terminal’s exterior is an homage to Toba’s pearl heritage. Inside, you’ll find a hall, a deck with ocean views, and a café space, making it a spot to relax as well as the departure point for regular ferry services.
(Related Article)
Enjoy the Toba Ferry Cruise Experience – Visit the feature page here.

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About 15 minutes by ferry from Toba Marine Terminal to Wagu Fishing Port

Toshijima

The largest of Ise Bay's islands

Located 2.5 km northeast of Toba Port, Toshijima, is the largest of Ise Bay's islands. The island's three hamlets are home to around 1,598 people (as of February 29, 2016). Almost 80% of the islanders are engaged in commercial fishing. The island preserves unique traditions, such as the system of neyako, and festivals held to pray for safety at sea and good catches of fish. The island has historic sites associated with Yoshitaka Kuki, who led a band of seafaring warriors during the Sengoku period (roughly between the 15th and early 17th centuries), when civil war affected most of the country.
● Circumference 26.3 km

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About 15 minutes by ferry from Wagu Fishing Port to Toba Marine Terminal

About 10 minutes on foot from Toba Marine Terminal

Mikimoto Pearl Island【Pearl and Demonstration of Ama】

Make the most of a rare opportunity to fully enjoy the complete charm of pearls

Mikimoto Pearl Island is the place where, for the first time in the world, pearls were successfully cultured by Kokichi Mikimoto. Now it is a theme park where you see all kinds of pearls and find out everything you want to know about them. At Kokichi Mikimoto Memorial Hall, you can learn about the life of Kokichi Mikimoto. The Pearl Museum shows how pearls are cultured and also exhibits craft items and fabulous works incorporating pearls. At Pearl Plaza you will be amazed at the form and color of the Mikimoto pearl products you can buy. A third of the island is covered with a flourishing natural forest of pines and Japanese chinquapins, some of which are more than over 200 years old. By all means, go for a pleasant walk and let your mind absorb your new knowledge of pearls.

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About 3 minutes on foot

Toba Aquarium

Number one in Japan in number of species housed

The facility is one of the world's most significant aquariums that houses the dugong, which became the model for the mermaid legend. With approximately 1,200 species, the aquarium is number one in Japan in the number of species exhibited. Recommended are the daily sea lion and walrus shows and the Project Exhibition featuring bizarre sea creatures!