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Ise-Shima

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Trip Idea #2 : Mie Prefecture's Ise-Shima

Ise-Shima is located in the south east of Mie Prefecture. The surrounding peninsula is also known as Ise-Shima National Park. In this gorgeous resort setting you can find Japan's most sacred Shinto shrines (Ise and Shima Shrines) and temples, several theme parks and a vibrant pearl and oyster cultivation industry. Ise Shima is a great starting point to explore the nearby Shima, Ise and Toba cities. Shima, which is famous for its beautiful views of Ago and Matoya Bays, is accessible by the Kintestu train line and by car. Ago Bay's famous pearl cultivation and Matoya Bay's oyster cultivation industries make up most of the local economy.The breathtaking views of the bays is made up of over 60 uniquely formed islands. Shima City has a lot of spectacular hotels, beaches and leisure facilities with easy access from the Kansai region (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Kobe). This area is famous in Japan for its beautiful resorts.

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ISE JINGU (GEKU)

Ise Jingu is located in Mie Prefecture and is a shrine spread out over a large area of land surrounded by trees in a tranquil forest.
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OKAGE YOKOCHO

Okage Yokocho is a small traditional village with replicas of old townhouses now used as shops offering local Ise specialities.
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ISE JINGU SHRINE (NAIKU)

Ise Jingu, consisting of Naiku (inner shrine) and Geku (outer shrine), is one of Shinto's holiest and most important sites in Japan.
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AKAFUKU HONTEN

Akafuku mochi is a traditional Japanese sweet or wagashi that is synonymous with the Ise-Shima area in Mie Prefecture.
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MEOTO IWA ROCKS

Meoto Iwa Rocks, or the "Wedded Rocks", are two sacred rocks representing a husband and wife, connected by a thick rope.
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MIKIMOTO PEARL ISLAND

Mikimoto Pearl Island, owned by world-renowned pearl jeweler Mikimoto, has many facilities to learn about pearl cultivation.
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ART MUSEUM ISE

This is a two-floor contemporary art museum with an outside space for sculptures, located in Ise and has great views of Gokashoura bay.
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MAKONDE ART MUSEUM

The Makonde Art Museum displays sculptures by the Makonde tribe, an ethnic group living mainly in Tanzania and Mozambique.
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TOBA AQUARIUM

A large aquarium offering a coral reef area, where you can see the colorful tropical fish happily swimming around
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OHARAI-MACHI

A traditional style shopping street leading up to the Inner Shrine of Ise. Sample a range of delicacies or buy a unique souvenir!

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AGO BAY

Ago Bay, located southeast of Ise-jingu Shrine, offers a magical meandering coast, rich with verdant islands and peninsulas.
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ISE KAWASAKI SHONINKAN

Operated by an NPO, this museum outlines the neighborhood history in meticulously restored merchant buildings.