A Vacation at Japan's Quality Seaside Resorts

The hometown of ninja -IGA-
Ise-Toba-Shima tourist spot information

The Grand Shrine of Ise Feel the sacred air that has filled the grounds since ancient times. Feel your mind being relieved as you make your way down the pebble-paved paths.

The Grand Shrine of Ise has been a center of worship since ancient times, when many people dreamed of paying a visit once in their lives. The shrine is comprised of the Naiku inner sanctuary, where Amaterasu-Omikami is worshiped, and the Geku outer sanctuary, where Toyouke-Omikami is worshipped. Traditionally, worshippers are recommended to visit Geku first and then Naiku. After crossing the Ujibashi (bridge) on the way to the grounds of Naiku, worshippers are surrounded by deep cedar forests about 800 years old, which gently help them calm their mind.

How to worship at the Shrine (The Grand Shrine of Ise)

1)Before greeting the deity, wash your hands and rinse your mouth at the temizusha, a small roofed station where a basin of water can be found. This is a semi-formal version of a purification process called misogi.
2)Place an offering in the saisenbako (offering box). 3)Ring the bells.

4)Follow the traditional "two bows, two claps, one bow" worship process:

(1)Perform a deep bow twice.
(2)Place both hands together at the height of chest, open them in the width of shoulder, then clap twice.
(3)Place both hands together and pray.
(4)Bring both hands down and perform a deep bow once again to finish worshipping

After visiting the shrine, enjoy a stroll through Oharai-Machi, a busy district in the shrine's vicinity lined with a number of souvenir shops and restaurants serving worshippers. Okage-Yokocho is a block within the district where traditional buildings from the Edo period have been preserved to create nostalgic streetscapes.

Ise-Toba-Shima: A seaside resort full of attractions from historic streetscapes, leisure facilities, and aquariums to theme parks

The most famous scenic spot in Futami is the Meoto Iwa Rocks (wedded rocks), which are two rocks peaking out from the ocean's surface and linked with a shimenawa (braided straw rope). Located near the rocks is Futami Sea Paradise, where a variety of unique sea animals are on display. An elephant seal, who greets visitors with a cute gesture of akkanbe (sticking out its tongue at you), is among the many popular creatures at the aquarium. Ise • Azuchi Momoyama Bunka Mura is a historical theme park, where the ornate Azuchi-Momoyama culture that flourished in the late 16th century is recreated.

Highlights of the tour in Toba include a visit to TOBA AQUARIUM, Japan's largest aquarium where dugongs, finless porpoises, and many other varieties of sea animals welcome visitors. In Toba Bay, a scenic ocean view dotted with small islands can be enjoyed from a cruise ship.
If you are in Shima, be sure to visit Shima Spain Village Parque España, a popular Spain-themed amusement park. Enjoy a variety of exciting attractions and entertainment in an exotic atmosphere from "the country of passion." SHIMA MARINELAND is another popular tourist destination in Shima, known for its popular display of giant ocean sunfish.

Ise-Shima's local flavors

Ise udon

Available at restaurants mostly within Ise-shi. Tenderly-cooked, thick udon (Japanese wheat noodles) is served in a rich, dark broth made of tamari shoyu (soy sauce) and dashi stock from katsuobushi (bonito flakes) and iriko (dried small fish).

Where to eat Ise udon: Mameya (2-19-11 Miyajiri, Ise-city), Kihachiya (1-6-60 Funae, Ise-city)

Tekonezushi

The origin of Shima's local specialty is what fishermen used to prepare and eat on their boats by hand-mixing shoyu(soy sauce)-marinated fresh bonito slices, vinegared rice, and a few condiments.

Where to eat tekonezushi: New Okushima (822 Wagu, Shima-cho, Shima-city), Suzuko-no Mise (1890 Fuseda,Shima-cho, Shima-city)

Ise-Toba-Shima tourist spot information

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