Ise Shima Travel Tips

Highly Recommended

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1 of 2 in Mie Prefecture

Ise Shima (志摩半島, Shima Hantō) is a coastal region in southern Mie Prefecture that blends sacred tradition with natural charm. Known for its rugged coastline, pearl farms, and ocean views, the area is home to relaxing resorts and fun theme parks, making it a favorite getaway for people from Nagoya and Osaka.

The region includes the cities of Ise, Toba, and Shima, along with Minami-Ise town. It’s also part of Ise-Shima National Park, recognized for its scenic beauty and cultural value. At its heart are the Ise Shrines—Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines—drawing spiritual visitors from all over the country.

Getting around

In Ise Shima, it’s easy to get around by train. The JR Sangu Line and Kintetsu Shima Line connect major spots like Ise, Toba, and Kashikojima. However, renting a car can be more convenient if you want to explore freely. Ise City has two stations—Iseshi (JR and Kintetsu) and Ujiyamada (Kintetsu only), with Ujiyamada being better for Kintetsu travelers. You can walk to the Outer Shrine in 5–10 minutes from either station, while the Inner Shrine is a 10–15 minute bus ride away.

The CAN Bus helps tourists get to popular places like the Ise Shrines, Meoto Iwa Rocks, and even Toba, with rides running once or twice per hour. A Michikusa Pass gives unlimited bus rides—1,200 yen for one day or 1,800 yen for two. Toba is just 15 minutes from Ise by train, and its top spots like Mikimoto Pearl Island and the Toba Aquarium are a short walk from the station. From Toba, you can take the Kintetsu Line to Shima City, ending at Kashikojima Station by Ago Bay, which takes 30–45 minutes and costs between 560 and 1080 yen.