Mie Ise Grand Shrine & Futamiura Coast Day Trip | Visit Toba Aquarium or Mikimoto Pearl Island (Departing from Nagoya)
- Visit Ise Grand Shrine, Japan's most sacred and energetic site, and experience a thousand-year-old culture of faith.
- Stroll through the super popular "Tofu Yokocho" (Tofu Yokocho) and experience the Edo-style food town.
- Visit the romantic coastal spot "Futamiura Couple Rocks" and pray for a happy marriage.
- Choose one of the following for a free experience: Mikimoto Pearl Island or Toba Aquarium.
- Shared day trip from Nagoya, a relaxed and stress-free itinerary
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 4 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Additional service & facility | Transfer included |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Temples & shrines, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
The journey takes you into the heart of Japanese culture, starting with a visit to Ise Jingu Shrine where you'll feel the sacred atmosphere and experience the charm of ancient traditions.
Next, you will go to Mikimoto Pearl Island to learn about the pearl making process and watch the special performance of Ama pearl-diving. Or you can choose to go to Toba Aquarium to get close to various marine creatures and the wonderful dolphin show will amaze you. (Miki Pearl Island and Toba Aquarium are similar itineraries. In order to ensure the playing time, it is recommended that you choose to visit one of them.)
Finally, you will come to Futamiura Married Couple Rocks, where you can see this pair of rocks that symbolize a happy marriage and enjoy the unparalleled sea view. At Futami Okitama Shrine, you will experience a unique prayer ceremony and feel the tranquil and ancient atmosphere. There are also many frogs of various shapes here. In the hinterland of the shrine, you can see many Futami frogs, the messengers of the great god Sarutahiko. The Japanese word for frog is "カエル", which is the same pronunciation as the word "return" in Japanese. Therefore, in Japan, frogs have the meaning of "returning safely and returning what you borrow". In addition, it is said that if you put a frog amulet (縁起物) in your wallet, the money you spent will also come back, so it is a very popular souvenir. There are various frog stone sculptures in the area, each with different meanings, such as becoming younger, returning safely, finding lost items, etc. It is very interesting, so you may as well look for them one by one.
Located in Mie Prefecture, Ise Grand Shrine is a representative shrine of Japan. Its main shrines are the "Imperial Grand Shrine (Inner Shrine)" which enshrines "Amaterasu Omikami," the goddess representing the sun, and the "Toyoke Grand Shrine (Outer Shrine)" which enshrines "Toyoke Omikami," the guardian deity representing food, clothing, and shelter.
Tofu Yokocho: In front of the torii gate of the Inner Shrine of Ise Grand Shrine, there is a bustling street called "Yakushucho," which resembles a traditional town for worshippers. Every year, it attracts a large number of worshippers and is very lively. According to legend, from the Edo period to the early Meiji period, this town was named Yakushucho because many people called Oshi lived here and performed Kagura (divine music) for worshippers.
"Akafuku Honten: - Founded in 1707, this is a long-established shop with a history of over 300 years. They make fresh Akafuku mochi (Akafuku mochi is a specialty of Ise, representing the flowing water of the Isuzu River in the Ise Grand Shrine).
Mikimoto Pearl Island is the island where Kokichi Mikimoto, known as the "Father of Pearls," successfully cultivated the world's first cultured pearl in 1893. On the island, visitors can tour the Pearl Museum, the Kokichi Mikimoto Memorial Hall, and watch demonstrations of amphibians (female divers) harvesting pearls.
The Pearl Museum not only displays antique jewelry and handicrafts made from pearls from the era of natural pearls, but also features a special exhibition area where professional staff use real artifacts, specimens, and videos to explain the pearl production process to visitors. At the Kokichi Mikimoto Memorial Hall, visitors can learn about the life of founder Kokichi Mikimoto, from his birth at a Toba udon shop to his success as the Pearl King and his life ending at the age of 96. The view from "Shinjukaku," Kokichi Mikimoto's residence in his later years, is particularly beautiful.
Ama (female divers) played a vital role in early pearl farming. Inside the museum, visitors can watch a live performance of ama diving to depths of 5-6 meters in their white protective suits to harvest shells. There are also several energy-themed spots on the lush island. In front of the "Tama no Kami" (Pearl Palace), which Kokichi Mikimoto visited, there is an old well called the "Wishing Well." It is said that if you write your wish on an Akoya shell (a type of shell) next to the well and throw it in, your wish will come true. A heart-shaped lucky stone, nicknamed the "Stone of Love," was also found along the way and attracted considerable attention.
Toba Aquarium: Located in Toba City, it is Japan's most popular aquarium with the largest variety of animals (approximately 1,200 species). The aquarium's three-story structure is divided into 12 areas, and its charm lies in its freedom of movement, allowing visitors to roam freely without following a fixed route. It's known as the "aquarium without a fixed route," and is beloved by many. Toba Aquarium is also the only aquarium in Asia where you can see dugongs, and it's Japan's first exhibit of fishing cats. The famous sea otter is also a must-see. In addition, the aquarium houses a large number of rare and exotic animals. Popular sea lion shows and close encounters with walruses are performed daily.
Futami Okitama Shrine is a worthwhile destination. The Momo-iwa (Couple Rocks) here stand eternally in the sea, shining alongside the sun and moon, symbolizing the good fortune of finding a partner. Whether you are single, in a relationship, or married, you can pray for blessings here.
Futamiura Couple Rocks: Located within the grounds of Futami Okitama Shrine, the Couple Rocks are a famous tourist attraction for couples. They are two rocks, one large and one small, situated on Futamiura. Legend has it that these are the Okitama sacred rocks, dedicated to Sarutahiko-no-Ōkami (the god of monkeys), and the torii gate of Amaterasu-no-Ōkami (the goddess of the sea). The male rock is 9 meters high, and the female rock is 4 meters high. They are connected by a large shimenawa (a type of rope) that is 35 meters long. The rope is replaced three times a year, and people pray for marital harmony, traffic safety, and the removal of misfortune, among other things.
The couple holds three major rituals each year on May 5th, September 5th, and December weekends to change the shrine's sacred rope.
Purchase Notice
【Travel conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Aichi and Mie
Travel days: Round trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company: Reisei Tourism Industry Co., Ltd., etc.
Meals: Breakfast 0 times Lunch 0 times Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum number of people in a group: 4
Team Leader: 1
【Travel planning/implementation】
Operating company name: TuYi Group Japan Co., Ltd.
Address: 722 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
License Number: Shizuoka Prefectural Governor Registered Travel Agency, No. 2-633
Travel Agency Association: Regular Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 4 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This is a shared ride with fixed itinerary. Customers participating in this tour are requested to adhere to the time allotted at each attraction and follow the instructions of the driver/guide.
No refunds will be given for any absences or cancellations due to personal issues, lateness, or other reasons. Please take note.
If you leave the group midway through the trip, the transaction will be considered invalid, and no refund will be given. Furthermore, you will be solely responsible for any personal injury or property damage resulting from this.
Arrival times for each itinerary may vary depending on traffic conditions, weather, holidays, and crowds. We apologize for any delays or cancellations caused by the aforementioned factors or other unforeseen circumstances, and no refunds will be provided on such grounds.
Traffic jams and other unforeseen circumstances may occur during weekends and public holidays. The driver/guide may adjust the itinerary according to the specific situation. Please be prepared before placing your order.
Please be aware that small group tours will be conducted using a vehicle where the driver/guide will also act as the tour leader. This is a shared service, meaning you will be traveling with other guests, and parking is not permitted outside of designated tourist attractions.
FAQ
Ise Grand Shrine is one of the most esteemed shrines in Japan, often referred to as the 'Spiritual Home of the Japanese People.' It enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and ancestral deity of the Japanese Imperial Family, giving it profound sacredness. The shrine's architecture retains a simple, natural style. Every 20 years, it undergoes the 'Shikinen Sengu' ritual, a traditional practice of rebuilding the shrine buildings and renewing treasures, which uniquely preserves traditional techniques and culture.
The most convenient way to travel from Nagoya to attractions in Mie Prefecture such as Ise Grand Shrine and Futami Okinoshima (Meoto Iwa) is by taking a Kintetsu Limited Express train to Ise-shi Station or Ujiyamada Station, and then transferring to a local bus or taxi. For sightseeing tours that include multiple locations within a single day, opting for a package tour with private transportation will be more hassle-free, avoiding the complexity of planning your own travel routes.
In the 'Yakushi-machi' and 'Okage Yokocho' areas surrounding Ise Grand Shrine, you can find a diverse range of local specialties and souvenirs. Recommended items include 'Isuzu River Omamori' charms for purification and blessings, traditional sweets like 'Ise Udon' and 'Akachoko' made with local Ise ingredients, and exquisite jewelry crafted from Ise-Shima pearls.
When visiting Ise Grand Shrine, worshippers primarily pray for national prosperity, abundant harvests, the peace of the Imperial Family, and personal and familial safety, health, and happiness. As it enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, it is also considered a sacred site for prayers for good fortune, purification of mind and body, business prosperity, and overall blessings. It is recommended to approach with a sincere heart, expressing reverence and gratitude to the deities.
Toba Aquarium is renowned for its diverse collection of marine life. Among its most representative must-sees are the dugongs in the 'Sea of Dugongs,' gracefully known as 'mermaids.' Additionally, the sea lion show, seal feeding time, and interactive shows with otters and cats are very popular with visitors. The aquarium also features the 'Polar Sea' exhibit, offering close-up views of penguins and walruses.
Mikimoto Pearl Island not only showcases the history and knowledge of pearl cultivation but also offers the opportunity to witness the traditional 'Ama' (female divers) perform a pearl-diving demonstration, a unique local cultural experience. The island houses a Pearl Museum displaying various pearl artworks, and a Pearl Plaza where visitors can purchase pearl accessories. You can also stroll around the island, enjoy the beautiful sea views of Toba Bay, and soak in the island's atmosphere.
The best time to view Futami Okinoshima (Meoto Iwa) is at sunrise, especially during summer (May to July) when the sun rises between the two rocks, creating a spectacular scene. The two rocks are connected by a large 'shimenawa' (sacred rope), symbolizing marital harmony, good matchmaking, and prayers for safety. Visitors often come here to pray for good relationships, family harmony, or simply to admire their unique natural beauty and spiritual meaning.
Futami Okitama Shrine primarily enshrines Sarutahiko Okami, a deity of guidance who leads people and helps ward off misfortune. The shrine's most treasured object is a frog statue; as 'kaeru' (frog) sounds similar to 'kaeru' (to return) in Japanese, it symbolizes prayers for safe returns and financial prosperity. Futami Okitama Shrine is closely linked to Meoto Iwa, and worshippers often visit the rocks after praying at the shrine to seek matchmaking and marital bliss.
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