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Starting from Nagoya city, embark on a one-day cultural and natural experience tour of Mie Prefecture.
First, visit Ise Grand Shrine, known as a place every Japanese person should visit at least once in their lifetime. It enshrines Amaterasu, the ancestral deity of the Japanese Imperial Family, and is steeped in history and exudes a sacred and solemn atmosphere. After visiting the Outer Shrine and Inner Shrine, you can stroll through the bustling Oharai and Okage Yokocho streets, experiencing the charm of the Edo period and enjoying local delicacies such as Ise udon noodles and Akafuku mochi.
Next, we will visit Mikimoto Pearl Island in Toba Bay, the birthplace of the world's first cultured pearl. Here, you can not only visit the Pearl Museum and admire various pearl jewelry, but also watch a live demonstration of traditional pearl diving by "Ama" (female divers) dressed in white, gaining a deeper understanding of the origin and heritage of Japanese pearl culture.
If you choose not to visit Pearl Island, you can also visit the nearby Toba Aquarium—Asia's only aquarium showcasing the rare "mermaid," the dugong (manatee). The aquarium displays over 1,200 marine creatures and is a paradise for families and nature lovers.
Finally, we will visit Futami Kogyoku Shrine, located on the Futamiura coast, where we can pray for good fortune and peace at this shrine whose sacred symbol is the "Meoto Iwa" (couple rocks). This place has been a place of purification for those going to Ise Grand Shrine since ancient times, and its atmosphere is tranquil and peaceful.
After a fulfilling day, we took a bus back to Nagoya city, concluding this enriching trip that blended Japanese religious culture, marine experiences, and spiritual prayers.
- Trip suggestion reminder: Mikimoto Shinjujima Island vs. Toba Aquarium (choose one)
Mikimoto Pearl Island: Suitable for travelers interested in Japanese pearl culture and history, or adults who prefer static visits and cultural experiences.
Toba Aquarium: Suitable for family trips, couples, or guests who love marine life. The venue is diverse, lively, interesting, and highly interactive.
Sunny day: Pearl Island is recommended, as the outdoor haenyeo (female divers) performance is the best to watch.
Rainy days: We recommend the aquarium, as it's entirely indoors and the trip won't be affected by the weather.
- Things to know beforehand -
- The group size is 6-45 people.
- Small group tours are for 1-13 people; large bus tours are for 22-45 people. The actual number of people will be adjusted according to the number of people on the day.
- For groups of 14 or fewer, the driver will also serve as the tour leader (who speaks Chinese and basic English); for groups of 14-45, an additional tour leader (who speaks Chinese and basic English) will be added.
- Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater: Toyota Alphard or equivalent; 9-14 seater: Toyota Hatch or equivalent; 18-22 seater: minivan; 22 or more seater: bus. The above vehicles are for reference only; the actual vehicle model will be adjusted according to the number of passengers on the day of the trip.
- Children aged 0-2 years old travel free for large groups (if they do not occupy a seat); children 3 years and older pay the same price as adults. Groups of 13 or fewer cannot exceed this limit; children pay the same price as adults. (Please note if you are booking with children.)
- Each passenger may bring one light handbag. For suitcases or larger luggage, an additional 2000 yen will be charged per item on-site. Please contact us in advance or indicate this in the order notes.
【Ise Grand Shrine】: One of Japan's most important shrines, divided into the "Inner Shrine" and the "Outer Shrine". The Inner Shrine is located on the banks of the Isuzu River in Ise City, surrounded by dense forests, creating a solemn and serene environment. The main pilgrimage route passes by: Uji Bridge: symbolizing the entrance to the sacred grounds.
Isuzukawa Mitaraiba: A purification area before worship, where you can wash your hands and rinse your mouth. Main Shrine (Goshoden): The main shrine for Amaterasu Omikami. While most visitors can only access the outer perimeter, a strong sense of sacredness is still palpable. The architectural style is called "Kamimei-zukuri," the oldest form of shrine architecture in Japan, featuring thatched roofs and horizontal beam decorations, pure and solemn. Special Tradition: Shikinensengu (式年迁宫): Every 20 years, a "sengu" is performed, moving the deity's body and ritual implements from the old shrine to a new one, and rebuilding all shrine buildings. This tradition has continued for over 1300 years, symbolizing "rebirth and perpetuity." The most recent relocation was in 2013, and the next is expected in 2033.
Suggested order of worship: Outer Shrine → Inner Shrine (if time permits), but most tour itineraries only include a visit to the Inner Shrine. Photography of the Main Hall and Shinto priests is prohibited inside the Inner Shrine; please respect the shrine's rules. You can obtain a goshuin (traditional shrine stamp) at the Kagura Hall as a souvenir of your visit.
午餐可自由選擇當地小吃(如伊勢烏龍麵、手握壽司、赤福等)。
伊勢神宮周邊午餐推薦 1. 福助伊勢烏龍麵(ふくすけ うどん)
推薦理由:百年老店,使用手打烏龍麵搭配伊勢風味的醬汁,Q彈濃郁。
人氣餐點:伊勢烏龍麵、山藥泥烏龍麵、炸豆腐烏龍麵 價格範圍:¥800~1,200
2. 赤福本店(甜點+輕食) 推薦理由:創業於1707年,是伊勢神宮參拜後最經典的甜點名店。
人氣餐點:赤福餅搭配抹茶,提供內用休息區。 適合對象:想吃點心或輕午餐的旅客。 價格範圍:¥400~1,000。
Mikimoto Pearl Island is the birthplace of pearl farming, and visitors can enjoy amphibious diving performances, visit a pearl museum, and purchase jewelry.
Mikimoto Shinjujima Business Hours
If the opening hours for the day are known to be 16:30, then the last performance of the Haenyeo (female divers) will be at 15:30, and the 16:30 performance will not be held.
Toba Aquarium, located in Toba City, Mie Prefecture, Japan, is the only aquarium in Asia where you can see dugongs. Dugongs, often called the "prototype of mermaids," are endangered marine mammals. The dugong here, affectionately known as "Selena," has been kept at the aquarium for over 30 years. She consumes about 30 kilograms of seaweed daily, has a rounded body, and a gentle temperament, making her a favorite among visitors. Opening Hours and Ticket Prices (Tickets not included in the tour): Opening Hours: Open year-round, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (8:30 AM to 5:30 PM from July 20th to August 31st) Ticket Prices: Adults (High school students and above): 2,800 yen Elementary and junior high school students: 1,600 yen Children (3 years and older): 800 yen Address: 3-3-6 Toba, Toba City, Mie Prefecture Phone: 0599-25-2555.
Futami Kogyoku Shrine: A frog shrine that blesses happy marriages, harmonious relationships, good fortune, and safe travels at home. "Memoiraku" (Couple Rocks) is the name of a type of unusual rock formation found throughout Japan. It refers to two adjacent rocks that resemble a couple. The most famous example is the Memoiraku at Futami Kogyoku Shrine in Futami-cho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture.