Relaxing 2-Day Side Trip to Ise-Shima, Japan

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Advisor - Lorraine Villanueva
Curated By

Lorraine Villanueva

  • Arts & Culture

  • Food & Wine

  • Luxury Travel

  • Japan

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Sightseeing

A traditional Japanese street at dusk features two individuals in kimonos with a five-story pagoda in the background.
Curator’s statement

I searched for locations in Japan that were not crowded with tourists. And Ise-Shima was one of the places off the beaten path. While there, we only heard Japanese spoken, hardly any English. And it was so peaceful there, it was such a great place to relax!

The Fora Difference

Book with Lorraine to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

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Insider knowledge

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Where to stay

Amanemu

Immerses guests in serene luxury, set amidst the tranquil forests and therapeutic hot springs of the Ise-Shima National Park.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

  • ★

    $100 hotel / resort credit.

Shima Kanko Hotel Bay Suites

Discover refined luxury and breathtaking views at Shima Kanko Hotel Bay Suites, where Japanese elegance meets coastal serenity.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $100 hotel / resort credit.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Unlock perks by contacting Lorraine to book your trip.

Day 1: Train travel

A modern train stationed at a platform with Japanese text on its side.

Ride the SHIMAKAZE train

If you’re in Tokyo or Osaka, take an early morning Shinkansen Bullet train to Nagoya and from there you can ride the SHIMAKAZE train at 10:25am. This train is specially designed with seats that are so comfortable that they recline and also have a massage function! Another nice feature of this train is that it has a restaurant car where you can enjoy dishes unique to the region. Order some Matsusaka Beef with a local beer!

If you are staying at Shima Kanko Hotel the Bay Suites, your private driver will be ready and waiting to pick you up in a luxury van at the last stop of the train.

Have dinner at the hotel.

Enjoy stargazing at night as there isn’t any light pollution to get in the way of your view.

Day 2: Pearl farm

A serene sunset over calm waters with silhouetted hills and landforms in the background.

Tour a pearl farm. This area is known as the birthplace of Mikimoto Pearls. So if your mom or wife loves pearls, definitely take her here.

Visit the Ama Divers. This place is also known for the Ama, or the women who free dive for seafood. You can watch them dive for oysters, clams and more and they will cook their catch for you too.

Head back to the hotel for some much needed SPA time.

Have dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: Breakfast departure

A serene landscape of layered mountain silhouettes under a gradient sky from blue to yellow, capturing nature's tranquil beauty at sunrise or sunset.

After breakfast, your private driver will take you back to the station in a luxury van and you can ride the train to your next destination.

Advisor - Lorraine Villanueva

Travel Advisor

Lorraine Villanueva

Get in touch with Lorraine

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This itinerary is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Japan. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, 5 Days in Japan: Osaka & Day Tours to Kyoto and Kobe