From sacred rituals to forested pathways, visiting Ise Grand Shrine offered a deeper look into Japan’s spiritual heart and timeless traditions.

Mount Yokoyama is an easy hike in Shima, Japan, offering stunning views of Ago Bay’s islands and coastline. With a visitor centre, multiple viewpoints, and peaceful trails, it’s ideal for a scenic half-day excursion.

A coastal walk, crashing waves, and the iconic wedded rocks—Futami Okitama Shrine offers a symbolic and scenic stop along Mie’s shoreline.

Mikimoto Pearl Island in Toba, Mie Prefecture, celebrates the birth of cultured pearls and the legacy of Kokichi Mikimoto. From elegant museum displays to live ama diver demonstrations, this small island offers a fascinating look at Japan’s pearl heritage.

An easy yet rewarding hike up Mt. Asamagatake offers panoramic views of the Ise-Shima islands, a temple midway along the trail, and a peaceful mountaintop with teahouses and a foot bath. Perfect for travellers seeking a mix of nature, culture, and coastal scenery.

Onigajo in Mie Prefecture is a dramatic 1.2-kilometre coastal rock formation shaped by centuries of wind and waves. Part of the UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo Iseji route, it offers stunning ocean views, unique geological formations, and a touch of Japanese folklore.