Ise-Shima: how to experience the pilgrimage path to the pearl of Japan

If you enjoy sushi and world class sashimi, the Ise-Shima region of Japan (located in the Shima Peninsula, with its strong maritime tradition) is a seafood lover’s heaven. West of futuristic Tokyo and south-east of historic Kyoto, Ise-Shima National Park juts into the Pacific Ocean and is renowned for its abundant flowering camellias.

Ise-Jingu, one of Shinto’s most sacred shrines, has drawn pilgrims to Ise-Shima for centuries and the calm waters of scenic Ago Bay, dotted with 60 forested islands, is ideal for oyster farming. The fearless free-diving female Ama divers have been plunging into its depths for over 2,000 years and Ise-Shima is the birthplace of the Japanese cultured pearl industry.