What to know
The Shima Peninsula (Shima Hanto) is home to Japan's most sacred Shinto shrines, the Ise Shrines, and is a popular leisure resort area among the urban population of Nagoya and Osaka. Attractions besides the Ise Shrines include several theme parks and pearl cultivation along the peninsula's rugged coast.
The peninsula has been designated as Ise-Shima National Park for its natural beauty and cultural importance. It is located in southern Mie Prefecture and consists of the cities of Ise, Toba and Shima and the town of Minami-Ise. The area is also popularly referred to as Ise Shima.
Activities and attractions
Inner Shrine (Naiku)Japan’s most sacred shrine
Outer Shrine (Geku)The other of the two main Ise Shrines
OharaimachiTraditional approach to the Inner Shrine
Mikimoto Pearl IslandMuseum about pearls and pearl cultivation
HinjitsukanFormer guesthouse used by high-ranked pilgrims
Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks)Two sacred rocks standing in the ocean
Ago BayIsland dotted bay, famous for pearl cultivation
Toba AquariumLarge aquarium in central Toba
Ninja Kingdom IseSamurai Era Theme Park
Shima Spain MuraSpanish-themed amusement park