Discover Mie

Travel by Limited Express/ local train to Mie prefecture. Check-in at your ryokan and enjoy the onsen spring bath and the calm of the sea.

Enjoy a delicious dinner during the 2 nights you will spend here.

Meet your guide and head to Ise Shrine, one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. Renowned for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance, the shrine complex comprises two main sites: Naikū and Gekū, each surrounded by serene forests and pristine natural beauty. The Naikū, or inner shrine, houses the sacred mirror, a symbol of imperial authority, while the Gekū, or outer shrine, is dedicated to the goddess of agriculture.

Every 20 years, the shrine undergoes a ritual rebuilding, a practice that reflects Shinto beliefs in renewal and impermanence. Visitors are drawn not only to its spiritual atmosphere but also to its cultural heritage, making Ise Shrine a profound destination for both pilgrims and travelers alike.

Meet with your guide and head to the Ama hut for lunch.

Ama divers are traditional female free divers, renowned for their ability to dive without breathing apparatus to harvest seafood like pearls, seaweed, and shellfish. The practice dates back over 2,000 years and is predominantly carried out by women. Ama divers use minimal equipment, typically just a loincloth or wetsuit, and dive without tanks, relying on their breath-holding skills to stay submerged. Over time, this unique tradition has become a symbol of Japanese cultural heritage, particularly in coastal regions like Ise, and has even gained recognition as an intangible cultural asset.

You will enjoy a delightful culinary experience that showcases the region’s rich seafood bounty, particularly in connection with the ama divers, skilled women who free-dive for abalone and other shellfish. The lunch typically features fresh catches prepared in various traditional styles. This meal not only celebrates the delicate tastes of the sea but also honors the time-honored practices of ama divers, who have been harvesting marine delicacies for generations. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the coastal culture of Mie, savoring the fruits of the ocean while learning more about the Ama divers culture.

Then, take the train to your next destination.