Exploring the Cultural Riches of Ise Shima with Aisha

Seeking Serenity and Savoring Flavors in Ise Shima

Today was a day of deep reflection and culinary exploration in Ise Shima. Aisha and I ventured into the heart of Japan's spiritual and gastronomic heritage, creating memories that I know we will cherish forever. From ancient shrines to exquisite sushi, every moment was a testament to the beauty and richness of this region.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Shima Mediterranean Village. The resort has a Spanish atmosphere. Though it felt a bit out of place in Japan, the breakfast was wonderful. After breakfast, Aisha and I took a stroll around the grounds of the resort. The architecture is beautiful, and it really does feel like you're walking through a Mediterranean town. The village even has villa-style guestrooms. I can see why this is a popular spot for Instagrammers. I took a few photos of Aisha in front of the colorful buildings, and she took some of me as well. It was a fun way to start the day.


Experience the charm of Shima Mediterranean Village with its stunning coastal views, exquisite dining options, and rich cultural experiences.

Our first spiritual stop was the Kazahinomi-no-Miya Shrine. As we approached, the serene atmosphere enveloped us. The shrine is dedicated to the gods of wind and rain, Shinatsuhiko-no-Mikoto and Shinatobe-no-Mikoto. The path to the shrine was peaceful, with the gentle sound of the wind rustling through the trees. Crossing the bridge over the small river added to the charm. The shrine itself exuded a sense of calm and reverence. I took a moment to reflect on the importance of nature and the elements in our lives. The wind, often unseen, plays such a crucial role in our world, and it was humbling to pay homage to the deities believed to govern it.


Explore the tranquil Kazahinomi-no-Miya Shrine in Ise, Mie, a serene Shinto shrine steeped in culture and spirituality, perfect for all travelers.

The journey to spiritual understanding is often intertwined with the appreciation of natural beauty.

Next on our itinerary was the Kotai Jingu, also known as the Ise Jingu Naiku or Inner Shrine. This is Japan's most sacred shrine, dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess. The shrine is believed to be over 2000 years old, and it is rebuilt every 20 years to maintain its purity and sanctity. The next rebuilding is scheduled for 2033. As we walked along the forest paths leading to the main hall, I felt a sense of awe and reverence. The towering cypress trees and the crisp, clean air created a truly spiritual ambiance. The architecture of the shrine is simple yet elegant, reflecting a style that predates Buddhist influences. It was fascinating to learn that no nails are used in the construction; instead, the wood is joined together with intricate precision.


Experience the spiritual essence of Japan at Kotai Jingu, the revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu in the heart of Ise.

The Uji Bridge at the entrance to Naikū is a sight to behold. Stretching across the Isuzu River, this wooden bridge symbolizes the transition from the mundane to the sacred. Like the shrine itself, the bridge is rebuilt every 20 years as part of the Shikinen Sengū ceremony. I learned that less experienced carpenters typically build the bridge to hone their skills before working on the main shrine. Crossing the bridge, we followed the path along the Isuzu River, passing through beautifully landscaped gardens. The water was so clear and clean, it was easy to see why this place is considered sacred.

For lunch, we chose Miyagino, a restaurant known for its authentic Japanese cuisine and reasonable prices. Located in a boat-shaped building called Bonnard near Kintetsu Ugata Station, the restaurant also houses the largest private gallery in Mie Prefecture. The owner, a skilled head chef from a prestigious hotel, serves dishes made with local, seasonal products. We opted for the Shugawari Otanoshimi Lunch, a weekly changing special featuring a variety of small, appealing dishes, rice, and noodles. Aisha thoroughly enjoyed the Kaisen Kakedon, a rice bowl topped with fresh seafood from Ise Shima, including plump shrimp and five varieties of fish. The combination of grated yam and sweet soy sauce elevated the dish to another level.


Experience authentic kaiseki cuisine at Miyagino in Shima - a culinary journey through Japan's rich flavors awaits you.

After lunch, we decided to indulge in some souvenir shopping at Hamaco Pearl Toba. This veteran pearl dealer has been in business for 50 years and is known for procuring pearls of undeniable quality from both overseas and around Japan. Aisha, being a lover of fine jewelry, was particularly excited. We spent a delightful hour browsing through the exquisite collection of pearl necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. The staff was incredibly helpful, explaining the different types of pearls and helping Aisha find the perfect piece to commemorate our trip. She finally settled on a beautiful Akoya pearl necklace, its lustrous surface shimmering in the light. I purchased a small pearl pendant for our daughter Funke, knowing she would appreciate a token from our journey.


Hamaco Pearl Toba: A gem of elegance nestled in Toba, Japan, where exquisite pearl jewelry meets exceptional craftsmanship.

As evening approached, we made our way to Sushi Yutaka Zen for dinner. This exclusive sushi restaurant, limited to one party per day, is located on the remote island of Mazakijima in Ago Bay. The restaurant is only accessible by boat or helicopter, adding to its allure. Chef Yuichi Hori, a master of his craft, uses only the freshest ingredients carefully selected from the abundance of Ago Bay. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we stepped onto the boat, we were transported to a world of culinary artistry and natural beauty.


Experience authentic sushi at Sushi Yutaka Zen in Shima, where tradition meets exquisite taste in every bite.

Chef Hori's dedication to his craft is evident in every piece of sushi he creates. He even became a member of the Masaki Island Fisheries Association in 2020 to more thoroughly experience the blessings of the sea. The sushi was not just food; it was an expression of Chef Hori's deep connection to nature and his unwavering pursuit of excellence. Aisha and I savored each bite, appreciating the delicate flavors and the artistry of the presentation. The experience was truly Zen, purifying body and soul as we looked out over the vast, ever-changing sea.

In every grain of rice and slice of fish, there was a story of the sea, the land, and the chef's unwavering dedication.

As we journeyed back to the mainland, the stars began to pepper the night sky. We reminisced about the day's adventures, from the tranquil shrines to the exquisite culinary experiences. I felt grateful for the opportunity to share these moments with Aisha, my constant companion and the love of my life.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Shima Pearl Bridge and Toyouke Daijingu (Ise Jingu Geku, Outer Sanctuary). We will also have breakfast at Restaurant La Mer, lunch at Matoyakaki Terrace, and dinner at Ise Kadoya Beer. To cap off the day, we will visit Glamp Ocean Iseshima. I am excited to see what tomorrow brings, knowing that each day in Ise Shima offers new opportunities for discovery and connection.

Goodnight from Ise Shima.