Ise Shima: The Heart of Spiritual and Natural Beauty in Japan

• Helloこんにちは
  [Konnichiwa]
• Goodbyeさようなら
  [Sayonara]
• Yesはい
  [Hai]
• Noいいえ
  [Iie]
• Please/You're welcomeどうぞ
  [Douzo]
• Thank youありがとうございます
  [Arigatou gozaimasu]
• Excuse me/Sorryすみません
  [Sumimasen]
• How are you?お元気ですか？
  [Ogenki desu ka?]
• Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？
  [Genki desu. Anata wa?]
• Do you speak English?英語を話せますか？
  [Eigo o hanasemasu ka?]
• I don't understandわかりません
  [Wakarimasen]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せていただけますか？
  [Menyuu o misete itadakemasu ka?]
• I don't eat meat肉は食べません
  [Niku wa tabemasen]
• Cheers!乾杯！
  [Kanpai!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします
  [Okaikei o onegaishimasu]

• Help!助けて！
  [Tasukete!]
• Go away!行ってください！
  [Itte kudasai!]
• Call the Police!警察を呼んでください！
  [Keisatsu o yonde kudasai!]
• Call a doctor!医者を呼んでください！
  [Isha o yonde kudasai!]
• I'm lost道に迷っています
  [Michi ni mayotte imasu]
• I'm ill具合が悪いです
  [Guai ga warui desu]

• I'd like to buy...買いたいです
  [Kaitai desu]
• I'm just looking見てるだけです
  [Miteru dake desu]
• How much is it?いくらですか？
  [Ikura desu ka?]
• That's too expensive高すぎます
  [Takasugimasu]
• Can you lower the price?値引きしてもらえますか？
  [Nebiki shite moraemasu ka?]

• What time is it?今何時ですか？
  [Ima nanji desu ka?]
• It's one o'clock1時です
  [Ichiji desu]
• Half past (10)10時半です
  [Juuji han desu]
• Morning朝
  [Asa]
• Afternoon午後
  [Gogo]
• Evening夕方
  [Yuugata]
• Yesterday昨日
  [Kinou]
• Today今日
  [Kyou]
• Tomorrow明日
  [Ashita]
• 1一
  [Ichi]
• 2二
  [Ni]
• 3三
  [San]
• 4四
  [Yon]
• 5五
  [Go]
• 6六
  [Roku]
• 7七
  [Nana]
• 8八
  [Hachi]
• 9九
  [Kyuu]
• 10十
  [Juu]

• Where's a/the...?...はどこですか？
  [...wa doko desu ka?]
• What's the address?住所は何ですか？
  [Juusho wa nan desu ka?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?地図で見せていただけますか？
  [Chizu de misete itadakemasu ka?]
• When's the next (bus)?次の（バス）はいつですか？
  [Tsugi no (basu) wa itsu desu ka?]
• A ticket (to ....)（...）へのチケット
  [(...) e no chiketto]

The Ise Grand Shrine, also known as Ise Jingu, is one of Japan's most significant Shinto shrines. It is dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and has been a center of pilgrimage for centuries. The shrine is unique for its architectural style, known as 'Yuiitsu Shinmei-zukuri,' and its tradition of Shikinen Sengu, where the shrine buildings are rebuilt every 20 years.

Ise Shima is renowned for its pearl industry, largely thanks to Kokichi Mikimoto, who successfully cultured the first pearl in 1893. The Mikimoto Pearl Island, located in Toba, celebrates this achievement and offers visitors insights into the meticulous process of pearl cultivation and the history of the industry.

Futami is famous for the Meoto Iwa, or 'wedded rocks,' which are two sacred rocks connected by a shimenawa (sacred rope). These rocks symbolize the union of the creator deities Izanagi and Izanami. Visitors have been drawn to Futami for centuries to purify themselves in its waters before visiting the Ise Grand Shrine.

The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, have historically connected Ise Shima with the Kumano region. These routes were traveled by emperors, aristocrats, and common people alike, seeking spiritual fulfillment and cultural enrichment.

Kashikojima, an island in Ise Shima, gained global prominence when it hosted the G7 Summit in 2016. This event highlighted the region's natural beauty and historical significance, bringing international attention to Ise Shima's rich cultural heritage.

Ise Shima's coastal areas have a long history of maritime activities, including fishing and seaweed cultivation. The traditional Ama divers, who free-dive for pearls and seafood, are an iconic representation of the region's enduring connection to the sea. These women divers have been practicing their trade for over 2,000 years, showcasing an incredible tradition of resilience and skill.

Ise Shima is located in the Mie Prefecture of Japan. The nearest international airports are Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya, approximately 150 kilometers away, and Kansai International Airport in Osaka, about 180 kilometers away. From these airports, you can take a train or bus to Ise Shima. The Kintetsu Railway offers a direct Limited Express service from Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto to Ise Shima, providing a convenient and scenic route. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to the region, enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery along the way.

Ise Shima is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to explore. The Kintetsu Railway and JR lines serve the area, connecting major attractions like the Ise Grand Shrine, Toba, and Kashikojima. Local buses are also available for shorter distances. Taxis are readily available but can be expensive. Renting a bicycle is a popular option for those looking to explore at a leisurely pace. Car rentals are also available, providing flexibility for visiting more remote areas.

The official currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is still preferred in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available at convenience stores, post offices, and banks. It is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller towns and attractions. Currency exchange services are available at airports and major train stations.

Ise Shima is generally a safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving valuables unattended and be cautious in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Ise Shima. As with any travel destination, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is recommended.

In case of an emergency, dial 110 for police assistance or 119 for fire and medical emergencies. Hospitals and clinics are available in the region, with some staff speaking basic English. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are plentiful, and over-the-counter medications are available for minor health issues. Keep a note of your country's embassy or consulate contact details in case you need assistance.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like the Ise Grand Shrine. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always purify your hands and mouth at the shrine's water basin before approaching the sacred areas. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't talk loudly on public transport and avoid using your phone. Greetings: Do greet people with a bow. A slight bow of the head is a sign of respect. Handshakes are less common but acceptable in business settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as it resembles a funeral ritual.

To experience Ise Shima like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh seafood and traditional Japanese goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan's most sacred sites. For a unique experience, take a boat tour around the Ago Bay to see the famous pearl cultivation rafts. Try staying at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) to experience Japanese hospitality and cuisine.