Ise Bay: A Coastal Gem
Discover Ise Bay: A historic Japanese bay offering scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and delicious seafood.
Ise Bay (Ise-wan) is a captivating bay located at the mouth of the Kiso Three Rivers, gracing the shores of Mie and Aichi Prefectures. The bay derives its name from the Ise Grand Shrine and the city of Ise, a region of great spiritual significance. For centuries, Ise Bay has been a vital resource, providing sustenance and transport to the surrounding communities. Fishing, including the prized Ise Ebi (Japanese spiny lobster), pearl farming, and rice cultivation have long flourished here. The area played a significant role in Japan's post-WWII economic recovery, though rapid industrial expansion has brought environmental challenges. Visitors to Ise Bay can enjoy a variety of activities. Explore the coastline, dotted with quaint fishing villages and offering stunning views. Indulge in fresh seafood, a culinary highlight of the region. Discover the cultural attractions nearby, including the Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines. You can also take a ferry across the bay. While in the area, consider visiting Mikimoto Pearl Island, the birthplace of cultured pearls, or exploring the historic streets of Oharaimachi and Okage Yokocho. For nature enthusiasts, Ise-Shima National Park offers breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities.
Local tips
- Sample local seafood, especially the Ise Ebi (Japanese spiny lobster), a regional delicacy.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan's most important Shinto sites.
- Take a scenic ferry ride across Ise Bay for unique views of the coastline and surrounding islands.
A brief summary to Ise Bay
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Getting There
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Public Transport
To reach Ise Bay, a convenient option is to take the Kintetsu or JR train lines to Ise-shi Station. From there, local buses, including the CAN Bus, provide access to various points along the bay. A one-day Michikusa Pass for the CAN bus costs ¥1,200. Alternatively, from Nagoya or Osaka, you can take a Kintetsu Limited Express train to Iseshi Station. The one-way fare from Nagoya is about ¥3,080.
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Ferry
Another approach to Ise Bay is via the Isewan Ferry, connecting Toba in Mie Prefecture with Irago in Aichi Prefecture. The ferry crossing takes approximately 55 minutes. This route is part of National Route 42 and 259. The ferry fare for a car is about ¥6,400.
