Where Natural and Cultural Wonders Meet
Ise-Shima National Park in Mie Prefecture expands over the cities of Ise, Toba, Shima and Minami-Ise. It has the largest residential population, intertwining the culture, history and traditions of the local people with the surrounding nature. The Satoyama (inner area) and Satoumi areas (outer area) are also connected and woven into the daily lives of the people.
Nature helps sustain the practices of the people like Ama diving which has been part of the local and regional culture for generations. This tradition of diving without modern equipment has been passed down through generations. The coastal area is blessed with Ise-Shima's rich marine resource — pearl, oyster and abalone production thrive in the area. Ago Bay is filled with inlets and sheltered waters that make it a haven for pearl cultivation. With a history dating back to the early 1900s, Ago Bay is the birthplace of pearl farming.
From its spectacular rias coastline to its unique landscape and plenty of inlets, scenic islands and fishing villages, Ise-Shima is where natural and cultural wonders meet and where nature sustains life. It still feels like a sacred place and is home to some of Japan's most ancient and revered Shinto shrines. The Kuroshio Current blesses the area with warm waters and a balmy climate, and the cliffs, caves, sandy beaches and islands along the coastline are home to cormorants, ospreys and turtles.
Nature helps sustain the practices of the people like Ama diving which has been part of the local and regional culture for generations. This tradition of diving without modern equipment has been passed down through generations. The coastal area is blessed with Ise-Shima's rich marine resource — pearl, oyster and abalone production thrive in the area. Ago Bay is filled with inlets and sheltered waters that make it a haven for pearl cultivation. With a history dating back to the early 1900s, Ago Bay is the birthplace of pearl farming.
From its spectacular rias coastline to its unique landscape and plenty of inlets, scenic islands and fishing villages, Ise-Shima is where natural and cultural wonders meet and where nature sustains life. It still feels like a sacred place and is home to some of Japan's most ancient and revered Shinto shrines. The Kuroshio Current blesses the area with warm waters and a balmy climate, and the cliffs, caves, sandy beaches and islands along the coastline are home to cormorants, ospreys and turtles.
