Ise-Shima National Park Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Located in the Mie region of Japan, Ise-Shima National Park is a breathtaking destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and stunning landscapes. This national park is known for its picturesque coastal scenery and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.

One of the highlights of Ise-Shima National Park is the famous Ise Grand Shrine, one of the most sacred Shinto shrines in Japan. With a history dating back over 2,000 years, this shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and is an important pilgrimage site for many Japanese people. Visitors can immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere and admire the intricate architecture of the shrine.

Another must-visit location within the national park is the picturesque Toba Bay. This bay is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, which are home to a diverse marine ecosystem. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the bay and observe the local wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and even the elusive dugongs. For those interested in marine conservation, the nearby Toba Aquarium is a great place to learn about the region's marine life and participate in interactive exhibits.

Nature enthusiasts will also be captivated by the stunning landscapes found within Ise-Shima National Park. The Yokoyama Observation Deck offers panoramic views of the surrounding forests, mountains, and coastline, making it an ideal spot for photography and relaxation. Hikers can explore the numerous trails that wind through the park, immersing themselves in the serene beauty of the Japanese countryside.

Food lovers will also find themselves in paradise in Ise-Shima National Park. The region is famous for its fresh seafood, including delicious oysters and abalone. Visitors can enjoy a seafood feast at one of the many local restaurants, sampling the flavors of the sea while enjoying the tranquil coastal setting.

Local name: 伊勢志摩国立公園 Area: 295.58 mi²Elevation: 617 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 34°22'52"N, 136°43'34"E

Location

MieJapan

ContactAdd

Social media

Add

Ise-Shima National Park Top Attractions

Ise-Shima National Park Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ise-Shima National Park offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Ise Grand Shrine, Meoto Iwa, Sakatejima, Kongōshō-ji. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

7th-century Shinto shrine compound
Ise Grand Shrine
The Ise Grand Shrine, also known as Ise Jingu, is a paramount sacred site in the Shinto religion, nestled in the city of Ise within the verdant embrace of the Ise-Shima National Park, Japan. This spiritual complex is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu-omikami...
Natural attraction • Beach • Marina
Meoto Iwa
Meoto Iwa, or the Married Couple Rocks, are two rocky stacks in the sea off Ise, Mie, Japan. They are joined by a shimenawa and are considered sacred by worshippers at the neighboring Futami Okitama Shrine. According to Shinto, the rocks represent the union of the creator kami, Izanagi and Izanami.
Area
Sakatejima
Sakatejima also known as Sakate Sima, Sakate-jima, or Sakate-shima, is an island located in Ise Bay off the east coast of central Honshu, Japan. It is administered as part of the city of Toba in Mie Prefecture.

Sacred and religious sites • Temple
Kongōshō-ji
Kongōshō-ji is a Rinzai school Zen Buddhist temple in the Asamacho neighborhood of the city of Ise, Mie Prefecture Japan. Its main image is a statue of Kokūzō Bosatsu.
Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Anorisaki Lighthouse
Anorisaki Lighthouse is a lighthouse on the top of Shima Peninsula in the city of Shima, Mie Prefecture, Japan.
Dam
Kamiji Dam
Kamiji Dam is a dam in Shima, Mie Prefecture, Japan.
Museum
Haino bo wu guan
Toba Sea-Folk Museum is a museum dedicated to the area's fishing traditions in Toba, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Having first opened as the private Sea-Folk Museum in 1971, the museum reopened in its current location in 1992, and in 2017 was reestablished as a public, municipal museum under its current name.
Dam
Erihara Dam
Erihara Dam is a dam in Shima, Mie Prefecture, Japan.
Universities and schools
Toba National College of Maritime Technology
Toba National College of Maritime Technology is one of five maritime colleges in Japan. Established in 1881, it is the oldest continuously-operated national maritime college in the country.

Day trips

Ise-Shima National Park – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ise-Shima National Park, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Kimpusen-ji (Yoshino), Okazaki Castle (Okazaki), Iga Ueno Castle (Iga).

49 milesW
Historical place, Sacred and religious sites, Temple
Kimpusen-ji, Yoshino
Nestled in the sacred mountains of Yoshino, Japan, Kimpusen-ji Temple stands as a beacon of spiritual significance and architectural beauty. As one of the largest wooden structures in Japan, this ancient temple is a testament to the religious heritage and craftsmanship...
47 milesNE
Historical place, Forts and castles
Okazaki Castle, Okazaki
Nestled in the heart of the city of Okazaki, Japan, Okazaki Castle serves as a historical beacon that has withstood the test of time. This iconic fortress, which is the birthplace of one of Japan's most revered shoguns, Tokugawa Ieyasu, dates back to the 15th century.
43 milesNW
Museum in a castle known for tall walls
Iga Ueno Castle, Iga
Iga Ueno Castle, also known as Ueno Castle is a Japanese castle located in the city of Iga, Mie Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan.
43 milesNE
Theme park, Amusement park
Lagunasia, Mikawa-wan Quasi-National Park
Lagunasia is an amusement park in Gamagōri, Aichi, Japan. It is home to the Aqua Wind, Pirates' Blast and Stellar roller coasters. The park was also the first Magiquest live role playing game location outside of the United States. Lagunasia was opened on April 25, 2002.
49 milesNE
Temple, Sacred and religious sites
Toyokawa Inari, Toyohashi
Toyokawa Inari is the popular name for a Buddhist temple of the Sōtō sect located in the city of Toyokawa in eastern Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The temple’s true name is 妙厳寺, or full name is Enpukuzan Toyokawa-kaku, Myōgon-ji.

Show all

Best Time To Visit Ise-Shima National Park

Learn when is the best time to travel to Ise-Shima National Park weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

May and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in March, April and November.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in July, August and September. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and December. Most of it rains in September.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Ise-Shima National Park?

The top attractions to visit in Ise-Shima National Park are:

What is the best time to visit Ise-Shima National Park?

May and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in March, April and November. The highest air temperature is in July, August and September. While the coldest is in January and February.