楽天トラベル観光体験
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. Catapulting itself as an important treasure of Japan, Ise-Shima was the site of the G7 Ise-Shima Summit.
Harmonious Co-Existance Between Nature and People
The Satoyama area in Ise-Shima is the mountainous inner area of the National Park. A place where people have co-existed with nature over time, living between the sato (village) and yama (mountain). The area includes Mt. Asama, the highest mountain in the National Park, towering at an elevation of 555 meters. The mountain’s entrance is home to the first of 22 stone markers that lead to the summit. Located near the summit of the mountain is Asamadake Kongoshoji, which overlooks the town of Ise. Traditionally, pilgrims visited the temple before making their way to the sacred shrine in Ise. The temple’s main building is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. A special sight that visitors can enjoy at the temple is the Buddhist statue that is only shown to the public every 20 years.
Culture of the Coastal Area
Step into the timeless culture of Ise-Shima from its Ama female divers, pearl production, abundance of seafood, fishermen villages and boundless sea sports. Thanks to the prolonged interaction between the people and nature, the marine and coastal landscapes have been well-nurtured throughout centuries. In the Satoumi area, Ama diving has been traced since ancient times but present-day divers still dive without the use of modern equipment. With an average age of 65 years old, the strong-willed female divers are dedicated to keeping the tradition alive. The world's pearl cultivation industry started in Ago Bay, Ise-Shima’s crowned sea jewel. It is the perfect place for pearl farming due to its rias coastline, islands and sheltered waters. Being a coastal region, Ise-Shima is blessed with a rich supply of seafood and offers an array of sea sports.
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