Shima, Japan: Embark on a Seaside Getaway at the Classic Wing
🏘️Hotel Introduction:
The Shima Kanko Hotel Classic Wing, located at 731 Agocho-Shinmei, Shima City, Mie Prefecture, Japan, stands atop a hill overlooking the sea. Originally an imperial villa in Ise-Shima, designed by renowned architect Togo Murano, it opened in 1951 as Japan's first postwar resort hotel and was renovated in 2016. The hotel boasts a historic architectural style, offering rooms with ocean views, a Japanese tea room, a cafe, a wine bar, various shops, and meticulously landscaped gardens. Here, you can also admire the sunset over Ago Bay, one of Japan's "Top 100 Sunsets," the lush ria coastline, and the traditional Japanese scenery of pearl rafts.
🚗Transportation Guide:
- From Nagoya: Take the Kintetsu limited express train "Shimakaze." After arriving at Iseshi Station, contact the hotel in advance, and they can arrange for your luggage to be delivered directly to the hotel.
- From Osaka: Take the train from Shin-Osaka Station to Namba Station, then transfer to the Kintetsu Namba Line limited express train. It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Kashikojima Station. After exiting the station, take the hotel's free shuttle bus, which takes about 2 minutes to reach the hotel.
🏕️Nearby Attractions:
- Ise Grand Shrine: One of Japan's most sacred Shinto shrines, divided into two areas: the Outer Shrine (Geku) and the Inner Shrine (Naiku). Geku is dedicated to Toyouke-no-Omikami, the god of clothing, food, and shelter, while Naiku is dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami, the ancestral deity of the Japanese imperial family. It is a pilgrimage site for Japanese people, with a long history and unique architectural style.
- Mikimoto Pearl Island: The birthplace of the jewelry brand Mikimoto, located near Ago Bay. Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultivated the world's first semi-spherical pearl here, ushering in Japan's modern pearl fashion. You can learn about the pearl cultivation process and purchase high-quality pearl jewelry.
- Yokoyama Observation Deck: From the 140-meter-high observation deck, you can enjoy a spectacular view of more than 60 small islands floating in Ago Bay. You can also enjoy light meals at the cafe on the observation deck.
💰Average Cost Per Person:
- Accommodation: Prices vary depending on room type and season. A comfortable twin room costs around CNY 800–1,500 per night (for reference only, subject to actual booking).
- Dining: Dining at the hotel restaurant costs around CNY 300–1,000 per person. Trying local specialties like Ise lobster will be relatively more expensive. Dining at nearby restaurants costs around CNY 100–300 per person for a decent meal.
- Attractions: Ise Grand Shrine is free to visit. Mikimoto Pearl Island tickets and experience projects cost approximately CNY 200–500 per person. Yokoyama Observation Deck is free.
💗Other Tips:
- Some rooms offer stunning views of the Ago Bay sunset. You can request a room with a sunset view when booking.
- The hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant "la mer" and the authentic Kaiseki restaurant "Hamayu" are worth trying, but it's best to book in advance. At "la mer," guests seated by the windows can enjoy the sunset while savoring seafood.
- The hotel's "Shima Nature School" offers canoeing and rides on a replica Spanish galleon, providing a leisurely way to explore the bay. Inquire with the hotel in advance for registration.
- When visiting nearby attractions, consider public transportation if you have plenty of time. For convenience and time-saving, consider chartering a car.