Experience the sacred heart of Japan and the enduring traditions of the sea on this full-day private tour in Mie Prefecture. Visit Ise Jingu, Japan’s most revered Shinto shrine, stroll the historic streets of Okage Yokocho, enjoy a seafood BBQ in a traditional Ama diver setting, and witness a live Ama diving demonstration at Mikimoto Pearl Island. This tour is ideal for those seeking to explore Japan’s deep-rooted cultural, spiritual, and maritime heritage.
Are you Visiting Japan soon?
Let us make your trip effortless. From tickets and hotels to transport and local guides, we arrange everything for you or your group. Whether it’s a music festival in Tokyo or a business conference in Osaka, our custom travel service ensures you enjoy the event stress-free.
Contact Jasumo Now →Highlights
- Visit Ise Jingu (Ise Grand Shrine): Japan’s most sacred shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu
- Stroll Through Okage Yokocho: Explore Edo-period streets filled with traditional shops and eateries
- Seafood BBQ in Ama Hut: Enjoy freshly grilled local seafood in a rustic Ama hut setting
- Live Ama Diver Show: Watch real Ama divers perform and learn about their unique, centuries-old lifestyle
- Private Guided Tour: Travel in comfort with a local guide and private transportation throughout the day
Full Description
Your immersive cultural experience begins with a 9:00 AM meet-up in Ise, Toba, or Shima City. The entire tour is conducted by private vehicle, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of Mie Prefecture in comfort.
Your first stop is Okage Yokocho, a lively old town street modeled after the Edo period. Here, you can browse traditional craft shops, taste local snacks, and soak in the nostalgic atmosphere that surrounds Ise Jingu.
Next, you will visit Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu), Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine. Split into the Inner Shrine (Naikū) and the Outer Shrine (Gekū), Ise Jingu is the spiritual home of Shintoism and a powerful place of worship. Learn about the unique shrine architecture and rituals, and feel the serenity of the forested grounds.
Around midday, you’ll dine at Hachiman Kamado, a restaurant run by an Ama woman. This unique seafood BBQ experience replicates the atmosphere of an Ama hut—a traditional rest stop for Japan’s iconic female free-divers. While enjoying the freshly prepared seafood, you’ll hear stories directly from a local Ama, gaining rare insights into their lifestyle, customs, and challenges.
In the afternoon, head to Mikimoto Pearl Island, the birthplace of cultured pearls. Watch a live Ama diving show, where these legendary divers demonstrate traditional techniques without modern equipment. You’ll also have time to explore the island’s museum and pearl galleries, where you can learn about pearl cultivation and admire rare jewelry collections.
The tour concludes around 17:00, with drop-off in Ise, Toba, or Shima City.
Itinerary (Approximate)
- 9:00 AM – Meet at Ise, Toba, or Shima City
- Okage Yokocho – Strolling, shopping, and traditional street food
- Ise Grand Shrine – Guided tour of the sacred shrine complex
- Hachiman Kamado Restaurant – Seafood BBQ with Ama diver storytelling
- Mikimoto Pearl Island – Watch live Ama diver show and explore pearl museum
- 17:00 PM – End of tour and drop-off
Pricing
From ¥30,000 per person
(Prices may vary depending on group size and pick-up location)
Need Help Planning Your Japan Trip?
Want Jasumo to help you plan your trip to Japan?
We offer expert travel consultation for tourists looking to book events, shows, cruises, tours, cultural experiences, and more across Japan.
Let us take the stress out of planning—just reach out and tell us what you’re looking for!
Contact us at: https://jasumo.com/contact/
Includes
- Private guided tour (9 hours)
- Transportation by private car
- Local English-speaking guide
- Pick-up and drop-off (within Ise City; extra charges apply for Toba/Shima)
- Walking tours and entry fees
Meeting Point
Pick-up is available from accommodations in Ise, Toba, or Shima City. Exact location and time will be confirmed after booking.
Reviews
“The guide was friendly and enthusiastic, but his English could be better. Unfortunately, the Ama diver performance at Mikimoto Pearl Island was canceled due to closure, and we weren’t notified in advance.”
“Kyohei was a fantastic guide—funny, punctual, and very considerate. The seafood BBQ was tasty, although it was in a restaurant rather than a traditional Ama hut. Still a great experience!”
“We traveled as a big family with toddlers, and the tour team took excellent care of us. Everything was smooth and enjoyable. Merci and Mauru’uru to the team!”
Additional Information
- Duration: Full-day (approx. 9 hours)
- Seasonality: Available year-round (Ama shows may be weather dependent)
- Group Size: Private tour (ideal for families or small groups)
- Language: English or Japanese
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, camera
This tour offers a rare combination of Japan’s most sacred spiritual site and the fascinating coastal culture of the legendary Ama divers. A deeply immersive and memorable experience for travelers looking to go beyond the ordinary.
Planning a Group Trip to Japan?
From corporate teams to friends traveling together, we create tailor-made travel packages. Enjoy VIP access, curated itineraries, and full support from our local experts. Tell us your plans, and we’ll handle the rest.
Contact Jasumo Now →
Leave a Reply