After a spiritual first day in Ise, Day 2 takes us to the stunning blue waters of the Toba and Shima areas. This region is a paradise for ocean lovers, famous for its world-class pearls and the legendary Ama divers.

Today is all about the “Blue” of Ise-Shima. From cruising the bay on a whimsical boat to driving along the scenic Pearl Road and witnessing the dramatic panoramic views of Ago Bay, get ready for some of the most beautiful coastal scenery Japan has to offer. We’ll even find a modern hidden gem to relax in before heading home!

Day 2: Pearls, Cruises, and Panoramic Views

10:00 AM | Mikimoto Pearl Island

Did you know this is the birthplace of cultivated pearls? You can watch a live demonstration by Ama divers (female divers who traditionally dived for pearls). Seeing them dive into the cold water without modern gear is impressive!

11:20 AM | Toba Bay Cruise

We took a 50-minute cruise on a colorful boat themed after a Japanese folktale.

The boarding point was conveniently located right near Mikimoto Pearl Island. I purchased a combo ticket for 3,950 yen, which included both the Pearl Island admission and the cruise—a great deal!

Enjoying a soft-serve ice cream while feeling the sea breeze was so relaxing!

The Whimsical “Urashima Taro” Boat

The boat itself is a unique sight! It is themed after a famous Japanese folktale called “Urashima Taro” (a story about a fisherman who travels to an underwater palace on a sea turtle).

Treats with a View

I enjoyed a delicious soft-serve ice cream while taking in the stunning panoramic views of Toba Bay.

Stop by Dolphin Island (Iruka-jima)

The cruise takes about 50 minutes and makes a stop at Dolphin Island, a leisure spot where you can watch dolphin and sea lion shows.

Traveler’s Tip: The boats depart every 30 to 60 minutes. If you have some extra time in your itinerary, this cruise is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the bay.

1:00 PM | Seafood Lunch & The Pearl Road

🌊 Toba Area: Driving the Scenic “Pearl Road”

For the best coastal views and fresh seafood, driving along the Pearl Road is a must-do in Toba. While it’s famous as a coastal route, much of the road actually passes through lush mountains, offering dramatic “ocean-meets-mountain” scenery.

Highlights & Seafood

• Scenic Observatories: The road is dotted with parking pockets and observation decks. Don’t hesitate to pull over—these “hidden gems” often provide the most peaceful views.
• Seasonal Delicacies: Toba is famous for Ise Spiny Lobster and Oysters. In winter, keep an eye out for “Oyster Shacks” (Kaki-goya) that pop up along the road for the ultimate local experience.
• Getting Around: Public transport is very limited here. To fully explore the observatories and seafood spots, renting a car is highly recommended.

Experience an “Oyster Shack” (Kaki-goya) One of the best winter experiences in Toba is visiting an Oyster Shack. A great example is Yamayasu Suisan.

• The Deal: For only 3,000 yen, you can enjoy all-you-can-eat oysters! It’s an incredible value for such fresh, high-quality seafood.
• Important Note: These spots are extremely popular, so reservations are required in advance.

☕ Best Pit Stop: Toba Observatory “Amano-terrace”

Located roughly halfway along the Pearl Road, this is the most popular destination for a break.

• View & Cafe: The cafe offers a modern atmosphere with stunning 360-degree views. Enjoy their famous “Ise Spiny Lobster Burger” or a refreshing gelato on the outdoor terrace.
• Shopping: The well-curated gift shop features high-quality Mie specialties, making it perfect for finding unique souvenirs.

🚗 Practical Driving Tips

Parking Hacks

• Free of Charge: Most observatory parking lots, including the large one at Toba Observatory, are free.
• Spontaneous Stops: You will see small parking pockets for 2–3 cars. If you see a view you love, pull over immediately!

Driving Cautions

Gas Stations: There are no gas stations on the Pearl Road. Be sure to fill up your tank in downtown Toba or Shima before starting your drive.

Winding Roads: The route follows mountain ridges and has many sharp curves. Take it slow if you or your passengers are prone to motion sickness.

Lunch at “Umitaro”

For lunch, I visited “Umitaro,” a restaurant I found in my guidebook. The food was truly delicious! However, there were a few downsides: the menu was text-only with no photos, making it a bit hard to order, and the restrooms were temporary portable toilets. Also, please note that they only accept cash.

2:00 PM | Yokoyama Observation Deck: A Panoramic View of Ago Bay

Continuing my drive from Pearl Road, I headed to the Yokoyama Observation Deck in the Shima area.

• The View: This is the best spot to see the stunning Ago Bay. You can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the “ria coast” (intricate coastline) and the many small islands scattered across the blue water.
• The Cafe: There is a cozy little cafe at the terrace where you can grab a drink or a snack while soaking in the scenery.
• Getting There: I was able to drive almost all the way up to the parking lot near the deck, making it very accessible. However, I noticed that the area is part of a larger hiking trail that connects several different observation points.
• Recommendation: If you love hiking and being in nature, exploring the various decks on foot would be a fantastic and rewarding experience!

3:30 PM | VISON: A Modern Resort Village

On the way home, I stopped at VISON, a massive, stylish complex that opened recently. It features organic markets, designer cafes, and high-end boutiques. The highlight was the Honso-yu Spa. Soaking in the outdoor hot spring surrounded by nature was the perfect way to end the trip!

VISON also has its own hotel. You could easily spend an entire day here, so I’d love to stay overnight next time. They also offer bicycle rentals—cycling around the area sounds fun (even if there’s nothing else around!).

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Summary (Conclusion)

From the sacred atmosphere of Ise Jingu to the breathtaking coastal drives along the Pearl Road, the stunning views in Shima, and the modern oasis of VISON—this two-day trip was a perfect blend of tradition, nature, and luxury.

Indulging in Mie’s world-famous delicacies while being surrounded by such beautiful landscapes made this journey truly unforgettable. The Ise-Shima area is a place that offers new discoveries and inspirations every time you visit. In fact, I was already planning my next trip back before I even reached home!

I hope this travel log helps you plan your own adventure to Mie. Whether you are seeking spiritual peace, incredible seafood, or just a scenic escape, Ise-Shima will not disappoint.

Safe travels and enjoy the magic of Mie!

Do you have a favorite spot in Mie? Let me know in the comments!
If you’re planning a trip to Ise, feel free to ask me any questions!

Check out my travel route here:

Read about Day 1 here