Ago Bay (pñp, Agowan) is a scenic, island dotted bay with a rugged coastline, located at the southern tip of the Shima Peninsula. The bay is famous for pearl cultivation with many oyster rafts floating in the water. The art of pearl cultivation was first mastered by Mikimoto Kokichi in 1893. Mikimoto was born and grew up on the Shima Peninsula, not far from Ago Bay.
One hour sightseeing boat cruises of Ago Bay are offered on a large pirate ship, which make a round course in the deeper waters of the bay. Passengers have the option between regular seats and seats in a special room with classic interior at a small surcharge.
Transport hub and departure point of sightseeing boat cruises is Kashikojima, the largest island in Ago Bay. The boat piers and Kashikojima Station, the terminal station of the Kintetsu Railway Line, are all located within walking distance of each other on Kashikojima.
One of the best places to get a view of Ago Bay is the Yokoyama Observation Deck on the slopes of Mount Yokoyama. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the southern islands dotting the bay from 200 meters above sea level. Travelers without their own car can reach the observation deck in a 30-45 minute walk (one way) from Shima-Yokoyama Station.
Getting there and around
Kashikojima Station is the final station of the Kintetsu Shima Line, providing convenient access to Ago Bay. From Iseshi Station, the trip to Kashikojima takes 45 minutes and costs 1340 yen by limited express train or 70 minutes and 820 yen by local train. From Toba, it takes 30 minutes and costs 1080 yen by limited express train or 40 minutes and 560 yen by local train. Limited express trains connect all the way to Nagoya, Osaka and Kyoto.
How to get to and around the Shima Peninsula
Hours and Fees
Sightseeing Cruises
Hours
Departures every hour from 9:30 to 15:30
Admission
1700 yen (additional 400 yen for the special room)
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Ise Shima
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Kamenoi Hotel TobaA luxury hotel with 13 types of guestrooms and lavish dining options featuring fresh seafood, Japanese spiny lobster, and Matsuzaka beef. Located near popular sites in Ise-Shima, including Ise Shrine.View siteSponsored
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Top rated in Ise Shima
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Guesthouse Ise FutamiGuesthouse Ise Futami, a property with a shared lounge, is located in Ise, 8.6 km from Ise Grand Shrine, 8.2 km from Oharai-machi, as well as 1.9 km from Futamiokitama Shrine. This guest house provides free private parking, a shared kitchen and free WiFi. The accommodation offers luggage storage space, a housekeeping service and organising tours for guests. Some units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, washing machine and a kettle, as well as a fully equipped kitchen. In some units there is a dressing room for guests to change in. The area is popular for cycling and fishing, and bike hire is available at this 1-star guest house. Sun Arena is 2.5 km from the guest house, while Ise Azuchi-Momoyama Culture Village is 2.7 km away. The nearest airport is Nagoya Airport, 149 km from Guesthouse Ise Futami.View on Booking.com -
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HoshidekanLocated 500 metres from Kintetsu Iseshi Train Station, Hoshidekan Ryokan (a member of the Japanese Inn Group) is a wooden building that was built in the 1920's and provides Japanese-style rooms with free WiFi, an LCD TV and traditional futon bedding. It has shared bath and a courtyard garden. Rooms at Hoshidekan have paper screens, a tatami (woven-straw) floor and a low wooden table. An air conditioner, slippers and green tea are provided. Bathrooms, toilets and washroom are shared. The Geku Ise Shrine is a 18-minute walk from the hotel. On-site parking is free and requires a reservation. The hotel has baths that can be reserved for private use, and a free-use internet station is provided at the lobby. A coin launderette is available. Guests staying with a meal plan will be served Japanese breakfast in the dining room.View on Booking.com -
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Ise Guest House Sora5.2 km from Ise Grand Shrine, Ise Guest House Sora is a recently renovated property set in Ise and offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking. It is located 4.2 km from Oharai-machi and features luggage storage space. Parking on-site is available and the guest house also provides free use of bicycles for guests who want to explore the surrounding area. All units at the guest house come with a seating area. The units are equipped with a safety deposit box and certain rooms here will provide you with river views. The units feature a shared bathroom, slippers and bed linen. There is a coffee shop on-site. Ise Shrine Geku is 1.5 km from the guest house, while Matsuo Kannonji Temple is 2.1 km away. The nearest airport is Nagoya Airport, 143 km from Ise Guest House Sora.View on Booking.com -
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Hinode RyokanConveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Iseshi Train Station, Hinode Ryokan is Japanese-style accommodation with a historic charm. Ise-jingu Shrinefs Geku (outer shrine) is a 5-minute walk away. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Ise-jingu Shrinefs Naiku (inner shrine) is a 20-minute bus ride away. Futami Sea Paradise Aquarium can be reached within a 25-minute walk. Fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding, each room comes with facilities like a flat-screen TV, a fridge and an electric kettle. Guests can unwind at a seating area with a low table and cushions. Bathroom and toilets are shared with other guests. Ryokan Hinode offers bicycle rental services on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests can enjoy playing table tennis on site, and drinks vending machines are available. Traditional Japanese set meal can be served for breakfast in the privacy of the guestroom. There are many restaurants around the property, as well.View on Booking.com -
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Ise Guest House KazamiIse Guest House Kazami is set in Ise, within 5.8 km of Ise Grand Shrine and 3.5 km of Oharai-machi. Featuring a bar, the 2-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. Private parking is available on site. The units feature bed linen. Ise Shrine Geku is less than 1 km from the hostel, while Matsuo Kannonji Temple is 2.8 km away. Nagoya Airport is 143 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Weekly Mansion Ise No.6Located within 5.8 km of Ise Grand Shrine and 3.6 km of Oharai-machi, Weekly Mansion Ise No.6 provides rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Ise. It is situated 1 km from Ise Shrine Geku and features luggage storage space. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The accommodation comes with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath, shower and slippers, while the kitchenette features a microwave, a toaster and a fridge. There is also a stovetop, kitchenware and a kettle. At the aparthotel, every unit includes bed linen and towels. Matsuo Kannonji Temple is 2.7 km from the aparthotel, while Sarutahiko Shrine is 3.1 km away. Nagoya Airport is 143 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Comfort Hotel IseSet within 5.9 km of Ise Grand Shrine and 3.6 km of Oharai-machi, Comfort Hotel Ise offers rooms in Ise. With free bikes, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking is available on site. At the hotel, each room is fitted with a desk and a flat-screen TV. At Comfort Hotel Ise all rooms have bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at the accommodation. Speaking English and Japanese, staff at the 24-hour front desk can help you plan your stay. Ise Shrine Geku is less than 1 km from Comfort Hotel Ise, while Matsuo Kannonji Temple is 2.8 km from the property. Nagoya Airport is 143 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Toyoko Inn Iseshi EkiToyoko Inn Iseshi Eki is situated in Ise, 7.1 km from Ise Grand Shrine and 4.8 km from Oharai-machi. With a shared lounge, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Free private parking is available and the hotel also features a shuttle service for guests who want to explore the surrounding area. At the hotel, rooms include a desk and a flat-screen TV. At Toyoko Inn Iseshi Eki rooms have bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Staff at Toyoko Inn Iseshi Eki are always available to provide advice at the reception. Ise Shrine Geku is 1.3 km from the hotel, while Matsuo Kannonji Temple is 4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Nagoya Airport, 129 km from Toyoko Inn Iseshi Eki.View on Booking.com -
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Tabist Asanokan Annex Iroha IseFeaturing 3-star accommodation, Tabist Asanokan Annex Iroha Ise is located in Ise, 10 km from Ise Grand Shrine and 9.3 km from Oharai-machi. The property is set 700 metres from Futamiokitama Shrine, 2 km from Matsushita Shrine and 2.1 km from Ise Azuchi-Momoyama Culture Village. Matsuo Kannonji Temple is 6.2 km from the hotel and Dolphin Island is 10 km away. At the hotel each room has air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. Sun Arena is 3.4 km from Tabist Asanokan Annex Iroha Ise, while Makonde Art Museum is 4.2 km away. The nearest airport is Nagoya Airport, 150 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
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Sanco Inn Iseshi-Ekimae ShikinoyuSanco Inn Iseshi-Ekimae Shikinoyu is located in Ise, 6.4 km from Ise Grand Shrine and 4.1 km from Oharai-machi. Among the facilities at this property are a shared lounge and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Sarutahiko Shrine is 3.6 km away and Ise-Shima Nat'l Park is 6.4 km from the hotel. Ise Shrine Geku is 800 metres from the hotel, while Matsuo Kannonji Temple is 3.3 km away. Nagoya Airport is 143 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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