Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Ago Bay is an indented bay with a ria coastline that stretches across Shima City, Mie Prefecture, and is known for its unique landscape created by numerous small islands and inlets. The terrain, with its finely carved inlets, has long been suitable for fishing and aquaculture, and is known for its thriving pearl farming industry. The development of the pearl industry (cultured pearls) since the Meiji period has contributed greatly to the region's landscape and economy, and even today the sight of pearl rafts dotting the bay is a symbol of Ago Bay. In 2016, the bay was developed as a tourist attraction as part of the natural scenery of Shima National Park and Ise-Shima, and is highly acclaimed by tourists.
Highlights
– Yokoyama Observatory: A famous observation spot where you can get a panoramic view of Ago Bay. The scenery of the islands floating in the bay and the pearl rafts is perfect for taking photos.
– Kashikojima: A tourist hub island. Sightseeing boats depart from Kashikojima Port for tours of Ago Bay.
– Ago Bay Cruise (Pleasure Boat): A cruise around the bay, offering a close-up look at the landscape of the archipelago and the pearl farming site. The duration varies depending on the course, but generally takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
– Pearl-related facilities: You can learn about the history of pearl farming and processing and the products they produce at pearl processing and sales stores and exhibition facilities (such as the Pearl Museum).
- Evening and morning scenery: The combination of the island silhouettes and pearl rafts that spread across the ocean surface is particularly dramatic in the morning and evening light.
- Local cuisine: There are many restaurants serving Shima seafood (spiny lobster, abalone, oysters, and seafood dishes).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
– Train + bus/walk:
– Kintetsu Kashikojima Station is the closest station to Ago Bay sightseeing. Kashikojima Port and surrounding tourist spots are accessible on foot from Kashikojima Station.
- The Kintetsu Line has direct express trains from Nagoya and Osaka, making it convenient to access from these cities.
– Car:
– Access from Ise (Ise Shrine) or Toba via national or prefectural roads. Arrive via the Ise Expressway and local roads. Be aware of road congestion and full parking lots during the tourist season.
– Ship:
– Pleasure boats and cruises depart from Kashikojima Port and operate sightseeing routes within Ago Bay. Services may be suspended due to weather conditions.
- airport:
- Accessible by train or car from Chubu Centrair International Airport (Nagoya) or Kansai International Airport (transfers available).
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
– Sightseeing highlights (Yokoyama Observatory + Kashikojima sightseeing boat + stroll around the area): About half a day to one day
- Relax and enjoy the sunset and sunrise views and local cuisine: 2 days and 1 night recommended
- A tour plan combining Ise Shrine and other attractions: 1-2 days (You can see the main spots in Ago Bay in half a day to a day, but if you include meals, hot springs, and accommodation, an overnight stay is more convenient)
Nearby spots
– Yokoyama Observatory (a panoramic view of Ago Bay)
– Kashikojima (Kashikojima tourism, resort hotels)
– Shima Kanko Hotel: A long-established luxury hotel with a reputation for its scenery and food
– Shima Spain Village Parque Espana (Theme Park)
– Shima Mediterranean Village (accommodation and walking spot)
– Ise Shrine (Ise City) and Okage Yokocho (within approximately 30-60 minutes by car)
– Toba (Mikimoto Pearl Island, Toba Aquarium, etc.)
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: During Golden Week, summer vacation, autumn holidays (Silver Week), and the New Year holidays, the number of tourists increases, and parking lots, roads, and sightseeing boats tend to be congested. We recommend planning and making reservations early.
- Weather-related suspension: Cruise ships and marine activities are easily affected by weather and sea conditions, and may be suspended or shortened in bad weather, so please check in advance.
- Protection from the sun: The Gulf coast is open and the sun is often strong. Don't forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, and stay hydrated.
- Consideration for nature and fishing: Pearl rafts and fishing grounds are important local resources. Do not enter without permission or touch the equipment. Drone use may also be restricted or may cause inconvenience, so please check in advance.
- Road conditions: The road along the bay is winding and narrow in sections, so drive carefully. During the tourist season, it can be difficult to park on the side of the road and pass other vehicles.
- Payment: Small shops and facilities in tourist areas may only accept cash. Although more and more stores are now accepting credit cards and electronic payments, it is recommended to have cash on hand.
- Environmental conservation: Always take your trash home or dispose of it in designated areas. To protect the natural landscape, bonfires and camping outside of designated areas are often prohibited.
Short itinerary example
Half-day course: Kashikojima Station → Sightseeing boat ride at Kashikojima Port (approx. 40 minutes) → Lunch (seafood) around Kashikojima → View from Yokoyama Observatory → Return to Kashikojima Station
- 1-night course: Check in at the accommodation in the evening of the day of arrival → Dinner at a seafood restaurant in Shima and enjoy the evening scenery → Next morning, head to Yokoyama Observatory → Travel towards Ise
If necessary, research and add the latest information such as opening hours for each spot, specific operating times for sightseeing boats, Kintetsu train schedules and travel times, recommended accommodations, etc. Which information would you like to add first?
