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Shima Kanko Hotel (Shima City, Mie Prefecture) — Overview (History, Features, and Attractions)
Shima Kanko Hotel is a long-established resort hotel overlooking Ago Bay in Shima City, Mie Prefecture. Its greatest appeal is its location, overlooking the beautiful inlet of the ria coast and Ago Bay, known for its pearl farming. Guests can enjoy rooms and restaurants that take advantage of the ocean views and a relaxing hotel stay. For many years, the hotel has been a popular base for tourism and relaxation, offering cuisine made with local ingredients and attentive hospitality, and is characterized by a high-quality resort atmosphere that incorporates Japanese and Western elements.
Highlights
- Ago Bay View: You can enjoy the ever-changing scenery of the bay from the guest rooms, restaurant, and terrace. This spot is particularly beautiful for watching the sunset, night view, and sunrise.
- Cuisine that makes the most of the seafood: Kaiseki and French/Japanese-Western fusion courses are offered, using spiny lobster, abalone, locally caught seafood, and ingredients from Shima. You can enjoy the flavors of the season (prior confirmation and reservations are required for some menus).
- Spacious rooms and facilities: With rooms focusing on ocean views, a calm lounge and garden, and relaxation facilities for guests, you can expect a quiet stay.
- A base for sightseeing in Ago Bay: The hotel is close to the departure points for sightseeing boats and cruises, allowing you to enjoy the sights of pearl farming in the bay and touring the small islands.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Train + Taxi: The nearest major stations are Kashikojima Station and Ugata Station on the Kintetsu Shima Line. From Kashikojima Station, it's about a 5-10 minute taxi ride, and from Ugata Station, it's about a 15-20 minute drive (depending on traffic conditions).
- Train (approximate route from major cities): If you use the Kintetsu Limited Express, you can access the Kintetsu Shima Line in about 2 hours from Nagoya, and in about 2 to 2.5 hours from Namba (Osaka) (times may vary depending on the type of train and transfers).
- By car: Access is generally via the Ise Expressway in the Ise direction. Travel time from Nagoya or the Kansai region is approximately 1.5 to 3 hours (depending on the departure point and traffic conditions). Parking is available at the hotel (please check in advance as there may be a limit on the number of spaces).
- From the airport: Access by rental car is possible from Chubu Centrair International Airport or Kansai Airport. If using public transportation, the most common route is from the airport to Kashikojima via the Nagoya/Kintetsu Line.
- Pick-up service: Some plans and reservations may offer pick-up services from the station or surrounding area. Please check with the hotel in advance.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Day trip: If you are able to use the hotel's restaurants or hot springs/spa for day use, the recommended stay is 2-4 hours (please confirm in advance).
- Accommodation: The basic stay plan is for two days and one night. One night is recommended if you want to enjoy dinner (such as a seafood kaiseki course), breakfast, a relaxing hot spring bath, and a stroll. Two nights or more is ideal if you want to cruise Ago Bay and visit nearby tourist spots.
Nearby spots
- Ago Bay Sightseeing Cruise (Pleasure Boat): You can see pearl rafts and the scenery of the cove up close. It is also a popular photo spot.
- Yokoyama Observatory: A viewing spot that offers a panoramic view of Ago Bay. The view on a clear day is exceptional.
- Shima Spain Village (Parque Espana): A theme park suitable for families and leisure travelers.
- Pearl Island (Toba area): A facility where you can learn about pearl farming and the history of pearls. Convenient for sightseeing by car.
- Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku and Geku): A popular tourist destination that can be reached by car. Many people combine their stay in Shima with a visit to the shrine.
- Toba Aquarium: Popular with families for its marine life exhibits. An easy day trip from Shima.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Reservations required: The hotel is particularly busy on weekends, national holidays, Golden Week, Obon, and the New Year holidays. We recommend making reservations early for accommodation and dinner.
- Seasonal crowds and climate: In summer, the area is bustling with people swimming and enjoying marine activities, but you'll need to take precautions against the heat and UV rays. In winter, the wind can be strong, so dress warmly. During the rainy season, sightseeing boats may be suspended due to rain.
- Food and Allergies: Many of the dishes are centered around seafood, such as spiny lobster and shellfish, so if you have any seafood allergies, please be sure to inform the hotel in advance.
- Manners: Many areas within the hotel have an atmosphere that prioritizes a quiet stay, so please be considerate of other guests (noise, behavior in public spaces, etc.).
- Dress code: Smart casual attire may be required at more formal restaurants or dinners, so it's a good idea to check the dress code beforehand.
- Transportation: As the surrounding area is a tourist destination, roads tend to be congested, and travel times can be difficult to predict, especially on public holidays and in the summer. We recommend planning your trip with plenty of time to spare.
This concludes our detailed guide to Shima Kanko Hotel (Shima City). Please check the official website or reservation desk for the latest information on accommodation plans, restaurants, transportation, and more before planning your stay. We hope you have a wonderful stay.
