Friendship Travel Agency:: Early spring tour to the Ise Peninsula, listen to the legends of sacred treasures, and watch ama divers harvest pearls~

If we were to conduct a survey, Tokyo, Osaka, and Hokkaido would undoubtedly rank as Japan’s most popular tourist destinations. But if you venture beyond these cities, heading further north or south, you’ll discover that Japan has many unexpected and diverse facets. Take Mie Prefecture, for example—it’s a relatively unfamiliar name to most Taiwanese, yet it holds an important place in the hearts of the Japanese. Not only does it boast abundant natural resources, profound history and culture, and rich local customs, but it is also home to Ise Grand Shrine, the most revered shrine in Japan and a symbol of the nation’s soul.
 

Ise Grand Shrine is the shrine among shrines in Japan, shrouded in legend. According to the tale, the sun goddess Amaterasu bestowed three sacred treasures upon the Japanese emperor to guard the realm. The Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) records that one of these treasures, the Yata no Kagami (Eight-Handed Mirror), was kept by successive emperors as a representation of Amaterasu and treasured within the Imperial Palace. Later, Emperor Suinin, the 11th emperor, ordered his daughter Princess Yamatohime-no-mikoto to find a purer and more sacred site to enshrine the mirror. She placed the sacred treasure by the Isuzu River, in a grove of ancient trees—now the site of Ise Grand Shrine in Ise City, Mie Prefecture.

Legends and historical records have imbued the Ise Peninsula and Ise Grand Shrine with an air of mystery. In the Edo period, when transportation and technology were undeveloped, ordinary people might have had the chance to embark on a long journey only once in their lifetime—and that was to make a pilgrimage to Ise Grand Shrine. Even today, many Japanese still believe that visiting Ise Grand Shrine is a must at least once in their lives.

Besides Ise Grand Shrine, this tour also takes you to the world’s first successful site for cultivating cultured pearls. Mie Prefecture is known as the “Home of Pearls.” Ago Bay here was the world’s first bay where artificial pearl cultivation was achieved, thanks to the groundbreaking work of the globally renowned founder of Mikimoto Pearls—Kokichi Mikimoto. Long before World War I, Mikimoto had already opened specialty stores in Europe. Today, Mikimoto is synonymous with high-end pearl jewelry. On Mikimoto Pearl Island in Toba, not only can you delve into the legendary story of Mikimoto, but there are also live demonstrations and explanations of pearl cultivation techniques by experts. You can even enjoy a special performance by local ama divers.

★★★ Recommended Attraction = Ise Grand Shrine
The architecture of Ise Grand Shrine resembles a raised-floor granary, representing the oldest style of Japanese architecture since the Yayoi period. Its construction method is unique, symbolizing the supreme status of Amaterasu. No other shrine in Japan is allowed to replicate Ise Grand Shrine’s design, which is why it is called the “unique shinmei-zukuri style.” The shrine is built from wood, characterized by its simple, straight-line beauty. Key parts of the main hall, both inside and out, are adorned with gold and copper ornaments, while the railings are decorated with multicolored kagami-no-kuwae (jewel-shaped ornaments)...Click to view all attraction introductions

★★★ Recommended Attraction = Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks)
Meoto Iwa, floating in the eastern sea off Futami, is a symbol of the area. The two rocks—one large and one small, representing the husband and wife—stand respectively about 8.7 meters and 3.6 meters tall. A thick straw rope ties the two together, symbolizing the bond of matrimony and representing a harmonious and blessed marriage. During the two weeks around the summer solstice, visitors can witness the moving sight of the sunrise emerging between the two rocks. Many tourists wake up early to secure a good spot to watch the sunrise. The shore directly facing the rocks even marks the best viewing positions and angles for each day, ensuring visitors don’t miss the spectacular moment when the sun rises right between Meoto Iwa...Click to view all attraction information

★★★ Recommended Attraction = Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612, brought immense glory to Nagoya throughout history. Until the end of Japan’s Warring States period, it served as the residence of generations of the Tokugawa family. After the Meiji Restoration, the castle became one of the imperial detached palaces, owned by the royal family. During World War II, its main structures—the wooden tenshu (main keep), the smaller tenshu, and the Honmaru Goten (shogun’s residence)—were burned down. Around 1959, the tenshu was reconstructed as a magnificent seven-story above-ground and one-story underground concrete building, standing 48 meters tall and becoming a landmark of Nagoya City...Click to view all attraction information

★★★ Recommended Attraction = Toba Aquarium
Located on the shores of Toba Bay, Toba Aquarium not only boasts an eye-catching pink, blue, and white exterior but also surprises visitors with its 11 themed tank zones. Aside from the giant underwater tunnel common to most aquariums, Toba Aquarium is especially notable for its numerous large aquatic mammals. Among them, the African manatee—the largest creature in rivers—is a big hit. Despite living in rivers, this massive creature can weigh up to 800 kilograms. Another superstar at the aquarium is the dolphin from Chile in South America. Smaller than typical dolphins and adorably clad in black-and-white coloring, resembling a gentleman of the sea, it captivates visitors time and again. In 2002, a baby dolphin was born here, and the charming sight of the mother and calf swimming together is utterly delightful...Click to view all attraction introductions