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
-
-
![]()
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
-
Top rated in Ise Shima
Budget:
-
-
![]()
Guesthouse Ise FutamiGuesthouse Ise Futami, a property with a shared lounge, is set in Ise, 8.2 km from Oharai-machi, 1.9 km from Futamiokitama Shrine, as well as 2.5 km from Sun Arena. It is located 8.6 km from Ise Grand Shrine and offers a housekeeping service. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, luggage storage space and organising tours for guests. Providing free private parking, this 1-star guest house also features free WiFi. The guest house offers bed linen, towels and laundry service. A bicycle rental service is available at the guest house, while cycling and fishing can be enjoyed nearby. Ise Azuchi-Momoyama Culture Village is 2.7 km from Guesthouse Ise Futami, while Matsushita Shrine is 3.3 km away. Nagoya Airport is 149 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
![]()
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 -
![]()
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. Nagoya Airport is 143 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
![]()
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 -
![]()
Ryoso UminochoLocated less than 200 m from the sea shore, Ryoso Uminocho offers tranquil getaway spot with free-access private beach, seasonal outdoor pool and sauna. On-site dining and en suite private baths are provided for guestsf convenience. There are indoor and outdoor public bathrooms from which guests can enjoy views of surrounding greeneries. Here, guests can use the karaoke machines and table tennis facilities for entertainment or request a massage for relaxation. Free WiFi is accessible in the lobby and on-site parking is possible also free of charge. Featuring nature views, all rooms at Ryoso Uminocho are fitted with a refrigerator, electric kettle and a flat-screen TV. En suite bathrooms include a bath, a shower and free toiletries. Selected rooms boast a private open-air bath. Japanese set breakfast is served in the dining area every morning. Dinner is served in either guest rooms or private dining room as a Japanese Kaiseki course meal featuring fresh local ingredients. From the hotel, Ikenoura Seaside Station is 11 minutes on foot whilte Toba Station is a 7 minutes away on the free shuttle bus. Toba Aquarium is a 10-minute drive and Ise Shrine is a 30-minute drive away.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Comfort Hotel ERA IseSet 5.9 km from Ise Grand Shrine, Comfort Hotel ERA Ise offers 3-star accommodation in Ise and has free bikes. The property is around 3.6 km from Oharai-machi, less than 1 km from Ise Shrine Geku and 2.8 km from Matsuo Kannonji Temple. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. A buffet breakfast is available at Comfort Hotel ERA Ise. Speaking English and Japanese, staff are always on hand to help at the 24-hour front desk. Sarutahiko Shrine is 3.1 km from the accommodation, while Ise-Shima Nat'l Park is 5.9 km from the property. Nagoya Airport is 143 km away.View on Booking.com -
![]()
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 have a desk. The rooms in Toyoko Inn Iseshi Eki are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Toyoko Inn Iseshi Eki can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area. Ise Shrine Geku is 1.3 km from the hotel, while Matsuo Kannonji Temple is 4 km from the property. Nagoya Airport is 129 km away.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Ise Pearl Pier HotelSituated in Ise, within 5.9 km of Ise Grand Shrine and 4.9 km of Oharai-machi, Ise Pearl Pier Hotel features accommodation with a restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property as well as free private parking for guests who drive. This 3-star hotel offers luggage storage space. The hotel has a sauna and a 24-hour front desk. Ise Shrine Geku is 1.5 km from the hotel, while Matsuo Kannonji Temple is 2.9 km from the property. Nagoya Airport is 143 km away.View on Booking.com -
![]()
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 -
![]()
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
-
