26 May 2024

A range of options to spend the day in Ise-Shima

A delicious breakfast prepared us for a day of adventure as Heritage Adventurer sailed into Port Tasoura, where we had a range of options to spend our day at parks or indulging in local art in the Ise-Shima prefecture.

Those opting for the parks option set off first, Zodiacs skipping over the water as we passed fishermen lining the wharf and Black Kites wheeling in the sky above looking for an easy meal from the fisherman’s bait fish as we made our way to Oyahama Beach. We boarded a bus with our local guides and headed to the Ise-Shima Skyline Observatory where short walks were rewarded with stunning panoramas across Isewan Bay and the island-studded ocean, as well as the sprawling city. Coinciding with our visit we were treated to the region’s high school students taking part in a traditional dance competition complete with booming music, colourful costumes, and lots of clapping and giant flag waving - all in celebration of Ise Shima’s proud fishing history. Some of us took the opportunity to send postcards from the observatory’s famed ‘postbox in the sky’.

We had a special treat for lunch with a visit to Ise City and ‘Japan’s most famous restaurant’ Daiki – as endorsed by the Royal Family. Slipping off our shoes we entered the upstairs dining room where Japanese royalty had dined before us and were treated to a series of traditional delicacies in a trio of stacked bento boxes. After lunch, we made our way to Japan’s famed Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks). We had time to explore as we learned of the significance of the rocks and the shimenawa rope connecting them which acts as the division between the spiritual and earthly realms. We also learned about the role of the frog symbol in Shinto lore with the opportunity to enjoy what was arguably Japan’s best coffee (so far) and a traditional cleansing ritual. To finish a fantastic day, we explored Mount Yokoyama taking in the grand scale views from three different viewing platforms with some ticking off the summit.

Those of us on the art option had a short ride up the coast to Shogahama Little Park for a walk further along the coast overlooking the sandy beaches and bush-clad hills. We continued to the Isobue Observation Deck with expansive ocean views, including our floating home Heritage Adventurer. The outlook featured the Tsubasu Bell and shrine and some of us made an offering, writing our wish on a scallop shell, and rang the bell.

A drive through the hills took us to the Ise Contemporary Art Museum. This museum features a diverse collection of contemporary artworks by both Japanese and international artists. The highlight for most of us was the sculpture garden featuring work by Atsuo Okamoto. Brett Graham, our representative from the New Zealand Art Foundation had been his student and helped us understand the techniques used.

After lunch on board Heritage Adventurer, we set off for the afternoon tour to Osatsu village which is famous for its ama divers. These are women who practice the traditional method of free diving to collect seafood. Our local guides took us to the museum, to see the history, and to the local shrine. We even met a young woman who is currently a diver who generously answered our many questions.

After an exciting day for everyone, we reconvened on board for the Captain’s Cocktails and welcome dinner.

Images © E Bell, Heritage Expeditions