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Shima
ℹ️Practical info — Shima
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Yokoyama Observatory in the early morning for the best light and clear views over the pearl rafts of Ago Bay.
- Book a lunch at an 'Ama Hut' (Amagoya) to meet traditional female divers and enjoy seafood grilled over an open fire.
- Take the Shimakaze Limited Express train for a luxury travel experience with panoramic views when arriving from Osaka or Nagoya.
- Explore the fishing villages like Anorisaki for a glimpse of traditional coastal life and historic lighthouses.
- Visit the Mikimoto Pearl Island nearby (in Toba) or local pearl workshops in Shima to learn about the culturing process.
🍽 Food
A premium local delicacy; these lobsters are famous for their sweet meat and are best enjoyed grilled or as sashimi.
A traditional fisherman's meal made of soy-marinated bonito or tuna served over vinegared rice.
Hand-harvested by traditional divers; it has a unique firm texture and rich ocean flavor when grilled.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
The historic heart of pearl cultivation; great for finding high-quality necklaces and earrings.
Look for high-grade 'Aonori' (dried seaweed flakes) produced in the clean waters of Shima's bays.
A peaceful park on a peninsula, offering one of the most serene sunset views over the scattered islands of Ago Bay.
The walking paths extending beyond the main observatory lead to quieter decks with fewer crowds.
Water temperature…
Shima is a coastal jewel located in Mie Prefecture, set within the panoramic Ise-Shima National Park. The city is defined by the intricate coastline of Ago Bay, dotted with numerous islets and pearl cultivation rafts. Shima is world-famous as the cradle of cultured pearls; visitors can enjoy the serene Watakano Island Pearl Beach or visit Chidorigahama Beach, known for its pristine white sand and crystalline waters. A key cultural attraction is the Ama divers, women who have traditionally dived for pearls and seafood for centuries without oxygen tanks. Visitors can dine in Ama huts and enjoy local delicacies like Ise lobster while learning about this ancient way of life. Having hosted the 2016 G7 Summit, Shima gives world-class hospitality and luxury resorts. It is best accessed via the Kintetsu Limited Express trains from Osaka, Nagoya, or Kyoto, making it a convenient destination for those seeking natural beauty, rich maritime heritage, and premium seafood.
- Location: Japan
- Top sights: A Er raiburari-*Zhi Mo Shi Li A Er Zi Liao Guan · Wu Lang Shan · Komorebi Terrace
- Nearby: Toba (12 km)
- Population: ~47.774 (2022)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 7 | 8 | 10 | 15 | 19 | 22 | 26 | 27 | 25 | 20 | 15 | 10 |
| Rain mm | 71 | 81 | 123 | 161 | 178 | 218 | 223 | 181 | 244 | 225 | 101 | 74 |
Geography
Facts
- Ise-Shima National Park
- Watakano Island Pearl Beach
- Chidorigahama Beach
- Birthplace of cultured pearls
- Ago Bay scenery
- Traditional Ama divers
- G7 Summit host 2016
- Kintetsu Express access
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Shima (3)
Frequently asked questions
What is Shima known for?
Can you meet the Ama divers?
What is the best viewpoint in Shima?
Are there amusement parks there?
How do I get from Osaka to Shima?
Shima: where is it located?
Shima: what is there to see?
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Shima: why is it worth visiting?
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