Create a memorable trip at a seaside resort.
From the encounter between the winds of Southern Europe and the life of the sea.
Toba-shi is surrounded by the rich natural beauty of Ise-Shima National Park.
Along the way, I visited a theme park overflowing with exotic charm.
The aquarium also features marine mammals that can only be seen there.
Two encounters color the beginning of an unforgettable journey.
DAY01
11:30 / Lunch
Shima Spain Village "Parque España" | Authentic Paella with Flamenco
In a theme park that recreates the exotic atmosphere of a Spanish town, you can savor authentic paella. Immerse yourself in the passionate sounds of flamenco and the vibrant colors of a parade. Fill your heart with anticipation for your journey.
14:00 / Aquarium
Toba | Explore the stories of the sea and discover approximately 1,200 species of life.
Located close to the hotel, this aquarium boasts the largest number of species in Japan. Witness Japan's only dugong, the adorable parade of penguins, and the sea otters' Food time. Experience the story of the ocean, home to approximately 1,200 species of life, with all your senses.
16:30 / Arrival
Toba Ocean Resort | All rooms offer ocean views, a moment to connect with the sea.
The white walls of this Southern European-style inn are bathed in the setting sun on a hilltop. After checking in and heading to Guest rooms, you'll be greeted by a panoramic ocean view of Toba Bay through the window. Spend some time gazing at the twilight horizon, lost in thought.
17:00 / Music
Lounge | Spend your time as you please
The lounge offers drinks and special desserts to enhance your travel experience. Toba Bay, viewed through the steam of tea, is bathed in golden light. A short but rich twilight moment to share with someone special.
18:30 / Dinner
Restaurant | The delight of delicious food, a fusion of the three great flavors of Ise-Shima
Savor the bounty of the land from a prime seat overlooking the sea. The bursting sweetness of spiny lobster, the delightful chewiness of abalone, and the melt-in-your-mouth umami of Matsusaka beef. These three great flavors nurtured by the land will add a touch of elegance to your celebratory dinner table, one dish at a time.
21:00 / Stargazing
Stargazing | A sky full of stars floating on the night sea
After dinner, spend a moment gazing at the starry night sky. The telescope captures the rings of Saturn in the distance, twinkling constellations, and the profound depths of the universe. As you listen to the whispers of the stars, fainter than the sound of the waves, the day quietly comes to a close.
A short trip to the island of pearls.
Now, just savor the time to relax.
On the second day, I slowly surrendered myself to the peaceful time spent by the sea.
In the morning, I went to the island where pearl farming originated, to find a little bit of travel charm.
All that's left is to relax at the hotel. Enjoy the most luxurious time of your life.
DAY02
07:30 / Morning
Terrace | Take a deep breath while gazing at the calm morning sea.
Time to unwind while gazing at Toba Bay bathed in the morning sun. The scent of the sea breeze, the rhythm of the waves, the warmth of the morning sun. With each breath you take in and out, your heart harmonizes with the calm sea.
08:30 / Breakfast
Restaurant | Enjoy a heartfelt Japanese meal for your morning travels.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a window seat overlooking the sea. Each carefully selected, flavorful dish will further invigorate your body, which has been refreshed by yoga. A Japanese breakfast, perfect for the start of your journey.
10:00 / Discovery
Mikimoto Pearl Island | Rediscovering the brilliance of pearls and the culture of female divers
Take a short trip to the island where pearl cultivation originated. Experience firsthand the history nurtured by the sea of Toba, including the story of Mikimoto, which successfully cultivated pearls for the first time in the world, a demonstration by female divers in their white diving suits, and the profound luster of pearls.
12:00 / Lunch
Restaurant Awakou | Enjoy a seaside lunch at Restaurant associated with the Pearl King
Head to the seaside Restaurant located on the second floor of the ferry terminal. Savor the bounty of Ise-Shima to your heart's content while watching ships leisurely sailing across the calm sea. The bay, bathed in sunlight, stretches out before you through the large windows, and the sparkling waves and the scent of the sea gently enhance your lunch during your trip.
14:00 / Poolside
Garden Pool | A resort afternoon spent by the poolside
A garden pool shaped like a pearl oyster stands in the courtyard. Relax by the water's edge, surrounded by Mediterranean-style white walls, while gazing at the blue sea and sky. Forget your daily worries and enjoy an afternoon like you're in a Southern European resort.
16:30 / Bath
Hot springs bath | Enjoy a bath while watching the sunset sink below the horizon
Before dinner, I headed to the open-air bath overlooking the sea. The hot spring water, renowned for its "longevity-promoting" properties, slowly soothed away the tension of everyday life. I gazed upon the golden sunset over the sea and the dark silhouettes of the islands.
19:00 / Dinner
Restaurant | Enjoy the view, the food, and the conversation to your heart's content.
A fusion of the delicate artistry of Japanese cuisine and the vibrant flair of Western cuisine. From appetizers to desserts, everything is beautifully presented. Enjoy the unique culinary charm of Ise-Shima, paired with wine, to make your special moments even more memorable.
With prayers offered for two thousand years of history,
I promised to return in the near future.
These irreplaceable three days are almost over.
On our last morning at the hotel, we visited Ise Grand Shrine and enjoyed the lively atmosphere of Okage Yokocho.
With a quiet vow to return to this beach once again next year, I move on to a new daily routine.
DAY03
06:00 / Bath
Hot springs bath | A luxurious awakening enveloped in the sunrise and the sound of the waves.
It's still a quiet morning. Enjoying the gentle breeze from the sea, you greet your final morning of your trip in the open-air bath. The soothing sound of the waves, reaching your ears through the rising steam, slowly unwinds your mind and body. A refreshing soak in the bath in the early morning is a luxurious moment unique to a resort.
DAY03
07:30 / Morning
Yoga Experience | A Quiet Morning, Harmonizing with the Sea Breeze and Your Breath
The final day of your trip awaits, overlooking the tranquil sea. Enveloped in the crisp morning air, you'll embark on a yoga experience to gently awaken your mind and body. As you stretch your entire body with deep breaths, the refreshing sea breeze will lighten your spirits. This moment of becoming one with Toba 's nature will gently conclude your journey.
11:30 / Departure
Lobby | Leaving behind a promise to return to the white-walled mansion
It's time to say goodbye for now to this beautiful building with its Southern European-style white walls. We leave a promise to return to each of the places we've visited: the ocean-view Guest rooms, the lounge where we spent our time as we pleased, and the open-air bath where only the sound of waves marked the passage of time.
12:30 / Pilgrimage
Ise Grand Shrine | A sacred place that weaves together 2,000 years of history, where prayers of gratitude are offered.
Crossing the Uji Bridge, you enter the realm of the gods. Walk along the path lined with camphor trees hundreds of years old, purify your hands in the clear waters of the Isuzu River, and tread on the gravel to reach the main shrine. The wind blowing through the deep forest carries with it two thousand years of history in a quiet embrace.
15:00 / Stroll
Okage Yokocho | A bite of Edo-era streetscape, a lingering memory of your journey.
After visiting the shrine, head to Okage Yokocho, where the lively atmosphere of Ise pilgrimage still lingers. The glossy red bean paste of Akabuku, the warm steam rising from Ise udon, and the handcrafted goods lined up in the souvenir shops—savor each bite as the trip comes to an end, with anticipation for a return visit.
