The nearest railway station to this eight-room hotel is Kashikojima, across a bridge to the island of that name, which lies so close to Honshu, the Japanese mainland – just 10 metres away – you barely notice you have crossed the water. Kashikojima came to nationwide and global attention when it hosted the G7 summit in 2016, but in western Japan it has long been renowned as a health resort.
One reason is its location in Ago Bay, one of Japan’s most famous beauty spots. With its many inlets, some 60 small islands, and views that will take your breath away, the bay is designated as a part of Ise-Shima National Park, and is home to a wealth of delicious seafood.
Ago Bay is also renowned for its pearls. Oyster pearl harvesting in these waters dates back to the 8th century, and today the area is world-famous as a centre of cultured pearl farming, thanks in part to its gentle tides and abundant plankton. A wide variety of seafood named after local places includes Ise-ebi (a type of spiny lobster), ormers and Matoya oysters.
Another major appeal of Kashikojima is its proximity to Ise Jingu, the great Shinto shrine at Ise that is considered to be the spiritual home of the Japanese people. Only an hour from Kashikojima, the shrine has been dedicated to the worship of deities including ancestors of the Japanese Imperial family since before the Christian era, and its long history as Japan’s most sacred site continues to attract worshippers from across the country even today.
A visit to Ise is a special way to experience the spiritual side of Japan and its people. Just a little further afield are opportunities to enjoy the landscape of ancient Japan, such as the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.
Last but not least, a major attraction of Kashikojima and the Ago Bay area is their peace and tranquillity. Time here seems to flow on with a serenity unchanged since ancient times. The calm waters, gentle breezes and beautiful sunsets will soon make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city, and your visit to Ise-Shima Kashikojima is sure to be a uniquely peaceful experience.