Southwest Gifu 〜 Discover the Beauty of CHUBU - Start out from the Chubu Centrair International Airport -

Step into a World of Japanese Spiritual Hot Spots & A Pearl-filled Ocean

The Chūbu Region of Japan contains many ocean-view hot springs and spiritual hotspots.
If you use the Ise Expressway you can reach the large nature-filled areas of Ise Shima and Toba, as well as Ise Grand Shrine. Seeing the sun set behind the blue ocean as you relax in a hot spring is just another highlight of the journey.
With fresh fish as a given, make sure to try the world-famous renowned Wagyu and Matsusaka beef! Set forth on a brand new Japan journey with new and unique experiences that you'll never forget.

Recommended driving itinerary | Experience

  • 1Matsusaka Cotton Dress-up Experience Dressing Room

    "Matsusaka Cotton" is cotton that is produced in the Matsusaka area which is made with natural indigo dyed yarn and is characterised by a striped pattern called "Matsusaka-jima".

  • 2Futamiokitama Shrine & Meiotoiwa

    Futamiokitama Shrine and Meotoiwa rock, which can be seen from the shrine precincts, are spots that visitors to Ise Shrine have been visiting for many years.

  • 3Okage Yokocho

    A spot great for eating while walking. This spot offers famous Ise udon, Ise-Shima dishes, specialty products, as well as souvenir shops.

  • 4Ise Jingu

    It is a shrine that includes 125 shrines, including the Naiku and Geku, and has a history of over 2000 years.

  • 5Ijika Daiichi Hotel Kagura

    The Toba area, which is also the location of the Toba Aquarium and the ruins of Toba Castle, is a popular spot to stay as it has easy access to sightseeing spots.

  • 6Ama Hut "Hachiman Kamado"

    Ama Diver Hut Hachiman Kamado an Ama hut in Osatsu-cho with the largest number of Ama divers in Japan. While enjoying the fresh seafood such

  • 7Ise-Shima Spectacular Cycling Views

    Ride an electric-power assisted bike and enjoy cycling along the coast of Ise-Shima and through the alleys of a fishing town! Visit the Anorisaki Lighthouse,

  • 8Miyako Resort Shima Bayside Terrace

    When you go sightseeing in Ise-Shima, you absolutely must stay at this resort hotel with its ocean view. Miyako Resort Shima Bayside Terrace is an elegant hotel

  • 9Diving and BBQ Experience with Ama divers

    Experience Ise-Shima's famous skin diving!Dive into the sea with a practicing Ama diver, and enjoy chatting and having seafood for lunch with the Ama in the

  • 10Enjoy an Ama Diving Town

    Experience the real life of the Ama-san by taking a cruise on Ago Bay, extracting pearls at a farm, and making Zori sandals! A practicing Ama

  • 11Pearl Extraction Experience -
    Pearl Workshop, Shinju no Sato

    Pearl Extraction experience at Pearl Studio Shinju no Sato Ise-Shima is a popular spot for pearl farming. At the actual farm, it is fun to experience extracting

  • 12Verde Odai

    Various outdoor programs are available, such as picnics where bento boxes made using ingredients from Odai can be enjoyed,

  • 13Gozaisho Ropeway

    The largest ropeway in Japan hanging over Mount Gozaisho at an altitude of 1212m. Different picturesque scenery in different seasons

  • 14Wadakin

    Matsusaka beef, as one of the three best types of Wagyu beef in Japan, it is a world-class brand of Wagyu beef. If you would like to enjoy the tender meat and rich taste,

  • 15Ise Udon

    variety of udon that can be eaten mainly in Ise City. Compared to regular udon noodles, the noodles are thicker and very soft, and they are eaten with

  • 16Ise Shima Skyline & Asama Mountain Viewpoint

    At the top of the 16.3km long driveway "Ise Shima Skyline", a road that connects Ise and Toba, Toba city, the Ise Bay islands, and the Atsumi Peninsula can be seen on the opposite side.

  • 17Pearl Road Toba Observatory

    An observatory sitting on a hill 163m above sea level, in the middle of Pearl Road which runs along the coast. It is a picturesque spot overlooking the ria coast and the horizon,

  • 18Yokoyama Viewpoint

    An observatory located on Mount Yokoyama at an altitude of 203m in the southern area of the Shima Peninsula. From the stylish wooden cafe terrace,

  • 19Ago Bay Island Tour

    Ago Bay is the birthplace of pearl farming and has a gorgeous coastline. Enjoy cruising around the large and small islands in the inlet while listening to the captain's commentary.

Model Course for Southwest Gifu (2 Nights 3 Days)

Experience a journey packed with
traditional culture and luscious
nature - A drive through Mie Prefecture

Experience a journey packed
with traditional culture and
luscious nature -
A drive through Mie Prefecture

Take a 3-day driving journey through Mie Prefecture along Shima Peninsula coastline and the ever-extending mountains. Try the famous Matsusaka beef and learn about the "ama" and Ise Grand Shrine, this course is filled with Mie prefecture's attractions.

Day 1

  • 150
    min.

    8:30

    Chubu Centrair International Airport
    Rent a Rental Car and Depart.
    (It will be a long journey so ensure to rest at service areas along the way)

  • Matsusaka

    1

    15
    min.

    11:00-11:30

    Head to Kirakuya and try on some Matsusaka Momen (cotton).

    2

    15
    min.

    11:45-13:30

    Try eating a dish that contains some Matsusaka beef (Wadakin)

    3

    60
    min.

    13:45-15:00

    Explore town locations such as Castle Guard Residences,
    Matsusaka Castle Ruins, and Matsusaka Cotton Center.

    4

    60
    min.

    16:00-16:30

    Visit the Iseshima Skyline Observatory.

  • Shima / Toba

    17:30

    Stay in Kashigojima or Toba Area.
    (Ijika Daiichi Hotel Kagura / Miyako Resort Shima Bayside Terrace etc.)

Day 2

  • 30
    min.

    9:00

    Departure

  • Shima

    5

    30
    min.

    9:30-11:30

    Explore Ago Bay with a real Ama!
    (female diver who collects shells, seaweed, etc.)

    6

    60
    min.

    12:00-13:30

    Eat lunch using the fresh ingredients
    acquired from Ago Bay.

    7

    60
    min.

    14:30-16:00

    Try and open some pearls at the Pearl Workshop
    in the Pearl Village.

  • Ise

    8

    17:00-18:00

    (Adjust to arrival time)
    Visit Futamiokitama / Meoto-iwa.

    18:00

    Stay within Ise.

Day 3

  • 60
    min.

    8:30

    Departure

  • Odai

    9

    60
    min.

    9:30-12:00

    Try out standup paddleboarding at SUP Half,
    one of Japan's clearest streams.

  • Ise

    10

    13:00-14:30

    Explore Okage Yokocho Ancient Street
    (Have lunch and try some of Ise's famous items
    such as Fukusuke or Butasute)

    11

    150
    min.

    14:30-16:00

    Visit Ise Jingu.

    写真提供:神宮司庁

  • 18:30

    Chubu Centrair International Airport
    Arrive at airport and return your rental car.

Youtuber's Recommended Driving Tour

LET'S TRAVEL Get ready for your self-driving tour!

Whether you are looking for hidden delicacies in lanes and alleys or going on a trip in the mountains to appreciate the stunning scenery, choosing a suitable car is the first step to a pleasant road trip filled with beautiful memories in the Chubu region of Japan.

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