Japan - Arts, Parks & Culture - May 2024 (2) - Flipbook - Page 3
Day 8: Sunday 26 May – Ise Shima
This morning we will explore and discover the unique plants and birds
that call the island home as well as meeting the local inhabitants to
discover their way of life.
Ise-Shima National Park Expect a day like no other as we explore IseShima National Park. Often likened to a living museum the peninsula
of Ise-Shima, or just ‘Shima’ as it is known to the locals, there is much
to discover here including endless forests and abundant nature, rich
maritime history, incredible coastal scenery and Japan’s most sacred
shrine complex Ise Jingū. Comprising some 125 different shrines
hidden among a labyrinth of mossy walls and dating back to the third
century Ise Jingū is considered the spiritual home of Shinto cosmology.
Day 10: Tuesday 28 May - Ishinomaki
Explore grand shrine, Kotai Jingū, made entirely of Japanese cypress
where no metal nails or screws have been used in its construction and,
in accordance with Shinto practice, is rebuilt every 20 years in order to
preserve its purity. Currently in its 62nd iteration, it was last rebuilt in
2013. Shima has been an official source of seafood for Japan’s imperial
family since the 5th Century and the iconic amulet-wearing ama
divers, female seabed foragers have been responsibly harvesting these
waters since Japan’s Jomon era. At Ago Bay gaze out over the
fascinating seascape created by more than 60 islands dotting the
water and observe Shima’s sacred Meoto Iwa, Wedded Rocks,
connected by a shimenawa rope near the Futami- Okitama Shrine.
After a morning at sea with presentations from our on board experts
we arrive in the port city of Ishinomaki. The city is renowned for the
Shiogama Seafood Wholesale Market and its colourful urban core
showcasing its ‘manga’ culture – the art of Japanese comic books and
illustrated novels – thanks to famed pioneer Shotaro Ishinomori and
creator of the popular Kamen Rider series. Throughout the city you
can observe artworks and statues celebrating the importance of the
artist and the art on Japanese culture.
Day 9: Monday 27 May - Izu Oshima Island
Izu Oshima is the largest of the Izu Islands, a chain of islands lying to
the south of the Japanese mainland, which preserves its own unique
natural and human history. Mount Mihara towers over the landscape
at the island’s centre, to the east a dramatic cliff drops into the ocean,
while gently sloping plains extend towards the west. Almost entirely
covered by forests, Oshima Island was certified as a Japan Geopark in
September 2010 in recognition of its unique status.
South of the city is Matsushima Bay, studded with more than 200 pinecovered islands and considered one of Japan’s three most iconic views,
take the opportunity to explore this beautiful landscape from the
shores or discover from the water.
