Kashikojima
14 tours available
Why Visit Kashikojima
Kashikojima is the jewel of the Shima Peninsula, set within Ise-Shima National Park on the rugged Pacific coastline of Mie Prefecture. This small island is famous for its stunning rias coastline — deep, fjord-like inlets dotted with pearl-farming rafts that have defined the area since Mikimoto pioneered cultured pearl cultivation here in 1893.
The pace of life is blissfully slow. Fresh seafood — especially Ise lobster, abalone, and oysters — comes straight from the surrounding waters to your plate. Scenic boat cruises wind through the emerald Ago Bay inlets, and nearby Ise Grand Shrine, Japan's most sacred Shinto site, is an easy excursion. For travellers seeking a coastal escape far from the tourist trail, Kashikojima delivers serenity and some of the finest seafood in Japan.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn (October – December) — Ise lobster season begins in October and runs through spring. Clear autumn skies offer the best views across Ago Bay.
Spring (March – May) — Mild coastal weather, blooming flowers along the coastline, and continued lobster season make spring ideal for visiting.
Summer (July – August) — Warm waters for boat cruises and the ama (female free-divers) demonstrations are most active. Expect some humidity.
Insider Tips
- Take the Ago Bay espana cruise at sunset — the light filtering through the rias inlets and pearl rafts is magical in the golden hour.
- Visit an ama hut (amagoya) to watch the legendary female free-divers grill fresh-caught seafood over charcoal — a centuries-old tradition unique to this coast.
- Yokoyama Observatory offers the most spectacular panorama of Ago Bay — the viewing terrace was redesigned and is worth the short drive or taxi ride.
- Combine Kashikojima with a visit to Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku and Geku) — both are connected by the Kintetsu line and make a perfect two-day pairing.
Tours Visiting Kashikojima
Hidden Gems of Japan: Ise-Shima Escape
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima Escape Hotel Standard
Explore Japan's hidden gems on this 12-day self-guided tour from Tokyo to Kashikojima via Nagoya. Visit Ise Grand Shrine and pearl island paradise.
Sea of Serenity: Kashikojima & Cultural Japan
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima & Miyajima Hotel Standard
13-day tour: Tokyo to Kashikojima via Hakone's hot springs. Explore Ise-Shima's pearl coast, Miyajima Island, and Japan's cultural treasures.
Taste Your Way through Japan
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima & Miyajima Hotel Standard
16-day culinary and cultural journey: Tokyo, Nagoya, Kashikojima, and beyond. Taste regional specialties from Matsusaka beef to Kyoto kaiseki.
Hidden Gems of Japan: Ise-Shima Escape – Deluxe
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima Escape Hotel Deluxe
12-day tour with deluxe hotels: Tokyo to Kashikojima via Nagoya. Upgraded stays, Ise Grand Shrine, pearl island coast, and Shinkansen all included.
Sea of Serenity: Kashikojima – Deluxe
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima & Miyajima Hotel Deluxe
Kashikojima and Miyajima with deluxe hotels: 13-day tour from Tokyo via Hakone. Premium stays along Ise-Shima's pearl coast.
Taste Your Way through Japan – Deluxe
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima & Miyajima Hotel Deluxe
Taste Japan with deluxe hotels: 16-day culinary journey from Tokyo through Kashikojima and Kyoto. Upgraded stays with regional cuisine highlights.
From Sacred Mountains to Coastal Calm
Faith & Tradition: Koyasan,Ise-Shima & Shirakawago Hotel Standard
Temple stay at Koyasan, Ise Grand Shrine visit, Ago Bay cruise, and Shirakawago's thatched villages. 15-day spiritual journey through Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara.
From Sacred Mountains to Coastal Calm – Deluxe
Faith & Tradition: Koyasan,Ise-Shima & Shirakawago Hotel Deluxe
Koyasan temple stay with deluxe hotels: 15-day tour with Ise Grand Shrine, Ago Bay, and Shirakawago. Premium stays from Tokyo to Kyoto and Nara.
15 Days Through Japan & Universal City
Japan Highlights with an Osaka Theme Park Hotel Standard
15-day Japan tour: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Shirakawago, and 2 days at Osaka's theme park. Hotels, Shinkansen, and luggage delivery all included.
15 Days Through Japan & Universal City – Deluxe
Japan Highlights with an Osaka Theme Park Hotel Deluxe
15-day tour with deluxe hotels: Tokyo, Kyoto, Shirakawago, and Osaka's theme park. Upgraded accommodation with Shinkansen and luggage delivery.
Family-Friendly Japan Holiday: Ninja Adventure
Family-Friendly Hotels: Ninja Training, Sacred Shrines & City Adventures
A 9-day Japan family tour with ninja training in Iga, Ise Grand Shrine, and Tokyo sightseeing. 4-bed hotel rooms and free time in Kyoto.
Luxury Japan Journey: Ise-Shima Escape
Sacred Shrines, Premium Wagyu & Japan's Iconic Hotels
Ise Grand Shrine, premium Matsusaka wagyu, and the Shimakaze luxury train. 12-day tour through Tokyo, Kyoto & Kanazawa with top hotels.
SOLO/Hidden Gems of Japan: Ise-Shima Escape
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima Escape
12-day solo journey: Tokyo, Nagoya, Kashikojima. Travel independently with pre-booked hotels, trains, and 24/7 support.
SOLO/Sea of Serenity: Kashikojima & Cultural Japan
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima & Miyajima
13-day solo tour: Tokyo, Hakone, Kashikojima, and Miyajima. Travel independently with Ise-Shima's pearl coast, pre-booked hotels, and 24/7 support.
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