Shima Kashikojima and Ago Bay Scenic Cruise Course

With its beautiful jagged ria coastline, Ago Bay is a calm inland sea dotted with the rafts of pearl farms. Its gateway is Kashikojima, the final stop of the Kintetsu limited express. Using this island, a former summit venue, as your base, this scenic course cruises the bay by sightseeing boat. Limited express trains run directly from the Nagoya and Osaka directions, giving good access.

Course Route

10:00 Arrive at Kashikojima Kintetsu Kashikojima Station is a convenient terminus served directly by limited express trains from the Osaka and Nagoya directions. Start here as your base for touring Shima.

10:30 Board the Ago Bay Sightseeing Boat Set off on a bay cruise from Kashikojima Port. Wind among islands large and small and floating pearl rafts across the calm ria sea. The sailing-ship-style boat is itself a sight to see. The fare is around 1,900 yen for adults, and a full loop cruise takes about fifty minutes.

11:30 Visit a Pearl Farm Some plans stop at a pearl farm partway through the cruise, where you can watch tasks such as inserting the pearl nucleus, an experience unique to the bay.

12:30 Seafood Lunch at Kashikojima Enjoy the rich seafood of Shima, such as spiny lobster and abalone, for lunch. Eateries on the island and hotel restaurants are good choices.

14:00 Tour the Summit Sites Walk the island that hosted the major leaders summit and explore commemorative spots and exhibits.

15:30 Sweeping Views from Yokoyama Observatory If time allows, venture a little farther to Yokoyama Observatory. The scattered islands of Ago Bay spread out below in one of Shima most famous views. The observatory is free to enter, and its parking is free as well.

Highlights

The greatest draw of this course is the scattered-island beauty of Ago Bay. The scene of around sixty islands large and small can be enjoyed both from the boat and from the observatory. At dusk the inlets glow orange in breathtaking beauty. The rows of pearl-farm rafts are also a sight unique to Shima.

Access and Tips

Kintetsu limited express trains run directly to Kashikojima, giving good access from Nagoya and Osaka. Sightseeing boats depart on a set timetable, so check the times right after you arrive. Yokoyama Observatory is a little way from Kashikojima, so a car or taxi is convenient.

Practical Travel Notes

• Price guide: The Ago Bay sightseeing boat (a sailing-ship-style cruise) is around 1,900 yen for adults, with a run of about fifty minutes. Yokoyama Observatory is free for both entry and parking.
• Sailing times: The boat runs several set departures a day. Times can change with the weather, so checking after you arrive or in advance is reassuring.
• Access: Kintetsu limited express trains reach Kashikojima directly from the Nagoya and Osaka directions. Yokoyama Observatory sits some distance from Kashikojima, so a car or taxi is convenient.
• Best timing: Ago Bay is known for its beautiful sunsets. If time allows, plan to stay into the evening to enjoy the dusk scenery.

A Quick Tip

The Ago Bay sunset is exceptional, so planning to stay into the evening is recommended. The sea air can be chilly, so bringing a jacket is reassuring. Boat departures are limited, so building your overall plan around the sailing you want makes for a smooth trip.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Departure times (Kashikojima Espana Cruise): Departs Kashikojima Port at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30 and 15:30 (an extra 12:30 sailing is added during the Obon period and similar times)
• Fares (Kashikojima Espana Cruise): 1,100 yen for children (age 4 to elementary school students); one child under 4 travels free of charge per adult. Using the special "Isabella" room costs an extra 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for children (capacity 20; private charter costs 10,000 yen)
• Suspensions (Kashikojima Espana Cruise): There is a closed period in winter for the vessel's regular inspection, officially scheduled for February 1 to March 5, 2027. During this period a smaller boat operates in its place
• Opening hours (Yokoyama Visitor Center and Yokoyama Tenku Cafe Terrace): Open year-round, 9:00-16:30. Adjoining the observation deck, with a cafe corner and a free rest space
• Parking (Yokoyama Observation Deck): Large and medium-sized buses and two-wheeled vehicles (including bicycles) cannot enter the Yokoyama Observation Deck parking lot, so they use the parking lot at Sozo no Mori Yokoyama
• Inquiries: 0599-43-1023 (Shima Marine Leisure, Kashikojima office), 0599-44-0567 (Yokoyama Visitor Center / 9:00-16:30)
• Official information: [Official] Shima Marine Leisure "Kashikojima Espana Cruise," Ministry of the Environment Chubu Regional Environment Office "Yokoyama Observation Deck and Yokoyama Visitor Center," Ise-Shima Kanko Navi (official website of the Ise-Shima Tourism and Convention Organization)

* The above are guidelines based on information published by each facility and local government. Times and prices are subject to change, so please check official information before you set out.