The Ago Bay Islands Cruise is styled after a 16th-century Spanish tall ship from the Age of Exploration. The ship cruises elegantly through Ago Bay, home to more than 60 small islands and pearl-oyster rafts. The vessel’s name, Esperanza, means “Hope” in Spanish.
This three-masted sail cruiser is modeled on a Spanish carrack from the Age of Discovery. During the cruise, the ship stops at a model pearl factory, where you can observe the nucleus-feeding process used in cultured pearls.
General Information
- Address: Kashikojima Shinmei, Ago-cho, Shima-shi, Mie
- Telephone:
- Opening hours: 9:00–15:00 (irregular service)
- Holidays: No fixed holidays (service may be suspended due to weather)
- Cruise time: 50 minutes
- Capacity: 70 people
Ticket Fees
- Adult (age 12 and over): 1,800 JPY
- Child (age 6 to 11): 700 JPY
- Under age 5: Free
Access
- 1-minute walk from Kintetsu Kashikojima Station.
- The boarding point is approximately 50 m from the port-area exit.
Shima City
Shima City is located within Ise-Shima National Park in Mie Prefecture. It is accessible by car or via a direct Kintetsu Line train from Osaka (Namba), Kyoto, and Nagoya Station. Although it is a small town with a population of 50,000, the area is rich in spectacular scenery and outstanding gourmet experiences. With its famed ria coastline, Shima is praised by pilots as having the most beautiful landscape in Japan when seen from the sky.
Ago Bay
Ago Bay, dotted with 64 islands, has long flourished as a center of pearl cultivation, and its techniques are now shared around the world. Blessed with abundant fresh seafood, the area has also been called “Miketsukuni” (land of royal provisions), as local products were once presented to the emperor and the imperial family. Today, the tradition continues through offerings to Ise Jingu Shrine.
Ise-ebi (spiny lobster), abalone, Anori pufferfish, and Matoya Oyster are designated as Mie Brand products and are especially popular as luxury foods. Shima boasts Japan’s largest catch of marine products by Ama (female skin divers), and visitors from around the world come to savor its fresh seafood. In the area, Ama Hut SATOUMIAN is a popular spot where travelers can meet and talk with real Ama.
This website introduces the charm and attractions of Shima City. We hope it helps you find what you wish to know, see, or experience in Shima, and we look forward to your visit.
