ISESHIMA: Land of
Timeless Tradition

A journey of
discovery and renewal in Japan’s sacred ISESHIMA region

For 2,000 years, ISESHIMA has been
the heartbeat of spiritual Japan.

It’s here, surrounded by primeval forest,
where Japan’s most important deity,
the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu-Omikami
is enshrined at Ise Jingu Shinto shrine.

With that, Ise Jingu has long been a
major point of pilgrimage, a place
where prayers are offered for peace,
good rice harvests, the wellbeing of
the imperial family, and an array
of other matters.

The ISESHIMA story, however,
isn’t only about Ise Jingu.

On a journey here you could spend time
with ama free-divers in the islet-studded
Ago Bay, learn about pearl cultivation,
or visit the workshops of skilled artisans.

There can be moments of reflection too,
forest bathing in ancient woods or
meditating under the icy flow of
a waterfall, like generations have
done before.

And despite being largely defined
by its traditions, ISESHIMA isn’t
afraid to innovate – to reframe
time-honored arts and crafts, or
create exclusive, modern retreats
that pay homage to the past and
seek to regenerate the present.

Whatever path you travel here,
one thing is sure: ISESHIMA will
always stay with you.