Left: The “Sightseeing Limited Express SHIMAKAZE” connects Osaka Namba, Nagoya, and Kyoto with Kashikojima, and is popular for "enjoying the ride itself as a tourist attraction". Top right: Ago Bay in Mie Prefecture offers spectacular views and is also famous for pearl farming. Bottom right: At the "ama huts," you can enjoy seafood caught by female divers and grilled right in front of you.
Foodie PH | OSAKA, Japan – August 5, 2025 – With Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan in full swing and attracting millions of visitors, many international tourists are venturing beyond the venue to discover Japan’s lesser-known treasures. One standout experience? Exploring the historic Ise-Shima region aboard Kintetsu Railway’s luxurious sightseeing trains like the SHIMAKAZE. Known for connecting major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Nara, Kintetsu now offers a digitized rail pass and contactless boarding options, making travel smoother than ever for global visitors.
What’s New?
Kintetsu Railway has gone digital with its popular Kintetsu Rail Pass — a game-changer for tourists navigating Japan’s private railway network. Much like Singapore’s MRT, travelers can now tap their credit cards or scan QR codes to hop on and off, simplifying access to cultural hotspots and natural wonders during the Expo season. Among the most buzzed-about experiences is the “Sightseeing Limited Express SHIMAKAZE,” a luxury ride designed not just for transport, but for leisure and discovery.
Why Ise-Shima Should Be On Your Radar
Nestled in Mie Prefecture, the Ise-Shima area is a quiet gem that blends ancient history with stunning landscapes and seafood feasts. The SHIMAKAZE train—running from Osaka Namba, Kyoto, and Nagoya—offers an unforgettable 2.5-hour journey through scenic mountain and ocean views. Onboard perks include plush leather seats with massage functions, panoramic windows, and gourmet offerings, elevating the ride into a full-fledged tourist experience.
At the heart of the region lies the revered Ise Grand Shrine, a 2,000-year-old Shinto landmark that’s a must-visit even for locals. Nearby, the charming streets of Okage Yokocho and Oharaimachi invite travelers to taste local dishes and shop for artisanal goods in a setting steeped in Edo-era vibes.
Further south, the coastal Toba and Shima areas are home to Japan’s famed “ama” — traditional female divers who continue the centuries-old practice of free-diving for shellfish and seaweed. Tourists can dine in cozy “ama huts,” enjoying freshly grilled abalone, spiny lobster, and more while chatting with the divers themselves. Pearl lovers can even harvest their own and create custom accessories, paying homage to the area’s pioneering role in pearl cultivation.
For upscale stays, the Shima Kanko Hotel (site of the 2016 G7 Summit) provides refined service and elegant French cuisine. Meanwhile, the Kashikojima Hojoen Ryokan offers scenic onsen baths and family-friendly rooms with sweeping views.
About Kintetsu Railway
As Japan’s longest private railway network, Kintetsu connects key cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya to some of the country’s most enriching cultural and natural destinations. Their investment in digital ticketing and luxurious trains reflects a commitment to making regional travel both accessible and unforgettable—especially during global events like Expo 2025.
Source: PR Newswire
