Toba Seaside Hotel: Enjoy the Appeals of the Ise-Shima Area
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Toba Seaside Hotel is the ideal lodging for the Ise-Shima area, offering easy access to sightseeing spots such as Ise Jingu, Toba Aquarium, and Mikimoto Pearl Island. This article is about the appeals of the facility, along with places to visit, and the local cuisine.
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Tokyo, Japan
MATCHA's promotional account for corporate and local government advertising. We aim to provide useful information to our readers in an enjoyable manner.
A Tour of the Ise-Shima Area
There are many spots in this area worth visiting.
Tourists are drawn by the beautiful sea, along with Japanese lobsters and Matsusaka beef. Also, sightseeing spots, such as Ise Jingu, which has more than 2,000 years of history, and Toba Aquarium, should not be missed.
Ama (*), and pearl cultivation, is another unique appeal of Ise-Shima. The more you know about the area, you will surely be fascinated.
*: Female divers who harvest seafood.
Charms of Ise-Shima
Mie, a prefecture facing the sea, is known for its marine products, such as Japanese lobster, anori-fugu (a local brand of Japanese puffer), and abalone, which is caught by the ama.
From ancient times, abalone, regarded as valuable food, has been used as an offering to the Emperor, and also to Ise Jingu.
Akafuku, a long-established confectionery, and Butasute, a meat shop with a rich history, are also located in this area. The local food culture is the reason Mie is known as the kingdom of food.
Toba Seaside Hotel: The Hotel to Stay
Toba Seaside Hotel is a large-scaled onsen hotel in an excellent location facing Toba Bay.
Well-known sightseeing spots, such as Ise Jingu, Toba Aquarium, and Mikimoto Pearl Island, can be accessed easily from this facility.
This article is about the guestrooms, amenity items, and meals at the hotel, along with the nearby spots to visit. Do take a look, and book a stay at Toba Seaside Hotel.
There is also a complementary drink coupon for MATCHA readers only at Lounge Cabo. Click the banner below, and show the coupon when checking in.
The View
The hotel, situated by the sea, offers a great view of Toba Bay.
There are numerous sightseeing spots nearby, and various facilities in the grounds as well.
Toba Seaside Hotel employs Kotozna, a multi-lingual service system which handles 109 languages, so international visitors need not to worry.
Picture courtesy of Toba Seaside Hotel.
The hotel consists of three buildings. It is furnished with an onsen (hot spring), and the bathing facilities include large bathing rooms, open-air baths, a foot bath, and sauna. Guests will be able to rest their weary bodies at this hotel.
There is a yukata (loungewear) in all guestrooms, so change into them after checking in, and just relax.
Picture courtesy of Toba Seaside Hotel.
The restaurant serves buffet-style dinner and breakfast, with a wide variety of dishes, a popular feature to the guests.
There are also amusement facilities such as karaoke, a game arcade, and a golf room. This is a hotel for people of all ages.
The Appeals
Various Room Types
Picture courtesy of Toba Seaside Hotel.
There are twelve types of guestrooms at Toba Seaside Hotel.
Those who want to enjoy the grand view of Toba Bay should choose the seaside rooms. Rooms with an open-air bath are for onsen enthusiasts.
The Modern Japanese rooms in the Tenku (sky) Floor, on the top of Migiwa Building, are perfect for those who want to feel the resort air.
There are also rooms for families and large groups, so the hotel can handle a diverse type of guests.
Picture courtesy of Toba Seaside Hotel.
The hotel boasts a wide variety of facilities. Even if the weather is not favorable, guests can stay in the hotel.
There are three large bathing rooms, filled with onsen: Kazami no Yu, Misaki no Yu, and Migiwa no Yu.
Kazami and Misaki are also furnished with an open-air bath, where guests can enjoy the view of the horizon. It is truly a refreshing sight.
Picture courtesy of Toba Seaside Hotel./The rate of the private bath is 3,300 yen after tax, for an hour.
Family groups should try the private bath.
There are five baths, which can be chartered for an hour. They are all designed differently, with a capacity of 2 to 4 people, and perfect for a family bath.
The foot bath near Kazami no Yu is for those who want to take a break. It is an ideal spot just to view the sea and relax, or chat with a friend.
Ise Cuisine
Picture courtesy of Toba Seaside Hotel.
Guests can choose from two types of meals at Toba Seaside Hotel.
One is the buffet style, with fifty types of Japanese, Western, and local dishes.
Teppan-yaki and deep-fried dishes are prepared on the spot by the chef. There are also dishes using seasonal materials, such as strawberry.
Picture courtesy of Toba Seaside Hotel.
The other type is the high-class kaiseki course, featuring the three delicacies of Mie Prefecture: Japanese lobster, abalone, and Matsusaka beef. Please note that the menu will change slightly, according to the season.
All the dishes, from appetizer to dessert, are filled with wonder, right from the moment they are served.
Amusement Facilities
Picture courtesy of Toba Seaside Hotel.
The hotel is furnished with a pool (open only in summer), karaoke, golf room, game arcade, souvenir shop, and a massage salon, along with onsen facilities.
This is not only a place to stay, but also a space to enrich that exprience, through the services mentioned above.
Picture courtesy of Toba Seaside Hotel.
After dinner, guests who still have some energy left should head for the golf room. The simulation system allows even beginners to experience playing golf.
The game arcade is a place for the whole family to spend some time together.
Sightseeing Spots Near the Hotel
Can Bus, managed by Mie Kotsu, is a sightseeing bus touring the Ise, Futami, and Toba districts.
This bus stops by Toba Seaside Hotel, so guests can tour the area, without having to drive.
The following are some of the spots to visit near the hotel.
1. Ise Jingu
Picture courtesy of Jingu Shicho.
Ise Jingu consists of 125 Shinto shrines, including Naiku (Kohtai Jingu) and Geku (Toyouke Dai-jingu).
It is a central figure in the world of Shinto shrines. Most Japanese regard Ise Jingu as an important shrine to visit at least once in their lifetime.
It will take about 50 minutes to walk from Naiku to Geku. Those who are not sure-footed, or want to save some time, should take the bus.
Uji Bridge, which spans the Isuzu River flowing by the Naiku entrance, is one of the highlights of the shrine. The legend goes that this bridge connects the world of deities to the human world.
Even in the bustling atmosphere, with many visitors every day, the bridge has a distinctive, solemn aura.
Picture courtesy of Jingu Shicho.
Visitors should first head for the Geku. From the hotel, it takes about 75 minutes riding the Can Bus to Geku-mae bus stop.
To the Naiku, take the Can Bus, or other local buses heading in that direction, and get off at Naiku-mae bus stop. The ride will take about 16 minutes.
There are no admission fees for both the Naiku and Geku. The visiting hours differ slightly, according to the season, so be sure to check it in advance.
2. Okage Yokocho
Picture courtesy of Okage Yokocho.
Okage Yokocho, fronting the Naiku, is a shopping street. Consisting of about fifty stores, the townscape is restored in the styles of both the Edo and Meiji Period.
There are eateries and shops handling various cuisine and products of Ise, perfect for dining, snacks, or souvenir shopping after the visit to the shrine.
Picture courtesy of Akafuku.
Akafuku is a special product of Ise, and its main store is located at Oharai-machi, near the Okage Yokocho entrance.
It is a plain confection, a mochi (rice cake) topped with koshian (strained bean paste). Akafuku is a must-taste item, and there are eight- and twelve-piece packages at the store, which will make a great gift.
Butasute, a long-standing meat shop, is famous for its croquette and gyu-don (rice topped with beef). If you have the chance, don't miss it.
Akafuku Main Store
Address: Mie, Ise, Uji Nakanokiri-cho 26/Google Map
Butasute
Address: Mie, Ise, Uji Nakanokiri-cho 52/Google Map
Picture courtesy of Okage Yokocho.
Isuzu-gawa Cafe, located by Isuzu River, is another must-visit spot. With the view of the river, this is the perfect place to take a break.
The river, and the scenery which changes by the season, can be seen from everywhere in the eatery. The cafe's old-fashioned flannel drip coffee, brewed with carefully selected beans, is something special.
Isuzu-gawa Cafe
Address: Mie, Ise, Uji Nakanokiri-cho 12/Google Map
3. Toba Aquarium
Picture courtesy of Toba Aquarium.
Toba Aquarium is a large-scale aquarium, raising 1,200 species of marine animals. In that regard, it is the number one aquarium in Japan.
Toba is the only domestic aquarium raising dugong, which is said to have inspired the image of the mermaid.
Visitors can watch the feeding of sea otters, and live performances by walruses and sea lions.
Picture courtesy of Toba Aquarium.
The admission fee is 2,800 yen after tax for adults, and 1,600 yen after tax for junior high and elementary school children. Business hours are from 9:30 to 17:00. Please note that the hours will change according to the season.
Only an 8 minute ride on Can Bus, the aquarium can be accessed easily from Toba Seaside Hotel.
4. Toba Bay Cruise/Mikimoto Pearl Island
Mikimoto Pearl Island, located at Mie Prefecture, is one of the three Japanese major pearl farms. It is also a historic spot, where pearls were cultivated for the first time in the world.
The Pearl Museum on the island displays materials about the history, culture, and process of pearl cultivation. There are also exhibition of craftwork decorated with pearls, which are sure to impress the visitors.
Visitors can also watch the ama diving into the ocean.
Ama played a major role in the industry of the Toba and Shima districts. Their dedication to the profession is truly impressive.
The admission fee at Pearl Island is 1,650 yen after tax.
Business hours starts at 9:00, and ends at 16:30 or 17:30, depending on the season. Be sure to check the time on its official site.
Visitors can also enjoy a 50 minute cruise of the Toba Bay. The port is located near Pearl island.
The ship will stop by Dolphin Island, where visitors can watch the dolphins up close.
The view from the ship is breathtaking, and Toba Seaside Hotel can be seen in the distance.
Passengers can enjoy snacks and drinks on the ship.
Those who don't mind the sea gulls flying close by can feed them during the cruise. Their meals can be purchased on board.
The fare is 2,300 yen after tax, including the admission fee to Dolphin Island. The ship leaves once or twice every hour. The port is located near Pearl Island, and also Toba Aquarium, so tourists can visit both facilities in one day.
Enjoying the Nature and History of Ise-Shima
Toba Seaside Hotel is an ideal lodging when touring the Ise-Shima area.
After arriving at Kansai International Airport or Chubu Centrair International Airport, take the Kintetsu Express from Nagoya Station to Kintetsu Toba Station. It is a 10 minute ride on the free shuttle bus to the hotel.
Do visit Ise-Shima, and enjoy the natural environment and the culture. The trip will surely make a nice memory.
Read also
Sponsored by Mie Kotsu Group Holdings, Inc.
Author: Kenko
MATCHA's promotional account for corporate and local government advertising. We aim to provide useful information to our readers in an enjoyable manner.
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