Japan’s lesser-known sanctuaries: the new era of secluded luxury travel

Cova Kakuda, a coastal retreat transformed from a former pearl farm, welcomes just four groups per day. Set along the serene shores of Ago Bay, it offers sweeping ocean views and a sense of openness, blending contemporary architecture with sustainable design. Guests can enjoy activities such as pearl farm tours, cruising, kayaking, and farm visits that connect them to the rhythm of the sea.  

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On the tranquil Masakijima Island, Moku Iseshima offers ultimate privacy by hosting only one group per day. Surrounded by the sea and forest and overlooking the calm expanse of Iseshima National Park, the villa features an infinity pool and sauna designed for complete immersion in nature. Guests can also indulge in omakase-style sushi prepared by master chefs using the freshest local seafood.

Perched on a secluded cliff, Oyado The Earth offers an unparalleled retreat where each guest room features a private open-air hot spring bath facing the ocean. Immersed in the sound of waves and sweeping coastal views, guests experience an elemental luxury found nowhere else in Iseshima.

At the core of Iseshima lies Ise Jingu, Japan’s most revered Shinto shrine and cultural centre. Comprising 125 shrines, the Jingu is famously renewed every 20 years through the Shikinen Sengu ritual. This practice embodies harmony between nature, craftsmanship, and tradition, preserving centuries-old architectural techniques and reflecting a long-standing commitment to sustainability. This cycle of demolition and rebuilding is unique, achieving a paradox: “In short, by ‘changing to remain unchanged,’ Ise Jingu has achieved a kind of permanence.” This timelessness in an ever-evolving world allows visitors to experience the structure and spirit of the shrine as it has existed for over a thousand years.

For travellers, a private guided visit is highly recommended to appreciate the shrine more deeply. Walking through the Jingu with a guide knowledgeable about its culture and nature provides a thoughtful explanation of the architectural significance, eco-conscious practices, and the essence of the Japanese spirit that are often overlooked in a standard visit.

Just beyond the shrine, Oharaimachi and Okage Yokocho invite travellers to stroll through a beautifully maintained Edo-style town, sampling local specialties such as akafuku mochi and discovering local crafts—a serene and immersive conclusion to Ise’s heritage journey.

Iseshima’s culture is deeply connected to the sea, with traditions that have thrived for millennia. The Ama divers, female free-divers renowned for harvesting abalone and sea urchins without breathing apparatus, carry on a practice dating back over 3,000 years. Their methods are inherently sustainable, ensuring marine life is preserved for future generations. In Toba City, home to Japan's largest Ama community, visitors can experience the Ama lifestyle firsthand.

At Ama Hut Hachiman Kamado, guests don traditional attire, share freshly grilled seafood cooked over charcoal fires, and hear stories that celebrate generations of resilience and respect for the ocean, highlighting a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable practices.

Iseshima is also the birthplace of cultured pearls, a legacy born in the nutrient-rich waters of Ago Bay. Here, the art of pearl cultivation meets ecological practice. Visitors can partake in experiences at facilities run by local pearl farmers, such as Pearl Miki. Guests can harvest their own pearl from an Akoya oyster on a pearl farming raft and create a bespoke piece of jewellery on the spot. The pearl they choose will be a unique and memorable souvenir of their journey.

In Toba City, Mikimoto Pearl Island offers another unique perspective. This historic island is the birthplace of the world’s first cultured pearl, successfully grown in 1893 by Kokichi Mikimoto, who would later be known as the “Pearl King”. The island is now an integrated complex for industry, sightseeing and education. Visitors can explore the Pearl Museum, which showcases magnificent works of pearl art—including a globe made from over 12,000 pearls—and the Kokichi Mikimoto Memorial Hall. A major highlight is catching a demonstration of the Ama divers in their traditional white attire, showcasing the free-diving techniques that were once vital to early pearl farming practices.

Iseshima’s cuisine reflects the richness of its sea and land. The region offers fresh seafood—Ise spiny lobster, abalone, several seasonal fish such as Anori fugu, Toshijima fatty Spanish mackerel, Ise tuna, Ise sea bream—alongside Matsusaka beef and seasonal produce. Dining here is as much about savouring exceptional flavours as it is about experiencing the craftsmanship and heritage behind each dish.

At the forefront of refined cuisine is La Mer at Shima Kanko Hotel, a Michelin-starred restaurant celebrated for its French techniques and its exclusive use of Iseshima’s local seafood, including lobster, abalone, and seasonal shellfish.

For a taste of Japan’s teppanyaki tradition, Kiyoishi, located inside Shiojitei, offers tableside grilling of premium local seafood and ingredients sourced directly from nearby waters. Guests can witness chefs’ masterful techniques while enjoying the natural flavours of Iseshima in an intimate and theatrical setting.

Meanwhile, Ise Sangen specialises in seasonal Japanese cuisine, highlighting rare regional ingredients such as locally harvested sea urchin and fish unique to Ago Bay. The restaurant pairs these specialties with traditional preparation and elegant presentation.

In Iseshima, history, tradition, nature, and cuisine weave together into an experience of rare depth and refinement. This synthesis of elements—from sleeping in exclusive, nature-embedded retreats to gaining deep insights into cultural traditions and partaking in sustainable marine practices—creates a holistic and luxurious travel experience unmatched by typical itineraries.

As Japan continues to emerge as a leading destination for luxury travel, Iseshima stands as a shining example of how local heritage and global sophistication can exist in perfect harmony. It is a destination that nourishes both body and spirit, inviting visitors to discover the true essence of Japan’s refined elegance, providing a truly private and slow experience.

For travellers seeking secluded luxury, explore beyond Japan’s urban centres. The region offers not only private retreats but also an immersion into cultural and natural legacies that have shaped the nation for centuries.  successfully integrates its profound historical weight with nuanced, contemporary hospitality, emphasising the value of slow travel and personal discovery of Japan’s essence.

For more luxury travel inspiration across Japan, visit the Japan National Tourism Organization's official website. 

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