It has been 10 years since the Ise-Shima Summit on May 26. The governor of Mie Prefecture reflected on the summit’s impact on tourism during a press conference on the 26th.

The Ise-Shima Summit was held for two days starting May 26, 2016, on Kashiko Island, Shima City. It brought international and domestic attention to the Ise-Shima region and generated a direct economic effect of approximately 107 billion yen, among other significant benefits.

Kashiko Island

Kashiko Island, located in Japan’s Mie Prefecture, is a small, sacred island in Ise Bay that is part of the Futami-ga-ura coastal area. Historically, it has been a site of Shinto worship, famously associated with the “Meoto Iwa” (Wedded Rocks), which are tied together by a shimenawa rope and symbolize the union of the deities Izanagi and Izanami. The island and its surrounding rocks have been revered for centuries as a place of spiritual significance and natural beauty, attracting visitors for both religious and scenic purposes.

Ise-Shima

Ise-Shima is a region in Mie Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its deep cultural and spiritual significance. It is home to the Ise Grand Shrine, one of Shinto’s holiest sites, which has been meticulously rebuilt every 20 years for over a millennium as part of ancient purification rituals. The area also has a rich history of ama (female pearl divers) and traditional fishing, blending natural beauty with centuries-old traditions.

Kashiko Island

Kashiko Island, located off the coast of Japan in Mie Prefecture, is a small, sacred island traditionally associated with the Shinto deity of marriage, Izanami-no-Mikoto. Historically, it is believed to be the burial site of the goddess, and for centuries, it has been a revered pilgrimage destination, with a shrine that restricts visitors to men only during certain rituals. Today, the island remains a quiet, spiritual site, accessible by ferry and known for its natural beauty and cultural significance.

Futami-ga-ura

Futami-ga-ura is a scenic coastal area in Mie Prefecture, Japan, known for the iconic “Meoto Iwa” (Wedded Rocks), a pair of sacred rocks connected by a shimenawa rope. According to Shinto tradition, these rocks represent the union of the creator deities Izanagi and Izanami, and the site has been a place of worship for centuries. The area also features the nearby Futami Okitama Shrine, which honors the rocks and attracts visitors seeking blessings for marriage and good fortune.

Meoto Iwa

Meoto Iwa, or the “Wedded Rocks,” is a famous Shinto shrine site located off the coast of Futami, Japan. The two rocks, connected by a sacred shimenawa rope, represent the union of the creator deities Izanagi and Izanami in Japanese mythology. Traditionally, the rope is replaced several times a year in a ceremonial ritual, symbolizing the enduring bond of marriage and harmony.

Kashiko Island

Kashiko Island, located in Japan’s Mie Prefecture, is a small, sacred island in Ise Bay that is part of the Futami-ga-ura coastline. It is historically and culturally significant as the site of the Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks), a pair of rock formations tied together with a shimenawa rope, symbolizing the union of the Shinto deities Izanagi and Izanami. The island and its rocks have been revered for centuries as a place of worship and a symbol of marital harmony in Japanese folklore.

Ise-Shima

Ise-Shima is a region in Mie Prefecture, Japan, known for its natural beauty and cultural significance. It is home to the Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu), one of Shinto’s holiest sites, which has been rebuilt every 20 years for over 1,300 years as part of a tradition of purification and renewal. The area is also famous for its traditional Ama (female pearl divers) and the cultivation of cultured pearls, pioneered by Kokichi Mikimoto in the late 19th century.

Futami-ga-ura

Futami-ga-ura is a scenic coastal area in Mie Prefecture, Japan, famous for the “Meoto Iwa” (Wedded Rocks), two sacred rocks in the sea connected by a heavy shimenawa rope. According to Shinto belief, these rocks represent the union of the creator deities Izanagi and Izanami, and are considered a symbol of marriage. The site has been a place of worship since ancient times, with the nearby Futami Okitama Shrine overseeing the rocks and hosting festivals that honor the divine couple.

Meoto Iwa

Meoto Iwa, or the “Wedded Rocks,” are a pair of sacred rocks off the coast of Futami, Japan, tied together by a shimenawa rope to symbolize marriage and the union of the Shinto deities Izanagi and Izanami. According to legend, these deities created the Japanese islands, and the rocks represent their sacred bond. The site has been a popular pilgrimage destination for centuries, with visitors often praying for marital harmony and good fortune.