Whenever anyone (Japanese in particular) hear that we went to the Ise peninsula they gasp a little then ask in awe 'did you go to THE shrine?' The Ise peninsula is the sight of Japans most sacred shrine. Simply called 'The Grand Shrine' it the shrine where the sun god is enshrined. We really had little interest in seeing it. It is very simple, basically three wooden buildings, without any real detail, and are behind walls only to be seen and accessed by the high priests and priestess. The high priestess is currently a member of the royal family here, and I believe this is a role customarily held by them. So we skipped it. But I couldn't resist seeing the 'wedded rocks'. Two rocks who the Japanese believe are married to each other. The rope connecting the two weighs 4 tons and must be replaced up to 4 times a year. It is really a shrine, and we honestly just had to shake our heads.
The wedded rocks
If you are married it is customary to have your picture taken here
Tommy said repeatedly it reminded him of Nova Scotia. It was right on the ocean, and the rocks we walked on did remind me of Melmerby beach. It made the two of us very sad.
From here we went to Makimoto Pearl Island. The home of the Japanese woman pearl divers. It has been practiced in this area of Japan for a long time, and there are still about 5000 divers in the area. Many are over 50, as the older you are the better you get. There is an interesting museum here as well about the culturing of pearls.
largest cultured pearl in the world
she HAD to have been cold!
From here we caught a ferry to Ayushi and headed home. We were all tired and exhausted...and we saw a part of Japan we could never see in Tokyo!
Pretty views
Sleeping area on the ferry
Kids play area. Looking at Japanese books
Successful road trip!!
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