Nestled in the rich natural environment of Ise-Shima National ParkNEMU RESORTThe second day began with "[ ]". On this day, we went to the hotel adjacent to "[Shima Mediterranean VillageTo the village. Just a few minutes' drive from Nemu Resort, stepping inside reveals a landscape unlike anything you'd expect in Japan. In this article, we'll divide the village into four areas and a cafe, and introduce its charms in detail.
We checked in at the ticket counter at the entrance of Shima Mediterranean Village.JR Central" is operated byEX Member Travel Reservation ServiceWith advance online payment for "Includes a 500 yen coupon usable within the village.By using this service, you can enter the village at a lower price than usual.
The entrance fee for Shima Mediterranean Village is 700 yen for adults (junior high school age and older), 300 yen for elementary school students, free for preschool children, and 300 yen per pet for day trips.
「EX Member Travel Reservation ServiceAs a perk, you receive a 500 yen voucher for facility use for each person, making the actual entrance fee just 200 yen per person. The fact that you can enjoy it at such a low price is another great point.
Shima Mediterranean Village is comprised of four zones inspired by the streetscapes of Spain and Italy. Each zone offers a different landscape and atmosphere, and the charm lies in the fact that you can discover something new with every step. On this trip, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll for about four hours, visiting the highlights of each area.
Passing through the white gate, you are greeted by a clear blue sky and a white cityscape that belies the rainy season.
"Wait, is this really Japan?" you might find yourself exclaiming. Even though you haven't traveled abroad, the scenery and atmosphere feel just like a port town on the Mediterranean coast. You'll encounter a landscape that envelops you in a不思議な感覚 (mysterious feeling), as if you've been suddenly cut off from everyday life.
From here on, it's truly the start of a time that feels like you're traveling abroad.
One of the biggest attractions of this village is that you can bring your dog with you. As long as your dog is on a leash, they can freely explore the village, so even dogs who love walks can enjoy themselves to the fullest. Our dog, Chocolat, strolled around leisurely in a dog cart, and she was fascinated by the foreign scenery she was seeing for the first time, such as the white streets, cobblestones, and colorful flowers. She looked around excitedly, her face beaming with wonder. I feel that being able to enjoy the same scenery and spend time together with your dog is a special charm unique to Shima Mediterranean Village.
Suddenly, your gaze falls upon the magnificent and tranquil scenery of Ago Bay. The beautiful contrast with the white cityscape makes you feel as if you are truly traveling along the Mediterranean coast.
The hotel lobby, with its harmonious blend of terracotta-colored exterior walls and tiled roof, exudes a warm atmosphere reminiscent of a small Spanish town. It conveys a calm, sophisticated resort feel.
You can bring your dog to the terrace seating or the courtyard patio seating.Cafe AmigoWe will introduce that later.
At the base of the fountain, adorned with brightly colored tiles, is a frog with its mouth wide open.
Our dog, Chocolat, is also opening her mouth wide, not to be outdone! (lol)
If you head left from the fountain, the first area you'll find is the Castile Zone. This area was created to resemble the Castile region in central Spain, which lies south of Madrid.
The fountains adorned with brightly colored tiles, the terracotta-colored buildings, and the rows of tiled roofs create a charming and warm atmosphere, making you feel as if you're strolling leisurely through a small Spanish town. As you walk along the cobblestone streets, Ago Bay peeks out from between the buildings, creating a beautiful harmony between the exotic streetscape and the tranquil sea.
This area, with its understated yet calm atmosphere, is the perfect place to start your trip.
The charm of the Castile Zone lies in being able to experience the atmosphere of a foreign land with all five senses, from the texture of the buildings and cobblestone streets to the seasonal flowers and the sound of the wind blowing through the city.
Each building along the alley has a room number inscribed at its entrance. Most of this beautiful streetscape consists of accommodation buildings. Rather than feeling like you're walking through a tourist spot, you get a strangely comforting feeling, as if you've gently blended into the lives of people living in a Mediterranean village.
As I continued walking down the cobblestone alley, my eyes were suddenly drawn to a sign for the newly renovated "Wanwan Sweet."
Beyond the sign is a charming private villa adorned with a wooden dog sign. This is the "Wanwan Suite," one of only two available, exclusively for guests traveling with their dogs, which was just renovated in June 2026. Blending seamlessly into the white streetscape that symbolizes Shima Mediterranean Village, the villa boasts a spacious 120 square meters and can accommodate up to three small or medium-sized dogs, or up to two large dogs. A welcome feature of this renovation is that the villa has been moved closer to the front desk, making it easier to move around when traveling with your dog, as luggage tends to be heavy. The villa is a two-story house type with a bedroom on the first floor and a living room on the second floor, offering a sense of openness. This time it was just a day trip, but the moment I saw this villa, I thought, "It would be nice to stay here next time," and the prospect of a new trip began to grow.
This isn't just a tourist attraction; it's a luxurious concept where an entire town is treated as a hotel. The level of perfection is beyond imagination, making you feel as if you're truly staying in a village on the Mediterranean coast.
If you're walking through the Castile Zone, one place you should definitely stop by is the "Tower of Love," which offers great views.
In one corner of the "Tower of Love," there is a place to hang votive tablets attached to white scallop shells, and these adorable tablets can be enjoyed for 300 yen.
As befits a seaside resort, many votive plaques depicting scallop shells are swaying in the wind. Scallop shells are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain.Santiago de CompostelaKnown as a symbol of pilgrims aiming for the pilgrimage, these plaques symbolize safe travels and the entrustment of wishes, and they blend beautifully into the exotic scenery of this village. Looking at the thoughts inscribed on each plaque, it is clear that this place has become a cherished travel memory for many people.
The "Tower of Love" is a popular viewpoint offering panoramic views of the entire village. Inside the tower is the "Bell of Love," and ringing it with your loved one will create a gentle sound that resonates across the white townscape and Ago Bay. Spending time surrounded by this exotic scenery will make your travel memories even more special.
The heart-shaped mosaic is inscribed with the Spanish words "Torre del Amor" (Tower of Love). It's a popular spot for commemorative photos of visitors to the Tower of Love, and the charming tile art adds a touch of travel memory.
The Castile Zone is a place where every alley has its own story, and every corner is picturesque. And this journey has only just begun. Next time, we will take you to the Myconorca Zone, where scenery unfolds that makes you feel as if you have visited an Aegean resort.
Shima Mediterranean Village
Address: 2619-1 Sakako, Hamajima-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture 517-0403
Hotel main phone number: 0599-52-1226
Day-trip entry hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM (last entry)
Entrance fee: Adults (junior high school students and older) 700 yen, elementary school students 300 yen
Admission is free for preschool children and residents of the surrounding areas (Shima City, Ise City, Toba City, and Watari District).
https://www.puebloamigo.jp/
