「Shima Mediterranean VillageThe park is composed of four distinct zones, centered around the "Plaza Major (fountain square)" in the middle.
This time, we'll start by exploring the "Castile Zone" directly in front of the fountain square, then move on to the "Myconorca Zone" in the back left. Afterwards, we'll return to the fountain square and head to the "Andalusia Zone," which exudes the cheerful atmosphere of southern Spain. Finally, we'll explore the "Sardinia Zone," which is inspired by the Italian island of Sardinia. Each area features different streetscapes and architectural styles, giving you the feeling of traveling along the Mediterranean coast while staying in one village.
The "Sardinia Zone," inspired by the island of Sardinia located west of mainland Italy, is the heart of Shima Mediterranean Village. Around the spacious fountain, the hotel front desk, restaurants, shops, and accommodation buildings are beautifully arranged, resembling a European square where locals gather.
In front of the reception desk, you'll find jumbo artificial gerberas available for photography. These are available for guests and visitors to freely enjoy taking pictures; simply ask at the reception desk if you wish to use them. Adding a vibrant bouquet will make the exotic townscape even more beautiful in your photos. You can create even more memorable travel memories at your favorite photo spot.
During my stroll, I decided to quench my thirst by drinking a Mediterranean blue-themed drink.Cafe AmigoWe headed to the cafe. In addition to indoor seating, there are also cafe terrace seats at the main entrance overlooking the central fountain, and patio seats in the courtyard surrounded by flowers and greenery, so you can choose according to the occasion. Since we were able to spend time with our dog, we chose the patio seats in the courtyard where a pleasant breeze was blowing.
The interior is a truly soothing space bathed in Mediterranean blue. The blue window frames and doors, contrasting beautifully with the white plaster walls, and the terracotta tile floor create a refreshing atmosphere reminiscent of a resort in another country. The soft sunlight streaming in through the windows is also pleasant, making it the perfect place to take a break during a stroll. (Note: Dogs are not allowed here.)
The cafe has an air-conditioned area where you can bring your dog.Wanwan SpaceThey even have a full range of options available, showing great consideration for your dog.
They have chairs with pet mats for your dog, so you can relax and enjoy food and drinks in the cool store.
Enjoy a leisurely break while watching the flowers swaying in the breeze and the swallows resting their wings. As soon as you sit down at the table, they immediately prepare water for you as well, and this shop's warm hospitality will surely bring a smile to your face.
"Rainbow Soda + Vanilla Ice Cream (Topping)" 750 + 150 = 900 yen
On this day, I had the "Rainbow Soda," which features layers upon layers of colorful jelly. The glass, sparkling in the light, was beautifully layered, as if it had captured the Mediterranean Sea. For an extra 150 yen, I could add vanilla ice cream as a topping, so I made it into a float. ...Or so I thought for a moment. The moment I put the ice cream on top, the soda foam overflowed vigorously, an unexpected miscalculation (lol). It was a refreshing and delicious drink, but I should have added the ice cream after taking a sip. Be careful when making a Rainbow Soda into a float.
Non-alcoholic beer: 800 yen
My husband likes a non-alcoholic beer from Spain called "Estrella Galicia 0.0I'll have this. The fine bubbles and refreshing taste are soothing to a body warmed by a walk, and I can fully enjoy the leisurely pace of resort time while taking in the Mediterranean scenery at my cafe.
Enjoying the pleasant breeze and making sure to rehydrate, with both mind and body refreshed, we finally head out to explore the Sardinia Zone.
A cute souvenir shopCasa Amapola / Casa AmapolaThe shop also features a variety of local specialties, sweets, and goods unique to Ise-Shima, making it perfect for finding souvenirs of your trip or gifts for loved ones. Just browsing is enjoyable, and you'll easily lose track of time.
Unlike the previous zones, which were notable for their white walls, the beautiful curves of the soft earthen walls gently envelop the entire area, creating a calm and warm atmosphere.
The building features rounded arches and curved windows, with ivy growing along the window frames and iron grilles adding a touch of color.
The texture and colors of the walls, the window decorations, and every single design detail are meticulously crafted, creating an atmosphere that makes you feel as if you've visited a foreign land, giving you the illusion of actually walking on a Mediterranean island.
The scenery changes with every step, making you want to stop and take pictures again and again—a truly beautiful cityscape.
After passing through the streets, you come to an open area where a massive stone gate appears.
From here on, the approach to the cape gently slopes towards Ago Bay.
Under the summer sky, at the very tip of the cape, a breathtaking restaurant awaits, seemingly floating serenely on Ago Bay.
As you begin walking, feeling the sea breeze and listening to the sound of the waves, a small, green-covered island comes into view on your left. Ago Bay, with its approximately 60 islands of varying sizes, is as beautiful as a landscape painting.
To the right lies the outdoor swimming pool, exclusively for hotel guests, beautifully lined with white Greek-style columns. In front of you stretches the tranquil Ago Bay, and the open location, where the blue sky and sea blend together, feels like a resort abroad. Enjoy a luxurious resort experience while feeling the sea breeze.
Looking back, you see the Mediterranean cityscape; in front of you lies the tranquil Ago Bay. With each step you take, the scenery subtly changes, and this approach itself becomes a scene from your journey.
A restaurant with a spectacular view overlooking Ago BayRias by Kokotxa / リアス・バイ・ココチャ」。
You can enjoy this while overlooking the tranquil ria coastline at the Michelin one-star restaurant in San Sebastián, Spain.Kokotxa / KokochaThis new Basque cuisine is supervised by [Name of chef/expert]. Each dish, a fusion of the rich ingredients of Ise-Shima, such as spiny lobster, abalone, and seasonal seafood, and techniques cultivated in San Sebastián, a world-renowned gastronomic city, offers a truly special dining experience that can only be savored here. The restaurant's unique charm also lies in the luxurious time that flows slowly while enjoying the spectacular view of Ago Bay that unfolds beyond the large windows. Pets are not allowed, so we were unable to visit this time, but we also recommend the Mediterranean moment where the scenery and gourmet food intertwine.
At the back of the restaurant lies an open bar deck offering panoramic views of Ago Bay. It's a special spot to relax, where you can spend your time as you please on sofas and at tables, enveloped in a gentle sea breeze. A spectacular view of Ago Bay, dotted with islands of varying sizes, unfolds before your eyes. The wood deck bar is open from 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM (closed irregularly). If pets are allowed, this is a place you'll definitely want to visit.
A summer holiday where simply gazing at the magnificent view of Ago Bay fills your heart with contentment.
Walking through the white streets, captivated by the vibrant flowers, and soothed by the tranquil scenery of Ago Bay, with every step I took, I felt as if I had wandered into a foreign town.Shima Mediterranean VillageThis is a one-of-a-kind resort where the beautiful streetscapes of Spain and the Mediterranean are beautifully harmonized with the spectacular scenery of Ago Bay, a source of pride for Japan. This day trip to the village has left a lasting impression on me, adding another memory to my collection with my beloved dog, Chocolat. I would like to visit this beautiful village again at a different time of year to enjoy it at a more leisurely pace.
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/
