Kintetsu Railway Monthly News in August 2026

In Kintetsu Railway Monthly News in August 2026, this time, we’ll take you on a journey to explore the diverse attractions of Mie Prefecture. You’ll have the opportunity to relax in a labyrinthine onsen ryokan, try your hand at carving Akoya pearls, delve into samurai history, and sample the unique experience of conveyor belt wagyu beef!

Index

• 1. An onsen ryokan designed in a Japanese maze style.
• 2. Experience the thrill of searching for and collecting the world’s only “Miracle Pearl”
• 3. “Matsusaka” the city of samurai blood.
• 4. Experience the fishing lifestyle of “Ama-san” savor seafood, and learn about thousands of years of history.
• 5. Discover the unique conveyor belt style Wagyu beef!
• 6. Find the sparkle of life found only at “Toba Aquarium”

1. An onsen ryokan designed in a Japanese maze style. (11 Aug 2026)

At ‘Kashikojima Hojoen’ onsen ryokan in Ise-Shima, the breathtaking views of Ago Bay greet you as soon as you enter. The lobby immerses you in nature’s beauty, instantly captivating your senses.

Inside, the atrium garden features a stunning waterfall cascading from the third floor to the first, creating an enchanting, ethereal atmosphere. A charming traditional tea room transports you to a Japanese garden, allowing you to escape from the everyday hustle for a moment of peace.

As you navigate the unique, winding layout, stone bridges evoke the feeling of wandering through an onsen town; every detail, from the furniture to the art, has been thoughtfully curated. The harmonious blend of views and intricate designs draws you in, encouraging you to savor the experience rather than rush past it.

Looking out the window, you’ll find tranquility in the serene beauty of Ago Bay. Embracing two contrasting vibes at once enriches your stay at Kashikojima Hojoen.

Immerse yourself in the natural onsen from its original hot spring source while relishing those spectacular vistas, then indulge in a kaiseki meal crafted with the freshest local ingredients from Ise-Shima. This experience offers a truly unforgettable getaway.

More about Kashikojima Hojoen

Address

• 718-3 Agocho Shinmei, Shima, Mie 517-0502, Japan

Website

• https://www.hojoen.com/

How to get there

• From Osaka Namba: Take Kintetsu train from Osaka-Namba Station to Kashikojima Station (2 hours 35 minutes), then walk for about 10 minutes.
• From Nagoya: Take Kintetsu train from Nagoya Station to Kintetsu-Nagoya Station to Kashikojima Station (2 hours 10 minutes), then walk for about 10 minutes

Map

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2. Experience the thrill of searching for and collecting the world’s only “Miracle Pearl” (16 Aug 2026)

Pearls are precious gems that Japan takes pride in. But did you know Ise-Shima in Mie Prefecture is the birthplace of the world’s first cultured pearls?

Ise-Shima’s “Akoya Pearls” are recognized worldwide thanks to the unique combination of Ako Bay environment, skilled craftsmanship, and the oysters’ life cycle.

At “Shinju no Sato,” you can extract pearls from oysters by hand! This pearl cultivation business offers the opportunity to collect pearls from real Akoya oysters.

You can choose an oyster to extract a pearl from, carefully separating it and even experience the process of polishing the pearl by hand. Witness the pearl’s transformation from a soft glow to its natural luster firsthand—it’s a truly invaluable experience!

Additionally, you can have the pearls you’ve collected turned into jewelry right on-site. Create a unique, one-of-a-kind piece just for yourself!

In this birthplace of pearl cultivation, everyone can learn about the roots of pearls and experience the hands-on process of making them.

This is a unique travel experience you can only find in Ise-Shima!

More about Shinju no sato

Address

• 1125-88 Shimacho Koshika, Shima, Mie 517-0704, Japan

Website

• https://s-tamachan.net/

How to get there

• From Osaka-Namba: Take Kintetsu train from Osaka-Namba Station to Kashikojima Station (approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes), then take a 30-minute drive.
• From Nagoya: Take Kintetsu train from Kintetsu-Nagoya Station to Kashikojima Station (approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes), then take a 30-minute drive.

Map

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3. “Matsusaka” the city of samurai bloodline. (20 Aug 2026)

“Matsusaka” is a city that beautifully preserves the traces of its past, including the stories of samurai and the ancient way of life that have been handed down over many years.

One of the most important locations that clearly reflects these stories is the Matsusaka Castle Ruins, a significant symbol of the city. Additionally, there are “Gojoban Yashiki,” the residences of the samurai who served as castle guards. What makes this place particularly valuable and rare in Japan is that these residences are not just preserved historical buildings, but the descendants of the samurai still live here and help maintain them to this day.

The Gojoban Yashiki are located along the back gate of the castle, with a long stone-paved walkway running down the middle and residences lining both sides. In the past, this area was part of the castle grounds, meaning that samurai not only served as guards but also lived in the castle.

Of the 19 residences in total, one is open to the public. Inside, the layout closely resembles that of the Edo period, allowing visitors to visualize daily life and experience the lifestyle of people from that era.

Along the paths, meticulously maintained hedges and trees create an atmosphere imbued with the charm of yesteryear, making it feel as if time has stood still.

More about Matsusaka Castle Ruins

Address

• Tonomachi, Matsusaka, Mie 515-0073, Japan

Website

• https://www.city.matsusaka.mie.jp/site/kanko/matsusakajoato.html

How to get there

• From Osaka-Namba: Take Kintetsu train from Osaka-Namba Station to Matsusaka Station (1 hour 40 minutes) and then walk for about 18 minutes.
• From Nagoya: Take Kintetsu train from Kintetsu-Nagoya Station to Matsusaka Station (1 hour 16 minutes) and then walk for about 18 minutes.

Map

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4. Experience the fishing lifestyle of “Ama-san” savor seafood, and learn about thousands of years of history. (22 Aug 2026)

The “Ama-san” are female divers who plunge into the frigid sea, relying solely on their breath to catch seafood such as Ise shrimp and abalone. This profession has flourished for over 3,000 years, intertwining with the sea and gaining attention from people around the world.

At “Ama Hut SATOUMIAN” located near Atsurihama Beach, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood while listening to stories about the fishing methods and history of the Ama-san from Ama-san themselves.

Upon arrival at SATOUMIAN, guests are warmly greeted by the Ama-san, who will guide them into their huts. Inside, guests will find an “irori” a traditional Japanese grill. Everyone sits around the fireplace as they hear tales about the challenges of sea fishing and gain insight into the unique lifestyle of the Ama-san.

As these stories unfold, a variety of fresh seafood is placed on the grill above the irori, with Ama-san personally preparing the food. The fresh ingredients are grilled over the perfect fire, creating an exquisite flavor that can only be experienced here.

Sitting around irori, sharing delicious food, and listening to the Ama-san’s stories creates a truly special and heartwarming experience that showcases the abundance of the sea.

More about Ama Hut SATOUMIAN

Address

• 2279 Shimacho Koshika, Shima, Mie 517-0704, Japan

Website

• https://satoumian.com/en

How to get there

• From Osaka-Namba: Take Kintetsu train from Osaka-Namba Station to Kashikojima Station (2 hours 35 minutes), then continue by car for approximately 30 minutes.
• From Nagoya: Take Kintetsu train from Kintetsu-Nagoya Station to Kashikojima Station (2 hours 10 minutes), then continue by car for approximately 30 minutes.

Map

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5. Discover the unique conveyor belt style Wagyu beef! (25 Aug 2026)

When talking about Matsusaka Prefecture, one thing you shouldn’t miss is “Matsusaka Beef” high-quality beef renowned for its unique tenderness and marbling.
And at Kaiten Yakiniku Isshobin, Miyamachi branch, Matsusaka beef has been combined with the traditional Japanese restaurant style of a “conveyor belt,” creating a truly unique yakiniku dining experience.

The special feature starts with the serving process. Each plate of meat is transported along a conveyor belt, similar to a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, allowing you to choose your desired cut of meat.
To maintain the quality of the meat during transport, the entire conveyor belt is covered with a transparent lid and the internal temperature is controlled, creating a chilled area that preserves the freshness of the meat.

Importantly, the meat served on the conveyor belt is A5 grade Matsusaka beef. When grilled to perfection, you’ll experience the tenderness and juiciness of the meat. The texture will gradually spread, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
Serving such premium ingredients via a rotating conveyor belt is an unforgettable experience. This makes it a truly unique restaurant!

Another charm of conveyor belt yakiniku is that everyone can choose their own cuts of meat from the real thing flowing past right in front of them.
The price of each dish varies depending on the cut of meat, but overall it’s considered good value and accessible.

You must try the “Yakiniku x Conveyor Belt” experience in Matsusaka!

More about Kaiten Yakiniku Isshobin (Miyamachi branch)

Address

• 144-5 Miyamachi, Matsusaka, Mie 515-0015, Japan

Website

• https://www.issyoubin.com/

How to get there

• From Osaka Namba: Take the Kintetsu train from Osaka-Namba Station to Matsusaka Station (1 hour 40 minutes) and walk for about 15 minutes.
• From Nagoya: Take the Kintetsu train from Kintetsu-Nagoya Station to Matsusaka Station (1 hour 16 minutes) and walk for about 15 minutes.

Map

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6. Find the sparkle of life found only at “Toba Aquarium” (30 Aug 2026)

“Toba Aquarium” is one of Japan’s most fascinating aquariums, featuring approximately 1,200 species of marine life. It is divided into 12 zones, allowing visitors to explore freely without a designated path.

One of the highlights of Toba Aquarium is that it is the only facility in Japan housing dugongs, marine animals believed to be the inspiration for mermaid legends. Selena, a dugong residing here, holds the record for the longest-lived captive dugong in the world, and in 2027, she will celebrate her 40th anniversary of being open to the public.

The image of Selena being fed, as she gracefully floats within the large tank, is both serene and evokes a sense of wonder about the underwater world. It allows visitors to experience the beauty of the ocean and the value of life firsthand.

Another beloved attraction at the aquarium is the sea otters, which are the only ones still inhabiting Japan. Feeding time reveals the trust and bond between the sea otters and their keepers, creating a heartwarming and adorable scene that leaves a lasting impression on visitors and garners significant attention on social media.

In addition to showcasing rare marine animals, the aquarium offers various activities and shows, including an entertaining sea lion performance and the popular opportunity for walrus interactions!

More about Toba Aquarium

Address

• 3 Chome-3-6 Toba, Mie 517-8517, Japan

Website

• https://aquarium.co.jp/

How to get there

• From Osaka-Namba: Take the Kintetsu train from Osaka-Namba Station to Toba Station (2 hours) and walk for about 10 minutes.
• From Nagoya: Take the Kintetsu train from Kintetsu-Nagoya Station to Toba Station (1 hour 40 minutes) and walk for about 10 minutes.

Map

Ref. : Kintetsu Railway English

Read more articles

• Kintetsu Railway Monthly News in July 2026
• Kintetsu Railway Monthly News in June 2026
• Kintetsu Railway Monthly News in May 2026

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