This itinerary is most practically navigated with a car. Arrive at Iseshi Station in the morning and drive to Ise Jingu Geku (Toyo'uke-daijingu). Around this area you can visit the Sengukan, a museum with an extensive array of artifacts and exhibits on the ritual known as Shikinen Sengu, which has been conducted regularly since 690 CE. The Shikinen Sengu is a practice in which a divine palace is reconstructed at an alternate site after a set number of years involving more than 30 rituals or ceremonies.

Move on to Okage Yokocho next, a bustling commercial area constructed in the architectural style of the Edo period. Find a restaurant for lunch among the myriad options and drop by some specialty boutiques in the area before visiting Ise Jingu Naiku (Kotaijingu). Walk along the gravel path in the shrine and enjoy the classic beauty of this landscape. You'll immediately understand why this area has been dubbed "the homeland of the heart."

Drive to your hotel in the town of Toba when your shrine visit wraps up in the afternoon. On the way, make sure to stop by the Meotoiwa Rocks, or "married couple rocks." This pair of rocks jutting out from Ise Bay are a lovely view to admire after a long day of local travels.

In the morning, drive to Shirataki Daimyojin Shrine and get ready for an amazing guided experience of communing with nature. You can try out the waterfall meditation practice known as takigyo. The experience allows you to tap into the spirituality of the natural world.

Take a boat to Toshijima in the late morning for a guided walking tour to experience small island life. Your guide will lead you along the narrow side streets of the island's main neighborhoods, introducing you to the culture and customs of the local community.

After lunch, head to the Yokoyama Visitor Center and spend some time browsing the exhibits and educational resources about Ise-Shima National Park. Here you can also stop by the Yokoyama Observatory, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the bay. Transfer to your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

Start the day at Kashikojima Port for an exciting exploration of cultural and culinary heritage with the ama divers of the region. Ama are traditionally female divers who have a deep and powerful connection to the sea. Learn about their practices and livelihood then try diving with them to gather shellfish and seaweed. Get lunch near Kashikojima Port or opt to have a seafood barbecue with the ama divers.

After lunch learn about the pearl cultivation industry at a pearl workshop. You will be able to try extracting an Akoya pearl from an oyster shell as well as make your own accessory with locally harvested pearls.

End your journey at Kashikojima Station while holding tight to the memories and souvenirs from this trip through Ise-Shima National Park.