Discover the luxury Aman hotels and resorts in Ise-Shima National Park , Japan

Ise-Shima National Park is one of the stops along the Unesco World Heritage-recognised Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes connecting places of worship across south-west Japan. Ise Grand Shrine is considered to be Japan’s holiest, and traditional celebrations, such as the Kinensai harvest festival and the Kannamesai weather ceremony are held here. Expect an abundance of tasty sea fare: Ise-Shima specialises in fat oysters, Matsusaka wagyu beef, and flavourful lobster and abalone. Head coastwards to catch a glimpse of Japan's original mermaids: the incredible Ama (women of the sea) free-divers, whose impressive lung capacity allows them to collect pearls and sea urchins from the beds of the island-scattered bays.