Japan is going to host the 9th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, so called PALM, in 2021.
This time, the PALM will be held in Shima city, Mie prefecture.
Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting is a summit-level meeting which has been held every three years since 1997. Leaders openly discuss various issues that Pacific Island Countries(PICs) are facing in order to build close cooperative relationships and forge a bond of friendship between Japan and PICs.
PALM is now constituted by 19 countries and areas including Kiribati, Cook Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Tonga, Nauru, Niue, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia,
New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
For more information, please check out the link below.
| Related Links | PALM9 TrendMag |
Many of you, travelers from overseas who have ever visited Japan during mid-summer, often say “I’ll never come back here in summer” due to the extreme humidity in Japan.
However, once you experienced Japanese Autumn, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with this country again.
The unpleasant humidity is completely disappeared now, and clear blue sky and colorful Autumn leaves feast your eyes.
To enjoy such a great weather and nice temperature, today, I’d like to introduce you ‘Daio-saki Lighthouse (大王埼灯台)’.
The pure-white building stands at the top of a hill, so, you just need to take a little walk to get there.
But trust me, it is truly worth visiting.
You can actually go into the lighthouse building.
The path inside the lighthouse is quite narrow and steep, and since there’s no window while you are walking upward. so, you may feel uncomfortable about the process.
But once you arrive at the top of the lighthouse, the world you see will be completely different.
The horizon shines in front of your eyes and it’s far, far away. And the horizontal line is not flat, and you’ll just realize that this planet is truly round.
Also, on the way to daio-saki Lighthouse, I recommend you to walk around the town and the coastline. The atmosphere of the small fishing village is so cool, and you’ll find old days’ nostalgia still exists in real life now.
Hey everyone!
Since we’re in the middle of Hydrangea (Ajisai) season, I’d like to introduce a famous hydrangea spot here in Shima: Daijiji Temple (大慈寺)!
It’s unknown when Daijiji Temple was first founded, but its history goes back to at least the beginning of the 18th century, even though it has gone through cycles of name changes, fires, reconstructions and repairs.
Hydrangeas were first planted on and near the temple grounds in 1987, leading to the temple being nicknamed the “Hydrangea Temple (Ajisai-dera),” and it has kept this nickname ever since.
The temple grounds and vicinity contain a wide variety of hydrangeas in a number of colors, so it is very beautiful during the rainy season, which is when hydrangeas are at their peak.
There are also a lot of other summer flowers as well, so it’s a great place to simultaneously enjoy the beauty of flowers and the serenity of the temple grounds.
Daijiji Temple is located in Nakiri, Daio-Chō, so please visit if you ever get the chance!
I hope everyone enjoys hydrangeas in Japan wherever you are!
Hey everyone!
Today I’d like to introduce a seasonal fish that populates Shima’s waters: Isagi!
Also known as the “Chicken Grunt,” the Isagi is a fish that’s in season from spring to fall, with its peak season being from spring to summer!
One of the unique qualities of Isagi is that it’s delicious regardless of size, unlike other fish who follow a “bigger is better” pattern.
That being said, Isagi is especially delicious as sashimi (I can attest to this!) during its spawning season (May-June), because its body produces more fat during this period. It’s so good that it can even be compared to Tai (Sea Bream), which is a higher quality fish.
Be on the lookout for Isagi at your local shops and markets, and give it a try if you get the chance!
(Photo credits go to their original owners)
Hey everyone!
The world may still be battling the Coronavirus now, but all of us here in Shima, and in Mie, are waiting for the day when people from all around the world can visit us again!
The Mie Prefecture Tourism Federation has published a YouTube video aimed at tourist agencies around the worlds to support the people, local business, and tourism industry here in Mie, so please take a look at it when you have time!
Members of Shima City Hall, the Shima City Tourism Association, and our own mascot, Shimako-san, also make appearances in the video, so be on the lookout for them as well!
Wishing for everyone’s continued health and happiness during these times!
Shima Tourist Information Center just had its Soft Reopening on May 25 (Mon.)!
With our fragrant cedar pamphlet racks and our new PCs equipped with Internet connection, we hope we’ve created a welcoming environment where tourists can easily look up information.
We’ve also stocked up on pamphlets in multiple languages, and we have English-speaking staff who can help you so that your trip is stress-free!
In addition, we also have an electronic translator to help us communicate in other languages as well!
Our Grand Reopening will be on June 1 (Mon.）!
We’re right inside Ugata Station, so please stop by when you come visit Shima!
We’ll help provide you with the best tourist information to make the most of your trip!
＜Services Provided＞
・Wi-Fi
・Portable Wi-Fi Rentals (Fee Charged）
・PCs with Internet Connection
・Smartphone Chargers (Free）
・Wheelchair Rentals (Free）
・Multi-Language Pamphlets
・English-Speaking Staff
place1670-2 Ugata, Ago-cho, Shima City, Mie
517-0501 JAPAN
ContactEmail: info@shimakanko_master
Our reception desk will be open from Mon., June 1st, 2020 with the special care to prevent the COVID-19. Kindly understand the situation. We highly appreciate your cooperation.
志摩市観光協会案内所で車椅子のレンタルを行っています。（合計２台）
営業時間内（9：00～17：00）での貸出しとなります。
予約制ではございませんが、台数に限りがありますので
事前にご連絡をお願い致します。
ぜひとも観光にお役立て下さい。
貸し出し時間：9：00～17：00
料金：無料
貸出し・返却場所：志摩市観光協会案内所（三重県志摩市阿児町鵜方1670－2近鉄鵜方駅改札階）
