How to Get to Shima, Mie: Trains, Buses, Rental Cars and Passes

The simplest way to reach Shima is the Kintetsu railway, from Osaka, Nagoya or Kyoto to Kashikojima Station at the end of the Shima Line. From Tokyo, take the shinkansen to Nagoya first and then a Kintetsu train. Most travellers spend roughly two to three hours on the Kintetsu leg, and you may need to change somewhere depending on the type of train.

The fastest way, संक्षेप में

• From Osaka: take a Kintetsu limited express from Osaka Namba or another origin station, often the Shimakaze
• From Nagoya: take a Kintetsu limited express from Nagoya Station; many trains run without a change
• From Kyoto: use the Kintetsu Kyoto-Nara line and continue toward Shima; check the transfer point

From Tokyo

There is no direct train from Tokyo to Shima. A common method is the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station, which takes roughly one and a half to two hours depending on the type of train, and then a change to Kintetsu Nagoya to board an express for Toba or Kashikojima. With limited time, treat this as a half-day journey and do not plan to return to Tokyo the same night.

From Osaka and Kyoto

This is the most direct route. From Osaka Namba or Uehommachi, Kintetsu limited expresses head through Nara and Mie toward Toba and Kashikojima. The Shimakaze offers comfortable seating and cars designed for views. From Kyoto, use the Kintetsu Kyoto Line toward Nara to join the main line. Check where you need to change, and allow time for the connection.

From airports or nearby cities

The nearest airport is Chubu Centrair International Airport near Nagoya, which connects to Nagoya Station by Meitetsu train, followed by a change to Kintetsu. Kansai Airport is another option, but you first need to get to Osaka. From nearby towns such as Ise and Toba, Kintetsu trains and the JR Kisei Line link up conveniently.

Train, bus or rental car

जापान के eSIM प्लान देखें

Trains in Shima are not frequent, and missing one can mean a long wait. An eSIM lets you check timetables and train status in real time through apps, with no reliance on station Wi-Fi.

Passes and related tickets

The JR Pass does not cover Kintetsu because it is a private railway, though the JR Kisei Line from Nagoya to Toba may be usable under certain conditions. Kintetsu offers tourist tickets for foreign visitors, with conditions on routes and days. Check the price and coverage directly with Kintetsu, and compare with ordinary tickets; for a short trip, ordinary tickets are often better value.

Luggage and reservations

Limited expresses like the Shimakaze have reserved seating and supplements under Kintetsu's rules, so check whether you need a reservation. Book ahead around long holidays and in autumn. Large bags are best sent ahead to your hotel using a luggage forwarding service (takkyubin), since storage space on some trains is limited.

Plan the return journey the way you plan the outward one, especially if you have a flight or shinkansen to catch. Leave a margin of several hours at the transfer station, because Kintetsu trains run less often at certain times. In strong wind or heavy rain, some lines may slow or stop, so check the operator's status before setting out each time.

When choosing between train and rental car, base the decision on your plans within the area. If you only visit Kashikojima, Toba and Ise, trains are enough and more relaxing. If you want fishing villages, several viewpoints or restaurants far from stations, a car saves time, but you need a valid international driving permit and care on narrow, winding coastal roads.

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