Shima Vacation in Japan: Nemu Hotel Opens a New Chapter in Luxury Travel
🏘️Hotel Introduction:
Nestled in Shima City, NEMU Resort is gently embraced by the mountains and seas of Ise-Shima National Park. Occupying 740 acres, it directly faces the picturesque Ago Bay. The hotel's architecture skillfully blends modern minimalism with traditional Japanese aesthetics. Wooden elements paired with natural tones create a warm and tranquil atmosphere. Rooms are available in Western and Japanese styles, all equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and refrigerators. Bathroom facilities are complete, and some rooms have private balconies with ocean or forest views.
🚗Transportation Guide:
- From the Airport: The nearest airport is Chubu Centrair International Airport. From the airport, take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Maibara Station, then transfer to the Kintetsu Limited Express to Kashikojima Station. The entire journey takes about 3 hours and costs approximately JPY 6,000–8,000. From Kashikojima Station, the hotel's free shuttle bus takes just 2 minutes to reach the hotel. From Kansai International Airport, there's a direct bus to the hotel, taking about 3 hours and costing approximately JPY 3,500, which is equally convenient.
- Local Transportation: Within Shima City, you can use the hotel's golf carts (for a fee) for convenient travel within the hotel area. To visit nearby attractions, you can rent bicycles for approximately JPY 1,000–2,000 per day, allowing you to freely explore the mountains and seas and experience the local scenery up close. Local buses are also available, but they run less frequently. Check the timetable in advance. Bus fares range from JPY 200–1,000 depending on the distance.
🏕️Nearby Attractions:
- Shima Spain Village: About 8 km from the hotel, this village is full of Spanish charm. White buildings contrast with colorful tiles, making you feel like you're in a European town. The village offers performances, food, and specialty shops. Admission is approximately JPY 2,500 for adults and JPY 1,500 for children. You can get there by bus or taxi. Taxi fares are around JPY 2,500–3,500.
- Shima Mediterranean Village: About 6 km away, this is an integrated resort with accommodation, hot springs, restaurants, and shops. Designed by a Spanish architect, the 10,000-square-meter space is filled with a Mediterranean romantic atmosphere. It's open to non-guests from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, free of charge. Here, you can stroll, take photos, and enjoy a leisurely time. You can also get there by bus or taxi.
- Ise Grand Shrine: As the most important shrine in Japanese Shinto, it's about a 50-minute drive from the hotel. It enshrines Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and boasts a long history and simple yet solemn architecture. Admission to the shrine is free. There are many traditional Japanese shops and restaurants nearby. You can hire a car to get there; the round-trip cost is approximately JPY 15,000–20,000. It's suitable for an in-depth experience of traditional Japanese culture.
💰Average Cost Per Person:
- Accommodation: Room rates vary depending on room type and season. Standard rooms cost approximately JPY 15,000–30,000 per night, or JPY 7,500–15,000 per person (based on two people sharing a room). Prices may increase by 20%–50% during peak tourist seasons or holidays.
- Dining: Dining at the hotel restaurant costs JPY 3,000–8,000 per person per meal. At nearby restaurants, ordinary meals cost JPY 2,000–5,000 per person. If you try high-end *kaiseki* cuisine, it may cost upwards of JPY 10,000 per person. Local snacks like seafood bowls and fried fish cakes range from JPY 500–2,000.
- Activities: Admission fees and transportation costs are as mentioned above. Shopping expenses vary from person to person. Local souvenirs such as pearl jewelry and *washi* crafts range from a few dozen yen to tens of thousands of yen.
💗Other Tips:
- Hotel Facility Reservations: The hotel's hot spring baths are very popular, especially the open-air baths. It's recommended to book your preferred bathing time at the front desk in advance to avoid waiting. Beauty treatments also require advance booking. You can choose a suitable treatment based on your needs.
- Language Communication: Some hotel staff speak English, but communication may be difficult in local shops or on public transport. It's recommended to download a translation app like Google Translate in advance for easier communication.
- Cultural Etiquette: In Japan, before entering a hot spring bath, you should wash your body thoroughly. Be mindful of the opening hours and rules for men's and women's baths. When dining in a restaurant, it's customary to say "*Itadakimasu*” (I humbly receive) before eating to express respect for the food. When using public transport, queue up and keep quiet.