The Izawanomiya and Matoya Bay cycling course offers something that few routes in Ise-Shima can claim in equal measure: a sacred shrine at its heart, a bridge of spectacular elevation, and the quiet rhythm of an inlet whose calm belies the grandeur of the sea beyond. We rode this 25-kilometre course in February, when the temperature hovered around 11°C and a persistent wind kept the ride brisk throughout.
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Course Overview
The Izawanomiya and Matoya Bay course is described in the local cycling guide as a route that combines a visit to Izawanomiya Shrine — a revered auxiliary shrine of Ise Jingu’s Inner Shrine — with a crossing of the Matoya Bay Bridge, which commands a sweeping view over Matoya Bay from its elevated position. In winter, the bay is celebrated for its Matoya oysters, a premium local variety served at ryokan and restaurants throughout the area. June brings the annual rice-planting festival, the Otaue-sai, which draws visitors from across the region.
Setting Out from Ugata Station
We began at Ugata Station, following the same initial stretch as the Hamajima course. The sidewalk between Ugata and Shima-Yokoyama stations is narrow, requiring care and patience. Once past the coffee shop Lamp Shima and the sushi restaurant Hamasaki, the path widens appreciably. At the FamilyMart intersection, a left turn leads to the Roadside Station Ise-Shima — a useful pause point before venturing further into the peninsula.
Izounoura(いぞうのうら）: The Quiet Inlet
Turning right at the Sakazaki intersection and passing beneath the elevated Kintetsu railway line, the road opens onto Izounoura(いぞうのうら） — a sheltered inlet whose stillness contrasts with the open coast of the Hamajima route. A well-maintained public restroom stands at the turning, with two western-style cubicles and spare toilet paper — a detail that speaks to the thoughtful provision made for cyclists along these routes.
The Climb to Matoya Bay Bridge
Riding along the waterfront and crossing the Hinode River, one catches the first distant glimpse of Shima Spain Village — the Spanish-themed resort park that occupies a dramatic hillside position. The road steepens here, and we switched our Vesby electric bicycles from the economical blue mode into the higher-assist purple setting.
The climb is rewarding: after passing the entrance to the Spain Village, the south side of Matoya Bay Bridge comes into view, with ample parking and a recently renovated public restroom that would not look out of place in a European cycling destination.
The bridge itself rises to a considerable height above the bay. Those with a sensibility for elevated crossings — as I confess I have — will find that the panorama on offer provides ample encouragement to cross slowly and deliberately. The bay stretches east and west in equal splendour. After crossing, the road descends steeply on the northern side; we found it prudent to disengage the electric assist entirely and use the brakes with care, as speeds can reach 38 km/h unchecked.
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Izawanomiya Shrine
Returning to Izainoura along the descent and continuing south along the inlet, we turned inland toward the railway and made our way to Izawanomiya Shrine. As a betsugu — an auxiliary shrine of Ise Jingu — Izawanomiya carries considerable spiritual weight, and the precincts reflect this: the approach is unhurried, the cedar trees are old and considered, and the atmosphere within the torii gate is one of composed reverence. Rice paddies adjoin the shrine grounds, tended for the June Otaue-sai rice-planting festival — one of three such imperial festivals held in Japan.
The women’s restroom within the shrine precinct offers seven traditional Japanese-style cubicles and one western-style — an honest detail for fellow cyclists who appreciate knowing what to expect.
The Return to Ugata
By early afternoon we were ready for lunch. A Lawson convenience store on the return route provided a comfortable eat-in space with five chairs — sufficient for a restorative cup noodle and a small salad before the final stretch back to Ugata Station. The wind had not relented, but with the electric assist engaged in purple mode, the return felt considerably more manageable than the outward journey might have suggested.
Reflections on the Route
The Izawanomiya and Matoya Bay course is, in our experience, one of the more satisfying cycling routes in Ise-Shima — well-balanced in its demands, generous in its rewards. The combination of a significant shrine, an engineering feat of a bridge, and the serene inlets of the Shima Peninsula makes it a route worth choosing deliberately rather than simply by default. For those staying in the area, we found the accommodation near Kashikojima well-suited as a base for exploring these routes over several days.
Want to enjoy cycling more back home?
You can’t bring an e-bike to Japan, but cycling this country might just inspire you to start riding more at home. Electric bikes are a wonderful way to stay active — especially if you’re looking for a gentler ride that’s kind on your joints.
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Have a nice Trip!(^^)/
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👉 Where to Stay & What to Do in This Area
Where to Stay: Shima Kanko Hotel
The Classic
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The Bay Suites
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※ The Ikyu link leads to the hotel’s general page. Both The Classic and The Bay Suites can be found there.
This article is based on personal experience and photos, with some AI assistance to improve readability.
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