On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, "Matoya no Mori," a children's play area using wood sourced from Mie Prefecture, opened at the Grand Mercure Ise-Shima Resort & Spa in Isobe-cho, Shima City.
Based on the theme of "touch, learn, and create," this new family-friendly spot allows children to play while feeling the warmth of wood.
It's a space where you can enjoy yourself even on rainy days, and you can experience the nature and blessings of the forests of Ise-Shima during your trip.
"Matoya no Mori" is an educational and hands-on wood-based kids' space where children can learn about nature and the workings of the forest while playing.
The building is divided into the following four areas:
An area where children can play freely and move their bodies in a space enveloped in the warmth of wood.
You can enjoy the scent and texture of wood with all your senses while touching play equipment and toys made from wood sourced from Mie Prefecture.
A reading space where parents and children can relax, featuring picture books with themes of trees, forests, and nature.
It's perfect for a short break during your travels.
This area allows you to learn about the "forest cycle"—from how forests grow, how trees develop, and how they connect to our lives—in a fun way through illustrations.
This is an experiential learning environment that fosters children's curiosity and their ability to ask "why?" and "how?".
This craft area allows you to freely enjoy making things using natural materials such as wood scraps and nuts.
Another appealing aspect is being able to preserve travel memories in a tangible form.
You can take your finished artwork home with you.
"Matoya no Mori" is available exclusively to hotel guests.
Opening hours are from 15:00 to 20:00, and admission is free (all-inclusive).
Furthermore, the hotel also offers rooms designed with families with young children in mind.Official WebsiteFor reservations made through this service only, up to two children aged 0-6 years old who share a bed with their parents can stay free of charge (room and meals included).
On May 4th (Monday, public holiday) and 5th (Tuesday, public holiday), 2026, a special workshop called "Making Your Own Forest Bag" will be held, led by a woodworking instructor from the local workshop, Kanjindo.
You can enjoy creating your own original, natural-style bags using wood and natural materials sourced from Mie Prefecture.
It's also a great way to create lasting memories with your family.
On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, a new culinary hub where guests can experience the blessings and food culture of Ise-Shima, "Bettei Matoya," will open at Grand Mercure Ise-Shima Resort & Spa.
Ise-Shima is widely known as a place to visit Ise Grand Shrine.
On the other hand, as a "beautiful country" nurtured by its rich sea and forests, it is also full of diverse culinary delights.
At "Bettei Matoya," we express the bounty of the sea from Matoya Bay, the inherited aquaculture techniques, and the passion of the producers through our cuisine, offering a special dining experience unique to Ise-Shima.
Please note that this service is available to both hotel guests and non-guests.
"Bettei Matoya" is a new initiative that brings together a hotel and producers, linking tourism with local primary industries.
Transforming Ise-Shima from a "place of worship" to a "place for extended stays and gourmet experiences."
We invite you to experience a truly unique moment, a culmination of that passion, that you can only find here.
"Bettei Matoya" is a new culinary hub where you can experience the nature and food culture of Ise-Shima with all your senses.
Nestled within the Ise-Shima National Park, this region boasts abundant ingredients nurtured by the rich sea and forests, as well as a long-standing culinary culture.
We aim to infuse our dishes with the bounty of the region and the passion of the producers, serving the unique flavors of this land in their most delicious state.
Going beyond the conventional notion that "fresh equals raw," we offer kaiseki cuisine centered around charcoal-grilled dishes, based on the idea that cooking brings out the true value of the ingredients.
At "Bettei Matoya," you can experience not only the cuisine itself, but also the stories behind it.
The producers themselves talk about the ingredients, and you can enjoy the sounds and aromas of the food being grilled over charcoal, as well as the dish being completed right before your eyes.
By connecting ingredients, producers, and chefs, we create a special time where you can experience the nature and culture of Ise-Shima with all your senses.
One of the producers that supports the cuisine at "Bettei Matoya" is Sato Aquaculture Farm, located in Matoya Bay, Shima City.
Founded in 1925, Sato Aquaculture Farm, with its 100-year history, is known as a leading force in Japanese oyster farming.
Based on the philosophy of "quality over quantity," we prioritize quality in our oyster cultivation and, as the only producer with fishing rights in Matoya Bay, we continue to cultivate high-quality "Matoya oysters."
Furthermore, they are working on the recycling of local resources, such as the reuse of oyster shells, and practicing sustainable aquaculture.
A sincere approach to the ingredients is what underpins each dish at "Bettei Matoya."
At "Bettei Matoya," we offer kaiseki cuisine that brings out the best of ingredients grown in the Ise-Shima region.
From appetizers to desserts, the menu reflects the local food culture and seasonality, allowing you to enjoy a different flavor and background with each dish.
The restaurant uses ingredients representative of Mie Prefecture, including Matoya oysters, spiny lobster, and Iga beef.
The dishes are not only prepared using cooking methods suited to each ingredient, but are also designed as an "experience" that includes the process of grilling over charcoal, the aroma, and the sounds.
The space, incorporating traditional Japanese elements such as tatami mats and shoji screens, evokes a sense of tranquility, as if cut off from the outside world, enriching the time spent contemplating the cuisine.
It can be used not only for meals with family and loved ones, but also as a space suitable for gatherings on anniversaries and special occasions.
At the annex Matoya, we offer kaiseki cuisine centered around ingredients nurtured by the rich natural environment of Ise-Shima.
[Appetizer]
Ise-produced egg tofu with Shima-produced aosa seaweed.
Braised bluefin tuna
・Simmered hijiki seaweed from Shima
・ Escabeche of Matoya oysters from Mie Prefecture
[Sashimi]
Today's fresh fish (three kinds of sashimi)
・Mie Prefecture-produced Matoya oysters (raw)
・Mie Prefecture-produced Matoya oysters (grilled)
[Primitive-style baking]
Charcoal-grilled spiny lobster from Mie Prefecture
[Charcoal-grilled]
Iga beef thigh grilled over charcoal
【gem】
・Miso hot pot with Matoya oysters from Mie Prefecture
・Mie Prefecture-produced Matoya oysters (fried)
【Meal】
Ise-Shima specialty: Tekonezushi
[Soup]
・Red miso soup with spiny lobster
[Pickles]
Ise pickled radish
【sweetness】
Shima specialty: Sawamochi rice cakes and seasonal fruits
Ise Matcha
※The image is an image.
*Menu items may change depending on weather conditions and ingredient availability.
We also have a special menu available so that children can enjoy themselves safely.
Ise tuna, white fish sashimi
Homemade hamburg steak made with Japanese Black Wagyu beef
·Omelette rice
·Fried Shrimp
·french fries
・Seasonal vegetable potage
・Seasonal fruit
※The image is an image.
*Menu items may change depending on weather conditions and ingredient availability.
| Name of facility | Annex Matoya |
| Business start date | From Wednesday, April 2026, 4 |
| Opening hours | 17:00~21:30 |
On the official website of Grand Mercure Ise-Shima Resort & Spa, search for your desired dates and number of guests, select your room, and then choose a plan that includes the phrase "Enjoy locally grown Matoya oysters cultivated by local producers."
*For reservations made as part of a lodging plan, the cancellation policy will be the same as the terms and conditions of your stay.
*Due to the need to procure ingredients, we would appreciate it if you could contact us by 18 PM the day before to make a reservation. Depending on the situation, we may be able to accommodate you, so please inquire.
*For day trip reservations, cancellations are accepted until 18 PM the day before your scheduled visit. After that time, a 100% cancellation fee will apply.
