Parque España-Shima Spain Village

Parque España-Shima Spain Village is a Spain-themed park that opened in 1994. It can be done as a day trip from Ise, arriving either by the local bus from Kintetsu Ugata Station or by car, with a free shuttle bus running between the outer car parks and the park.

A passport covers entry, the free shows and the attractions, although a handful of extras carry a separate fee, among them the VR attraction, the Dragon Castle treasure hunt and the flamenco show, which also needs booking ahead. Families arriving later in the day can look at the afternoon passport, which is sold as an e-ticket only.

With small children the park is well set up. There are baby rooms inside General Information, the Cambrón Theatre and Columbus Plaza, with changing beds, a nursing room, a microwave and hot water for baby milk. A wet day need not end the visit, since many attractions are indoors and the shopping street, Calle de España, has a covered arcade. For lunch, the cafeteria-style Amigo has dishes aimed at both adults and children.

The trade-off is food: the park refuses outside food and drink in principle, so plan on eating at the park’s restaurants, although water bottles and flasks may be brought in.