[2025 Toba Attraction] Travel Guide for Mikimoto Pearl Island (Updated Jun)

#summervacay As someone who’s always loved pearls, I couldn’t miss the chance to visit Mikimoto Pearl Island – the first place in the world to successfully culture pearls. 🎟️ Admission: ¥1,650 If you’re also visiting the Toba Aquarium or other attractions nearby, consider getting a combo ticket to save some money. 🧭 What to expect: The island is small, but full of fascinating content. The Pearl Museum goes deep into the science of pearls: their structure, colors, shapes, and the complex cultivation and processing techniques. There’s a global collection of pearl jewelry on display – from traditional pieces to contemporary designs. You can also learn how to tell the difference between natural and cultured pearls. 💍 Souvenir note: There’s a small shop selling pearl jewelry, but honestly, the designs and quality didn’t really stand out – wouldn’t recommend buying here unless you’re just after a small keepsake. 🧜♀️ Ama (female diver) performance Happens every hour! If you're part of a foreign tour group, you might get to watch it from a dedicated viewing room. Even though the weather was nearly 30°C that day, the water was cold – everyone clapped non-stop as the Ama divers braved the chilly sea. It was such a powerful and memorable moment. 🏡 Mikimoto Memorial Hall A bit small and a little dry in content, but there’s a charming green courtyard outside that’s worth strolling through. 📍Address: Mikimoto Pearl Island, 1-7-1 Toba, Toba City, Mie 517-0011, Japan #MikimotoPearls #MieTravel #Toba

#springitinerary Mikimoto Pearl Island was a gem of a visit! This small island in Japan is famous for its pearl farming history and stunning displays. I marveled at the pearl museum's exhibits, learned about the fascinating process of pearl farming, and even got to see a pearl being extracted from an oyster. The island's scenic views and tranquil atmosphere added to its charm. A unique and educational experience that left me pearls of wisdom – it's a must-visit for anyone interested in marine life and Japanese culture!

📍Mikimoto Pearl Island 〒517-8511 1-7-1 Toba, Toba City 🚃Nearest station Toba Station 🚶♀️Access About 5 minutes walk from the station ⏱Business hours 9:00~17:00 ※Varies depending on the season⚠️ 🗓Closed days 3 days from the second Tuesday of December 🎫Admission fee Adults 1,650 yen Elementary and junior high school students 820 yen 🌸Recommended points A beautiful pearl island of the long-established Japanese jewelry brand "Mikimoto"🏝💎 Lush Mikimoto Pearl Island floating in Toba Bay🤍 You can see antique jewelry and art crafts made with natural pearls✨ You can also buy pearl jewelry as souvenirs🎶 #0 yen trip February 2025

| A Magical 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary. Hey everyone 👋, today I'm sharing an amazing hidden gem in Japan—Shima City 🎉! With stunning coastal scenery, unique history and culture, and tons of fun things to see, do, and eat, this 3-day itinerary will help you experience its charm. Save this guide and get ready to explore 💕! 📅Itinerary Day 1: First Encounter with Shima: Exploring the Ocean and History - Morning: Arrive in Shima City and take the airport bus or a taxi to your hotel. After checking in and freshening up, head straight to Ago Bay 🌊. Famous for its pearl production, Ago Bay offers breathtaking views from the Tamo-yama Park observation deck. The colorful pearl rafts dotting the ria coastline are truly a sight to behold 😍. You can also visit Mikimoto Pearl Island to learn about pearl cultivation and admire exquisite pearl jewelry. - Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant near Ago Bay. Don't miss the fresh seafood sashimi platter 🦀 and the local pearl oyster rice—tender oysters paired with fragrant rice make for a super satisfying meal. - Afternoon: Visit Ise-Shima National Park 🌳 and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. Within the park lies Ise Grand Shrine, the heart of Japan's Shinto faith. Its simple yet elegant architecture and solemn atmosphere evoke a sense of reverence. Take your time, listen to the wind rustling through the trees, and soak in the ancient culture. - Evening: Return to the shopping street near your hotel and savor delicious Japanese barbecue. A few skewers of sizzling grilled chicken or wagyu beef paired with a refreshing Japanese beer 🍻 will melt away the day's fatigue. After dinner, stroll back to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing onsen to end the day perfectly. Day 2: Fun and Excitement: Immersing in Foreign Culture - Morning: After breakfast, head to Shima Spain Village 🎢 and feel like you've stepped into passionate Spain. From the moment you enter, you'll be captivated by the exotic architecture and amusement park rides. From thrilling roller coasters to romantic carousels and dazzling street performances, there's something for everyone 🤩. Don't forget to visit the Spain Village museum to learn about Spanish history and culture. - Lunch: Enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine at one of the restaurants in Spain Village. The paella is a must-try, with golden rice mixed with fresh seafood and an irresistible aroma. The tapas also offer a variety of flavors and textures 🥘. - Afternoon: Move on to Shima Mediterranean Village 🏝, meticulously designed by Spanish architects. The blue and white buildings, charming fountains, and small squares exude a Mediterranean romance. Relax at a seaside cafe with a cup of coffee, enjoy the sea view, and soak in the leisurely afternoon. Browse the unique shops in the village for some beautiful souvenirs. - Evening: Head to Toba City and experience its vibrant night market. Sample local delicacies like takoyaki, fried fish cakes, and sweet crepes 😋. After satisfying your appetite, take a stroll along the coast, feel the sea breeze, and admire the city lights. Day 3: Embracing Nature and Farewell Souvenirs - Morning: Wake up early and head to Yokoyama Viewpoint 🌄, the perfect spot to watch the sunrise. As the first rays of sunlight touch Ago Bay, the shimmering water transforms into a golden mirror—a truly unforgettable sight. Capture this magical moment with your camera 📷. Afterward, take a walk along the nearby coastal path, breathe in the fresh air, listen to the waves crashing against the rocks, and connect with nature. - Lunch: Have lunch at a restaurant near the coastal path. Try the local seafood ramen 🍜, with its delicious broth, chewy noodles, and generous seafood toppings—a heartwarming and satisfying meal. - Afternoon: Return to your hotel, pack your bags, check out, and embark on your journey home with wonderful memories. Pick up some souvenirs in the city, such as Shima's unique pearl products or delicious dried seafood, for your friends and family. 🍱Food Recommendations - Ise Lobster: Shima's signature dish, known for its tender and succulent meat. Whether steamed, grilled, or served as sashimi, it's a culinary delight 🦞. - Seafood Barbecue: Seafood barbecue stalls are everywhere, offering freshly caught fish, shrimp, and shellfish grilled over charcoal. Seasoned with a sprinkle of sea salt and lemon juice, the natural flavors are simply irresistible 😋. - Japanese Sweets: Don't miss Shima's Japanese sweets, such as matcha ice cream and wagashi. Their delicate textures and rich tea flavors add a touch of sweetness to your trip 🍵. 🚗Transportation Guide - External Transportation: - From Chubu Centrair International Airport (Nagoya), take a high-speed boat (approx. 45 mins) to Tsu City, then transfer to a bus or taxi to Shima City. Alternatively, take a train from Nagoya Station (approx. 3 hrs). - From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Nagoya Station (approx. 1 hr 40 mins), then transfer to a train or bus to Shima City (approx. 2 hrs 20 mins). - Local Transportation: Shima City's attractions are spread out, so renting a car is recommended for greater flexibility. You can also take the bus, but check the timetable in advance. 🏨Accommodation Recommendations - Amanemu: Located on the shores of Ago Bay, this hotel seamlessly blends traditional Japanese style with modern luxury. Rooms feature private onsen tubs for ultimate relaxation 🛀. The hotel's spa offers a variety of professional treatments, making it a perfect retreat. - Shima Kanko Hotel - The Bay Suites: The hotel's suites are spacious and bright, with simple yet luxurious decor. Enjoy stunning bay views from your window 🌊. The attentive service and diverse breakfast options ensure a high-quality stay. - Shima Mediterranean Village Hotel: The hotel's Mediterranean-inspired architecture makes it a landmark in Shima City. Its prime location offers easy access to nearby attractions. The rooms are cozy and well-equipped, and the hotel has its own restaurant and onsen for a one-stop holiday experience 🏝. 📌Travel Tips - Climate and Clothing: Shima City has a marine climate with distinct seasons. Summers are relatively cool, and winters are mild, but there can be significant temperature differences between day and night. Bring a light jacket to adapt to changing temperatures. Remember sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat in summer; pack warm clothes, a scarf, and gloves in winter 🧣. - Etiquette: Japan is a country that values etiquette. Keep quiet in public places; remove your shoes before entering restaurants and hotels; and observe the rules when visiting shrines and temples, such as dressing appropriately and refraining from taking photos 📸 (some areas allow photography, so check the signs). - Language: While English is spoken in some tourist spots and hotels, the general English proficiency is limited. Download translation apps like Google Translate or Youdao Translate for easier communication. - Payment: Most shops and restaurants in Shima City accept credit cards, but some small shops and stalls may only accept cash, so it's best to have some Japanese yen on hand 💴. Shima City awaits your discovery! Follow this guide and embark on your amazing journey 🎉! Don't forget to take photos and share your joyful moments 📸💕!

One of the purposes of a trip to Ise-Shima is to see pearls, right? ✨ Mikimoto Pearl Island is a facility that explains the process of pearl formation and exhibits various pearls and accessories from around the world! It's rare to have a chance to see so many pearls, so it motivated me for work 🔥 There is also an accessory store on Pearl Island, so it's nice to get some accessories as a souvenir of your trip. Please be sure to visit when you're traveling to Ise-Shima! 📍Address: 1-7-1 Toba, Toba City, Mie Prefecture, 517-8511 💰Price per person: 1,650 yen (adult) Access: 5 minutes on foot from Toba Station #Free hotel accommodation #Toba #Toba trip #Ise #Ise trip #Ise-Shima sightseeing #Pearls #Mikimoto Pearl Island

#DomesticTravelRecord As the birthplace of pearl farming, it was a lot of fun ⚪️✨️ Jewelry lovers should definitely go 🥹 It's an overwhelming feast for the eyes! The pearl harvesting demonstration by the female divers was amazing. I was moved by the way they easily picked up the shells while free diving 🥰 At the Pearl Museum, you can learn about the process of how pearls are made and be enchanted by the beautiful pearl jewelry, making it a fun space for adults ✨️ I didn't have enough time and ended up spending over 2 hours looking around. There are also limited items at the Mikimoto shop, so be sure to check them out! There are many limited edition items at modest prices 🤫💖 I bought a brooch and earrings ✌️ Even if you don't buy pearls, you can enjoy beautiful scenery and a valuable experience, so be sure to stop by when you visit Ise-Shima ☺️ Spot information ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Pearl Island Location: Toba Bay, Toba City, Mie Prefecture Access: Approximately 6 minutes on foot from Toba Station on the Kintetsu Shima Line Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (may vary depending on the season) Attractions: Pearl Museum, Mikimoto Kokichi Memorial Hall, Ama demonstration, Pearl Plaza (shop & restaurant) Admission fee: Adults 1,650 yen / Children (elementary and junior high school students) 820 yen #Mikimoto Pearl Island #Mie Tourism

📍Pearl Island 🦪Mikimoto Pearl Island, my first visit since my elementary school trip I left home at 4am to Toba to buy pearl accessories! I looked at a few nearby shops, but Mikimoto pearls are round, shiny, elegant, and cute. The stocks are drying up in Tokyo because of people from overseas buying them up, but are there so many in your hometown?! I wish I had the money to buy big pearls. At the museum on the island, I was greeted by the famous "Dokuzu" and a mysterious forehead flick, and after learning about the manufacturing process, learning about the history of pearls in each country, and enjoying the various exhibits related to pearls, I got my earrings. The pearls in the earrings I bought were so small that I could swallow them, but they were so shiny!! And it seems that 3mm pearls can only be bought here!! I want to wear them with big, shiny earrings, so I'm thinking about getting more piercings🥺Next time I go to Korea, I'll get some piercings done at a store in the Gangnam Underground Mall! #0yentravelNovember #Toba #MiePrefecturetourism #MikimotoPearlIsland #Girlstrip

#Travelwithme As the birthplace of pearl farming, wherever you look you'll see breathtaking beauty! I was especially impressed by the pearl harvesting demonstration by the female divers! Watching them diving and picking up shells with ease made me reflect on my lack of exercise 😂 At the Pearl Museum, you can learn about the process of how pearls are made and admire the beautiful pearl accessories, making it a fun space for both adults and children ✨️ Even if you don't buy pearls, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and a valuable experience, so be sure to stop by when you visit Ise-Shima ☺️ Spot information ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Location: Toba Bay, Toba City, Mie Prefecture Access: About 6 minutes on foot from Toba Station on the Kintetsu Shima Line Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (may vary depending on the season) Highlights: Pearl Museum, Mikimoto Kokichi Memorial Hall, Ama demonstration, Pearl Plaza (shop & restaurant) Admission fee: 1,650 yen for adults / 820 yen for children (elementary and junior high school students) #Mikimoto Pearl Island #Mie Tourism #Mie Trip #Pearl #Toba

A specialized museum where you can learn all about pearls✨ It was very interesting to learn the difference between natural and cultured pearls, and how they are cultivated😆 And here, you can watch a demonstration of the work of female divers dressed in traditional white beach attire, and even on a winter day or when the wind is strong, the sight of the female divers smiling and dignifiedly diving into the sea was very cool🫶✨ There is also a shop on the premises, so you can do some shopping🕊️ It was a tourist spot where you could often see foreign tourists❕ #KinkiTourism #Mie #MieTourism

One of the most famous jewelry brand of Japan is Mikimoto. It is a cultured Akoya pearl which become high value among authentic brandname jewelry. There’s long history of pearl culture here where you can learn how they make it and process to become the pearl we wear these days. Inside there’s show from Ama chan who was a local diver seeking for an oyster as well as there’s MIKIMOTO shop inside which is cheaper than outside #mikimoto

Mikimoto is a well-known pearl brand in Japan. Many shopping malls have counters. Its hometown is in Pearl Island, Toba City, Mie Prefecture. In 1893, Mikimoto Yukiyoshi first opened the river, and the pearl was successfully cultured here. Pearl Island has an hourly performance of a sea girl dressed in traditional white sea women's clothing, even in winter, the water temperature is about a few degrees, too much ~ Pearl Museum has ancient natural pearls and jewelry made from now cultured pearls Crafts, some products are locally limited to sell, the price is lower than the general counter products. In the Mikimoto Memorial Hall, the process of breeding artificial pearls in Mikimoto is presented in an animated short film. It is a very Japanese expression.