Toba – pearls, sea and islands

Toba is a pleasant city that continues a typical island lifestyle, which consists of understanding the ocean and using its resources without exhausting them. Sea-related trades are still practised in harmony with the sea.

Pearl Road and the observation platform of the city of Toba

The Pearl road connects the cities of Toba and Shima and allows for a pleasant walk and access to an observation platform that leaves the delta and horizon.

Divers

There are many fishing areas where there is a wide variety of seafood along the delta. Ama are divers who gather seafood and algae. Toba is known as a region where many of these Ama are active. The percentage of female divers is extremely high and, according to one theory, is one of the oldest female professions in Japan. Here in Toba, there are several facilities called Ama Huts where you can eat seafood caught by the divers. Choose from the Ise lobsters, the abalone, the giant clams, the turban shells that will be grilled in front of you and listen to the clusters tell you the story of their profession and their environment. An authentic and exciting experience.

Ishigami-san (Shinmei Sanctuary)

The Japanese believe that gods can be found everywhere and that the gods associated with the sea are consecrated in areas where fishing is flourishing. On the grounds of Shinmei Shrine in Asako, (Toba), a goddess named Tamayorihime no Mikoto, daughter of the god of the sea, is consecrated. It ensures safety at sea, offers abundant catch and would also bring prosperity in business and protection against disasters and childbirth. At the beginning of the fishing season, the divers pray for their safety and hope for a good catch.

It is said that the sanctuary can fulfill at least one wish per woman, which prompts many women from all over Japan to come and see their wishes fulfilled.

Mikimoto Bead Island

Mikimoto is the originator of the culture beads and Toba houses Mikimoto Pearl Island, the world’s first pearl culture site and a world-renowned brand. Today, divers are no longer used to harvest pearls, but you will be able to witness demonstrations of how divers collected pearls at Mikimoto Pearl Island.

The Mikimoto Bead Island Museum teaches the history of Mikimoto Beads and their culture.

The production of pearls is a slow and difficult process, making it all the more remarkable the many accessories made from high quality pearls are exhibited at the Pearl Museum. On site, the Mikimoto shop offers pearl accessories as well as cosmetics.

Aquarium of Toba

Toba’s aquarium houses about 1,200 species of living creatures, the largest in Japan. It is also famous as the only aquarium in Japan where we can see dugongs (lamantines) but also sea otters, penguins and fishing cats. For those who want to see more, it is possible to go to the dolphin island, access being by boat.

Visit to Toba Bay by boat

A cruise is a great way to discover and enjoy Toba Bay. The off-stop journey takes a little less than an hour and offers a wide variety of views of the delta. Two ports of call are the route of the boat: Mikimoto Island, with its pearl culture and its thematic museum, and Iruka Island to observe dolphins, but also the view from its observatory accessible by cable car.

Toba March

The market (near the station) offers fresh and local products, not only from the sea but also from local farms. The restaurant-buffet of the market allows to taste at reasonable prices prepared dishes based on these products. The menus vary according to the seasons.

The city of Toba has developed in relation to the sea, and has a rich history and a representative culture of Japan. The many experiences to live here make Toba a very attractive tourist destination.

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