Tradition, Nature & Heritage in Japan’s Pearl Capital
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Why Take This Toba Shore Excursion?
Toba in Mie Prefecture is a coastal city known as the birthplace of Japan’s cultured pearls, home to sacred shrines, and gateway to the Ise-Shima National Park. This excursion blends heritage, spirituality, and seaside beauty in one journey:
- Mikimoto Pearl Island (御木本珍珠島) — Discover how Kokichi Mikimoto pioneered pearl cultivation, watch Ama divers demonstrate traditional shell diving, and explore the museum and pearl jewelry displays.
- Ise Grand Shrine (伊勢神宮) — Visit Japan’s most revered Shinto shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. Walk under centuries-old cedars, cross sacred bridges, and sense the deep spirituality of this sacred site.
- Okage Yokocho (江戶風影之橫丁) — Step back in time in this Edo-style shopping street near the shrine, lined with traditional eateries, tea houses, and craft shops.
- Ise-Shima Skyline (伊勢志摩天空之路) — A scenic drive offering breathtaking views over Ago Bay’s rias coast and scattered islands, often called the “Sky Road of Ise-Shima.”
Together, these stops create a rich journey of culture, faith, and nature.
Sample Itinerary: Toba Shore Excursion
From pearls to sacred shrines, experience the essence of Toba in a single day.
09:00 – Pickup at Toba Port
Meet your guide/driver at the port and learn how Toba became Japan’s pearl capital and spiritual gateway to Ise.
09:15 – 11:00 – Mikimoto Pearl Island (御木本珍珠島)
Take a short boat ride or bridge walk to the small island where pearl culture was born. Explore the Pearl Museum to see how Mikimoto Kokichi perfected the art of cultivating pearls, a practice now recognized worldwide. Watch Ama divers (women in white wetsuits) demonstrate the centuries-old method of free-diving for pearl oysters. Browse exquisite pearl jewelry collections in the showroom.
11:30 – 13:00 – Ise Grand Shrine (伊勢神宮) & Lunch
Drive to the sacred heart of Japan: Ise Jingu. Stroll through towering cedar forests to reach the Inner Shrine (Naiku), rebuilt every 20 years in an ancient ritual of renewal. Learn about Shinto beliefs and Japan’s imperial traditions. For lunch, enjoy a local specialty such as Ise udon (thick soy-sauce noodles) or fresh seafood.
13:15 – 14:15 – Okage Yokocho (江戶風影之橫丁)
Explore this lively historical street at the shrine’s entrance. Wooden merchant houses recreate Edo-period charm. Sample snacks like akafuku mochi (sweet rice cakes) or shop for souvenirs such as lacquerware, handmade fans, or regional sake.
14:30 – 16:00 – Ise-Shima Skyline (伊勢志摩天空之路)
Travel along this mountain ridge road for panoramic views over Ise Bay and Ago Bay’s pearl-raised waters. Stop at observatories to admire the dramatic coastline dotted with green islets. On clear days, you can see as far as Mt. Fuji.
16:15 – 17:00 – Return to Toba Port
Relax on the scenic drive back, with optional time for a brief souvenir stop before reboarding your ship.