Mikimoto Pearl Island, Toba: Discover Japan’s Iconic Pearl Destination
Looking for a unique cultural experience in Japan’s Kansai region? Mikimoto Pearl Island (ミキモト真珠島) in Toba, Mie Prefecture, is a must-visit for anyone curious about Japanese craftsmanship, ocean heritage, and the origins of cultured pearls. As the birthplace of the world’s first cultured pearl, this small island is deeply tied to the legacy of Kokichi Mikimoto (called the “Pearl King”), whose work revolutionized the jewelry industry.
I’ll admit, I didn’t know much about Japanese pearls before visiting, and I didn't expect this museum to be one of the highlights of my trip to Mie prefecture. But I was genuinely surprised by how engaging, well-curated, and beautifully designed it was. From the story of Mikimoto himself to the dazzling pearl jewelry collection, I left the island with a whole new appreciation for this unique part of Japan’s heritage.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get there, what to see and do, and additional travel tips to turn your trip into a memorable day exploring the coastal city of Toba (鳥羽).
How to Get to Mikimoto Pearl Island
Mikimoto Pearl Island is located just a few minutes on foot from Toba Station (鳥羽駅) on the JR and Kintetsu lines.
From Tokyo and Nagoya
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya station (approx. 1h40), then the Kintetsu Limited Express to Toba station (another 1h45). The whole journey takes about 3.5 to 4 hours.
From Kyoto or Osaka
From Kyoto station, take a Kintetsu Limited Express train directly to Toba station. The journey takes between 2h15 and 2h30.
From Osaka-Namba station, board the Kintetsu Limited Express train bound for Toba. The direct ride takes around 2 hours.
From Ise
From Iseshi station, take a train on the JR or Kintetsu line for 20 minutes.
Once you exit Toba Station, Mikimoto Pearl Island is just a 5-minute walk away, connected by a small bridge.
✨ TRAVELY TIP: The Kintetsu Rail Pass can offer great value if you're planning to explore more of the Ise-Shima area. I recommend checking current pass options if you're traveling from Nagoya, Kyoto or Osaka.
Things I Loved About Visiting the Mikimoto Pearl Island
Visiting Mikimoto Pearl Island, which was the site of the world’s first pearl farm, felt like stepping into a hidden chapter of Japanese innovation and maritime history. Here are the highlights of what made my visit so special:
Learning About the Pioneering Mikimoto Legacy
Otaru Canal
The Mikimoto Pearl Museum is very well-curated and explains the relationships between people and pearl and the pearl cultivation process in an engaging and accessible way (in both Japanese and English). It was fascinating to learn about Kokichi Mikimoto’s dream to "adorn the necks of all women with pearls" (世界中の女性の首を真珠でしめてごらんにいれます) and how he succeeded in creating the world’s first cultured pearl in 1893. I ended up reading all the explanations because I found them so interesting, and came away with a new appreciation of the craftsmanship behind each pearl.
You can also find out more about Kokichi Mikimoto's life at the Kokichi Mikimoto Memorial Hall.
Watching the Traditional Ama Diver Demonstration
One of the most memorable moments of my visit was the Ama diving demonstration. These traditional female divers, called Ama (海女, which means “sea women”) demonstrate their tradition diving skills here by free-diving for Akoya oysters in the bay. Ama divers were indeed key to early pearl farming, bringing up oysters to be seeded, subsequently returning them to the sea floor, and moving them to safety before the arrival of a typhoon or a red tide. I found the demonstration impressive and graceful, and felt a great deal of respect for the women who preserve and share these ancient traditions. Shows take place every hour, weather permitting. Be sure to check the schedule when you arrive or on the official website here.
Admiring the Exquisite Pearl Jewelry Exhibit
The island features a spectacular collection of world-class ancient pearl jewelry. Some of the designs are absolutely jaw-dropping, with pearls set into tiaras, necklaces, traditional hair ornaments, fans, and even decorations like the Yumedono Pavillion or the Mikimoto’s five storied pagoda, where a total of 12,760 pearls were used.
Shopping for Authentic Mikimoto Pearls
Before leaving the island, you'll cross the elegant Pearl Plaza, where you can admire and buy pearl jewelry, perfect for a special souvenir, from the most affordable to the most high-end.
Other Things to See and Do in Toba
I only stopped in Toba to visit the pearl island of Mikimoto, but there are other things to see and do in this coastal town that I hope to visit one day. If you spend a whole day in Toba or are planning to stay overnight, consider adding them to your itinerary:
Toba Aquarium (鳥羽水族館), one of Japan’s top aquariums with a huge variety of sea life (more than 1200 species), including dugongs and sea otters (you can purchase your ticket in advance on KKday here).
Shiroyama Park and Toba-jo Castle Ruins (城山公園 鳥羽城跡), offering nice views of the bay.
A sightseeing cruise around the Toba Bay and to Iruka-jima (more info here).
Also, if you're traveling by car (or public bus, although this is more difficult because they don't seem to be frequent and it requires some planning):
Toba Sea-Folk Museum (鳥羽市立海の博物館), which offer a look into maritime culture, boats, and the lives of fishermen and Ama divers in the region.
Ishigami-san at Shinmei Shrine (神明神社), traditionally worshipped by the local Ama community, but also popular today for visitors from all over Japan, as a deity who grants at least one wish for every woman.
Planning to Stay Overnight? A Few Hotel Recommendations in Toba
If you want to extend your stay, Toba offers a wide choice of accommodation.
For a elegant ryokan stay, I’d go for Shijiotei (潮路亭). This ryokan offers Japanese-style rooms and premium suites, kaiseki dinners featuring seasonal specialties from Mie Prefecture and hot springs, including a bath with pearl minerals. It also offers a regular shuttle service to and from Toba station (3 minutes). For a more modern, resort-style stay, Toba International Hotel is a stylish and comfortable resort with sea views and excellent breakfast options.
➡️ Check more Toba ryokan and hotels on Booking.com
➡️ Compare deals and best stays on Agoda
A Few Tips to Make the Most of Your Time in Toba
Practical Information about the Mikimoto Pearl Island
Mikimoto Pearl Island is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm (ticket sales end 60 minutes before closing time), with slight variations depending on the season. Admission is ¥1,650 for adults and ¥820 for children aged 6-15yo.
➡️ You can purchase your Mikimoto Pearl Island ticket in advance on KKday.
The Ama diver show is held 7 times per day (hourly show starting at 9:30am) but be sure to check the latest schedule on the official museum website.
I’d suggest that you plan 2 hours on the island to enjoy everything at a relaxed pace.
Luggage Advice
If you're exploring Toba as part of a longer trip and don’t want to carry your suitcase around, you might be interested in using the Toba Baggage Service Center. It's conveniently located near Toba Station and offers services like luggage storage, same-day luggage forwarding to hotels or train stations in the area, or next day delivery service to other cities, which can help you enjoy the island hands-free.
Where to Eat in Toba
If you love seafood, you've come to the right place. Toba is renowned for its fresh catch, and there's no shortage of local seafood restaurants (such as The Kaiya, Iwashitei or Sazanami Toba). Many accommodations also offer multi-course kaiseki dinners featuring local shellfish and other seafood, so it's worth checking your hotel's options if you're planning an overnight stay.
How to Get Around
If you’re visiting from Osaka, Kyoto, or Nagoya, the Kintetsu Rail Pass (5 day) can be a great option. It offers unlimited travel on Kintetsu lines (boarding limited express trains is subject to a surcharge).
That said, if you want more flexibility, especially to reach lesser-known places like the Ago Bay, or hidden beaches and shrines, it’s worth renting a car. I did a one-week road trip across Mie and Wakayama prefectures, and having a car made it incredibly easy to discover scenic coastal drives and remote shrines.
➡️ Compare rental prices and book in English via websites like DiscoverCars or Rentalcars.com.
Other Things to Do Nearby
There is plenty more to discover in the Ise-Shima region. Don’t miss a visit to Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu), one of the most sacred Shinto sites in Japan, or to the sacred Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks). In the future, I'll be writing more detailed guides to the amazing places I discovered on my trip to Mie Prefecture. If you'd like to read them, don't forget to sign up for my monthly newsletter to keep up to date with my latest articles.
If you're planning to explore more of Mie prefecture, check out my other articles for detailed travel tips and itinerary ideas:
To Conclude
Whether you're passionate about Japanese jewelry and pearls or looking for a lesser-known Japanese cultural experience, Mikimoto Pearl Island is a fascinating place to visit. It’s a compact, educational, and memorable island, and it’s easy to fit into your Kansai or Chubu itinerary as a day trip from Ise or Nagoya, or as an overnight trip from Osaka or Kyoto. Plus, Toba offers plenty more to discover. Would you consider adding it to your Japan travel plans?
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