Mikimoto Pearl Island — Attraction in Toba

Mikimoto Pearl Island offers a captivating glimpse into Japan's pearl cultivation legacy that's both educational and visually stunning. As the birthplace of cultured pearls, this attraction beautifully preserves Kokichi Mikimoto's groundbreaking work through immersive exhibits and living traditions.

The ama diver demonstrations are undoubtedly the highlight. Watching these remarkable women free-dive using centuries-old techniques is mesmerizing. Their 10-minute performances (held 5-6 times daily) showcase remarkable breath control and skill. The adjacent museum chronicles pearl history through exquisite jewelry displays, including royal collections that will leave you in awe.

Don't miss the hands-on pearl experience (¥1,600-3,300) where you can extract your own pearl from an oyster - a unique souvenir! The gift shop offers quality pearl goods at various price points, from affordable accessories to investment-grade pieces. While some displays lack English translations, the visual storytelling transcends language barriers.

Visitor Tips: • Arrive 15 minutes before ama shows for best viewing • Allocate 1.5 hours for a thorough visit • Combine with nearby Ise Grand Shrine for a full-day excursion • Photography is encouraged throughout

The island's coastal setting adds to its charm, with picturesque views from every corner. Whether you're a jewelry connoisseur or simply curious about Japanese traditions, Mikimoto Pearl Island delivers an experience as lustrous as the pearls it celebrates.

Perfect for: ✓ Culture seekers ✓ Couples/solo travelers ✓ Those wanting authentic...

I will be honest and say I was very sceptical at first especially with the above average price for the entrance fee. But I was very pleasently surprised by what was on offer. The restaurant and pearl/gift shop was not really my thing. But they also offer a Ama diver show which was nice enough and well put together. The cultured oyster pearl part of the museum was actually very informative and went into great detail. The staff there explaining things are very passionate forthcoming and friendly 👌. But for me the biggest surprise and most intriguing part of the Mikimoto island was the person history museum of Mikimoto Kokichi. Learning more about his personal journey and philosophy was a most pleasant surprise 👍 The great 360 degree views around the island are a very nice...

The main museum gives you extensive information about pearl cultivation. There is also a Mikimoto Memorial Hall that talks about the founder's life, which was interesting. Information is written in both Japanese and English, so it is easy to understand even if you do not understand Japanese.

There are also diving demonstrations by the ama divers several times a day, and I was glad to have caught it.

There is also a Mikimoto shop on site if pearls are your thing. One thing to note is that the shop sells both Mikimoto pearls and...