The city of Toba is situated in its entirety within the Ise-Shima National Park. Blessed with a pleasantly temperate climate, in this area, you can discover the ancient heritage of “ama,” the traditional freediving fisherwomen, as well as beautiful pearls. Enjoy Toba’s abundant seafood and take in nature’s riches, such as hot springs and island hopping.
Toba
Recognizable by the curved exterior designed to resemble a pearl necklace, Toba Marine Terminal offers a sweeping sea view of Toba Bay. Travel to four inhabited remote islands (Kamishima, Toshi, Sugashima and Sakate) by regularly scheduled ferries and experience the islands’ unique activities.
Mikimoto is a world-renowned jeweler specializing in cultured pearls. Its founder, Kokichi Mikimoto, was the first in the world to succeed in culturing pearls, a feat that occurred on this island. Observe how the ama fisherwomen in traditional white garbs freedive into the sea to catch pearl oysters.
Toba Aquarium houses the largest number of species in Japan, with approximately 1,200 species. It is the only place in the country to house a dugong, a large marine mammal said to be one of the inspirations of mermaids. The sea otters are another favorite with their adorable movements. Watch the amazing performances of the sea lion show and encounter the giant walrus during the popular petting time.
Toba Castle was a rare “sea castle,” surrounded by the sea with the main gate jutting out to the coast side. Now only the ruins remain, but the area is known as a popular cherry blossom viewing spot and offers a picturesque view overlooking Toba Bay from the remains of the castle keep.
The museum features the profound relationships between the sea and people, such as the ama culture, wooden ships and festivals pertaining to the sea. The exhibit of approximately 90 wooden ships collected from around Japan is a must-see. The museum’s exquisite wooden architecture, which creates a warm atmosphere designed with various scenes from nature, is also worth seeing.
Hachiman Kamado offers a unique dining experience in which all course meals are accompanied by a real ama. Enjoy conversing with them around the fireplace (“kamado”) of the ama hut and feast on fresh seafood grilled by the remarkable fisherwomen.
Enshrined in a small shrine in the middle of the main approach, Ishigami-san is dedicated to Tamayori-hime, the daughter of the sea god and the mother of Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan. The shrine has been worshiped by ama women since ancient times, and it’s believed that “at least one wish will be granted for a woman.” It is a popular spot visited by numerous worshippers from across the country.
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From Haneda Airport, fly to Chubu Centrair International Airport in approximately 1 hour. From Chubu Centrair International Airport, high-speed boats and express buses offer convenient transport. In Toba City, buses and rental cars are available for touring sites, as well as regularly scheduled ferries and sightseeing boats for visiting remote islands.
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