Brazil
Antarctica
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Bermuda
Canada
the United States
Greenland
Mexico
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Egypt
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Museum · Toba, Mie
Mikimoto Pearl Island
Small island in Toba Bay, connected by a bridge, where Kokichi Mikimoto produced the first cultured pearl in 1893. It has a museum about pearl cultivation and jewelry and ama diving demonstrations.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Mikimoto Pearl Island in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Mikimoto Pearl Island
Mikimoto Pearl Island sits in Toba Bay, a few minutes’ walk from the station and connected to the mainland by a bridge. It was here that Kokichi Mikimoto, the son of a noodle seller from Toba, achieved the first semispherical cultured pearl in 1893 after years of experiments with pearl oysters from the bay. The method, later refined for spherical pearls, made pearls more widely available and launched Japan’s cultured‑pearl industry.
The pearl museum explains the process: inserting the nucleus into the oyster, the cultivation period in the bay, harvesting and selection, with opened oysters and working tools on display. Another room shows jewelry pieces and objects made with thousands of pearls, such as replicas of monuments and a bell. A pavilion presents Mikimoto’s life with photos and documents.
Along the island’s edge, ama — divers dressed in white — perform free‑diving demonstrations at scheduled times, as they did when collecting oysters for cultivation. The ama of Toba and Shima maintain a tradition of more than two thousand years, and the demonstration helps explain their role in pearl history.
The visit ends in a shopping area selling company pearls. From the island you can see Toba Bay with its other islets, fishing boats and ferries.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon to catch one of the ama demonstrations, which occur at set times and can be canceled if the sea is rough. Check the schedule on the day.
How to get there
About a 5–10 minute walk from Toba Station, crossing the bridge to the island.
Tip
Check the time of the next ama demonstration at the entrance and plan your visit around it. The museum explains cultivation before the shop area; you don’t need to buy anything.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mikimoto Pearl Island
What is Mikimoto Pearl Island?
The small island in Toba Bay where Kokichi Mikimoto produced the first cultured pearl in 1893. Today it has a museum about pearl cultivation and demonstrations of ama diving.
What time are the ama demonstrations?
At set times throughout the day, which change with the season and can be suspended when the sea is rough. Check the schedule at the entrance on the day.
Is there an admission fee for Mikimoto Pearl Island?
Yes, there is an admission fee; check the current price list. The ama demonstration is included.
Is the island far from Toba Station?
No, about a 5–10 minute walk.
Beyond the guide
