Mikimoto Pearl Island- The Birthplace of Cultivated Pearls

In this video, we will tell you a little bit about Toba City’s Mikimoto Pearl Island, a place with a rich history that is certainly worth a visit. Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultivated pearls on this island in 1893.

Mikimoto Pearl Island – (click to enlarge)

A world of wonder is waiting for you on the other side of the “Pearl Bridge,” which connects Mikimoto Pearl Island to the mainland. On the island, you will find spectacular art made of pearls of all shapes and sizes, as well as information on how cultured pearls are made. Educational pamphlets are available in Portuguese, English and other languages.

Visitors can also watch ama—female divers—dive for pearl oysters using the traditional method. Ama wearing traditional white “isogi” diving suits and diving masks hold demonstrations throughout the day.

Ama-san (click to enlarge)

In the Pearl Museum, you’ll find stunning pieces of art made of pearl and precious stones and metals.

One of the priceless pieces you can view at the museum is the Mikimoto Five-Storied Pagoda, a miniature pagoda made of pearl, precious metals, and precious stones that was modeled after the pagoda at Horyuji Temple in Nara Prefecture.

Other pieces include the Second Pearl Crown, modeled after the crown worn by byzantine kings and the Dream Hall, a miniature replica of Horyuji Temple’s Yume Dono building.

Yumedono (click to enlarge)

You can also learn more about Mikimoto’s pearl cultivation technique, which has been carefully preserved by each new generation of Mikimoto pearl makers.

Souvenirs and pearl jewelry can also be purchased on the island. You are sure to be mesmerized by the diverse array of jewelry available, which includes earrings and necklaces.

The admission fee for Mikimoto Pearl Island is 1,500 yen for adults, and 750 yen for children, elementary school students, and junior high school students. Discounts are also available for groups of 20 or more.

Getting to Mikimoto Pearl Island

Mikimoto Pearl Island is located in Toba City on National Rd. 42 by the Toba Aquarium.

Visitors coming from the direction of Tsu should take National Rd. 42 or the Ise Highway.

It is recommended that visitors take the Ise Futami Toba Line, the road that connects Ise and Toba. The end of this road connects to National Rd. 42, and visitors will see Mikimoto Pearl Island on their left.

Visitors arriving by train should take the Kintetsu or JR Line to Toba Station, which is a 5 minute walk from Mikimoto Pearl Island.

Mikimoto Pearl Island (click to Enlarge)