Mikimoto Pearl Island, a small islet linked by bridge to central Toba, is where the modern pearl was born: here in 1893 Kokichi Mikimoto succeeded in culturing the world’s first spherical pearl, founding an industry and a global brand. The island’s museum traces how cultured pearls are made and graded, displays dazzling pearl artworks — including a pagoda and crown set with thousands of pearls — and, most memorably, stages live demonstrations by white-clad ama, the traditional women free-divers who once harvested the pearl oysters. Jewelry shops and workshops let visitors choose or craft a pearl piece to take home.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Toba, Mie |
| Hours | ~9:00–17:00 (seasonal) |
| Admission | ~¥1,650 |
| Time needed | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time | Year-round; check ama demonstration times |
What to Do
- The birthplace of the world’s first cultured pearl (1893).
- Live ama free-diver demonstrations in white costume.
- Dazzling pearl artworks — a pagoda and crown of thousands of pearls.
- Jewelry shops and pearl craft workshops to take a piece home.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Toba Aquarium nearby.
- Pair with Ago Bay pearl farms further south.
- Read our Mie overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR/Kintetsu to Toba Station, a short walk to the island bridge.
- Demonstrations: ama diving shows run at set times — check on arrival.
Tips
Time your visit around the ama diving demonstrations, which run several times daily and are the island’s highlight — check the schedule at the entrance. The museum makes sense of what you’ll see in the shops, so do it before browsing pearls; if you want a souvenir, the workshops let you set your own pearl piece, a more personal keepsake than a display-case purchase.
