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To Ise-Shima to seek the precious pearl
Pearls have a mysterious and elegant shine.
They are called "Mermaid's Tears" and "Moon Drops",
It has fascinated people from all over the world since ancient times.
You can learn about the beauty and history of pearls at
The Ise-Shima area of Mie Ise, Toba-shi, and Shima.
Experience the divinity of Ise Shrine and be moved by the beauty of the Rias coastline.
Then we head to Japan's only pearl island.
Create precious travel memories in Ise-Shima.
Ise-Shima pearls
Filled with history and tradition
The Ise-Shima area faces a rich sea. Over 130 years ago, pearl farming began here, taking advantage of the unique natural environment. Natural pearls are only found in very small numbers among the many oysters, and even if they are found, they are not necessarily round and perfectly shaped.
It was Kokichi Mikimoto, who was born and raised in Toba, who decided to cultivate pearls, a product of such chance encounters.
First, he started by increasing the number of Akoya oysters, which are the mother shells of pearls, and then he repeatedly performed the painstaking work of growing and confirming the pearls by inserting foreign objects into the shells to form nuclei. It was 15 years after Kokichi first encountered pearls that he finally succeeded in cultivating semicircular pearls. After overcoming the misfortune of losing his wife, who had supported his research, he became the first in the world to succeed in cultivating perfectly round pearls. White, round, and beautiful Japanese pearls were eventually exported around the world, where they came to fascinate many women.
Provided by: Mikimoto Pearl Island
Discover precious natural pearls
The strong female diver
In the past, natural pearls were discovered by chance by female divers while catching seafood. Natural pearls are a rare sight, so the female divers who found them must have been very impressed.
After pearl farming began, the female divers were tasked with harvesting Akoya oysters and returning the oysters with their nuclei inserted back to the seabed. As technology improved, the number of female divers working in pearl farming decreased, but the female divers still continue to gather seafood. Some divers have acquired the skills and physical strength to free dive, and continue to fish even after they turn 70.
Provided by: Mikimoto Pearl Island
Provided by: Mikimoto Pearl Island
On the island of pearls
Experience the profound charm of pearls
The place where pearl farming was successful was a small island in Toba Bay. It is now Mikimoto Pearl Island. At the memorial hall on the island, you can learn about the personality of Kokichi Mikimoto, and at the museum, you can see antique jewelry and art and crafts using pearls. You can feel their strength from the demonstration of the female divers dressed in traditional white beach attire. The "shore whistle," which they make with their mouths when taking a breath, is very tasteful and is one of the "100 Soundscapes of Japan that we want to preserve." Meanwhile, in Maruyama Park facing Ago Bay, there is a pearl oyster memorial tower to hold a memorial for Akoya oysters that died after their pearls were removed, and you can feel the passion of the local people for the oysters that give us pearls.
©Ise-Shima Tourism and Convention Organization
Pearl extraction and accessory making experience
At some facilities in the Ise-Shima area, you can experience removing pearls from oysters. The pearls vary in shape and size, and are transformed into one-of-a-kind accessories. They make wonderful gifts for yourself and for loved ones.
*Experiences are not available at Mikimoto Pearl Island.
Recommended Hotel
Recommended hotels
This inn is the base for sightseeing in Ise-Shima.
Enjoy the luxurious cuisine of Miketsukuni
KAMENOI HOTEL TOBA
Shima Province was a special land that provides seafood to the home of the Imperial Family and the Imperial Court.
The Ise-Shima area is known for its abundance of food ingredients, and in particular, Shima Province was once known as Miketsukuni, a region that presented seafood to the Imperial Court and Ise Grand Shrine. Food at KAMENOI HOTEL TOBA is also very luxurious, just like Miketsukuni. The course menu includes plump spiny lobster sashimi, grilled abalone, and Matsusaka beef teppanyaki. The buffet also offers an abundance of carefully selected seafood and mountain produce. You can fully enjoy the pleasure of eating and spend a blissful time.
Toba view Guest rooms and baths
relax
KAMENOI HOTEL TOBA is about a 10-minute drive from Mikimoto Pearl Island, and is easily Access to Ise Grand Shrine, Shima Spain Village, and Ago Bay, famous for its ria coastline. You can see Toba Bay from the front desk, Guest rooms, restaurant, and natural Hot springs baths, so you'll feel fulfilled just by staying here. Please enjoy your trip to Ise-Shima and your time at the hotel to the fullest.
Nearby Spots
Nearby spots
The Edo period, a place you want to visit at least once in your life
Pray for good fortune at the legendary Ise Shrine
When did ordinary people start to enjoy traveling? It was after the end of the war-torn era and the beginning of the peaceful Edo period. It was said that "you should visit Ise Shrine at least once in your lifetime," and many people headed to Ise Grand Shrine. It is customary to visit Ise Grand Shrine in the order of Outer Shrine, which enshrines Toyouke Omikami, and Inner Shrine, which enshrines Amaterasu Omikami. It is said that they have strong powers, bringing good luck and warding off evil. I don't know if it's because the air changes when you pass through the two large torii gates of the Inner Shrine. If you visit Ise Grand Shrine not just once in your lifetime, but as many times as you like, it should bring changes to your life. KAMENOI HOTEL TOBA.
Toba aquarium
It has the largest number of species in Japan. It is the only aquarium in Japan that has dugongs, which are the model for mermaids. You can also see the adorable sea lions and sea otters up close! It is about a 5-minute drive from the hotel.
Ago Bay
A beautiful, complex ria coastline, with pearl farming rafts lined up in the bay. Part of Ise-Shima National Park. Enjoy the spectacular views. Yokoyama Observatory is about a 35-minute drive from the hotel.
Shima Spain Village
A theme park where many people gather for the attractions and delicious food. There are many exotic and photogenic spots. About 30 minutes by car from the hotel.