Toba
9 tours available
Why Visit Toba
Toba is a coastal gem on the Shima Peninsula in Mie Prefecture, celebrated for its pearl cultivation heritage and spectacular Ise-Shima coastline. It was here that Mikimoto Kokichi successfully cultured the world's first pearl in 1893, and the Mikimoto Pearl Island museum remains the town's most iconic attraction.
Beyond pearls, Toba is home to the ama — traditional women free-divers who have harvested abalone and shellfish for over 2,000 years. The rugged coastline, dotted with small islands and fishing villages, delivers some of Japan's freshest seafood. A visit here pairs naturally with nearby Ise Grand Shrine for a rich cultural and culinary journey.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April – May) — Mild coastal weather is perfect for island hopping and enjoying outdoor seafood grills at the ama huts.
Summer (June – August) — Swimming season on the Shima coast. Ama diving demonstrations are most frequent during these warmer months.
Winter (December – February) — Oyster and spiny lobster season peaks. Fewer visitors mean a more relaxed atmosphere at Mikimoto Pearl Island.
Insider Tips
- Book an ama hut lunch (amagoya) to eat freshly grilled shellfish cooked by the divers themselves.
- Toba Aquarium is one of Japan's largest and houses the only dugong in a Japanese facility.
- Take the short ferry to Toshijima or Kamishima island for untouched fishing village scenery and coastal hiking.
- Combine with a visit to Ise Grand Shrine — the two are only 20 minutes apart by train.
Tours Visiting Toba
Hidden Gems of Japan: Ise-Shima Escape with a SUMO experience
Limited Departures: from September to October 2026
Explore Japan's hidden gems on this 12-day self-guided tour from Tokyo to Kashikojima via Nagoya. Visit Ise Grand Shrine and pearl island paradise.
Hidden Gems of Japan: Ise-Shima Escape
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima Escape Hotel Standard
Explore Japan's hidden gems on this 12-day self-guided tour from Tokyo to Kashikojima via Nagoya. Visit Ise Grand Shrine and pearl island paradise.
Taste Your Way through Japan
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima & Miyajima Hotel Standard
16-day culinary and cultural journey: Tokyo, Nagoya, Kashikojima, and beyond. Taste regional specialties from Matsusaka beef to Kyoto kaiseki.
Hidden Gems of Japan: Ise-Shima Escape – Deluxe
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima Escape Hotel Deluxe
12-day tour with deluxe hotels: Tokyo to Kashikojima via Nagoya. Upgraded stays, Ise Grand Shrine, pearl island coast, and Shinkansen all included.
Taste Your Way through Japan – Deluxe
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima & Miyajima Hotel Deluxe
Taste Japan with deluxe hotels: 16-day culinary journey from Tokyo through Kashikojima and Kyoto. Upgraded stays with regional cuisine highlights.
Walking Japan’s Coastal & Sacred Trails
Ancient Paths, Ocean Views & Hot Spring Retreats: Departures until November 2026
Trek Kumano Kodo, walk the Nakasendo Trail, visit Ise Grand Shrine. 13-day tour with ama diver dining, Dorokyo cruise & Koyasan.
Kumano Pilgrimage Paths to Ise Sacred Shores
Where Nature Meets Divinity: Walking the Paths of Ancient Pilgrims
Stay in Osaka, Kawayu Onsen, Kii-Katsuura, Toba, Osaka
Sacred Trails & Coastal Traditions
Ancient Shrines, Ama Traditions, Ocean Views
Explore Ise Jingu, Kumano shrines, Ama traditions, and Japan's iconic cities.
SOLO Hidden Gems of Japan: Ise-Shima Escape
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima Escape
12-day solo journey: Tokyo, Nagoya, Kashikojima. Travel independently with pre-booked hotels, trains, and 24/7 support.
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9 tours