Toba

Japan

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Toba, Japan

The area surrounding Toba has been inhabited for thousands of years, including by pirates. Today, the city is most well known as the birthplace of cultured pearls and is home to the country’s largest number of ama divers — most of which are women and whose job is to collect pearls and seafood. Tour Mikimoto Pearl Island to learn more about this unique trade and to shop for local pearls. Visit local shrines for a glimpse into Japanese culture and traditions or journey into the surrounding landscapes to explore the region’s natural beauty.

What you NEED TO KNOW

  • Port Name & Location
    Toba, Japan
  • Time Zone
    Japan Standard Time
  • Language
    Japanese For thank you, say “arigatou gozaimasu” and “dou itashimashite” is you’re welcome. Hello is “konnichiwa” and for please, say “onegai shimasu.”
  • Currency & Shopping
    Yen Toba is home to a number of shopping malls and specialty shops where you can buy locally-harvested pearl jewelry, handcrafted goods and other souvenirs.
    • Famous For
      Toba is famous for its cultured pearls, its many bay islands and for the entire city being located within the Ise-Shima National Park
    • Important
      There’s no strict dress code for visiting temples and shrines but modest clothing is preferred. Most do require that you remove your shoes, so you may want to have a good pair of socks available to wear while touring the locations.
    • Fun Fact #1
      Known as the birthplace of cultured pearls, Mikimoto Pearl Island features a museum where you can learn about the cultured pearl process and see stunning replicas made from pearls. Ama diving shows are also available for you to watch the practice in action.
    • Fun Fact #2
      Meoto Iwa (the wedding rocks) are a famous natural landmark and shrine. A shimenawa rope connects the pair of sacred rocks, which symbolize the union of marriage.
      • Fun Fact: Foodies
        Savor fresh, locally caught spiny lobsters and clams or other delicious seafood. Or try a local treat that’s been served for hundreds of years — akafuku (red-bean covered pounded rice cake).
      • Fun Fact: Landmarks
        The country’s most sacred shrine, Ise Jingu, is where Amaterasu-Omikami (ancestor of the Imperial family) is enshrined. Though access to the inner shrine is limited, you can tour the pristine grounds that surround the structures.
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