Mikimoto Pearl Island

Opposite the aquarium, a pedestrian bridge leads to Mikimoto Pearl Island, where Toba’s industrial history is told through the story of a pearl. In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto succeeded in cultivating hemispherical pearls in the area; the island opened to the public in 1951 and turned that milestone into a museum and heritage visit. This is not simply a jewellery shop: it explains pearl cultivation, craftsmanship and the life of the entrepreneur who popularised cultured pearls.

Admission includes the Pearl Museum, the memorial hall dedicated to Mikimoto and an ama-diver demonstration, whose times are listed separately and depend on that day’s schedule. Displays cover jewellery, historical objects and stages of cultivation; paths across the island open to views of the bay. There is also a shop and restaurant, so the stop can last well over an hour if you follow the exhibits and wait for a demonstration.

Visitor reviews often appreciate how the exhibits explain pearl cultivation and Mikimoto’s life, alongside the ama demonstration and coastal setting. Some consider the admission expensive if they only visit the shop; others say the museum and personal history exceeded their expectations. It is best approached as a full museum visit: check the demonstration timetable and allow time for the exhibits rather than arriving only to shop.

Adult admission is ¥1,650 and includes the listed exhibits and demonstration. Hours vary by season; from 13 October to 26 November 2026, the official schedule lists 9 am–5 pm, with ticket sales ending one hour before closing, and a three-day closure beginning on the second Tuesday in December. The island is a five-minute walk from Toba Station. A joint ticket with the aquarium costs ¥4,000 per adult and is valid for one month, useful if you split the two visits across separate days.