In Japan, there is a famous pearl cultivation farm called Mikimoto Pearl Island. Here, you can witness Ama divers performing and also purchase pearls. For those who enjoy shopping in Japan, this attraction comes highly recommended, especially because the products sold here are much cheaper than those in Taiwan.
The entrance ticket here is ¥1500. There is also a package ticket available for ¥2400, which includes a boat ride around Toba Bay and a ticket to Pearl Island.
Additionally, there is a combined ticket with Toba Aquarium for ¥3300. (However, this can only be purchased through a travel agency and is not sold on-site).
Since the entrance is located by the road, you need to cross a pedestrian bridge to reach Pearl Island (a very small island). This is the situation you will see before crossing over. Since we are visiting today, we have raised our national flag.
Here is the reception center for taking a boat to visit Toba Bay.
Just now, I mentioned the empty bridge.
Actually, there are other people cultivating pearls on the shore.
The structure diagram of Pearl Island is that of a small island.
The remaining is the situation on the island.
Kokichi Mikimoto
This is the place to watch the Ama divers performance, where ordinary people can only come and enjoy the show.
Ama Splash Show Viewing Platform
This is a special room, I remember that Japanese people have to pay ¥500 to enter, but foreigners don’t have to, and there is a Chinese audio introduction available.
There is air conditioning, there are chairs to sit on~
Actually, there is also a super VIP room next to it. Because there is some free time before the performance, it is open for us to visit.
The previous situation when the Queen of England visited here.
The situation of the visit by the Emperor of Japan
The Ama are about to start their performance.
First, let me introduce the “Ama”. Currently, this individual is the youngest among the Ama, at just 18 years old…
Not long after exchanging greetings, they jumped into the sea~
The entire performance lasts about 10 minutes.
After watching the performance, it’s time to have some snacks!
Fake Pearls Made of Sugar
Next up is the pearl market.
Currently, the world’s largest pearl, with a diameter of 1.922 centimeters, is priced at ￥35.7 million.
Currently, there are mainly four types of pearls: regular white pearls, golden pearls, black pearls, and pink pearls. Among them, the most expensive type is the pink pearl.
Next, visit the Pearl Museum (right next to the marketplace). Everything you see from here on out is centered around the theme of pearls. This is the Dream Palace.
Globe
Pearl Crown
Five-story Pagoda
In the year 1939, during the World Exposition in the United States, the Liberty Bell was exhibited with the hope of bringing peace. However, it coincided with the outbreak of World War II… XD
After viewing these exquisite pearl crafts, head over to their restaurant, Apo Xing, for a delightful snack. One of their specialties is the fried pearl meat, made from the meat extracted from pearl oysters and then deep-fried. You can enjoy three pieces for ¥500.
I think it tastes really good~ It’s different from the usual deep-fried texture~ It has a bit of a chewy sensation~
Next, some people continue to go on a shopping spree, while I take a look at the cultivation of pearls. This is showcasing various types of shellfish.
I heard that this shell is just 1.922 centimeters in diameter.
The red arrow indicates the location of the pearl.
These are all natural pearls, but they grow rather unattractively.
This is an aerial photograph of the place where pearls are cultivated in the vicinity of Toba Bay.
Model for Cultivating Pearls
Above is the visit situation of Mikimoto Pearl Island~ As for what they sell, it mainly consists of products such as pearl necklaces and rings. If you’re looking for general souvenirs, they also have things like Hello Kitty Ama phone charms and the like~
For more information on transportation, attractions, and food in Mie Prefecture, please refer to the page on the Chubu region of Japan.
Mikimoto Pearl Island (Official Website)
Opening Hours: 8:30~17:30 (Adjusted according to the season, please refer to the official website for details)
Ticket Prices: Adults ￥1650, Elementary and Middle School Students ￥820
Transportation: Get off at the “Toba” station on the Kintetsu Line, and it is about a 5-minute walk to reach the island.
Map:
『Original Source：https://nicklee.tw/1061/』
