How to get here
Getting to Toba is easy by taking the Shinkansen to Nagoya and transferring to the JR or Kintetsu lines. The Kintetsu Limited Express also offers a direct, comfortable route from Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto.
2h
approx.
Osaka ~ Toba
Kintetsu Limited Express
2h
approx.
Nagoya ~ Toba
Kintetsu Limited Express
2.5h
approx.
Kyoto ~ Toba
Kintetsu Limited Express
The basics
Everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Toba—useful tips for before and during your stay. Find practical information and guidance here to help you make the most of your visit.
FAQ's
What to know about Toba
Toba Visitor Services
Find the perfect accommodation
Toba offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious seaside resorts with natural hot springs to traditional ryokan inns and family-run guesthouses. Many places feature ocean views and fresh local seafood, letting you experience the best of coastal Japan.
Japanese Ryokan
Japanese Modern
Luxury Ryokan
Private Villas
Getting around
Arriving in Toba is seamless via the JR Sangu Line or the Kintetsu Railway. Toba Station serves as the central hub, connecting you to Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto in under two hours. Once you arrive, the station’s strategic location puts major attractions like Mikimoto Pearl Island and the Toba Aquarium just a short, scenic walk away.
To truly experience Toba, you must take to the water. From the Toba Marine Terminal, sleek municipal liners whisk travelers away to the four inhabited islands: Toshijima, Kamishima, Sugashima, and Sakatejima. For those traveling further, the Ise-wan Ferry provides a majestic 55-minute shortcut across the bay to the Atsumi Peninsula in Aichi.
The colorful CAN Bus is the ultimate tourist loop, linking Toba’s top sights with the historic Ise Jingu shrines. For a deeper dive into the coastline, hop on the local Kamome "Seagull” Bus. It winds through sleepy fishing villages and rugged cliffside roads, offering a front-row seat to the breathtaking scenery of the Ise-Shima National Park.
For maximum comfort and flexibility, Toba’s local taxis are at your service. Whether you need a quick lift to a secluded ryokan, professional drivers ensure you reach your destination safely. Taxis are typically available at Toba station but availability can vary depending on the time of day.
Feel the salt air on your face by exploring Toba on two wheels. Rental stations near the terminal offer both standard bicycles and power-assisted E-bikes—perfect for conquering the rolling coastal hills. It’s the most intimate way to discover hidden shrines and quiet harbor views at your own pace.
Links below:
Toba Station Hello Cycling Nakanogo Station Hello Cycling Toshi Island Hello Cycling
Many of Toba’s treasures are best discovered one step at a time. The Kamome boardwalk offers a beautifull wooden path for a sunset stroll, while the narrow, winding lanes reveal the rich history of the old town. Lace up your walking shoes and let the city’s quiet details surprise you.
Need a car?
With both of Toba's car rental services situated just steps from the station exits, you can transition from the train to the driver's seat in minutes. This flexibility allows you to trade the bus schedules for the open road, making it simple to cruise the Pearl Road and visit the coastal communities.
