By Mio Ieda Local in Toba In the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan), the ancient sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami praised the Ise-Shima region as Umashi Kuni—literally, "a land of beautiful and delicious bounty." Blessed with riches from both the mountains and the sea, Toba remains a sanctuary for food lovers. From the prestigious Ise Lobster to the comforting, soul-warming Ise Udon, here is our curated list of must-try dishes in downtown Toba. Find your favorite and taste th

By Toshio Hanatani Local in Toba "Uramura Oyster Ajillo Salad Sandwich" set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Officially known as Prefectural Route 128, the "Pearl Road" is a breathtaking 24-kilometer stretch connecting the mouth of Namura Bay in Toba to Ugata in Shima. This winding route traces the jagged rias coastline, offering dramatic elevation changes and sweeping curves that are a dream for driving enthusiasts. The most captivating segment lies in the 10 kilo

By Orie Iwasaki Local in Toba The mountains of Ise-Shima National Park surrounding Toba are characterized by their accessible, low-altitude peaks. Here, a "luxury" experience is woven into daily life: standing on a summit within a short climb to claim a breathtaking, private view of the rugged rias coastline. When you feel the urge to move your body and reconnect with nature, why not set out on a "mini-hike" easily enjoyed with family and friends? Editor’s Highlights Perfect

By Toshio Hanatani Local in Toba The Unexpected Side of the Man Who Created the "Sea of Pearls" and Loved the Mountains The entrance to the Kokichi Mikimoto Memorial Hall on Mikimoto Pearl Island Kokichi Mikimoto, a native of Toba, is widely known as the "Pearl King" who succeeded in the world's first pearl cultivation and marketed them globally. Even past the age of 90, he remained remarkably energetic, surprising those around him, and in the latter half of his life, he was

By Toshio Hanatani Local in Toba Fishing Gear Gathered with Memories: A Powerful Exhibition Space Mai Ishihara. In the background: exhibition hall on the left, storage facility on the right. The Toba Sea-Folk Museum (hereafter referred to as "Umihaku") houses approximately 60,000 items of folklore materials related to the sea. Its activities extend far beyond merely collecting and displaying artifacts; the museum has garnered attention for a diverse range of topics, including

By Orie Iwasaki Local in Toba From Shell to Soil: The Story of the "Oyster Cycle" Nurturing the Sea and Land Embraced by a beautiful coastline, "Uramura" is Japan’s premier sanctuary for oysters. When winter arrives, savory, fragrant smoke rises from the "Grilled Oyster Shacks" lining the shore. While Uramura produces a vast quantity of oysters, managing the leftover shells was once a significant challenge. Today, thanks to the establishment of the Oyster Shell Processing Cen

By Mio Ieda Local in Toba Experiencing the Life of Fishermen and Ama in the Fishing Village of Osatsu In Osatsu, Toba City—a town where fishing remains the primary industry and home to many active fishermen and Ama (traditional skin divers)—ancient customs and traditions praying for maritime safety and abundant catches are still woven into daily life. Furthermore, these fishermen and Ama are incredibly hardworking, often juggling multiple roles such as tending to fields, runn

By Orie Iwasaki Local in Toba In Toba, winter usually brings mild, sunny days. While it doesn’t snow, the air turns crisp and sharp, and the ocean begins to sparkle with an even deeper shade of blue. While the bustling summer season is popular with tourists, for those of us who live here, winter is the most "luxurious season" of the year. This is because Toba in winter is packed with blissful gourmet experiences and soul-cleansing sacred traditions that can only be enjoyed at

By Mio Ieda Local in Toba Did you know that Toba is the birthplace of the world’s first cultivated pearls? The technology was invented by Kokichi Mikimoto, who was born and raised right here in Toba City. This is the inspiring story of how these breathtakingly beautiful gems came to be. A Life Dedicated to Pearl Cultivation and Regional Prosperity Kokichi Mikimoto was born in 1858 as the eldest son of a local udon shop owner in Toba. At age 20, he traveled to Tokyo to broaden

By Toshio Hanatani Local in Toba Sweet and Creamy: The Gift of Forest Waters and the Soul of Toba’s Oyster Farmers Fresh raw oysters brimming with the nutrients of the sea Moshio Bay produces approximately 2,000 tons of oysters annually—accounting for two-thirds of Mie Prefecture's total production. Their flavor is hailed as "sweet and creamy." But why do oysters thrive so exceptionally well here in Toba? We interviewed local producers to uncover the secret behind this world-

By Orie Iwasaki Local in Toba Winter in Uramura: Oyster Season is Here! Time to gather around the grill for this year’s "Shell Oysters." When the calendar turns to November, people in Toba start getting restless. Local oysters begin appearing in the seafood sections of supermarkets, and social media buzzes with info on which oyster huts are opening when. This is how winter begins for us. Uramura is a special place within Toba. The countless rafts floating in the intricate Ohn

By Mio Ieda Local in Toba A great souvenir is more than just an object; it’s a way to share your travel stories with family and friends, or a treat to help you relive the journey yourself. In Toba, you’ll find unique flavors and scents that make your memories even more vivid. Here are our top recommendations for authentic Toba souvenirs. Shell Leine: A Pastry Infused with the Spirit of Pearls Toba is the birthplace of cultivated pearls, and our first recommendation is a madel

By Mio Ieda Local in Toba After wandering the charming streets of Toba, there’s nothing better than finding a cozy spot to rest your feet. We’ve selected three fantastic cafes where you can relax with a specialty drink or a sweet treat. Whether you're reflecting on your journey or planning your next stop, these welcoming spots are well-accustomed to hosting international visitors, ensuring a stress-free and delightful break. MUSEA: Home-Roasted Coffee and Hearty Fare Located

By Toshio Hanatani Local in Toba Toba Castle ruins surrounded by cherry blossoms in full bloom. From the 16th century, the bays stretching from Toba to Shima were the stomping grounds of fierce pirate clans competing for supremacy. Rising from these ranks was Kuki Yoshitaka, a brilliant leader who eventually became a legendary naval commander and built Toba Castle. It was a "Sea Castle," surrounded by water on all four sides, designed so that ships could sail directly into th

By Mio Ieda Local in Toba For many travelers visiting Toba, Toba Aquarium is their primary destination. Boasting the largest number of species in Japan, this aquarium does more than just display marine life; it is deeply committed to scientific research, as well as the breeding and conservation of endangered species. We visited to meet the cute, mysterious, and fascinating creatures that call this place home! Home to 1,200 Species! Japan’s Top Aquarium for Diversity The story

By Motomi Nakamura Local in Toba The festival happi coats symbolize the strong, invisible bonds of the island community. As you wander through the island of Toshi-jima, you will notice the "Maruhachi" mark (a circle with the character for 'eight') inscribed on the doorways of many homes. Alongside this visual charm, you will discover another invisible "pillar" that supports the community: the Neyako system , a designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Toba City. A Neve

By Orie Iwasaki Local in Toba Toba City in Mie Prefecture is blessed with abundant marine resources provided by its intricate ria coastline. Here, the concept of "sustainability"—a goal modern society is only now striving to define—has been woven into daily life and spiritual beliefs for over 2,000 years. Centered around two pillars—the Ise Jingu Grand Shrine (the spiritual home of the Japanese people) and the Ama (traditional skin divers), we explore the circular systems tha

By Motomi Nakamura Local in Toba Jinji: A Wild and Majestic Festival Rooted in the Deep Faith of the Islanders Cleansing the sacred path with seawater on the ascent to the shrine. The Annual Grand Festival of Hachiman Shrine in the Toshi district—known to locals simply as "Jinji"—is the island's most significant event. Held from the 17th to the 19th day of the first month of the lunar calendar (currently the closest weekend), it is a powerful celebration to pray for bountiful

By Doryan Blanchet Local in Toba In Toba, spirituality often appears where you least expect it. A quiet path along a forest stream, a mountain temple overlooking the sea, or a small shrine tucked inside a fishing village — each offers a different way to pause and reconnect with the surrounding landscape. Exploring these places reveals another side of the city, one shaped not only by the ocean and local traditions, but also by moments of reflection. Whether through purificatio

By Doryan Blanchet Local in Toba Many visitors come to the Ise-Shima region with one destination in mind: Ise Grand Shrine, one of the most sacred sites in Shinto. The shrine complex is home to the sacred mirror, one of the three imperial regalia of Japan. But after experiencing its forests and quiet rituals, the journey doesn’t have to end there. Just a short trip away, the seaside town of Toba offers the perfect continuation — shifting the day from spiritual reflection to c