A Deep Dive into Toba’s History: Our Local Museums

By Christopher Douglas

Local in Toba

To really get Toba, you have to understand the people who have lived alongside this ocean for centuries. While the views are what bring people here, the museums are what tell the actual story of the town. Here are the spots I think are worth a visit if you want to look below the surface.

The Big Picture: Maritime Culture

Toba Sea-folk Museum Exhibitions

For the most in-depth look at our history, the Toba Sea-folk Museum is the place to go. It is a massive complex with over 60,000 items on display, covering everything from traditional wooden boats to the tools used by generations of fishermen and Ama divers. It is an award-winning space that feels like a journey through time.

Osatsu Ama Culture Museum

If you find yourself in the Osatsu area later, you can also stop by the Ama Culture Museum. It is a much smaller information center, but it’s a nice, quick way to see some local artifacts from the diving community in that specific village.

Mikimoto Pearl Island Antique Jewellery

Pearls and Mystery

No trip to Toba is complete without visiting Mikimoto Pearl Island. The museum there tells the fascinating story of Kokichi Mikimoto, the man who first succeeded in culturing pearls right here in our bay.

Rampo Museum in Toba

If you’re looking for something a bit more atmospheric, check out the Edogawa Rampo Museum. Rampo was a pioneer of Japanese mystery and thriller fiction who spent time living in Toba, and the museum captures the eerie, creative spirit of his work perfectly.

The "Living" Museum

I always tell people to think of the Toba Aquarium as a bonus museum. It is one of the largest in Japan and is home to the only dugong in the country. It’s a great way to see the actual marine life that has shaped our local culture and industry for so long.