Toba recommended sightseeing spots with Japan's only thing｜Toba Aquarium, Mikimoto Pearl Island, etc.

hello everyone! This is Minami, a student at Takada Junior College Office Work Course.

Speaking of Mie, there are many sightseeing spots.

Among theIn the Toba area, there are many attractions related to the sea, such as the aquarium and Mikimoto Pearl Island.There are several

This time, I will introduce the sightseeing spots in the Toba area that I actually visited.

Minami

Please use it as a reference when sightseeing in Toba!

Toba sightseeing spot introduced this time

①Toba Aquarium　②Toba Castle Ruins　③Mikimoto Pearl Island　④Restaurant Bayside (In Toba Aquarium)　⑤MUSEA General Store & Cafe　⑥ Minerva　⑦ Main shop (in Toba Aquarium)　⑧Toba Marche　⑨Toba 1st Avenue

Toba recommended sightseeing 3 spots

Toba Aquarium

The first place I visited was the Toba Aquarium.

Toba Aquarium1,200 kinds of creatures with the largest number of breeding species in Japanare gathering in large numbers.

It consists of 12 areas divided into various themes such as "Sea of Ise-Shima/Sea of Japan", "Forest of Miracles", and "Strange Creatures Laboratory".

The route around the area is not decided,decide the routeI can go anywhere I want to go.

Catching fish with webbed front legs

At Toba AquariumA fishing cat called "fishing cat" that is the only one in Japan that is raised in an aquarium instead of a zooThere is

Fishing cats are characterized by:Has webbed feet and is good at swimmingplace!

They use their webbed front legs to catch and eat not only fish but also frogs, crayfish, and shellfish.

Minami

It's a cat, but it was much bigger than the cats you often see.

new baby born in julySo, there are 5 fishing cats currently being bred. (As of August 2022)

The public release is scheduled for around September 2022.

Twins were born in February, and now it is open to the public.

I couldn't see it this time, but if I'm luckyeating fishYou can also see

I want to be your friend

lemi (Nestor notatus)

Dugong, the only model of mermaid legend kept in Japan

The dugong Serena, who is the only mermaid legend model in Japan, is bred. Serena's nowNew world record for breeding periodThe company is doing so.

In fact, dugongs do not eat fish, and their main diet is seaweed.

Seaweed is planted in Serena's tank, and you can actually see her eating it.

There is also a section with explanations about dugongs, such as the ecology of dugongs and how they were brought to Toba Aquarium, so please come and have a look.

Popular shows and meal times at Toba Aquarium

Various shows are held at Toba Aquarium.

At sea otter meal time,Popular people of Toba water "Mei" and "Kira"appears.

While performing, they were eating deliciously the food given by the keepers.

Cute appearance such as standing and begging the keeper and doing banzaiyou can see

In addition, Toba Aquarium's behavioral exhibits and corner events

In the Sea Animal Kingdom area, you can walk through giant tubes in tanks with sea lions and seals! If you go inside the tube during meal time, you can see a powerful meal scene.

There is also a corner where you can interact with various creatures such as fish and octopuses between the strange creature laboratory and the polar sea.

There is a washroom right next to it, so even if you are worried about your hands after touching them, you can experience it without worry! In addition, there is Doctor Fish in the Forest of Miracles.

An event is currently being held, and limited-time creatures are on display in the special exhibition room. Besides that,There is a quiz rally in the museum, and anyone can participate for free by scanning the QR code.I can.

The event runs until September 19th.If you want to participate in the event, please visit Toba Aquarium.

Minami

This time I was only able to stay for 3 hours, but you can be satisfied even if you stay all day!

Toba Castle Ruins

The next place I visited was Toba Castle Ruins.

This time we traveled by car,About 8 minutes on foot from Toba AquariumYou can go by

Kuki Yoshitaka built the castle in 1893, and it has a unique shape in Japan.

Toba Castle was the castle that led the navy, and in the past, it was the only castle that was surrounded by the sea, with the main gate protruding toward the sea.

There were multiple entrances to the climb, but this time I climbed from the Civic Cultural Center side.

The trees provided shade, and when I entered the shade, it was cool and refreshing.

If you go up the stairs next to the parking lot, you will reach Shiroyama Park,A scenic spot overlooking the monument and Toba Bayis. There are also benches where you can take a break while gazing at the superb view.

If you climb further, you will reach the ruins of Honmaru and Tenshu. It used to be the ground of the former Toba Elementary School.

Minami

Currently, the elementary school has moved, and it is not used as a ground. Nothing was built on the main enclosure ruins and castle tower ruins, probably because it was used as a ground.

mikimoto pearl island

Next, we visited Mikimoto Pearl Island.

It is right next to Toba Aquarium, so you can access it on foot like Toba Castle.Can be done.

Floating in Toba Bay,Mikimoto Pearl Island is the first island in the world to successfully cultivate pearls.It is.

On the first floor of the museum,An exhibit where you can learn more about pearlsare lined up a lot. Among them, there is a corner where the guide carefully explains how to make pearls with videos.

The tools used at that time were also lined up, and I understood well what they were using.

In addition, various detailed explanations about pearls are given.

placed in the centerWhen you read the QR code with the information mark, you will be connected to the site where the explained content is written.Can be done.

Minami

It supports a total of 5 countries, so even customers from overseas can understand it.

Also,Experience corner where pearls are sorted by craftsmenI was able to actually experience it.

When I actually tried it, I couldn't do it well like a craftsman, and the speed was quite slow.

Later, when I watched the video of the craftsman sorting again, I was able to learn again how amazing the craftsmen are.

On the second floor, the history of pearl jewelry is divided into the era of natural pearls and the era of cultured pearls.Bracelets and brooches using natural pearls are on displayIt is done.

In cultured pearls,Many arts and crafts such as the Mikimoto Pearl Crown and globes are on display.It was done.

In addition, you can make a strap using freshwater pearls, Swarovski beads, etc., or make an original kaleidoscope.

The souvenirs handled at the Pearl Plaza next to the Pearl Museum are not only pearls,Sweets and cosmetics in the shape of pearl oystersAnd so on.

A large space is taken in the corner of pearl accessories. We have a lot of products,Recommended for those who want to buy pearl accessories by choosing from variousIt is.

Demonstration by female divers wearing old-fashioned white kimono

At Mikimoto Pearl Island, there is also a demonstration by an ama.

When it was time for the demonstration, an ama diver in a traditional white kimono came over and gave a demonstration.

I've dived into the sea many times, and there were times when it didn't come up even after more than a minute had passed since I dived, which made me worry.

In the past, when I was little, I was training to become an ama diver.Some people were able to dive for much longer than 1 minuteYes.

During the demonstration, you can listen to the ama's commentary from the speaker, and actually hear the ``isobue'' that the ama make. (Click here for the performance schedule)

A memorial hall for Kokichi Mikimoto, who built the Japanese pearl industry

This building is the Kokichi Mikimoto Memorial Museum.

He was the first person to succeed in culturing pearls on Mikimoto Pearl Island.Kokichi Mikimotorelated materials are displayed.

BirthplaceThe udon served at "Awako" was Ise udonIt is said that the sample was right in the hall.

You can see the reproduced udon.

In addition, at the Kokichi Mikimoto Memorial Hall, there are exhibits such as a reproduction of the building of Kokichi Mikimoto's birthplace "Awako" and how Kokichi Mikimoto succeeded in culturing pearls.

Various episodes and photos of Kokichi Mikimoto are posted, so you can learn more about what kind of person he was.

3 Recommended Gourmet Restaurants in Toba

Restaurant Bayside (In Toba Aquarium)

Restaurant in Toba Aquariumis one of

Minami

Toba Aquarium has a total of 2 restaurants.

One of them, Bayside, is a cafeteria type restaurant,You can relax and enjoy your meal while looking at Toba Bay.The following is a list of the most common problems with the

here,Ise Udon, a specialty of Iseand ... andIse udon curry using Ise udon, There are various menus such as fried chicken and omelet rice. A children's menu is also available.

MUSEA General Store & Cafe

About 6 minutes on foot from Toba AquariumYou can go by

This is a cafe where you can order on the 1st floor and eat on the 2nd floor. You can also take out on the first floor.

This time we had beef stroganoff and panini.

The beef stroganoff had a strong flavor with the demi-glace beef sauce,The compatibility with bread and rice was very goodIt is.

It contains plenty of meat and is recommended.

The bread was crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

For the panini, you can choose between prosciutto or honey mustard chicken, and this time I went with prosciutto.

The bread contains raw ham and cheese, and the taste is a little strong! Black pepper worked well and it was delicious.

Just the right size for when you're a little hungrywas!

Waffles are also included in the dessert menu, but they're so filling that you'll be satisfied with just the waffles.

The drink menu is full of coffee, frappe, latte, tea, and more, so you can choose according to your mood.

Minami

Paid parking lots around Toba StationIf you are using , your bill will be 10%OFF.

Homemade Gelato Minerva

A handmade gelato shop in Toba Ichibangai.

There are different types of flavors, among whichseasonal flavorsThere is also Choose your favorite flavor andcup or gelato coneYou can choose

By the way, I got Iwata salt this time.

Sweet vanilla with a touch of saltiness for a refreshing tasteAnd it was delicious!

Iwata's salt is used in summer and winter, and it seems that they are particular about changing the salt composition.

Minerva's official websiteonline storeThere is also They also sell limited-time flavors there.

In addition to gelato, there are menus such as soft serve ice cream, affogato, and floats that are limited to stores. In addition, there are many types of drinks available.

Minami

It's perfect for this hot summer, so if you're interested, please try it.

3 recommended souvenir shops in Toba

Main shop (in Toba Aquarium)

There is a shop inside the Toba Aquarium, so you can buy stuffed dugongs, key holders, etc.Products that can only be purchased at Toba AquariumThere are

Of course, there are also various goods related to the previously introduced "Kira and Mei the Sea Otter" for sale!

Also,Sweets and specialty products of Ise-Shimaare also sold.

The entrance is close, so you can walk around the building and buy various things on your way out.

Minami

It is also recommended for those who want to buy souvenirs of Ise-Shima as well as Toba Aquarium.

Toba Marche

Toba Marcheis a direct market that sells seafood caught in Toba and agricultural products produced in Toba.

in the storeBuffet restaurant with local cuisineThere are

There are some ingredients that are unfamiliar, but detailed information on how to cook them is included, so anyone can cook.

in the storeTake-out corner and lunch box using local ingredientsetc., were sold.

at the takeout cornerShark spring rolls, let pearl soft serve, soy sauce soft serveWe also sell unusual products.

There is Sadahama Higashi Park (Dolphin Park) in front of Marche, and there is a place where you can take a footbath on the sea side.

Minami

It's a 2-minute walk from Toba Station, so even those who come by train can go to the store immediately!

Toba First Avenue

On the 1st floor, you can find specialty products of Mie prefecture such as Matsusaka beef, mainly marine products and sweets from Ise-Shima.

Pearl souvenirs are also handled, and besides pearl accessoriesCosmetics and sweets with pearl powderAnd so on.

On the 2nd floor, there is a place where you can make a request to the three goddesses of Toba who can fulfill the wishes of women in Toba.

The goddesses of the three pillars are enshrined in separate shrines in Toba City, and are popular as a power spot to boost femininity.

If you can go to a shrine, please go there and experience the divine virtues.

And the 3rd floor is an observation spot with a superb view overlooking Ise Bay.

Minami

Toba Ichibangai has a direct passage from Toba Station, so even those who come by train can easily go there.

Extra edition

Toba Marine Terminal

Toba Marine Terminal opened in 2011 as a gateway to the sea in the Ise-Shima area.

Not only does it serve as a terminal for municipal liners, but at night, the exterior of the facility lights up, creating an illumination that resembles a pearl necklace.

From October 3, 2022 to October 31, 2022, at Toba Marine Terminal Exchange HallSugashima lighthouse panel exhibition selected as one of the 50 best lighthouses in Japanis being held.

Sugashima Lighthouse is located in Toba City.The oldest active brick lighthouseIt is a lighthouse with such a long history that it is said that Takamori Saigo attended the completion ceremony when it first lit up in 1873.

Minami

Be sure to check out the information about Toba in autumn, where events are held almost every week!

Toba sightseeing spot introduced this time

①Toba Aquarium　②Toba Castle Ruins　③Mikimoto Pearl Island　④Restaurant Bayside (In Toba Aquarium)　⑤MUSEA General Store & Cafe　⑥ Minerva　⑦ Main shop (in Toba Aquarium)　⑧Toba Marche　⑨Toba 1st Avenue

Summary｜Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Toba

What did you think!

This time, we visited sightseeing spots near Toba station.

almost everywhereClose to Toba Station or Nakanogo Station, even if you come from afar, you can easily visit without renting a car.

If you are planning to visit Toba, please use it as a reference!