Mie · Permanent cultural facility
Mikimoto Pearl Island
On a small island in Toba, pearl cultivation meets the human skill behind it. Explore how pearls form, see historic jewellery, then watch an ama-diving demonstration that recalls the work of local sea divers.
What to see
- On the Pearl Museum’s first floor, follow pearl formation and cultivation from the oyster to harvest and distribution.
- Compare antique jewellery and Mikimoto creations on the second floor.
- Watch an ama-diving demonstration from the waterfront viewing area, and visit the memorial hall devoted to Kokichi Mikimoto.
JR / Kintetsu Toba Station → your visit
- About a 5-minute walk from Toba Station. Address: 1-7-1 Toba, Toba, Mie.
Closures & important conditions
Normally open year-round except for three days beginning on the second Tuesday of December. The English business page explicitly dates the 2026 closure to December 8–10. Published New Year hours cover January 1–5, 2027 as above. Weather can cause changes.
- Ama demonstrations are scheduled in winter too, but strong wind, lightning or other bad weather may shorten or cancel them. Visitors watch the divers; this is not a visitor diving activity.
- Island admission is required even if you only want to visit the shops.
Plan your visit
Checked: 2026-11-06 · a facility guide, not a dated festival listing
Hours & admission arrangements
Through November 26, 2026: 09:00–17:00. November 27–December 22: 09:00–16:30. December 23–31: 09:00–17:00. January 1–5, 2027: 09:00–17:30. January 6–March 18: 09:00–17:00. Ticket sales close 60 minutes before closing.
Advance-ticket links are available on the official page. Groups must book ahead to obtain group rates. The advance-ticket section states that purchased tickets are non-refundable; check the conditions of your chosen seller before buying.
- Admission: adults ¥1,650; elementary and junior-high pupils ¥820, including tax. Includes the Pearl Museum, ama demonstration and memorial hall.
- The Japanese official FAQ suggests about 1–1½ hours, while the English FAQ suggests 1½–2 hours. Allow enough time for your chosen ama demonstration.
- Ama demonstrations are normally at 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30 and 16:30. On 16:30-closing days, the final demonstration is at 15:30.
- Mie’s official visitor information lists loan wheelchairs, accessible toilets, ramps and a wheelchair lift. Ask ahead about the route and assistance you need.
- English visitor information is available on the official website.
What still needs checking
- Confirm preschool prices and cases where a child’s school grade differs from the English page’s ages 6–15 band. The language of live guides or demonstration commentary is unverified.
Official sources & photographs
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Access to individual areas, exhibits and activities can vary by day.
Photo pending · View official photos ↗