Mikimoto Pearl Island, just offshore in Toba, was where Kokichi Mikimoto first invented his process to culture pearls. Later he turned the island into a showpiece that has seen many famous visitors from all over the world. It includes a museum of pearl culturing, an exhibition of antique jewelry featuring pearls, a jewelry store, book store and skin care store, and Ama diving displays. The well manicured grounds also make it a pleasant place to stroll around and enjoy the sea views.
- 1 min read
The Birthplace of Cultured Pearls
Kokichi Mikimoto's Pearl Island in Toba
![Cathy Cawood Cathy Cawood](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/1713/240x240!/61d020bdef751f611f5e3c02.jpg)
By Cathy Cawood
Community writer
![Statue of Kokichi Mikimoto](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/19879-112980/1000/mie-the-birthplace-of-cultured-pearls-112980.jpg)
Statue of Kokichi Mikimoto
![View of Mikimoto Pearl Island from nearby](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/19879-112986/1000/mie-the-birthplace-of-cultured-pearls-112986.jpg)
View of Mikimoto Pearl Island from nearby
![A manicured pine beside the island's sign](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/19879-112985/1000/mie-the-birthplace-of-cultured-pearls-112985.jpg)
A manicured pine beside the island's sign
![Visitors walk along this road to approach the museum](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/19879-112978/1000/mie-the-birthplace-of-cultured-pearls-112978.jpg)
Visitors walk along this road to approach the museum
![The Pearl Museum building](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/19879-112979/1000/mie-the-birthplace-of-cultured-pearls-112979.jpg)
The Pearl Museum building
![View from the island](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/19879-112981/1000/mie-the-birthplace-of-cultured-pearls-112981.jpg)
View from the island
![Floats for oyster nets can be seen on the water around the island](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/19879-112987/1000/mie-the-birthplace-of-cultured-pearls-112987.jpg)
Floats for oyster nets can be seen on the water around the island
![Ama diving displays are viewed from this structure](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/19879-112982/1000/mie-the-birthplace-of-cultured-pearls-112982.jpg)
Ama diving displays are viewed from this structure
![Book shop](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/19879-112983/1000/mie-the-birthplace-of-cultured-pearls-112983.jpg)
Book shop
![A dry garden of raked sand surrounds a stone as round as a pearl](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/19879-112984/1000/mie-the-birthplace-of-cultured-pearls-112984.jpg)
A dry garden of raked sand surrounds a stone as round as a pearl
Join the discussion
Olga
9 years ago
Mikimoto-san combines well with the blue sky and green pines!
1 comment in total
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