'''Toba''' (___H) [http://www.city.toba.mie.jp] is a city in Mie, on the island of Honshu.

Understand

Toba is a popular tourist destination at the southern entrance to Ise Bay. Toba's greatest claim to fame is as the birthplace of cultured pearls.

Toba also has a number of islands nearby which are accessible by ferry. The two larger islands are '''Toshijima''' and '''Sugashima'''. '''Kamishima''' is a smaller, more remote island.

Get in

By plane

[http://www.isewanferry.co.jp/index1.htm Ise-Bay Ferry] operates between Chubu Airport and Toba.

By train

Toba Station is the final station of the Kintetsu Toba and Shima Lines as well as the JR Sangu Line. Most travelers connect at Ise or Shima. 2 hours by limited express kintetsu train from Osaka, 1 hour 35 minutes by limited express Kintetsu train or 1 hour 50 minutes by JR Central's Rapid Service ''Mie'' from Nagoya.

Get around

The '''CAN Bus''' is a service providing unlimited travel around the Ise, Futami, and Toba areas. A 1 day pass is 1000 Yen for adults, 500 Yen for children. A 2 day pass is 1600 Yen and 800 Yen. More information [http://www.kankomie.or.jp/e-info/save1.htm here].

See

  • '''Mikimoto Pearl Island''' [http://www.mikimoto-pearl-museum.co.jp/en/index.html]. Has a museum celebrating the local inventor of the cultured pearl, and demonstrations by Ama (woman pearl divers). English guidance available. Five minutes walk from Toba Station. Open 8:30am - 5:00pm daily. Admission: adults ¥1500.
  • '''Toba Aquarium''' [http://www.aquarium.co.jp] Among the best in Japan. This aquarium houses such animals as dugongs, African manatees, dolphins, and a wide-variety of aquatic life. The admission fee is ¥2400 for adults, and ¥1200 for children.
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