Step into the sparkling world of pearls on this guided walking tour in Toba, the birthplace of the world’s first cultured pearls. Your local expert will take you to Mikimoto Pearl Island, where the dream of one man, Kokichi Mikimoto, changed the course of jewelry history forever.

Learn how Mikimoto, born the son of a noodle shop owner in Toba, devoted his life to creating the perfect pearl — enduring decades of trial and failure before succeeding in 1893. As you walk across the elegant Pearl Bridge to the island, feel the spirit of discovery that still lingers in this historic place.

At the Mikimoto Pearl Museum, discover how Japan became the heart of the global pearl industry. Observe fascinating exhibits showing the intricate techniques of pearl cultivation, from selecting the oysters to nurturing and harvesting the pearls. Learn how science, craftsmanship, and patience intertwine to produce the luminous beauty that has captivated people around the world.

Inside the museum’s upper galleries, trace the evolution of pearls from the age of natural discoveries to the dawn of cultured brilliance, and marvel at exquisite jewelry that embodies both art and innovation. Visit the Kokichi Mikimoto Memorial Hall to follow the journey of this visionary entrepreneur, who not only pioneered pearl cultivation but also brought Japanese craftsmanship to international fame.

Through personal artifacts, photographs, and restored documents, gain insight into Mikimoto’s determination and his belief that Japan could contribute beauty to the world. You’ll also witness the traditional ama divers in action — the women who for centuries have braved the ocean to harvest shells by hand, a living symbol of the connection between nature and human endurance.

As the tour concludes near the Pearl Plaza, you will have a deeper appreciation for how one man’s dream transformed Toba into the world’s capital of pearls, and for the timeless allure that continues to make Mikimoto jewelry a global treasure.