The Birthplace of Cultured Pearls

Kokichi Mikimoto's Pearl Island in Toba

Cathy Cawood Jun 20, 2015 - 1분 읽은 시간

<p>View of Mikimoto Pearl Island from nearby</p>

<p>A manicured pine beside the island's sign</p>

<p>Visitors walk along this road to approach the museum</p>

<p>Floats for oyster nets can be seen on the water around the island</p>

<p>Ama diving displays are viewed from this structure</p>

<p>A dry garden of raked sand surrounds a stone as round as a pearl</p>

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.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...