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Toba

A harbour town on Toba Bay in Ise-Shima National Park, known for pearls, ama divers, an aquarium and seafood.

Character
Toba sits on the Pacific coast in Ise-Shima National Park. Mikimoto Pearl Island and Toba Aquarium are a short walk from Toba Station, and Ise is about 15 minutes away by train. Seven hot spring areas along the coast make up Toba Onsen-go, and seafood such as Ise-ebi lobster, abalone and oysters is a main draw.
Why it stands out
Toshijima, about 25 minutes by boat from Toba port, shows daily life in a traditional fishing village. Winter, the oyster season, is also a good time for hot springs.
Getting there
From Nagoya, JR or Kintetsu limited express trains take about 1.5 hours to Toba Station. From Osaka, the Kintetsu limited express takes about 2.5 hours, and Kintetsu also runs direct trains from Kyoto. From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Nagoya (about 1 hour 40 minutes) and change. Nearest airport: Chubu Centrair, then a high-speed boat to Tsu (about 45 minutes), a bus and a limited express train.
Seasons
Spring brings cherry blossoms around Ise Jingu. From May to July the sun rises over Meoto-iwa, and summer is the season for the ama divers' abalone, marine sports and cruises. Autumn leaves colour Ise Jingu. Winter is the season for Ise-ebi, oysters and pufferfish, with all-you-can-eat oyster meals in Toba's Urashima area from December to March.
Watch-outs
Trains from Nagoya, Osaka and Kyoto are direct, but sights on the wider peninsula are spread out, so a rental car can be easier. Mikimoto Pearl Island closes for three days in December.
Neighbourhoods
Toba Station bayfront: Mikimoto Pearl Island, Toba Aquarium and pearl shops within a short walk of the station. / Pearl Road coast: Prefectural Route 128, from Ohama in the north to Osatsu in the south, along which the Toba Onsen-go hot spring areas lie. / Toshijima: Fishing island about 25 minutes by boat from Toba port.
Nearby
Toba Aquarium / Mikimoto Pearl Island / Ise Jingu / Meoto-iwa (Wedded Rocks) / Toshijima / Toba Onsen-go day spas

Toba condotels and hotel condos for sale

A condotel (hotel condominium) is a hotel room you own outright, which the hotel rents to guests when you are not using it. These are the Toba buildings and resort clubs this site tracks, with their current asking prices.

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