Toba, Japan Cruise Port

In the Mie Prefecture, Toba is a city located on the northern half of the Shima Peninsula, facing various islands and the Pacific Ocean. The major surrounding islands are accessible by ferry including Toshijima and Sugashima, two larger more populous islands, as well as Kamishima and Sakatejima, two smaller more remote isles. Toba, which has been continuously inhabited since the Jomon period, was a castle fortress in the 16^th century for the Kuki family and their patriarch, Kuki Yoshitaka, who seized rule of the city from pirates. Many serene beaches stretch out along the coast of the mainland and islands where the water is perfect for swimming, wading, or to simply admire. Mikimoto Pearl Island, a small island in Ise Bay offshore of Toba, is said to be the birthplace of cultured pearl aquaculture, or aquafarming. The Mikimoto Pearl Museum exhibits pearls and pearl crafts for tourists, and also holds shows featuring ama divers.

• Take in the wonders of marine life at the Toba Aquarium. The sites individual zones represent the natural environments for 25,000 creatures in more than 1,000 species.
   
• Learn the secrets to Toba’s fishing traditions and culture at the Toba Sea-Folk Museum. For decades they’ve preserved antique fishing equipment and researched the customs and religions of local fishers past and present.
   
• Visit Ise Bay at the mouth of the Kiso Three Rivers to explore the islands and flora and fauna of the Mie and Aichi Prefectures.
   
• Way atop the Toba Observatory is the perfect place to gaze at the wonderment of the city and the mountains around it. The restaurant is also a great place for traditional and modern Japanese food and sake.