Mikimoto Pearl Island and Meoto Iwa (Husband and Wife Rocks)

Day Trip from Osaka
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Mikimoto Pearl Island There are a couple of exhibitions which showcase the cultivation process, the history of the island and exquisite pieces made up of that precious creamy coloured non-symmetric rough circle. The exhibitions are pretty comprehensive with english explanation. Shopperholics listen up, you can snap up tax free jewelery at the Pearl Gift Shop there. Happy Shopping!





Do not miss the Ama 海女 (women divers) demo. Do ask the attendant at the ticket counter for the timing of the show. This task is highly admirable as they dive without an oxygen tank and in all weather. Clad in white attire they dive down to fish for shellfish. And the only form of safety precaution is a rope connected to a bobbing wooden tub to contain their catch. In the past, women turned to diving to supplement their family income when their husbands were away. These women reminded me of the Samsui Women and the Amahs who immigrated to Singapore to support themselves and their families in China. They are all heroes in their own professions







There are many shops along the way to the Pearl Island serving fresh sashimi or grilled ocean catch(abalone,clams etc). Feast on these gems from the sea as the wind sweeps your hair into a mess. The freshness is worth the "bad hair day"!

Budget for 2 hours at Futaminoura.

Getting There:
1)JR Line from Osaka->Nagoya(55 mins)
2)Nagoya->Tsu Station(58 min)
3)Tsu Station->Taki Station
4)Taki Station->Futaminoura Station
5)Futaminoura Station->Toba Station
5)Walk from the Station to the Pearl Island

After Mikimoto Pearl Island, another spot to visit is Meoto Iwa(Husband and Wife Rocks) There are many inns along the way to the rocks, therefore during summer(May-July) do consider staying at one of the inns. Catch a priceless picture of a sunrise/sunset at the backdrop of the rocks and an added bonus might be the sight of Mount Fuji on a clear day! If you happen to be there on May 5, September 5, and mid-December do catch the ceremonial rope replacement celebration. Anyway with or without the sunset/sunrise, the rocks make a picture perfect backdrop, whether you are there as an individual or with your friends or family or partner! Visit Futami Okitama-jinja Shrine beside the rocks





A Suggestion for Food & Rest -
Iwato Kan is a ryokan that is located by the beach on Sando Street. The highlight of the ryokan is the inn’s bath which contains salt. Have a nutritious set lunch which consists of a home-made soy milk dish with other sides. Also available is oyster with sweet miso and wild vegetables tempura served with salt.

Getting there:
1)Toba Station->Futaminoura Station
2)20mins on foot from JR Futaminoura station.

If you have extra time you might want to visit -
Ise Shrine

Or stop at JR Kyoto Station for Green Tea Ice Cream

Iga Ueno - Ninja Museum, Iga Beef, Iga Ueno Castle

Day Trip from Osaka

In the West, Ninja Turtles is a cartoon which features turtles who fight against evil. In Japan, according to historical records there were Ninjas. This covert group is none other than nimble secret agents who are clad in black and trained in battle tactics to assassinate their enemies(The Samurai Clan).

There is a mysterious aura surrounding this group and a thin line between fact and fiction. The Ninjas are rumoured to have extraordinary magical skills which include art of concealment, walking on water and control over natural elements. Also the origins of the Ninja are highly debatable! *Japanese folklore states that the Ninja descended from a demon that was half man and half crow. Whether you believe the story or not, I am sure these invincible creatures will delight the whole family as you spend a day roaming around Iga Ueno - Ninja Town!
*I extracted the Origin from here

At Ueno-Shi Station
They even have Ninja Trains -






Ninja figurings around Town






Since you are there, you might want to visit
(1) Iga Ueno Castle & Ueno Park(it has same name as the park in Tokyo) - It is the tallest castle in Japan and seats atop walls which are 30m high! One thing which I love about castle is that it gives you a 365 deg view of the landscape below.



I have been to about 8-10 castles in Japan. But this was the first time I caught sight of paintings on the ceiling of the top deck inside the castle. Perhaps I am not observant enough!


(2) Iga-ryū Ninja Museum

The Ninja Museum is highly entertaining with a demonstration of the agility of the Ninja in a mini mock up of a Ninja's House: Think Trap Doors, Hidden Passages & Secret Compartments - it sounds like a scene out of a spy movie! It is quite interesting seeing live action even though the whole show is narrated in Japanese. And trust me to pull off the stunts ain't as easy as it looks! You need to be swift footed and quick minded while wearing an 4-5kg armor! - I doubt I can qualify as a Ninja! The museum in highly informative with a couple of hands on sections, which give you the opportunity to role play as a Ninja. Do visit the other museums around town.







Most of us have heard of Kobe Beef, but do you know that the Iga region is also famous for Beef? There are many Beef Shops featured on the tourist guide(you can pick up a copy at the JR Station) I had Sukiyaki at this shop which is near to the train station and recommended by a local. The meat was heavenly!


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Enjoy Yourselves!

Getting There -
1) Take the JR Line from Osaka to Kizu
2) Take the JR Kansai Line from Kizu to Kamo
3) Continue along the JR Kansai Line from Kamo to Iga-Ueno
4) Take the Iga Tetsudo Iga Line from Iga-Ueno to Ueno-shi

Getting around Town - On Foot