Riding the island breeze, exploring the legend of pearls: a fantastic journey in Mie Toba and Shima
In Mie Prefecture, Japan, the grandeur of Ise Grand Shrine and the delicacy of Matsusaka beef are widely known. However, for travelers seeking a deeper experience, the azure coastline of the Shima Peninsula offers a magical journey that combines state-of-the-art railways, dazzling craftsmanship, and a vibrant marine ecosystem. This time, our family decided to deviate from the traditional route and embark on a dreamy sightseeing train ride, first playing with the ocean's wisest spirits, then delving into the dazzling kingdom created by the King of Pearls. This was more than just a family trip; it was a journey of discovery, from the joys of childhood to eternal glory.
Chapter 1: A Moving Palace—Kintetsu Sightseeing Limited Express "Shimakaze"
The journey began with an extraordinary train. As we saw the Kintetsu Sightseeing Limited Express "Shimakaze" ("Island Wind") on the platform, we were filled with excitement at the prospect of embarking on a magnificent journey. Its futuristic, streamlined front, accented by a blue that symbolizes the sky and sea of Shima, and a white body that represents pearls and waves, felt like a breeze from Ise-Shima, gently sweeping us away into a beautiful dream.
The children gazed up at this spaceship-like train, their eyes sparkling with pure joy. The very existence of the Shimakaze is a magnificent spectacle. Stepping inside, we were greeted by a sense of luxury and comfort. The spacious individual leather seats not only offer a wraparound feel comparable to a high-end sofa, but also feature a built-in electric massage function, allowing for the most relaxed viewing experience. The vast picture windows stretching from the seats to the roof transform the scenery along the way into an endless, flowing scroll, bringing us virtually into close contact with the world outside.
The train started smoothly, with no perceptible jolt. In the double-decker café car, we ordered snacks and drinks from local specialties and enjoyed service comparable to that of a high-end hotel. Gazing out at the vast vista of the Ise Plain, time passed with a leisurely, slow pace. This train journey elevated the very act of moving into an exquisite sensory experience, creating the perfect prelude to the explorations to come.
Chapter 2: The Invitation of the Sea Dragon King—Toba Bay and the Ryugu Boat
When the Shimakaze arrived at Kashikojima Station, we officially entered the heart of the Shima Peninsula. Embracing boundless anticipation for the ocean, we arrived at Toba Port, ready to board a sightseeing boat for an island-hopping adventure. The waters of Toba Bay were as calm as a mirror, and the scattered green islands and rows of pearl-farming rafts formed a tranquil and beautiful landscape.
Guiding our journey to joy was the uniquely shaped "Ryugu Boat." Its design was inspired by the "Ryugu Castle," the underwater palace of the Dragon King in the Japanese fairy tale "Urashin Taro," and its vibrant colors evoked a childlike charm. With the blast of the whistle, the Ryugu Boat slowly departed the harbor, and riding the sea breeze, we sailed towards our first destination, the children's most anticipated playground: "Dolphin Island." Chapter 3: Happy Times with Ocean Spirits—Dolphin Island
After a short but enjoyable voyage, we arrived at this island, enveloped in laughter and joy. Compared to Pearl Island, where we would later travel, the atmosphere on Dolphin Island was more lively, pure, and brimming with natural vitality. It was a veritable marine animal paradise, and the purpose of our trip was to have an intimate encounter with these most intelligent creatures of the ocean.
The island's dolphin show theater was packed. Accompanied by lively music, several clever bottlenose dolphins, guided by their trainers, leaped from the water with all their might, carving graceful arcs in the air, drawing gasps of delight from the audience. They headed balls, swung hula hoops, and displayed amazing intelligence and chemistry. The most spectacular high-altitude jumps brought the atmosphere to a climax. Watching the child's focused and excited eyes, and his heartfelt cheers as the dolphins leaped from the water, we knew this pure joy would become a shining page in his childhood memories. In addition to the spectacular dolphin show, the adorable sea lions also delighted everyone with their adorable antics. In the island's touch pool, we let our children pet starfish, experiencing the unique texture. Time on Dolphin Island is a celebration of life's vitality, filled with the simplest, most direct joys.
Chapter 4: Sailing to a Brilliant Legend—Mikimoto Pearl Island
After bidding farewell to the lively dolphins, we boarded the sightseeing boat again and sailed to the next island. This time, our destination was a profoundly significant island in Toba Bay, bearing a legend of dreams, perseverance, and brilliance—Mikimoto Pearl Island, the birthplace of cultured pearls.
Setting foot on this island, created by the "Pearl King" Kokichi Mikimoto, the atmosphere shifted from the previous moment's jubilation to a reverent silence. We headed straight for the island's centerpiece, the Pearl Museum, ready to witness these masterpieces that transcend the realm of jewellery. The first thing that captivated us was the museum's treasure, the "Yaguruma." This necklace, which dazzled the world at the 1937 Paris World's Fair, is not only magnificent but also a delicate piece of mechanical art, disassembling and reassembling into 12 different accessories, including hairpins and brooches. Its avant-garde design and exquisite craftsmanship still amaze us today.
Next, we admired several pearl and diamond crowns, some classical and some ornate, each radiating a gentle and noble radiance. Even more astonishing within the museum were the large-scale artifacts. The "Five-Storied Pagoda," crafted entirely of pearls, and the "Liberty Bell," inlaid with over 12,000 pearls—these pieces demonstrate incredible patience and a meticulous pursuit of beauty.
Amidst the dazzling displays, a simple pearl necklace, the "Taisho-ren," captivated us with its sheer quality. It's strung together with 49 giant pearls, each one painstakingly hand-selected by Kokichi Mikimoto over a decade, showcasing the pearl's most pristine and captivating beauty.
Besides admiring these tranquil treasures, we also watched a diving demonstration by traditional Ama women. Watching them plunge into the sea without breathing apparatus, recreating the painstaking process of collecting mother-of-pearl in the past, we gained a deeper understanding of the stories behind each pearl. From the vibrant energy of dolphins to the eternal brilliance of pearls, this island-hopping trip allowed us to experience the dual allure of the ocean, both in motion and stillness.
Conclusion: Returning to Daily Life on the Urban Liner
As the sun gradually set, we concluded a fulfilling day and embarked on our return journey. Our return train was the Kintetsu Urban Liner, another limited express service. Compared to the luxurious and tourist-oriented Shimakaze on our outbound journey, the Urban Liner was more stable and practical, its comfortable seats and smooth ride providing a space for quiet reflection. Closing my eyes, images of the day intertwined in my mind: the thrill of the Shimakaze, the beaming smiles of my children on Dolphin Island, the breathtaking brilliance of the Pearl Museum. This journey began as a moving feast, experiencing the throes of life and its joy, culminating in a quiet contemplation of eternal beauty. Finally, the reliable Urban Liner train, laden with memories and moving moments, safely transported us back to our daily lives.
The trip to Mie Shima was a multifaceted feast for the senses. It taught us that travel can be about more than the pursuit of ultimate luxury, a return to the joys of nature, and a deep exploration of history and craftsmanship. All of this beauty will become a cherished and radiant page in our family photo album. #JapanTravel #Mie #ShimaPeninsula #Toba #Kintetsu #SightseeingExpress #Shimakaze #UrbanLiner #MikimotoPearlIsland #Mikimoto #PearlMuseum #Ama #RyuguShipun #DolphinIsland #Parent-ChildTravel #RailwayTravel #JapanIn-DepthTour