Welcome to Toba (Toba-shi), a beautiful coastal city in Mie Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its stunning rias coastline and rich maritime heritage. Famous as the home of Mikimoto Pearl Island and traditional Ama divers, Toba offers a unique blend of culture, fresh seafood, and relaxing hot springs. Find the perfect accommodation, from charming ryokans to premium ocean-view resorts, to elevate your travel experience.
Toba Shi Recommended Hotels
Shiojitei
4-stars· Toba Shi, Mie Ken
Shiojitei is a traditional ryokan located within walking distance of Toba Station, just a 15-minute drive from Ise Grand Shrine and Ise-Shima National Park. Featuring hot spring facilities and a garden, it is ideal for family travelers with amenities like kids cutlery and kids meals. The property offers complimentary station pickup service and free parking, with two restaurants serving traditional Japanese cuisine.
4.7/5423
US$261
from
Total US$261 (Incl. taxes)
Toba Hotel International
4.5-stars· Toba Shi, Mie Ken
Toba Hotel International is a 4.5-star luxury hotel located within a 15-minute drive of Ise-Shima National Park and Ise Grand Shrine. Close to major attractions like Mikimoto Pearl Island and Toba Aquarium, it offers complimentary station pickup and access to hot springs at the annex building. With French and Japanese restaurants, spa treatments, and family-friendly facilities, it is ideal for family travelers and leisure guests.
4.6/5784
US$169
from
Total US$169 (Incl. taxes)
Toba View Hotel Hanashinjyu
3-stars· Toba Shi, Mie Ken
Toba View Hotel Hanashinjyu is a 3-star hot spring hotel located within a 15-minute drive of Toba Aquarium. The hotel offers family-friendly amenities including kids facilities, children's cutlery, and a playground, making it ideal for family trips. It provides complimentary train station pickup and free parking, with convenient access to Ise-Shima National Park and Mikimoto Pearl Island.
4.4/518
US$413
from
Total US$413 (Incl. taxes)
Todaya
4-stars· Toba Shi, Mie Ken
Todaya is a 4-star hot spring hotel located in the heart of Toba, Japan, within walking distance of Toba Aquarium and offering complimentary train station pickup. The hotel features hot springs, outdoor pool, sauna, and family-friendly amenities including a children's pool and kids meals. With easy access to attractions like Mikimoto Pearl Island and Married Couple Rocks, it offers Japanese cuisine dining and comprehensive wellness facilities.
4.4/5594
US$261
from
Total US$261 (Incl. taxes)
Resort Hills Toyohama SORA no KAZE
3.5-stars· Toba Shi, Mie Ken
A traditional ryokan located by the ocean in Toba, featuring hot springs and sauna facilities. Conveniently accessible to major attractions like Shima Spain Village and Ise Grand Shrine, with family-friendly amenities including kids meals and family rooms. Free train station pickup and parking available.
4.5/584
US$197
from
Total US$197 (Incl. taxes)
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Toba Saichoraku
3-stars· Toba Shi, Mie Ken
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Toba Saichoraku is a hot spring hotel located by the ocean in Toba, Japan, within a 5-minute drive of Mikimoto Pearl Island and Toba Aquarium. The property features natural hot springs, an indoor pool, sauna, and full-service spa, making it ideal for family travelers. Free parking and WiFi are provided, along with entertainment facilities including an arcade and karaoke.
3.8/555
US$273
from
Total US$273 (Incl. taxes)
Senpokaku
3-stars· Toba Shi, Mie Ken
Senpokaku is a traditional ryokan located in Toba, Japan, just a 2-minute drive from Toba Aquarium, making it ideal for family trips. The property features hot spring facilities, a seasonal outdoor pool, playground, and kids' club. With 85 rooms, 2 restaurants, a bar/lounge, and complimentary parking and train station pickup service, it offers a comfortable stay for families exploring the Toba area.
4.2/5146
US$131
from
Total US$131 (Incl. taxes)
Kinpokan
2.5-stars· Toba Shi, Mie Ken
Kinpokan is a traditional ryokan in Toba, Japan, located within walking distance of Mikimoto Pearl Island and near Toba Station. The property features on-site hot springs and offers family-friendly accommodations. It provides convenient access to Ise-Shima National Park and Ise Grand Shrine, making it ideal for experiencing Japanese traditional culture and nature.
3.7/561
US$110
from
Total US$110 (Incl. taxes)
Wan Wan Paradise Toba
3-stars· Toba Shi, Mie Ken
Wan Wan Paradise Toba is a pet-friendly hotel located by the ocean in Toba, Japan, within a 5-minute drive of Mikimoto Pearl Island and Toba Aquarium. The property features dedicated pet amenities including a dog exercise area and food bowls, along with family rooms and kids meals. Guests can enjoy a seasonal outdoor pool, rooftop terrace, and complimentary train station shuttle service.
4/584
US$92
from
Total US$92 (Incl. taxes)
Sun Urashima Yuki no Sato
3.5-stars· Toba Shi, Mie Ken
A traditional ryokan located in Toba featuring hot springs and family-friendly amenities. Just a 4-minute drive to Sea Folk Museum and 23km from Ise Grand Shrine, ideal for experiencing Japanese traditional culture. Offers free shuttle service from Toba Station with 34 rooms and in-room dining options.
The area around Toba Station is highly recommended for first-time visitors due to its convenient transportation and excellent access to major attractions like the Toba Aquarium. For a quiet atmosphere and beautiful ocean views, choosing the Arashima or Adako areas, which are densely packed with ryokans and resorts along the coast, is a great option.
What are the top attractions in Toba?
The world-class Toba Aquarium and Mikimoto Pearl Island are popular attractions for visitors of all ages. Additionally, experiencing an Ama (traditional female diver) hut, where visitors can learn about the traditional diving culture and taste fresh seafood, is an indispensable activity.
When is the best time to visit Toba?
Spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November), with their warm and clear weather, are the best seasons for enjoying outdoor activities and coastal walks. Winter is also popular among food lovers, as it offers an abundance of seasonal seafood, including fresh oysters.
What is the best way to get around Toba?
Major attractions are clustered around Toba Station, making it easy to travel on foot or by public transportation. Renting a car is recommended for exploring the outlying coastal areas and hidden gems with greater freedom.
What are some must-try foods in Toba?
Fresh Ise ebi (spiny lobster) and grilled abalone, freshly caught from the clean sea, are Toba's most representative specialties. In particular, trying the grilled shellfish cooked by traditional Ama divers and the winter delicacy of oyster dishes is highly recommended for their rich flavors.
What is the most convenient way to travel from the airport to Toba?
When departing from Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya, the fastest option is to take the high-speed airport boat to Tsu Port and then transfer to the Kintetsu Railway. Alternatively, taking the Kintetsu Limited Express train from Nagoya Station provides a convenient, direct ride to Toba Station without any transfers.
Explore 8 popular destinations in Toba worth adding to your itinerary
Mikimoto Pearl Island
0.8km from the city center
The world's first island to successfully culture pearls, where you can visit the Pearl Museum and watch demonstrations by traditional Ama divers.
Toba Aquarium
1.1km from the city center
Boasting the largest number of species in Japan, this aquarium is home to rare dugongs and African manatees.
Toba Sea-Folk Museum
8.5km from the city center
A cultural museum displaying a vast collection of materials on Toba's fishing history and traditional Ama diver culture.
Hachiman-kamado Ama Hut
11.0km from the city center
A place where visitors can vividly experience the lives and culture of traditional Ama divers while enjoying fresh seafood grilled over charcoal by the divers themselves.
Mount Asama Observatory
7.2km from the city center
A scenic viewpoint along the Ise-Shima Skyline offering open panoramic views of Toba Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Shinmei Shrine
13.5km from the city center
A sacred shrine visited by many female worshippers due to the legend that it grants at least one wish for any woman.
Toba Castle Ruins
1.3km from the city center
The site of a castle built by the pirate daimyo Kuki Yoshitaka during the Sengoku period, offering great views of Toba Port and the city center from the hill.
Dolphin Island
1.0km from the city center
Visitors can take a sightseeing cruise around beautiful Toba Bay, stop at Dolphin Island, and enjoy dolphin and sea lion shows.
Toba Annual Weather and Best Time to Visit
January - February2~10°C
It is typical winter weather with clear, dry skies and cold winds.
💡 Packing a thick coat, scarf, and gloves is recommended, and enjoying a warm hot spring bath is highly suggested.
March - April5~18°C
This is a season of gentle spring breezes and beautiful blooming cherry blossoms.
💡 Layering with a light jacket or cardigan suitable for outdoor activities is recommended.
May - June14~25°C
The greenery becomes lush, and from June, the region gradually enters the rainy season, leading to higher humidity.
💡 Carrying a portable umbrella and a light jacket is advised, and visiting an indoor aquarium on rainy days is recommended.
July - August22~31°C
The weather is hot and humid, making it perfect for enjoying vibrant beach activities.
💡 Preparing sunscreen and a hat to protect against strong UV rays is recommended, along with staying hydrated by drinking water frequently.
September - October16~26°C
As the midsummer heat fades, cool breezes blow, making this the best time to travel.
💡 Checking typhoon updates in advance is advised, and preparing a light outer layer for the daily temperature difference between morning and evening is recommended.
November - December6~15°C
Temperatures drop significantly, creating a calm and tranquil winter atmosphere.
💡 Bringing a thick padded jacket or coat is recommended to comfortably enjoy the beautiful night views and light illuminations.