【Stone Hunter IseShima】A Place of Excitement for Discovering Gemstones and the Fascination of Dinosaurs—The Ultimate Adventure Destination in Ise-Shima!

Embark on an Exciting Gemstone Hunting Adventure!

The adventure begins as visitors pass through a dimly lit tunnel leading to the gemstone mine. While searching for precious stones, those who uncover the hidden treasure chest filled with gold coins will achieve ultimate success.

All gemstones found can be taken home. By referring to the “Stone List,” participants can identify different types of gemstones and enhance their experience. A group of up to three people can enjoy this mining experience for ¥2,400, which includes a special stone bag. The mining session lasts for 12 minutes, with the overall experience taking about 30 minutes, making it an easy and accessible adventure.

Next, visitors can explore the River Area, a 40-meter-long water channel where over 40 different types of gemstones are buried in the sand. The challenge is to find these hidden treasures. There are also two hidden “crowns” in the area, and discovering one makes for an unforgettable experience. This 20-minute gemstone hunting activity costs ¥800 per person and is designed to be simple enough for even young children to enjoy.

During winter, the River Area transforms into a unique experience where participants use blacklight to search for glowing fluorite. The thrill of finding these luminescent minerals is extraordinary. In addition to fluorite, over 40 types of gemstones and rare hidden “crowns” await discovery. This special seasonal experience costs ¥800 per person and lasts 20 minutes, making it a quick yet fulfilling adventure.

Experience the World of Toba-Ryu and Dinosaurs

The Dinosaur Mini Museum showcases valuable research on Toba-ryu, a dinosaur discovered in Toba City in July 1996.

Toba-ryu was excavated from a stratum dating back approximately 138 million years (Early Cretaceous period) and was identified as a relative of the massive herbivorous dinosaur Titanosaurus. It is estimated to have measured between 16 and 18 meters in length and weighed between 31 and 32 tons, symbolizing the existence of giant dinosaurs in ancient Asia.

Inside the museum, visitors can learn about the excavation and research process of Toba-ryu, as well as explore various exhibits that bring the world of dinosaurs to life. The museum features a life-sized replica of the claw fossil of the famous carnivorous dinosaur, Tyrannosaurus rex, along with skeletal models that provide an immersive experience into the scale and lifestyle of dinosaurs.

A particularly popular hands-on activity is the Ammonite Fossil Cleaning Experience, where participants carefully remove dirt and sediment to reveal a beautifully preserved ammonite fossil. Each cleaned fossil can be taken home. This unique opportunity to touch and restore a real fossil costs ¥800 per piece, offering a rare glimpse into the ancient world.

The Dinosaur Mini Museum provides a perfect blend of adventure and learning, allowing visitors to feel the wonders of prehistoric Earth.

Enjoy the Beauty of Gemstones Through Hands-On Workshops

Stone Hunter Ise-Shima offers a variety of workshops that allow visitors to fully experience the charm of gemstones and minerals.

First, the Geode Cracking Experience lets participants break open geodes—ordinary-looking stones that contain beautiful crystal formations inside. The word “geode” comes from the Greek word meaning “earth-like,” and these fascinating stones hold natural works of art within them. Using a specialized machine, visitors can split open a geode and witness its dazzling interior. This quick yet mesmerizing experience costs ¥900 per geode and takes about one minute.

Next, the Stone Workshop allows visitors to create personalized accessories from the gemstones they have discovered during their mining adventures. Alternatively, guests can choose from a selection of stones to craft original jewelry. The workshop offers a variety of accessory-making kits, including necklaces, keychains, earrings, and rings, making it easy for anyone to participate. Creating a unique gemstone accessory is a wonderful way to preserve memories of the visit.

Another popular experience is the Gemstone Polishing Workshop (currently on hold until Golden Week 2025). Here, participants use professional-grade polishing machines to transform raw stones into brilliantly smooth gems. Watching a rough stone reveal its luster is a thrilling experience. This hands-on polishing activity costs ¥2,000 (stones sold separately) and takes about 50 minutes. Depending on the stone’s shape, participants can achieve a smooth or mirror-like finish, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience for those eager to try their hand at lapidary craftsmanship.

Capture Shining Memories With Photos and Souvenirs

In addition to gemstone hunting and interactive experiences, Stone Hunter Ise-Shima offers numerous fun attractions throughout the facility.

The facility is home to several photo spots, with the most popular being the massive animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex. Taking a commemorative photo with this fierce predator is sure to make for an unforgettable memory.

The gift shop offers a wide range of stone-related souvenirs, including keychains, necklaces, rings, and charm accessories, allowing visitors to take a piece of their gemstone adventure home. A variety of power stones and birthstone sets are also available, making it easy to find a special keepsake.

For those who wish to continue their gemstone journey at home, the online shop offers unique items such as a Fluorite Octahedron Polishing Kit, which allows users to shape raw fluorite into a finished gemstone. This DIY kit is perfect for those who want to experience the joy of gemstone crafting even after leaving the facility.

Whether it’s through thrilling gemstone hunting, dinosaur encounters, or hands-on workshops, Stone Hunter Ise-Shima offers an exciting and unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages.

Please note that facility details are based on information at the time of publication. For the latest updates, please check the official website.