【Toba Onsen-go】A hot spring destination with a perfect combination of the sea, fresh seafood, and hot springs

Find your perfect accommodation from the nine areas

Toba Onsen-go is divided into nine areas: the Toshi Island area, where you can experience the island’s history and warm hospitality; the Ohama area, where you can enjoy the charming streetscape; the bustling Toba area, the gateway to the sea; the Ara Island area, which offers panoramic views of the islands and bays; the Uramura area, famous for oyster farming and home to Japan’s only maritime museum; the Ijika area, a fishing village that was chosen as a filming location for the first Godzilla movie; the Kuzaki area, located at the easternmost point of the Ise-Shima region and known for its abalone legends; the Osatsu area, where you can immerse yourself in the culture of Ama (female divers); and the Adako area, known for its thriving fishing industry and famous for its octopus.

Heal your soul and boost your fortune at energy vortexes 

It is also recommended to visit the energy vortexes or sacred places of Toba while staying in Toba Onsen-go. Mitarashi Shrine, which has in its grounds a mysterious tree called Ryujin-san that looks like a dragon’s face, is known as the god of fertility, marital harmony, maritime safety, and prosperous business. Karaoke Shrine, located along the embankment in front of the scenic Mitsushima Islands, is said to enshrine the god of karaoke, as its name suggests. If you visit and pray, your singing skills might improve!

Isawa Shrine, where one of the Toba Three Goddesses is enshrined, is said to bring good fortune in matchmaking. The shrine is located at the top of a stone-paved path after passing through a torii gate on the coast, but the climb to the approach is somewhat steep. If you make the effort to climb, your wishes might come true.

Why not explore the area around Toba Onsen-go, where you can enjoy hot springs, sightseeing, unique shrines, and which has more spots than you can visit in a day?

Rare tourist spots for pearls and dugongs are in the surrounding area

The area around the Onsen-go is also full of tourist attractions. Toba Aquarium is popular with families and couples. It has the highest number of species in Japan, and it is the only place in the country where you can see dugongs. The aquarium is divided into 12 themes, and one of its main features is that you can view the exhibits freely without worrying about the route. It’s also rare to have so many marine mammals on display, allowing you to encounter creatures that are difficult to find elsewhere.

Mikimoto Pearl Island specializes in the captivating gemstone, pearls, which are especially popular with women. Unlike other gemstones that shine when polished, pearls are beautiful right from the moment they are taken out of the shell. On the island, you’ll find a museum, a memorial hall, a restaurant, and even a stand where you can watch Ama divers perform.

Shinmei Shrine, which enshrines the mother of Emperor Jinmu, Princess Tamayorihime, is another popular spot. It is commonly known as Ishigami-san and has been visited by Ama divers from Ausatsu since ancient times. A unique amulet, made of hemp cloth resembling an Ama diver’s costume and inscribed with characters in royal purple, has a protective charm called a Domanseman talisman. There is also a unique and adorable love fortune slip, which is said to be accurate and which delivers messages from Ishigami-san through the princesses of The Tale of Genji. If you’re a lovelorn maiden, why not give it a try?