Discover the Birthplace of Pearl Culture in Ise Shima

Enjoy the history and beauty of these gems of nature at their place of origin

The birthplace of cultured pearls can be traced to the sea of Ise Shima, part of Japan's Ise-Shima National Park and the place where the world's first successful pearl farming began. In 1888, the breeding of Akoya oysters, which yielded half-pearls, began in Ago Bay at the southern tip of the peninsula; by 1906, a method to produce round pearls had been developed. This technique spread and has contributed greatly to the growth of the pearl industry worldwide.

Visitors to Pearl Falco in Ise City can learn all about the types of pearls, and the various colors, shapes, and sizes they come in—with no two exactly alike. Find out how pearls are evaluated by their luster, nacre and other factors. You can also shop for pearl jewelry here, or even make your own in a hands-on workshop. Choose everything right down to the color and size of the pearl, and you'll come away with a treasure all your own.

Ise Shima also provides many treasures for the palate, from Ise Ebi (Japanese spiny lobster) to oysters and abalone.   

Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Tōkaido San’yo Shinkansen   to Nagoya Station (about 1 hour and 30 minutes)   ; transfer to the JR Rapid Mie Line for Taki Station (about 1 hour and 30 minutes); transfer to a local train on the Sangu Line to Isukugaoka Station (about 30 minutes), then walk for about 15 minutes or take a taxi to Pearl Falco .

Pearl Falco