If you want to explore Japan’s outdoors, make sure you don’t overlook its shores. Nestled along the picturesque coast of Japan’s Ise Shima area, and not far from Ise-Jingu Shrine, you’ll find the seaside town of Toba, still undiscovered by many foreign visitors to Japan. It’s a pristine location to explore some of the area’s unique natural beauty, which is deeply tied to the local way of life. Whether hopping in a sea kayak, on a fisherman’s boat, or stepping under the force of a waterfall to meditate, in Toba’s unique seascape and surrounding nature, you’ll find a perfect blend of adventure and serenity.
Ise Shima’s Natural Wonders: Outdoors in Toba
Nature in Toba isn’t just scenery, but a way of life, as the town is known for its storied fishing and pearl diving traditions–the town is especially well known for the Ama, or all-female free divers who have caught oysters and other shellfish here for thousands of years. Situated on a peninsula’s edge, Toba benefits from the influx of warm, nutrient-rich waters transported northward by the kuroshio “black current,” while additional nutrients flow down from the mountains of Ise Shima National Park. These nourish the local sea life, who have an optimal home on the peninsula’s uniquely craggy seabed. These conditions have made Toba’s fishing and oyster industries thrive, but the area’s unique landscape also makes for incredible exploring–how about a little excursion on the sea?
Preparing for a Sea Kayak Adventure in Ise Shima
One exciting way to get up close with some of Toba’s unique natural wonders is by hopping in a sea kayak to explore the gentle waters–and uninhabited islands–in the bay! A short kayak tour is doable in just 90 minutes, so it’s also easy to work into a day of sightseeing around the area, too. (See below for booking links!)
The Kaito Yumin Club operates these tours, and is located just a short walk away from Toba Station. From here, the friendly staff will get you all set up for your kayaking adventure. Though you should come prepared with clothes you don’t mind getting wet–preferably something you wouldn’t even mind swimming in, like a rashguard and swimming shorts or leggings. It’ll make the ride more comfortable, and also potentially more fun, as you may even have a chance to float in the ocean a bit later! You can change clothes at the office, and borrow some neoprene shoes for the kayaking here as well.
Paddle into Peace: Exploring Toba’s Islands by Kayak
When it’s time to set out, you’ll head to the next location: a tranquil, pebbly beach arranged with brightly-colored kayaks, life jackets, and a small hut for changing. This activity is perfect for first-time kayakers and families with children, as conditions are gentle, and all participants receive an engaging explanation about kayaking, safety, and some of the local marine life before heading out. Stepping into your kayak, the guides ensure everyone is comfortable with basic paddling techniques, and you’re off to the bay.
In the distance, you’ll be able to see rafts from which strands of Toba’s famous oysters are being grown, and closer by, three small islands that speckle the bay. You might get a bit splashed as you paddle across the waters, but once you’re there, the sea spray should feel refreshing as you look back at the vista of the town behind. Guides will cheerfully steer you in the right direction, pointing out landmarks as you approach the tiny islands, with their scraggly pines and fantastical flowing rock shapes. Just behind one of the islands is a particularly unusual sight: out in the middle of the ocean, on top of a tiny crag of rock jutting out from the sea stands a small statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.
Finally, you’ll arrive when you paddle onto the tiny beach of one of these islands to briefly explore. Somehow, both the adults and children in the group seem to enjoy discovering it in the same way: some lay back in the shallows and float peacefully, others climb over rocks to peer in at the crabs and turtle foot barnacles in the tidepools. The guides are always happy to answer questions about sea life. When you paddle back, you’ll have a new perspective on this Japanese town’s rich natural surroundings.
More Nature Adventures
While sea kayaking is a fantastic way to connect with Toba’s natural wonders, there’s a host of other activities awaiting nature enthusiasts here. For each, you’ll come to learn how much the sea- and landscape are intertwined with life in Toba. Join local Japanese fishermen on a fishing excursion, and experience their time-honored traditions while catching fresh seafood. For a more spiritual experience, try meditating under the force of a small waterfall, surrounded by the lush greenery of Ise Shima’s forests. Toba offers a wide range of ways to explore its beautiful outdoors: come and find your own ideal nature adventure in this coastal Japanese town.
Book a sea kayaking excursion with Kaito Yumin Club to experience the beautiful Japanese coastline for yourself here: Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour
You can also book more Toba adventures here: reserve an experience Fishing with Japanese Fishermen or Takigyo Waterfall Meditation.