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Learn about the process of creating pearls and make your own piece of pearl jewelry when visiting the Ise-Shima area
Mie Prefecture
Experience crafting a one-of-a-kind pearl accessory and learn about the techniques used to grow these lustrous gems.
The Shima area in Mie Prefecture is the birthplace of Japan’s pearl cultivation, thanks to the legacy of Kokichi Mikimoto. The first person ever to successfully cultivate pearls, he began his work in his hometown of Ise-Shima in 1893. Due to the combination of abundant ocean resources and time-honored techniques, Shima pearls are known worldwide for their quality.
During this experience, participants will visit a pearl farm to learn about the cultivation techniques in person while talking with artisans. They'll also have the chance to collect pearls from oysters and the very rare opportunity to seed oysters, learning just how difficult the process of pearl cultivation truly is.
Each pair of participants will collect pearls from a single net (32 oysters), then use their favorite pearls to make an accessory.
How to get there
From Kintetsu Nagoya Station, take the Kintetsu limited express train to Ugata Station (about 2 hours). The meeting spot (Ama Hut SATOUMIAN) is about a 30 -minute drive from the station.
65-1 Goza, Shima-cho, Shima-shi, Mie-ken
