Toba Castle was surrounded by water, and its main gate faced the coast. This unusual layout adds a historical note to Toba; other themes to explore include park paths, cherry blossoms, marine life and pearl cultivation.

Toba Castle and Its Remains

Kuki Yoshitaka had Toba Castle built on a hill on the south bank of the mouth of the Myōkei River. According to tradition, it was completed in 1594. Rare nationwide as a sea castle, it was surrounded by water; its main gate faced the coast. Its location and orientation make the name clear: the castle was not merely a structure beside a body of water, but was described as a sea castle.

The surviving stone-wall remains should be distinguished from the historic castle itself. A municipal description, updated on March 31, 2022, identifies remains around the main bailey and behind the municipal cultural center. This names two specific locations where traces of the structure can be found. Together with the castle’s reported location, these details give a picture that takes into account both its unusual layout and its surviving walls.

Parks, Promenade and Cherry Blossoms

Sadahama East Park serves as an access point to the “Kamome no Sanpomichi” (“Seagull Walk”) promenade. A dolphin statue, donated by the sister city of Santa Barbara, stands in the park’s central fountain basin. The fountain is illuminated at night; the lighting may change. The park thus features both access to a named promenade and a monument connected with Santa Barbara.

Shiroyama Park is a popular place to view cherry blossoms in spring. Lanterns are lit at night, allowing visitors to view the blossoms after dark as well. The lighting arrangements may change. If seeing the blossoms at night is especially important to you, check the latest information before your visit.

Another park attraction can be found in Sadahama West Park: the large pine tree, called Egonomatsu, has long been considered a symbol of encounters. Unlike the cherry blossoms, which are tied to spring, the tree represents a long-standing local significance. The two offer different cultural impressions: one is a seasonal occasion for viewing blossoms, while the other is a tree with a long-established symbolic role.

Marine Animals and Pearl Cultivation

Toba Aquarium displays 16 skeletal specimens representing 15 species, as well as eight taxidermied specimens representing eight species; most are marine mammals. The figures distinguish specimens from species and give a clear sense of the scale of the exhibits. Walruses also perform tricks for visitors. Animal shows and programs may change; if you plan to attend a performance, check the latest information before your visit.

In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto achieved the world’s first successful cultivation of pearls on Mikimoto Pearl Island. The island opened to visitors in 1951. The two dates mark different milestones: 1893 refers to the historic achievement in pearl cultivation, while 1951 marks the island’s opening to visitors. The story of pearls thus adds another cultural highlight of Toba to the animal specimens and performances at the aquarium.

Discover more destinations: Suzuka, Nabari, Kumano, Iga, Shima, Kameyama, Owase, Tsu

For the regional travel overview: Mie Prefecture.