Pearl Road special feature! We will introduce recommended observation decks, lunch spots, and sightseeing spots.

Article production / Mie Travel Camera Club Fugamaru-chan

📄 Table of Contents

• What is Pearl Road?
• Basic information of Pearl Road
  • Where does Pearl Road end?
  • Where is the entrance to Pearl Road?
  • How much is the toll?
  • Can large vehicles pass?
  • Be careful of closed areas!
• 4 recommended observation decks
  • TobaObservatory
  • Interesting observation deck
  • anonymous observatory
  • Harusame Observation Deck
• Exquisite seafood and oyster lunch
  
  • Kakidokoro Kakiichi (All-you-can-eat oysters)
  • Nishimura Shokudo (Sashimi set meal)
• Tourist spots you want to visit
  • Ishigami-san (power spot)
  • Chidorigahama Beach
  • sea museum
  • Yoroizaki Lighthouse

What is Pearl Road?

Pearl Road is a 23.8km driveway that connects Toba and Shima, and there are many observation decks and spots where you can enjoy lunch along the way!

There is a point where you can see the ocean while driving, so it is very popular as a driving spot in the Kinki (Kansai) and Tokai regions!

There are many places with open views, so you'll be impressed by the view of the ocean that stretches out in front of you.

In this article, we will thoroughly explain the charm of Pearl Road.

Basic information of Pearl Road

Here, we will introduce the latest information that those who have been to Pearl Road for the first time or after a long time should know.

Where does Pearl Road end?

Pearl Road is Prefectural Route 128 that connects Uramura TobaCity to Ago ShimaCity, with the entrance on TobaCity side and the exit on ShimaCity side.

It is also a daily life road for local residents, and a transportation route to Ijika Town, osatsu Town, Ousatsu Town, and Adako Town.

The blue line on the map above is Pearl Road (Prefectural Road No. 128), and you can see that it is a road along the coastline.

Where is the entrance to Pearl Road?

The entrance to Pearl Road is the arch-shaped pure white Aso-no-Ura Ohashi Bridge, a spectacular view point where you can feel the ocean up close! Here is the view from the bridge ↓

You may be captivated by the blue ocean and islands, but be careful not to look inattentive while driving.

There are many viewpoints like this as you drive along Pearl Road.

About weight limits

As the Aso-no-Ura Ohashi Bridge is undergoing restoration work due to its age, there are weight restrictions in place that prohibit large vehicles over 16 tons from passing in some sections, including the bridge.

In addition, it has been announced that the road will be closed on weekdays from June 5th (Monday) to July 14th (Friday), 2023 due to the replacement of hanging materials.

There are periods when the road is closed at night, so please see this PDF for details.

How much is the toll?

Pearl Road was a toll road until 2006, but now it is free to travel.

There are no opening hours, and you can enter and exit 24 hours a day.

About previous charges

Until June 30, 2006, some sections of Pearl Road had a toll, and the toll for regular cars was 520 yen. It's currently free, so if you're visiting for the first time in more than a decade, you'll be glad to know this information.

Can large vehicles pass?

Pearl Road has one lane on each side, and is wide enough to accommodate large vehicles such as buses and trucks.

There are no sharp curves like hairpin curves, but there are some parts where there are a series of small curves, so be careful not to drive too fast!

Be careful of closed areas!

Landslides may occur on Pearl Road due to typhoons or heavy rain.

Due to the landslide that occurred on September 23, 2022, some sections of Pearl Road were closed to traffic for about two weeks.

If there are road closures, they will be announced on TobaCity Tourism Association's official website, so it's best to check in advance.

4 recommended observation decks

Here we will introduce four recommended observation decks that can be accessed from Pearl Road.

All locations have spectacular views overlooking the ocean.

TobaObservatory

TobaObservatory is an observation deck located on Pearl Road, and is a spectacular spot where you can see the ocean from an altitude of 163 meters!

There are many observation spots on the premises, and the cafe and shop "Amano-terrace" reopened on December 29, 2022.

There is a parking lot for about 250 cars, and there are separate toilets for men and women, so it's the perfect place to take a break.

We will explain the charm and latest information of TobaObservatory below♪

Cafe & Shop “Amano-terrace”

The snack shop "Haneyasume" at TobaObservatory has been renovated and will reopen as "Amano-terrace" on December 29, 2022!

From the observation deck, you can watch the ama fishing, and it was named `` Amano-terrace'' with the hope that this scenery would last forever.

The restaurant has a modern Japanese interior, and the seats by the window are in a great location where you can see the ocean!

The wooden table seats create a calm atmosphere.

The cafe menu includes sandwiches, frappes, and parfaits made with ingredients from Ise-Shima, as well as frankfurters made with Matsusaka beef, making for a perfect lunch or dessert menu!

For this interview, we ordered the ``Uramura Oyster Ajillo Salad Sandwich'' and the ``Aosa Frappe.''

*Sandwiches can be ordered during lunch time from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Uramura oyster ajillo salad sandwich ¥1280

The appearance of the salad and Toba's specialty ``Uramura oysters'' sticking out has a great impact!

The outside of the bread has a crunchy texture, but the inside is chewy and delicious.

The sour carrot rapé went perfectly with the oyster ajillo.

Aosa frappe ¥680

This frappe uses the Ise-Shima ingredient ``Aosa Nori'', but it's also worth noting that it uses ouchiyama milk!

ouchiyama Milk is produced in Mie Prefecture, and it is a local milk that is loved passionately by the people of the prefecture.

I was surprised to find out that the taste of seaweed goes well with sweets.

I was very satisfied with the sweet chocolate sauce as an accent and the rich milk flavor of ouchiyama Milk.

Souvenir shop view

After enjoying the cafe, why not pick up some souvenirs?

On Amano-terrace, there is a shop lined with souvenirs from Ise-Shima, including accessories made with Akoya pearls from Ise-Shima and local sake.

If you came on a tour, how about an original sticker to commemorate your trip?

The "TobaObservatory" sticker with the Dorman-Seman mark, which was created to wish for safe travel, is very popular and was sold out at the time of our interview.

*Doman Seman...A mark worn by Ama divers in Ise-Shima to protect against evil spirits.

Hakodayama Park

After enjoying the cafe and shopping for souvenirs, why not take a look at the ocean at Hakodayamaenchi?

It's a few minutes walk from Amano-terrace, and you can see the ocean from the vast lawn area.

You can enjoy a panoramic view of the ocean from a higher perspective from the two-story wooden deck.

If the weather conditions are right, you may even be able to see Mt. Fuji in the distance!

This photo is of Mt. Fuji taken from TobaObservatory at 12:17 on February 9, 2020.

If the weather is clear in winter, you may have a chance to see Mt. Fuji.

Click here for a map of Hakodayamaenchi (Opens Google Maps)

Interesting observation deck

Omoshiro Observatory is an observation deck located on Pearl Road, and as its name suggests, it is called ``Omoshiro Observatory''.

It is a rare spot in Mie Prefecture that calls itself ``interesting,'' and there is an observation deck and a clean restroom with a warm wooden feel.

Google Maps has collected more than 240 reviews, and it seems that many people visit because of the name "Interesting."

This is the view from the observation deck, and you can see TobaCity 's adakocho to osatsu cho, the Pacific Ocean, and more.

It's worth a visit, as you can get a close-up view of the ria coastline, where the sea and islands spread out.

anonymous observatory

There are a number of unnamed observation decks on Pearl Road, and each one has a few parking spaces, so you can stop by at any time.

Among them, the observation deck near the hot spring resort hotel "TAOYA Shima" is a popular spot with over 70 reviews on Google Maps.

The altitude is lower than TobaObservatory, so you can feel closer to the sea and feel refreshed by the pleasant sea breeze.

Click here to open a map of this observatory (Google Maps)

Harusame Observation Deck

Harusame Observation Deck is an observation deck located at Sugasaki Garden in osatsu cho, TobaCity City.

It is located in a location overlooking Matoya Bay, where oyster farming is popular, and can be accessed via Pearl Road.

There is a ``Tokowaka Bell'' on the observation deck, and it is said that a couple who rings this bell will be in love forever.

I think it's a perfect location for a date, as you can enjoy a panoramic view of the ocean while ringing the bell.

When I visited at sunset, the sea dyed in sunset colors was magical!

Please note that there are some narrow roads in Sugazakienchi, so please drive carefully.

Exquisite seafood and oyster lunch

Here, we will introduce some delicious restaurants around Pearl Road!

All of the restaurants I have actually visited are guaranteed to be delicious♪

Kakidokoro Kakiichi (All-you-can-eat oysters)

"Kakidokoro Kakiichi" is a restaurant where you can enjoy all-you-can-eat grilled and steamed oysters, and is located about 5 minutes by car from Aso-no-ura Ohashi Bridge.

This place is run by the fishermen themselves, and the oysters we serve are sterilized and cleaned for over 18 hours, so you can eat them with confidence.

Additionally, the far infrared rays of the lava stone make the grilled oysters plump and juicy.

The price is ¥3,300 for adults, ¥1,650 for children (elementary school students), and ¥550 for infants (ages 3 and up), and each person comes with oyster rice, oyster tsukudani, oyster miso soup, and three fried oysters.

*Children can only eat all-you-can-eat grilled and steamed oysters.
*Free for children under 3 years old
*A minimum of 2 adults will be accepted.

The restaurant is spacious with 120 seats, and there is also a raised tatami room, making it a comfortable environment for families with children.

Although it was raining heavily at the time of our interview, we were able to enjoy the all-you-can-eat oysters in comfort as we were indoors with good heating.

Advance reservations are required when visiting our store, so please contact us using the phone number below.

Nishimura Shokudo (Sashimi set meal)

Nishimura Shokudo is a seaside restaurant located in Ijika-cho TobaCity, and can be accessed from Pearl Road through the road in the direction of Ishikagami.

The shop is located near Ishigami Fishing Port, and the exterior has a nostalgic, old-fashioned appearance.

It was dusk and I was hungry, so I popped in...

I came across an incredibly large sashimi set meal! ! ! !

You will be shocked by the large portions of bonito, squid, and yellowtail sashimi, sashimi turban shell, boiled fish, miso soup, and free refills of rice!

The owner was very friendly and we had a lively conversation for about 2 hours behind the counter.

I was moved by the deliciousness and the warm personality of the owner, which cannot be conveyed in words.

After leaving Nishimura Shokudo, I suddenly looked up at the night sky on my way home...and the sky was full of stars!

ijikacho cho is an environment with little city lights, so you can see the starry sky beautifully.

If you want to enjoy the starry sky in a leisurely manner, we recommend staying at a hotel in ijikacho!

Among them, "Ishikagami Daiichi Hotel Kagura" has an outdoor lounge, so you can watch the starry sky while sitting on the sofa ♪

Click here for the interview report on Ishigami Daiichi Hotel Kagura

Tourist spots you want to visit

Here, we will introduce recommended sightseeing spots around Pearl Road.

Ishigami-san (power spot)

"Ishigami-san" is a stone god enshrined at Shinmei-JinjaShrine in osatsu cho, TobaCity.

It has been worshiped since ancient times, and it is said that it will grant one woman's wish.

It is a popular power spot where 200,000 people visit from all over the country every year in search of this blessing.

Ishigami-san san is enshrined at Shinmei-JinjaShrine, and you can pray for it by writing your wishes on a ``prayer form'' and placing it in the ``wish box.''

``Prayer forms'' are distributed free of charge at a writing table near Ishijinja Shrine, and are filled out using the provided pencils.

The extent of its blessings is obvious when you look at the reviews on Google Maps and TripAdvisor.

The path leading to Shinmei-JinjaShrine is lined with restaurants and guesthouses, as well as modern and stylish cafes.

There is also a souvenir shop run by divers, who sell seafood such as seaweed and hijiki seaweed grown in the area at bargain prices.

There are four free parking lots around Shinmei-JinjaShrine, and the closest one to the shrine is the one attached to osatsu Ama Cultural Museum.

Chidorigahama Beach

Chidorigahama Beach is a 500m long white beach located in osatsu cho, TobaCity, and is characterized by crystal-clear seawater.

It can be accessed by entering the road towards osatsu from Pearl Road, so it is a spectacular beach that you can casually stop by while driving.

This is kachiji that is counted as one of Toba's 10 most scenic spots, and is crowded with beach swimmers during the summer season.

There are lifeguards on duty during the summer vacation, and the water is shallow, making it a perfect beach for families to enjoy swimming.

In front of the beach, there is an inn called ``Hama no Miyabitei Ichii'' where all rooms have an ocean view, so we recommend staying here and traveling around Pearl Road for 1 night and 2 days.

At Hama no Miyabitei Ichii, you can enjoy dishes made with ingredients from Ise-Shima, including ``Anori Fugu'' and ``Ise Shrimp.''

Click here for the interview report on Hama no Miyabitei Ichii

sea museum

The ``Sea Museum'' in Uramura-cho, TobaCity City is a museum located along Pearl Road.

It has a collection of folklore materials related to the sea, such as ama divers, fishing, and wooden boats, with a whopping 60,000 items on display!

Of these, 6,879 are nationally designated important tangible cultural properties, and there are plenty of things to see.

The sight of more than 80 wooden boats from all over the country lined up in a row is a sight to behold.

Modern fishing boats are plastic boats equipped with engines, but until just 50 years ago, wooden boats were the mainstream.

At that time, there were more than 10,000 shipwrights nationwide, but there are only a few today.

The fishing gear exhibition corner is also one of the highlights, with a wide variety of items actually used by fishermen and divers.

Each tool comes with an explanation, so you can easily learn by looking at the actual items.

After learning about the history of the sea, we also recommend experiencing it!

On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, we hold experiences unique to the Maritime Museum.

This is how to make sea magnets (500 yen for 2 pieces).

We make magnets by combining real seashells, and if you add eyeballs, you can create fish and turtle magnets♪

Before you leave, be sure to stop by the souvenir shop.

We have a wide variety of original goods that can only be purchased here.

Among them, the ``Eel Stuffed Toy'' is extremely popular, and has even gone viral on Twitter.

The secret behind the doll's popularity is its charming expression and ease of holding the doll.

If you get hungry, why not try the museum cafe “Arami” inside the facility?

We have a menu that uses local seafood, such as seafood oyster curry and whitebait carbonara from Toshijima, a remote island in TobaCity.

This is "Homemade Tokoroten" recommended by the staff.

It is made by boiling Amakusa grown in Toba, and the taste of brown sugar soybean flour is very delicious!

Be sure to visit the Maritime Museum, where you can see and touch the charms of Toba and the history of the sea.

Yorosaki Lighthouse

Yoroizaki Lighthouse is a chalk lighthouse located in TobaCity cho, kuzakicho, at the easternmost tip of the Shima Peninsula.

It is known as the place visited by Yamatohime no Mikoto, a member of the ancient imperial family, and can be accessed by entering the road towards Kunisaki from Pearl Road.

Although you cannot go inside the lighthouse, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, and the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks is a spectacular sight.

It is said that the name Yoroizaki came from the fact that when Wahime no Mikoto stopped by kuzakicho in search of the enshrined place of Amaterasu Omikami, she removed her armor at the cape.

You may have been overwhelmed by the beautiful sea view from here.

The journey to the lighthouse had a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere, with the sounds of seagulls and the sound of waves echoing throughout the space.

I think you can refresh your mind and body by taking a leisurely walk here while looking out at the ocean.

The parking lot is free for 60 minutes, and the lighthouse is about a 10-minute walk away.

There is a narrow road from Pearl Road to the parking lot, so be careful of oncoming traffic.

What did you think

We have delivered plenty of the charm of Pearl Road.

It's an attractive sightseeing road where you can enjoy gourmet food, spectacular views, and history, so be sure to give it a try.

If you are coming from far away, we recommend staying at accommodations near Pearl Road and traveling for one night and two days.

Fugamaru-chan (photography/article production)

He is a member of Mie Tourism's Mie Travel Camera Club and is active mainly on Twitter and Instagram as a photographer who takes pictures of Mie. We operate the Mie Photo Gallery, which distributes Mie's scenery for free, and the Mie Eetoko Tour, which disseminates Mie's latest information.