Plan a trip to open and inclusive Toba with our latest guide map

Hikes along picturesque mountain trails, super-fresh seafood grilled over charcoal, underwater adventures in the company of traditional Ama free-divers; you’ll find all that and so much more in the city of Toba on Japan’s central Pacific coast, a laid-back destination that makes the perfect seaside getaway for weekend travellers and vacationeers alike.

This port town on the mouth of Ise Bay is easy to reach by train from Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, but still feels distant enough to offer a proper change of pace from city life. Its relaxed rhythm and inviting atmosphere makes all who visit feel at ease.

To discover the full range of experiences available in the area and make the most of your time there, be sure to check out ‘25 things to do in Toba’, the latest addition to our ever-expanding series of guide maps.

Available from January 20, the guide highlights all our favourite things to do, see, eat and drink across Toba, from taking in king-of-the-world views from high above the azure ocean to digging into the city’s signature fish burger and singing the night away at a local karaoke bar.

Here’s a small sample of what to expect:

Board the Ryugujo Boat Ride and set off into fantasy. With mermaids, Dragon Palace motifs, nods to traditional tales, and wide decks that open straight into the island-spotted horizon, these cruises offer a cinematic ride that feels half legend, half lazy afternoon – and entirely worth drifting along for. It’s charming in a Disney way, and the open deck gives you endless water views while you pretend you own the ocean.

Toba’s hotels are about views and food first. Most places go heavy on the seafood dinners and have hot baths to soak off the salty air, plus big windows facing the bay. Staff move with a gentle familiarity, making you feel like you’ve returned to a coastal relative’s home.

At the Ama Hut, charcoal smoke, grilled shellfish and women’s laughter mix into an unforgettable scene. The Ama grill everything right at your feet, sharing stories shaped by saltwater and strength. It’s intimate, warm and distinctly matriarchal, eliciting an almost ritualistic performance of living tradition held together by generations of women.

Pick up your FREE copy of ‘25 things to do in Toba’ at Haneda or Narita airport, or at locations across Toba. You can also read the guide online right here: