Kashikojima Island

Kashikojima is the largest island in Ago Bay and the heart of Japan's pearl cultivation industry. Boat tours leave from the ferry terminal and pass floating rafts where oysters are carefully tended before heading to a pearl factory where staff demonstrate how a tiny irritant is inserted into each shell. A monument at Maruyama Park honors Japan's three pearl cultivation pioneers and the oysters behind the industry. History buffs can also visit the Ise-Shima Summit Memorial Museum inside Kashikojima Station, where you can sit in the actual chair Prime Minister Abe used at the 2016 G7 Summit.