Hands-on pearl harvesting workshops offer a unique opportunity to directly engage with the ancient art of pearl extraction. Participants can discover the intricate process of obtaining these precious gems from live oysters, a captivating experience not often available to the general public. With the chance to transform their harvested pearls into personalized accessories, the workshop promises an unforgettable adventure. Those seeking an immersive cultural experience won’t want to miss this chance to get hands-on with the secrets of pearl cultivation.
Key Points
- Immersive 1-hour workshop focused on extracting Akoya pearls from live oysters, starting at ¥1,100 per person and conducted in Japanese.
- Participants select a live oyster, use specialized tools for pearl extraction, and can create personalized accessories with the discovered pearls.
- Workshop takes place at the Kikuchi Pearls aquarium in Ise-Shima, with transportation provided and wheelchair accessibility.
- Accessory options include cell phone straps, pendants, pins, brooches, bracelets, tie stoppers, and tie pins, with customization available.
- Reservation process is straightforward, with no upfront payment required and a flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior.
Workshop Overview
The hands-on Pearl Harvesting Workshop is an immersive 1-hour experience that allows participants to learn the traditional process of extracting Akoya pearls from live oysters.
Priced from $17.80 per person, the workshop takes place in Ise-Shima and is conducted in Japanese. It’s wheelchair accessible, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
During the workshop, you will select a live oyster, use specialized tools to extract the pearl, and create a personalized accessory like a cell phone strap or pendant with the discovered pearl.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ise Japan.
Pearl Harvesting Experience
After being transported to the Akoya pearl oysters in Kikuchi Pearls aquarium in Ise-Shima, you will select a live oyster and pick it up using tongs. Wearing a glove on their non-dominant hand, they’ll use a special tool to extract the pearl. Participants will then gently wash the pearl with water.
| Accessory Options | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cell Phone Strap | ¥1,100 (oyster) + ¥1,650 (metal fittings) |
| Pendant | ¥1,100 (oyster) + ¥2,200 (metal fittings) |
Participants can choose from various accessories, including cell phone straps, pendants, earrings, pins, brooches, bracelets, tie stoppers, and tie pins, with additional charges for selected metal fittings.
Accessory Options
Participants can choose from a variety of accessory options to create their own unique pearl-based item.
The included fees cover the processing for cell phone straps (1 Akoya oyster at ¥1,100 + metal fittings at ¥1,650) or pendants (1 Akoya oyster at ¥1,100 + metal fittings at ¥2,200).
Additional options like pins, brooches, bracelets, tie stoppers, and tie pins are available for an extra charge.
The price difference for selected metal fittings will be determined on-site.
Participants can personalize their pearl accessory to their liking and take home a one-of-a-kind creation.
Reservation Information
How does one go about reserving a spot for the Pearl Harvesting Workshop?
The process is straightforward – you can reserve your spot now and pay later. No upfront payment is required.
Simply check the availability for the desired starting times and make your reservation. The workshop is popular, so it’s recommended to book your spot in advance.
The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the event for a full refund.
With these easy reservation steps, you can secure your spot and look forward to an unforgettable pearl harvesting experience.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyParticipant Guidelines
The Pearl Harvesting Workshop is not suitable for children under 5 years of age. However, the experience is suitable for all other ages, including children and the elderly. To attend, participants must gather at the meeting point – Isuzugaoka Station, a 5-minute walk from Iseshi Station on the JR Sangu Line.
| Group Type | Age Restrictions | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | None | Suitable |
| Family | Not for under 5 | Suitable |
| Seniors | None | Suitable |
Directions to the Meeting Point
To attend the Pearl Harvesting Workshop, participants must gather at the meeting point, which is Isuzugaoka Station.
From Iseshi Station, take the JR Sangu Line for a 5-minute walk to Isuzugaoka Station. Here’s what you need to know:
- Depart from Iseshi Station.
- Board the JR Sangu Line.
- Ride for 5 minutes to Isuzugaoka Station.
- Walk from the station to the workshop location.
The workshop is conveniently located near Isuzugaoka Station, making it easy for participants to find the meeting point and begin their pearl harvesting experience.
Pricing and Fees
The Pearl Harvesting Workshop offers a range of accessory options for participants to choose from.
The included fees cover one Akoya oyster (JPY 1,100) and the metal fittings for either a cell phone strap (JPY 1,650) or a pendant (JPY 2,200).
Participants can also select additional accessories like earrings, pins, brooches, bracelets, tie stoppers, and tie pins for an extra charge.
The price difference for the chosen metal fittings will be determined on-site.
No upfront payment is required; participants can reserve their spot and pay later.
Pricing is transparent, allowing attendees to plan their experience.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The workshop’s cancellation policy ensures flexibility and peace of mind for participants.
Key points:
- You can cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
- Cancelling within 24 hours will result in no refund.
- No-shows or cancellations on the day of the workshop are non-refundable.
- Rescheduling is subject to availability and may incur an additional fee.
This policy allows you to book with confidence, knowing you can adjust your plans if needed.
Simply contact the organizers to cancel or reschedule your pearl harvesting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Wear to the Workshop?
Participants should wear comfortable, casual clothing that they don’t mind getting a bit dirty. They’ll also need to wear a glove on their non-dominant hand during the pearl extraction process. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety.
Can I Keep the Oyster Shell After Extracting the Pearl?
Yes, participants can keep the oyster shell after extracting the pearl. The shell is typically provided as a souvenir of the pearl harvesting experience. It serves as a memento of the hands-on activity.
Do I Need to Bring Any Supplies or Tools?
No, you don’t need to bring any supplies or tools. The workshop provides all the necessary equipment, including tongs, gloves, and special tools to extract the pearl from the Akoya oyster. You’ll simply select and open the oyster during the hands-on experience.
Are Photos or Videos Allowed During the Workshop?
Photos and videos are allowed during the workshop. Participants can capture their experience of selecting an oyster, extracting the pearl, and creating their pearl accessory as souvenirs of the hands-on activity.
Can I Purchase Additional Pearl Accessories On-Site?
Yes, participants can purchase additional pearl accessories on-site beyond the included options. Prices will vary for chosen metal fittings, and options like pins, brooches, bracelets, and more are available for an extra charge.
The Sum Up
The Hands-on Pearl Harvesting Workshop offers a unique opportunity to extract Akoya pearls from live oysters and create personalized accessories. Priced at ¥1,100 per person, the engaging one-hour session is suitable for ages 5 and up. Advance booking is required, and participants should follow the provided guidelines. This immersive experience at the Kikuchi Pearls aquarium in Ise-Shima promises an unforgettable adventure.
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