About Ama Divers

Approximately 1,300 ama, or women divers, work as free divers in the Ise-Shima region. Physically fit and self-reliant women, they take pride in their profession. Diving without scuba gear to harvest shellfish and seaweed is a traditional means of making a living in Japan, an age-old practice described in classical literature. To prevent damaging their lungs, ama divers practice a distinctive breathing technique called "sea whistling" whose mournful melody is rated among the top 100 soundscapes of Japan.

At the ama huts, divers rest and relax with their companions after their work is done. Here you can try the local shellfish and talk with the ama divers, dressed in their distinctive white robes. Savor the exquisite taste of charcoal-grilled, freshly caught seafood, while listening to stories told by the lively, cheerful ama divers who live with the sea.

The dangerous and arduous work of the ama divers is sustained by a deep faith. They revere the Shinto deity Ishigami, said to grant one wish to female worshippers and still attracting throngs of visitors even today. In the past, ama believed that demons dwelt in the ocean. They drew a special pattern of a pentagram and grid on their gear to ward off evil. Amulets with the pattern are now sold at Shinmei Jinja where Ishigami is enshrined.

Women pearl divers and Ise Shinto Shrine (full day)

One Day Tour: Women pearl divers and Ise Shinto Shrine (full day) Visit the Ise Shinto Shrine which venerates the sun goddess, Amaterasu. Observe diving demonstrations and see the divers hut at Mikimoto Pearl Island where cultured pearls were first produced. Enjoy the local shellfish and talk with the ama divers. A one-day trip from Nagoya with an English-speaking guide. Schedule: Every Thursday & Sunday (also Monday and Friday in April & October) Minimum of 2 participants Price: JPY 20,000 per person Inquiry: JTB, Sunrise Center Central Japan Tel: 052-211-3065 (9:30am to 5:30pm; Mon-Sat)

In October and November of 2008, all tour participants will receive a small Japanese cultural present. Don't miss this chance, sign up for the tour today!

See our streaming movie, Virtual Tour!

Osatsu-Kamado (Ama Hut Experience) Enjoy a leisurely meal in the spacious ama hut at the tranquil fishing port. Price: ・Lunchtime: JPY 3,500 per person (Turban shells, Washington clams, scallops, dried fish, sea urchins on rice, miso soup) ・Teatime: JPY 2,000 per person (Shellfish, Japanese tea, rice cakes, etc.) Hours: ・Lunchtime: 12:00pm-1:30pm ・Teatime: 10:00-11:00am and 3:00-4:00pm Address: Osastu-cho, Toba-shi, Mie Pref. Tel:0599-33-7453(Japanese only) Access: From JR Kintetsu Toba Station, approx. 35 min. by Mie Kotsu bus bound for Kuzaki.

Toushijima Ama Hut (Ama Hut Experience) An ama hut on a remote island in Toba, carefully hand-built from local bamboo by the staff and islanders. Price: JPY 3,000 per person (Freshly caught charcoal-grilled seafood, rice balls, fish chowder, etc.) Hours: By arrangement Address: Momotori-cho 263, Toba-shi, Mie Pref. Tel:0599-37-3339(Japanese only) Access: Located near the jetty at Toushi Port: From JR Kintetsu Toba Station, 5 min. Walk to Sadahama Port, then take the ferry to Toushi (35 min.).

Ama Museum This museum, located in the Toba-Shima region, celebrates the culture and history of the ama divers of Toba. Afterwards, be sure to explore Osatsu village and experience the warm hospitality of its local residents. Osatsu village has been awarded one star as a region in the Michelin guidebook. Price: Free of charge. Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm (Closed:New Years holidays) Address: Osastu-cho 1238, Toba-shi, Mie Pref. Tel:0599-33-7453 (Japanese only) Access: From JR Kintetsu Toba Station, approx. 35 min. by Mie Kotsu bus bound for Kuzaki.

Mikimoto Pearl Island Revel in the allure of pearls at the island where Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultured pearls for the first time in the world. The demonstrations by the ama divers in their traditional white robes are not to be missed. Awarded two stars in the Michelin guidebook. Price: JPY 1,500; Students (7 to 15 years old) JPY 750 Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm (vary by season) Address: Toba 1-7-1, Toba-shi, Mie Pref. Tel:0599-25-2028 (Japanese only) Access: From JR Kintetsu Toba Station, approx. 5 min. on foot.

Ise Jingu Shrine Ise Jingu Shrine, dating from the 7th century, stands as Japan's most sacred shrine. Amaterasu, the sun goddess, is worshipped here.The architecture is typical among ancient Japanese shrines, with a simple design, non-curving lines and unpainted wood. Tradition actually states that the entire shrine is torn down and rebuilt every 20 years in accordance with Shinto beliefs of life and death. Price: Free of charge. Address: 1 Ujitachi-cho, Ise-shi, Mie Pref. Access: From JR Kintetsu Ujiyamada Station, 15 min by bus.