Visit Shima, a region surrounded by the rich and beautiful sea, and interact with Ama divers and fishermen to learn about and immerse yourself in this unique fishing community.
The Ise-Shima area is known as the place where you can meet Ama divers. It is where about half of Japan's Ama divers, whose culture is recognized as a Japan heritage, are active. The peninsula is surrounded by the open sea and is rich in seafood such as Ise-ebi lobster, abalone, and Anori puffer fish (Anorifugu), and it is also famous for its pearl cultivation. Thanks to this abundance of riches from the sea, this place was once known as Miketsukuni, responsible for offerings from the sea to the Imperial Court in ancient times. Here, you can experience the culture of the Ama divers and fishermen, and feel the energy and smiles of the locals!
What is an Ama diver?
A traditional occupation of women, it is a female diver who free dives into the sea to collect shellfish and seaweed.
Ama Hut
@SATOUMIAN
An Ama hut is where Ama divers rest after work and warm themselves by a fire.
At SATOUMIAN, you can interact with Ama divers, whose culture is registered as a Japan heritage.
Enjoy a meal of fresh seafood caught around Ise-Shima in a wooden building resembling an Ama hut while listening to precious stories of work and the sea from Ama divers.
| Address | 2279 Koshika, Shima-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Access | 【BUS】 【Taxi】 【CAR／CAR RENTAL】 CAR RENTAL…ORIX Rent-a-Car is located in front of Ugata Station. |
| Closed・ Hours |
【Closed】December 30 - January 1; other holidays will be announced on thewebsite. 【Hours】11:00 - 20:30 (last 19:00 start) |
| Information |
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Diving Experience with Ama Diver
@ Entrada Kashikojima
The only plan where you can dive alongside Ama divers who know all about the sea and Ago Bay, an area famous for pearl cultivation. You can observe and immerse yourself in traditional Ama diver fishing, a culture that has been around for 2,000 years, and listen to stories about its history and culture, the divers' experiences, and how they live their lives. You also have the opportunity to enjoy a ride on a fishing boat.
| Address | Entrada Kashikojima, 752-21, Shinmei, Ago-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Access | 1-minute walk from Kashikojima Station on the Kintetsu Line. |
| Closed・ Hours |
【Closed】Irregular days 【Hours】9:30 - 17:00 |
| Information | For 13 years old (junior high school age) and older (You must be physically and mentally healthy to take this part). Please note that the tour may be cancelled in case of bad weather. |
Basket Fishing Experience
@ Entrada Kashikojima
Experience basket fishing from a fishing boat with local fishermen who know all about Ago Bay. Basket fishing is a method of fishing where baskets with bait attached are set on the seabed to catch fish. In this plan, you will be given an oppourtunity to pull out the baskets from the sea.
| Address | Entrada Kashikojima, 752-21, Shinmei, Ago-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Access | 1-minute walk from Kashikojima Station on the Kintetsu Line. |
| Closed・ Hours |
【Closed】Irregular days 【Hours】9:30～17:00 |
| Information | Please inform us in advance if you want to have your fish cooked in a restaurant, etc. (optional). Please note that there may be cases where there is no catch. Please note that the tour may be cancelled in case of bad weather. |
Smoked Bonito Flake Workshop Tour
@Katsuo No Tenpaku
At the tip of Cape Daio in Nakiri in Shima City is Katsuo No Tenpaku's Bonito Flake Workshop. Nakiri used to be a major producer of "Nakiri-bushi," bonito flakes that were offered to Ise Shrine. Here, Katsuo No Tenpaku sticks to the conventional method and carries on the tradition of "Nakiri-bushi". You can learn about the history and making process of Nakiri's bonito flakes by observing the work done at a smoked bonito flake shop. Also, through a tour and tasting, you can experience Japan's soup stock culture and learn more about a key ingredient of Japanese cuisine.
| Address | 393 Nakiri, Daio-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture (location of the Smoked Bonito Flake Workshop) |
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| Access | 【CAR】 |
| Closed・ Hours |
【Closed】
【Hours】
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| Information | Reservations are accepted up to two days prior to the tour date. Advance reservations only. |
Location: Candidate sites in Shima City (Azurihama Beach, Tomoyama Park, etc.)
Photography: Hideaki Miyamoto
Ise-Shima National Park
Starry Night Tour
(with commemorative photo)
This tour takes you to Ise-Shima National Park, located in Shima City, to enjoy a beautiful view of the starry night sky. You can even enjoy a commentary on the sky by a professional guide. During the full moon period, observation of the moon is offered as well. You can enjoy star patterns that cannot be seen with the naked eye through an astronomical telescope. During the viewing, the staff will take commemorative photos of you with the stars. The photo data will be sent to you later as a gift. Share your wonderful memories of Shima with your family and friends!
| Address | Candidate sites in Shima City (Azurihama Beach, Tomoyama Park, etc.) |
|---|---|
| Closed・ Hours |
【Closed】Irregular days 【Hours】9:00～17:00 |
| Information |
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Location: Candidate sites in Shima City (Azurihama Beach, Tomoyama Park, etc.)
Photography: Hideaki Miyamoto