A glimpse into the life of the freediving women of the sea

Meet the last of the traditional Ama divers of Mie Prefecture, and get a glimpse into the lives of these remarkable women who make their living by freediving for shellfish. Ise-Shima National Park isn’t just known for its gorgeous nature, it’s considered the “home of the Ama” because it’s where the largest number of Ama divers live.

This one-day program led by an English-speaking guide lets you get a closer look at the work of these Ama divers, their lives, and even their beliefs. The first part of the tour is a hike to Aonominesan Shofukuji Temple where the Ama divers pray for maritime safety. At lunchtime, you’ll visit an Ama hut to enjoy a sumptuous lunch of fresh seafood harvested by the divers. Surrounded by spectacular views, you can also have a chat with these women. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Mikimoto Pearl Island – a facility dedicated to pearl cultivation – where you can watch the Ama divers demonstrate how they dive for shellfish.