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Get off the beaten track with a one-day Ama diver tour
The city of Toba is home to the highest population of Ama divers, traditional female divers who gather shellfish directly from the ocean without the use of breathing equipment. With over 2,000 years of history, the practice is one of the oldest trades for women in Japan. You have a special opportunity to learn about the Ama diver’s traditional fishing methods, lifestyle, culture, and beliefs.
The tour includes a fishing demonstration at Mikimoto Pearl Island, a specially prepared lunch enjoyed in a traditional hut alongside working Ama and a hike to their holy temple atop Aonomine Mountain. The tour also features a shuttle service to Toba Station, and an English-speaking guide.
Hiking: Mt.Aonomine/Shofuku temple. 青峰山/正福寺
According to the legend, it is said that Boddhisatva Kannon (観音) came to this mountain riding a Whale, hence, the Buddhist priest Gyoki founded a temple there during the Nara period (8th century A.D). The mountain and the temple at the top became a place of worship for the local fishermen. The ascent and descent takes approximately 3 hours.
Local gourmet lunch: Ama Diver’s hut/海女小屋
An Ama diver’s hut (ama-goya) is a place where the Ama divers are traditionally warming up after the dive. You will have lunch in a reconstructed Ama hut, eating local gourmet barbecue. They will be grilled in front of you by the Ama themselves.
Ise Lobster or abalone is available with extra charge.
Ise Lobster or abalone is available with extra charge.
Ama diving demonstration: Mikimoto Pearl Island
Mikimoto is a jeweler specialized in pearls. It was founded by Mr. Mikimoto who became known worldwide for being at the origin of the pearl cultivation’s process.
Mikimoto Pearl Island is in Toba bay and offers the opportunity to see the Ama divers at work.
Mikimoto Pearl Island is in Toba bay and offers the opportunity to see the Ama divers at work.
Basic schedule (example) Time Schedule
| 9:00 | Meet with a guide at Toba Station. The guide explain the flow of the tour and the basics of ama culture |
|---|---|
| 9:30 | Hiking to Mt. Aonomine |
| 11:00 | Visit Shofukuji Temple on top of the Mt. Aonomine |
| 11:30 | Descent from the mountain |
| 12:30 | Special lunch at an ama hut |
| 14:30 | Watch ama fishing demonstration at Mikimoto Pearl Island |
| 16:00 | Transfer to Toba Station |
Tour details
| Season | All |
|---|---|
| Meeting point | Toba Station or your hotel in Toba |
| Price (excluding tax) |
Group of 2 (Adult 29,800 JPY per person) Group of 3 (Adult 25,000 JPY per person) Group of 4~7 (Adult 19,800 JPY per person) Child ( 6-12 y.o. 9,900 JPY, Under 6 y.o. free) |
| Time | 9:00 |
| Duration | 7 hours |
| Tour Size | 2-7 people |
Language support
| English support | Available |
|---|---|
| English Level | Daily conversation level |
What is included in the participation fee
| Vehicle driver | Passenger car |
|---|---|
| Admission fee | Mikimoto Pearl Island |
| Meal | Lunch |
What to bring (what you need to prepare)
Easy to move clothes, shoes and drinks
Advance provision of customer information
Necessary
Information required for insurance
Nationality, name, age, gender, allergy
cancellation policy
Cancellation made less than two days before the scheduled date will not be eligible for a refund.
Reservation deadline
2 days before the service date *Please contact us after the deadline