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Experience Traditional Ama Culture in a Mystical Town of Divers and Fishermen

Osatsu Town, Toba City, Mie

Area Highlights

Located near the eastern tip of the Shima Peninsula, the town of Osatsu is home to the largest number of active ama divers in Japan. These female divers have been scouring the ocean for shellfish and seaweed in a tradition that has continued for over 2,000 years. Osatsu features many facilities that showcase the lives of the ama divers, including ama hut experiences where visitors can meet actual ama divers. Learn about the fascinating ama culture and enjoy fresh seafood in this historic town.

Access

From Osaka Namba Station to Toba Station by Kintetsu Limited Express (2 hours)
From Kintetsu Nagoya Station to Toba Station by Kintetsu Limited Express (1 hour and 40 minutes)

Contact

Osatsu Ama Culture Management Council

Recommended Accommodation

Resort Hills Toyohama Sora-no-Kaze

A resort hotel located just a 1-minute walk from Chidorigahama, one of the finest beaches in Mie Prefecture. Guests can choose from 9 room types, all boasting ocean views, with some offering open-air baths. The Western-style rooms are also suitable for solo travelers. Indulge in kaiseki cuisine using local produce, including Matsusaka beef, Ise lobsters, abalone, and other premium ingredients. Additionally, guests can relax in a hot spring bath with a stunning view.

  • Address :

    1471 Osatsu-cho, Toba-shi, Mie Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    +81 (0)599-33-6000

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese, English

  • Access :

    From Toba Bus Center (4-minute walk from JR/Kintetsu Toba Station) to Chidorigahama bus stop on the Toba City Community Bus (Kamome Bus) Toba-Kuzaki Line (50 minutes). Pick-up service available from JR/Kintetsu Toba Station and Chidorigahama.

  • Check-in :

    3:00 p.m.

  • Check-out :

    10:00 a.m.

  • Rates :

    From ¥19,250 per person per night for 2 people with 2 meals

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

  • Bedroom :

    Private rooms for up to 7 people, lockable, Japanese futons/Western beds

  • Bathroom :

    Lockable bathroom available, bathtub available (from check-in until check-out)

  • Toilet :

    Western style

  • Meals :

    Dinner, Breakfast

  • Wi-Fi :

    Available

Recommended Accommodation

Hana-no-koyado Jubei

This luxury inn is located in Osatsu, a town of divers and fishermen. In addition to seafood such as lobsters and abalone, the inn offers special kaiseki cuisine that showcases home-grown rice and vegetables. Choose from various guest room types, including those featuring an open-air bath. The inn also has a terrace with an outstanding view and a large public hot spring bath known for its skin-soothing properties. Enjoy a comfortable stay in this unique fisherman's town.

  • Address :

    1395 Osatsu-cho, Toba-shi, Mie Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    +81 (0)599-33-6220

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese

  • Access :

    From Toba Bus Center (4-minute walk from JR/Kintetsu Toba Station) to Osatsu (Ishigami-san Mae) bus stop on the Toba City Community Bus (Kamome Bus) Toba-Kuzaki Line (45 minutes), then walk for 5 minutes.

  • Check-in :

    3:00 p.m.

  • Check-out :

    10:00 a.m.

  • Rates :

    From ¥19,360 per person per night with 2 meals

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

  • Bedroom :

    Private room for up to 4 persons, lockable, Japanese futons and Western beds

  • Bathroom :

    Lockable bathroom available, bathtub available. Public bath available from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and from 6:00 a.m. until check-out.

  • Toilet :

    Western style

  • Meals :

    Dinner, Breakfast

  • Wi-Fi :

    Available

Recommended Restaurant

Ama Hut Experience Osatsu-kamado

Ama huts line the seashores of Osatsu, a town known for its traditional ama divers. Among them are two notable huts: ‘Ozegosan’ and ‘Mae-no-Hama,’ where freshly caught local seafood is grilled onsite by active ama divers. Enjoy the opportunity to meet and converse with these divers while delighting in a delicious meal. A hearty lunch option is also available for ¥3,850.

  • Address :

    Osatsu-cho, Toba-shi, Mie Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    +81 (0)599-33-7453 (Osatsu Ama Culture Museum)

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese

  • Access :

    From Toba Bus Center (4-minute walk from JR/Kintetsu Toba Station) to Osatsu (Ishigami-san Mae) bus stop on the Toba City Community Bus (Kamome Bus) Toba-Kuzaki Line (45 minutes), then walk for 5 minutes for ‘Mae-no-Hama’ or 8 minutes for ‘Ozegosan’.

  • Opening Hours :

    10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (Lunch: 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.)

  • Closed :

    No holidays

  • Cuisine Category :

    Japanese cuisine

  • Foreign Language Menu :

    Available

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    None

Recommended Restaurant

Ama Hut ‘Hachiman Kamado’

Traditional ama divers perform their dives without any equipment, relying solely on their lung capacity and sheer skill. The divers' hut serves as a place for them to rest, warm up, and socialize with friends. Hachiman Kamado is an authentic ama hut that is still in use today. Visitors can participate in the ¥4,500 Ama Hut Cooking Experience Course, where they can savor freshly grilled seafood prepared by ama divers while gathered around a kamado fire pit.

  • Address :

    819 Osatsu-cho, Toba-shi, Mie Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    +81 (0)599-33-1023

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese, English

  • Access :

    Shuttle bus available from Kintetsu Toba Station (reservation required)

  • Opening Hours :

    10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

  • Closed :

    Closed irregularly (Obon, year-end and New Year holidays)

  • Cuisine Category :

    Japanese cuisine

  • Foreign Language Menu :

    Available

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

Recommended Experience

One-day Ama Diver Tour

Embark on a one-day tour that delves into the rich culture of the ama divers. The day begins with a hike and visits to temples associated with the fishing industry. Participants will then enjoy a visit to an ama hut in the Osatsu area, where they can enjoy a lunch featuring fresh seafood alongside an active ama diver. Following the meal, the tour continues to Mikimoto Pearl Island for a captivating demonstration of ama divers' fishing techniques.

  • Meeting Place and End Point :

    JR/Kintetsu Toba Station

  • Telephone Number :

    +81 (0)599-33-7453 (Osatsu Ama Culture Museum)

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese

  • Access :

    JR/Kintetsu Toba Station

  • Duration :

    7 hours

  • Fee :

    From ¥29,800

  • Languages Supported :

    Japanese, English, French

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

Recommended Experience

Ama Diver Seafood Lunch & Osatsu Village Walking Tour

Head out from Toba Station and make your way to ‘Mae-no-Hama,’ a traditional Ama diver’s hut where the divers expertly prepare and serve delicious lunches featuring freshly caught seafood. After chatting with the divers over a relaxing meal, head out with the provided guidebook and map to explore Osatsu village on foot. Don’t forget to use the coupons included to grab a coffee or pick up some souvenirs along the way.

  • Meeting Place and End Point :

    JR/Kintetsu Toba Station

  • Telephone Number :

    +81 (0) 599-33-7453 (Osatsu Ama Culture Museum)

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese

  • Access :

    JR/Kintetsu Toba Station

  • Duration :

    4 hours

  • Fee :

    ¥7500 (includes ¥500 coupon)

  • Languages Supported :

    Japanese, English

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

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