An Authentic Encounter: Your Invitation to an Ama Diver's Seaside Hut

By Orie Iwasaki

Local in Toba

Osatsu Kamado's Mae-no-hama

Toba is home to the largest population of Ama divers in Japan. Among the local coastal villages, Osatsu stands out because seventy divers still actively practice their traditional craft here today. The Ama way of life is centered on sustainability, as they dive without oxygen tanks to manage sea resources while maintaining their livelihoods. Spending time with these energetic and hardworking women is an experience unique to our region.

Many visitors say that sitting with the Ama feels like visiting their own grandmother. The women you meet in Osatsu are incredibly friendly and full of life. While they may not speak English, they are masters of communicating through simple words and gestures to make sure everyone feels welcome. Osatsu Kamado operates two main huts for visitors, including a large one at the fishing port and another located right at the edge of the cape.

Seamless Access to Local Culture

Because these Ama villages are located along the rugged coastline, reaching them by public transportation can be difficult. Joining a tour that starts from Toba Station is the smoothest way to experience this local culture without the stress of navigating rural roads. These experiences are managed by the Osatsu Ama Culture Management Council and offer several ways to dive deeper into our traditions.

One-Day Ama Tour

This is a private one-day tour that includes transportation from Toba Station or your local accommodation along with an English-speaking guide. The itinerary includes a hike to the mountain temple where divers and fishermen pray for safety, followed by a seafood barbecue lunch prepared by the Ama. The day concludes with a visit to the Sea-Folk Museum or Mikimoto Pearl Island to give you a comprehensive understanding of our maritime history. Read more about this tour here.

Ama Diver Sea Glass Workshop and Beach Clean

This tour takes you from Toba Station to Osatsu by shuttle bus. After enjoying a traditional hut lunch, you will join a local Ama diver for a walk through the village. You will get a rare look inside a private Ama hut and participate in a beach cleanup activity. Afterward, the Ama will lead a workshop where you can create your own jewelry using sea glass collected from the shore. To reserve this tour, visit here.

Ama Hut Experience with Shuttle Service

For those who want a mix of guided dining and independent exploration, this option provides a shuttle from Toba Station to Osatsu. After a seafood barbecue lunch hosted by the Ama, you can use a guidebook and coupons to explore the town at your own pace. You can visit Ishigami-san, a shrine famous for granting one wish to any woman, or stop by the Ama Culture Museum and local cafes to see how the diving culture influences every corner of the village. Booking information can be found here.