Osatsu

Ishigami-san

Shrine

Osatsu, in Toba City, Mie Prefecture, is the town where the largest number of female free-divers known as ama—who harvest shellfish and seaweed by breath-hold diving—live in Japan. About 70 ama currently reside in this town. At its center stands Shinmei Shrine, revered as the guardian shrine of the community, and within its grounds is Ishigami-san, where ama have long prayed for bountiful catches and safety at sea. Every year on May 7, the Ishigami-san Spring Festival is held, bringing together ama and local residents. In appreciation of their daily labor, the men of the town host the ama on this day. The shrine that fulfills the wishes of ama is now said to grant one wish to women, drawing many female visitors who come to make their prayers.

Address:

9WR3+VW8 Toba, Mie, Japan

Map link

Lat.

34.39212

Long.

136.90483

Phone:

Hours:

Check online for current hours and holidays

Also in the area

Chidorigahama Beach

Chidorigahama Beach, with its white sand, and the pebble shore of Shirahama lying side by side.

Kujirazaki Coastal Trail

In Osatsu, a town known for its thriving ama fishing, take a walk through the forest of a peninsula shaped like a whale.

Osatsu Fishing Port

A fishing port lined with ama huts and fishermen’s work sheds. After ama fishing ends, the port becomes lively as the ama gather to weigh their catch.

Harusame Observation Deck

A scenic observation deck standing at the tip of a small peninsula.

Osatsu Ama Culture Museum

The Osatsu Ama Culture Museum is located in the heart of Osatsu and serves as a gathering place for both visitors and local residents.

Bonchoji

Known for its ancient natural monuments and maritime connections, the grounds offer a quiet perspective on the area's deep-rooted heritage.