The bay areas of Toba and Shima in Mie Prefecture, renowned for their delicious seafood like abalone and Ise ebi lobster, are also home to the ancient tradition of ama divers. Join these skilled women as they dive without modern equipment and experience their way of life in their seashore huts, where they grill freshly caught shellfish and share their stories of ama culture. Later, visit the Shinmei Shrine, known as a place of worship for ama divers, and its special blessings that “grant at least one wish of a woman.” To end your day, unwind at the Amanemu, a luxurious spa resort and onsen retreat that offers the perfect blend of privacy and comfort. This experience was curated in collaboration with the Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs and inspired by the Japan Heritage Story #073 “Meet the Ama Female Divers of Toba and Shima.”