Ama Hut Satoumian is a cultural experience that delves into the history and lifestyles of “ama” divers. These divers have, in the past, collected abalone, seaweed, seashells, and pearls. Presently, there are only about 2,000 divers remaining across Japan, with around 800 located in the Shima and Toba area of Mie Prefecture. They continue to follow traditional practices and are happy to share their ways with visitors.
At Ama Hut Satoumian, visitors have the opportunity to dine with current or former Ama divers. These divers charcoal-grill fresh seafood from the sea of Ise-Shima while engaging in conversation about their work and history. The restaurant features three individual rooms that are inspired by the traditional Ama Hut style. These rooms were originally used by the divers to rest and warm up between dives.
Background Information
The Ama Hut Satoumian experience is all about the food and speaking to the Ama divers themselves.
The practice of Ama (海女, or “sea women”) diving goes back many hundreds of years and has always been a relatively low-equipment style of diving. Evidence of the practice was found as far back as the time of the Man’yoshu, a Japanese poetry collection published around AD 759.
Since then, the practical reasons for diving and the tools used have changed gradually. While they once dressed in minimal clothing, since the beginning of the 20th century, they have worn a white diving uniform. To this day, they use no scuba gear or air tanks when diving. Although the practice eventually involved the collection of pearls, much of the diving was to collect seafood such as abalone.
Ama divers played a crucial part in the development of Japanese coastal communities, but with Japan’s technological advancements, the demand for their business has drastically decreased over the years.
In the Satoumian experience, the Ama divers take what they have collected on their dives and grill it in one of the three huts for guests. While they grill, you can talk to them about their work and life or anything that comes to mind. In addition to shedding light on the Ama’s lives, the Ama Hut Satoumian experience also aims to provide additional income and work for Ama divers who are gradually going out of business.
After chatting with the divers, there is also a small exhibit of the tools they use and a sample diving suit that you can try on yourself.
Ama Hut Satoumian won “Best Cultural Travel” in the 2024 Japan Travel Awards.
Getting There
From Nagoya, take the Kintetsu Limited Express line to Ugata Station. From there, take a 60-minute bus or a 30-minute taxi to Ama Hut Satoumian.
However, it is much easier to access by car, taxi, or car rental. Car rental and taxis are available at Ugata Station. It’s best to book in advance to ensure an accessible ride.
Accessibility
One of the three rooms used for dining and chatting with the Ama divers is equipped with tables and chairs for those who cannot sit on the floor. It is also non-step and wheelchair accessible.
There is an accessible public bathroom nearby, but it requires a short (about a 2-minute) drive or walk to get there.
Most of the divers speak only Japanese. However, visitors can request an interpreter to understand the conversation in full.
