Mie is more and more one in every of my favourite elements of Japan. Whether or not I’m having fun with the solar shine by means of a subject of plum bushes, or watching it set behind a “floating” shrine, it’s an incredible place to get off Japan’s overwhelmed path.
Surprisingly, for some folks, it took me a few journeys earlier than I lastly noticed the prefecture’s most well-known residents. Effectively, a minimum of internationally: The ladies who free dive for pearls, usually holding their breath for a number of minutes at a time with a view to accumulate the ocean’s bounty.
Recognized in Japanese as ama, pearl divers aren’t a controversial matter per se, although it does stay up for debate to what extent the expertise of seeing them is “genuine.” Right here’s what it’s worthwhile to find out about it.
Japan’s Pearl-Diving PR Marketing campaign
Consider it or not, I first heard concerning the Mie pearl divers not whereas touring in Japan (and even from Japanese associates of mine), however in a marketing campaign by the Mie Tourism Board. It was in some massive newspaper or journal (perhaps The Guardian—don’t quote me) and was so glossily produced that I virtually didn’t pay it any consideration. After which I noticed the images of those girls in motion, and knew that I needed to {photograph} the spectacle for myself.
It was a chance, not in contrast to the on line casino video games you’ll be able to typically play from your individual cell machine, be they basic ones like Blackjack or Poker, or extra modern ones made for the modern. Nevertheless, as I usually aspire to do once I take a activate the roulette wheel, I ended up not solely having fun with the ama (despite them perhaps not being “actual”—extra on that in a minute), however getting improbable photos. Effectively, I feel they’re improbable; you may be the ultimate choose.
The best way to See the Ama in Japan
Get your self to Toba
Just about all the ama are across the metropolis of Toba, close to the far jap finish of the Shima Peninsula. In consequence, you have to to be right here (quite than in “shut” Mie locations equivalent to Tsu, Matsusaka and even Ise) when you want to see the ama with your individual eyes.
If not in a single day, then on a day journey from Nagoya
After all, you don’t essentially must spend the evening in Mie if you wish to see the Japan pearl divers, even when I feel doing so is a good suggestion. Because of handy providers on each the JR Strains and Kintetsu Line, it’s fairly simple to get to Mie for the day from Nagoya.
Go to Mikimoto Pearl Island
Only a quick stroll from Toba Station, Mikimoto Pearl Island is the town’s most evident vacationer attraction, whether or not you go to its Pearl Museum or store for jewellery. Even when pearls aren’t your model, nevertheless, you’ll be able to see an ama demonstration the principle dock of the museum. It’s an particularly stunning affair if the solar is shining!
(However be conscious of the schedule)
The ama pearl divers in Japan are ubiquitous on Mikimoto Pearl Island, however they aren’t a relentless presence. Particularly, they carry out at set occasions all through the day. I recommend that you simply test the timetable right here earlier than you go to to time it out, whether or not than ready till after you purchase your tickets and having to face round.
Guide a non-public ama expertise
Need to see the ama in a barely extra genuine setting? When you virtually received’t have the ability to see them harvesting pearls for business functions (since that doesn’t occur anymore), non-public or small group excursions are your greatest wager for seeing them on extra rural elements of the peninsula. As a bonus, these experiences usually embrace a seafood lunch cooked by the ama!
Different Issues to Do in Mie Prefecture
Mie is a bit off Japan’s overwhelmed path, but it surely hides nice rewards for vacationers who’re keen to make the journey to get there:
- The town of Ise is house not solely to Ise Grand Shrine, Japan’s holiest, however to the Meoto Iwa “wedded rocks,” that are one in every of my favourite spots for sundown anyplace within the nation.
- Coming in March? Mie is house to one in every of Japan’s greatest spots for ume (plum blossom) viewing, particularly within the type of the Inabe Metropolis Agricultural Park.
- Who stated Kobe is the one metropolis in Japan for superb beef? You’ll be able to have a wonderful wa-gyu lunch in Matsusaka, with nearly no crowds as you discover its outdated Service provider Road.
As you’ll be able to see, the Japan pearl island is however the starting of all there may be to see in Mie-ken, reinforcing why you may need to spend the evening as an alternative of coming for the day from Nagoya.
Different FAQ About Japan’s Ama Pearl Divers
Are there nonetheless ama divers in Japan?
The excellent news? There are nonetheless ama divers in Japan, and you may nonetheless see them. The dangerous information? They’re of restricted sensible utility, given that the majority commercially offered pearls within the nation are harvested (and, extra usually, grown) utilizing extra fashionable means.
The place to see ama divers in Japan?
Probably the most dependable place to see ama in Japan is on the Mikimoto Pearl Island in Toba Metropolis. Right here, demonstrations happen a number of occasions per day when the museum is open. Alternatively, you could possibly see the ama carry out in wilder stretches of sea, although this requires you to guide a tour, usually a non-public one.
How lengthy can ama divers maintain their breath?
As a basic minimal, the ama can maintain their breath for a minimum of two minutes, which is how a lot time is required with a view to attain even the shallowest locations on the ocean mattress the place pearl-producing oysters are discovered. Do take into accout, nevertheless, that many ama can maintain their breath even longer than this!
The Backside Line
Whether or not or not they’re genuine, the ama pearl divers provide one of the fascinating journey experiences anyplace in Japan. Some vacationers will keep in a single day in Toba or Ise, whereas others will come for the day from Nagoya. Likewise, you’ll be able to select the place you need to see them: There are frequent, dependable demonstrations at Mikimoto Pearl Island; if you wish to see a seemingly extra “actual” illustration of their prowess, you sometimes must guide a non-public tour (however, on the brilliant aspect, they could grill up seafood for you!). Want personalised assist navigating off Japan’s overwhelmed path in your subsequent journey? Contemplate hiring me to plan a customized Japan itinerary!