Ama Diving Festival

Festival celebrating the traditional women pearl divers of Mie Prefecture.

The annual Ama Diving Festival, held in various coastal communities of Mie Prefecture in Kansai, celebrates the enduring tradition of Japan's legendary female free-divers. This centuries-old practice, where Ama women dive without breathing apparatus to collect seafood like abalone and turban shells, is deeply ingrained in Mie's cultural heritage. The festival serves as a vital occasion for these communities to honor their heritage, pray for safety at sea, and ensure bountiful catches for the coming year, linking ancient customs with contemporary life. Visitors can anticipate a vibrant, authentic cultural experience steeped in maritime tradition. The air often fills with the enticing scent of grilling fresh seafood and the sounds of traditional music. You will witness Ama divers, often clad in their distinctive white diving outfits, participating in sacred rituals and demonstrating their incredible free-diving skills. These powerful, graceful dives into the clear waters are a testament to their strength, endurance, and deep connection to the ocean, offering a rare glimpse into their physically demanding craft. A primary highlight is observing the Ama's captivating diving demonstrations. Sacred ceremonies take place at local shrines, where prayers are fervently offered for the divers' well-being and a prosperous harvest from the