Unveiling Japan's Hidden Gems: Discovering the Enchanting 'Sea Women' and Majestic Waterfalls
With a wide grin, Ohno surfaces from the sea, relishing the salty kiss of the Pacific Ocean. She's an ama diver, a title which translates to "sea woman" in Japanese, synonymous with the enchanting Ise-Shima region for centuries.
Originally from Tokyo, Ohno moved nine years ago to become an ama diver. For generations, these women have supported themselves and their communities by diving deep into the waters, harboring a profound respect for their oceanic home.
"We don't deplete our resources, and we cherish nature," explains Ohno. "It's about maintaining balance – a philosophy passed down through thousands of years."
Today, the ocean is a little rough, tracing back to the tail-end of Typhoon 46. Undeterred, Ohno and her team of intrepid women dive with tenacity, gathering their catch in mere minutes.
Age is merely a number in this community. At 46, Ohno is one of the youngest. The eldest diver, still as vibrant at 74, sets an incredible example, instilling a sense of purpose often referred to as "ikigai" – a reason to live.
Once a powerful industry, only a couple thousand of these divine divers remain in Japan, their numbers dwindling bleakly. Yet, the spirit of the ama community thrives in Ise-Shima, where they welcome visitors eager to learn about this captivating heritage.
Scattered along remote beaches, dive huts, or "amagoya," allow visitors to immerse themselves in the lives of these extraordinary women. Ise-Shima is a region where ancient traditions collide with the great outdoors, where the pace slows to suit the inhabitants.
Unbeknownst to many, this enchanting region has been a sacred pilgrimage destination for centuries. Visitors flock to the famous Ise Jingu Shrine, home to 125 shrines, including the Naiku and Geko temples, providing a spiritual escape and an unforgettable experience to locals.
Beyond the idyllic city, explorers can engage in a range of outdoor activities, from thrilling four-wheeled adventures to leisurely hikes. Discover the lush landscapes of Ise-Shima National Park, home to vibrant marine life, breathtaking waterfalls, and serene meditative spots.
Situated atop Shirataki Falls, nestled within the verdant Toba mountains, lies a sacred meditation ritual that dates back 1,300 years. Locals and pilgrims alike embark on a cold but invigorating plunge beneath the tumbling waterfalls, purifying their body and spirit.
Not for the faint-hearted, this sacred practice transcends personal limitations, testing the body and mind. Though not for the timid, it's the perfect opportunity to find inner peace and a new perspective on life.
Fortified by the forest saunas nestled along Shirataki, the ceremony's exhaustion is replaced by invigoration. Interested participants can book their spiritual escapade with the Shirataki Daimyojin Shrine Association.
Where better to connect with the ocean and taste the region's bounty than with the immaculate dishes prepared by the ama divers themselves? Restaurants like Ran, ensconced in Oyodo The Earth hotel, offer Kaiseki-style menus that reflect each season's beauty.
From humble establishments to high-end venues, there's no shortage of delicacies to sample. Whether you're sampling the daily catch or indulging in haute cuisine, the experience is unmatched in its freshness and authenticity.
Ise-Shima's coastal beauty is best enjoyed on a winding road journey, navigating the abundance of off-road trails that radiate through the forest. Guides like Kosuke Nakanishi of the Taso Shirahama Resort can whisk you away on an exhilarating adventure through the coastal peninsula, leaving you with awe-inspiring memories.
Discovering the culinary delights, spiritual practices, and breathtaking landscapes of Ise-Shima offers the opportunity to unite ancient traditions with modern life, setting your spirit free to explore the soul of Japan.
After moving to Ise-Shima, Ohno continues her passion for the sea by participating in the traditional ama diving, a practice that allows her to travel deep into the ocean. Visitors who come to Ise-Shima can learn about this heritage and even participate in diving with the ama divers, experiencing the ocean's beauty and rich biodiversity firsthand.
