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Kosode Ama Center

The ama (women divers) diving demonstration is popular at the tourist base on the Kosode Coast.

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This tourist facility is located on Kosode Beach, a scenic spot with various oddly shaped rocks scattered along the coastline.
The current building was renovated in 2015 after being completely destroyed in the Great East Japan Earthquake, and is named after the Ama, ”Hokugen no Ama (Ama of the Northern Limit)" divers who work on the Kosode coast.

The first floor is a souvenir store, the second floor is an exhibition corner introducing the history of ama (women divers), the third floor is a snack space where Kuji's specialties can be enjoyed, and the rooftop is an observation area with a view of the Kosode coast.

Diving demonstrations (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from July to September) are held by ama divers in the sea in front of the center, and visitors can sample freshly caught sea urchins (for a fee).
On the first Sunday of August every year, the "Ama of the Northern Limit Festival" is held, and on this day, the demonstration can be observed free of charge.

It is also famous as a location for the NHK television drama series "Amachan," in which a woman diver from the northern limit appeared. The watchtower, white lighthouse, slope in front of the fishing port, and breakwater that appeared in the play were actually filmed in the Kosode district. Due to the popularity of this drama, it is still a popular spot visited by many tourists as a “holy ground".

Highlights

  • In 2018, it was designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Kuji City as "Kuji's Ama Fishing Technique".
  • The free diving scene in the NHK television drama series "Amachan" was filmed here at the demonstration site.
  • The offshore area of the center is one of the world's three major fishing grounds and a treasure trove of sea urchins and abalone.
  • During the high season, car traffic may be restricted in order to avoid congestion.

Photos

  • Base for sightseeing in Kosode Coast © Iwate Tourism Association

    Base for sightseeing in Kosode Coast © Iwate Tourism Association

  • Free diving demonstrations are held from July to September.
© Iwate Tourism Association

    Free diving demonstrations are held from July to September. © Iwate Tourism Association

  • "Kuji's Ama Fishing Techniques" is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Kuji City. © Iwate Tourism Association

    "Kuji's Ama Fishing Techniques" is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Kuji City. © Iwate Tourism Association

  • Right in front of the center is a place for Ama to demonstrate free diving.
© Iwate Tourism Association

    Right in front of the center is a place for Ama to demonstrate free diving. © Iwate Tourism Association

  • Got a sea urchin!  In summer, you can eat grilled sea urchin and other seafood.
© Iwate Tourism Association

    Got a sea urchin! In summer, you can eat grilled sea urchin and other seafood. © Iwate Tourism Association

Reviews

1
  • 文龍 Sky

    每年八月的第一個禮拜天可以看到海女免費表演。

Details

Name in Japanese
小袖海女センター
Postal Code
028-8111
Address
24-110-2 Ubecho, Kuji City, Iwate
Telephone
0194-54-2261
Closed
December 29-January 3
Business Hours
9:00am-5:00pm
Admission
Free (There is a fee to observe a demonstration of ama divers' free diving)
Directions
1) 35 minutes by Iwate Kenpoku Bus from JR Kuji Station, get off at "Kosode Kaigan" and walk 5 minutes.
2) 1 hour drive from the Kunohe IC of the Hachinohe Expressway
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)