Osatsu, a fishing town south of Toba City, is famous for having the highest number of Ama divers per capita in all of Japan.
Walking around Osatsu, one can feel the atmosphere of a fisherman’s town, a town where the Ama diving culture has taken root.
Osatsu town is also home to some of the most famous sites in Ise-Shima, the Ama divers’ restaurants and Ishigami-san, a temple where a deity (Ishigami) is worshipped who grants every woman a wish in her life.
About Ama divers
There are about 1,300 divers in the Ise-Shima area. Ama diving is a fishing method that involves diving (freediving) and catching shellfish such as abalone, turban, sea urchin and seaweed such as wakame, hijiki, arame and tengusa. This activity has a long history and is an integral part of Japanese life and culture.
Osatsu kamado “What is Ama?” https://osatsu.org/en/
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| Alt. max 41m | Access. car・bus | 6.3km trail |
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| Car park (free) | Duration 2h00 | Trail with washrooms |
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| Beginner level Yes | Recommended season spring・early summer |
| | | | | | | |
| Alt. max 41m | Access. car・bus | 6.3km trail | Car park (free) | Duration 2h00 | Trail with wash. | Beg. level Yes | Rec. season spring・early summer |
※Gaia GPS is a hiking app which covers the latest route status and other climbing information with extensive coverage of trails all over Japan.
From Ishigami shrine to Harusame observatory. A countryside walk.
The starting point is “Parking #2 Ishigami-san / Shinmei-shrine”. It takes about 24 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bus from Kintetsu or JR Toba station to reach the car park.
- At Toba Bus Center, board the bus from platform 2.
- It takes about 35 minutes to arrive at the bus stop “Osatsu / Ishigami-san-mae)”
- The one-way fare is 600 yen.
Point of interest ① Chidorigahama beach
parking lot.
The destination is in the opposite direction, turn
right.
From the car park, walk along the main street of Osatsu to reach the seafront, where you will be dazzled by the 500m long sandy beach.
We’ve arrived at “point of interest ①” , Chidorigahama!
This beach is one of Toba’s ten scenic spots and has a great location. It is a popular spot, crowded with tourists in summer because of its characteristic white sand with a total length of 500m and the highly transparent water.
Walking on fine sand is like walking on a snowfield. Sit by the sea and take a break. Depending on the season, you can also go for a light jog on the beach.
ガイドのタコDo not overdo it on a hot day. Make sure you are protected from the sun and drink plenty of water.
Once you have rested, follow the seaside path to your next destination.
Point of interest ② : Kujirasaki / Tateishi-san
(whale cape) is on the left.
path.
shadows are pleasant.
tip of Kujirazaki.
Through the gaps between the trees, the sparkling blue surface of the ocean can be seen.
After passing Kujirasaki Point you will see a huge rock. Walk down the stairs to the giant rock. It’s a steep slope, so watch your step.
We have reached “point of interest ②”.
In the past, when fishermen wished to have a successor, they prayed to this rock in the early morning.
From this point, we are 2 kilometres from the “point of interest ③” Sugezaki Park / Harusame Memorial
Point of interest ③ Sugezaki park / Harusame memorial
We arrived at Sugasaki Park and Harusame Observatory, today’s goal.
In 1911, the Imperial Japanese Navy destroyer Harusame ran aground in the middle of the night off the coast of Osatsu. The next morning, the people of Osatsu discovered the tragedy. The story of how eight lives were saved through their desperate efforts is described on the monument in Sugasaki Park. It is said that if a couple rings the Tokotowa no Kane (bell of eternal love) on top of the Harusame Observatory, their love will last forever. Also remember the crew of the Harusame destroyer.
The 180-degree panoramic view of the rias coastline and the ocean is breathtaking. When you ring the bell, the sound seems to soar with the sea breeze.
見守りのカモメOnce you’ve caught up your breath, head back to the starting point.
Alternative: Drive to Sugasaki Park and Harusame Observatory.
HikerThere is an alternative if you don’t want to walk the entire circuit.
The road leading to the Sugasaki Park and Harusame Observatory, which was so narrow before 2021 that oncoming traffic would make you panic, has been beautifully renovated and spacious. This makes it safe and easy to access by car.
This is the final proposal for a hiking tour with a spectacular view of the town of Aizashi.
- Start hiking from Ishigami-san car park #2.
- Hike to “point of interest ①”, Chidorigahama beach
- Carry on to “point of interest ②”, Kujirasaki / Tateishi-san
- Hike back to Ishigami-san car park #2, through Osatsu fishing port.
- Do some sightseeing in Osatsu and visit Ishigami-san shrine.
- Get in the car and head to the “point of interest ③”, Sugezaki park / Harusame memorial.
How about this route? This shortened option is a 3 km walk (1.9 mile).
Q＆A
Hikerガイドのタコ
悩めるHiker見守りのカモメ