Ama Butlers Service and Shimas Seafood on a Private Beach

Ama Butlers Service and Shimas Seafood on a Private Beach

Imagine catching your own seafood while riding on a traditional ama boat and then relaxing on a private beach to savor it cooked just for you. This experience in Mie Prefecture offers a combination of hands-on fishing, cultural connection, and a luxurious meal that’s hard to find elsewhere. At a price of around $1,633, it’s a premium experience — but one that promises a genuine taste of local tradition and exclusive comfort.

Our favorite parts? First, the chance to personally catch your seafood with the help of a genuine ama diver, which creates a memorable, hands-on experience. Second, the setting — a private beach in Shima — offers a secluded spot to enjoy freshly cooked seafood away from crowds. One potential consideration? The overall cost is high compared to typical tours, so it’s best suited for travelers celebrating a special occasion or seeking a luxury experience.

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic cultural moments combined with gourmet food and privacy, this tour could be perfect. It’s especially appealing if you love seafood, unique local traditions, and are willing to invest in a memorable experience that stands apart from typical sightseeing.

Key Points

• Authentic Ama Fishing: You’ll ride a traditional boat with an ama diver to catch your own seafood, offering a rare glimpse into local fishing culture.
• Exclusive Setting: The private beach provides a tranquil, scenic backdrop for your meal, away from crowded tourist spots.
• Gourmet Dining: The seafood you catch is prepared by a top chef, giving you a chance to enjoy the freshest local ingredients.
• Personalized Service: The tour is private, ensuring personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Optional Guides and Extras: For an extra fee, you can hire an English-speaking guide or even pull aged sake from the sea — adding to the experience.
• Limited Flexibility: This is a non-refundable tour, so it’s best for travelers committed to the date and experience.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Beginning at the Meeting Point in Kashikojima

Your adventure starts at Satoumian Ama or the marina, with a meeting time typically around 2:00 pm. The initial gathering is straightforward, with most travelers meeting at a designated pier or harbor close to their accommodations. This spot keeps the start simple but effective, putting you right on the water from the outset. The admission is free, giving you a no-cost start to what promises to be a memorable afternoon.

Riding with the Ama Diver

The core of this tour is the boat ride with an ama diver — a traditional Japanese fisherman known for free-diving and catching seafood with skill and patience. While the exact duration isn’t specified, you’ll spend about an hour on the water, during which you’ll learn about the diver’s craft and possibly try your hand at pulling in fish or shellfish.

The ama are revered for their expertise and deep connection to the sea, and riding alongside one is both educational and fun. We loved the way this part of the tour offers a genuine peek into a centuries-old tradition, not just a staged experience. One reviewer said, “We loved the way the ama shared their knowledge and made us feel part of the fishing process.”

Catching Your Own Seafood

Once out on the water, you’ll use a creel (traditional fishing basket) to gather seafood like shellfish, fish, or other local catches. This interactive element turns the experience into a hands-on adventure, making the meal that follows even more special. It’s a rare chance to participate directly in the fishing process, which adds an authentic and personal touch that many travelers find rewarding.

Transport to the Private Beach

After fishing, the group is transported to a private beach — a hidden, tranquil spot ideal for relaxing and enjoying your catch. This seclusion is a real highlight, providing a peaceful setting to unwind and take in the scenery. Expect clear waters, sandy shores, and a scenic environment that’s perfect for a leisurely meal.

Gourmet Seafood Meal

The seafood you caught is then prepared by a top chef and served in a cozy holiday home on the beach. We appreciate this setup as it combines comfort with authenticity; you’re not just eating at a restaurant, but in a private space with your fresh catch. The menu is described as the “original menu” crafted to highlight the flavors of Shima.

Guests often comment on how freshly prepared and flavorful the seafood is, tasting like a true local delicacy. The experience is tailored to emphasize quality and freshness, elevating a simple meal into a memorable event. One reviewer mentioned, “The seafood was outstanding, and knowing we caught it made it taste even better.”

Optional Extras for a Custom Experience

For those wanting a more immersive experience, options include hiring an English-speaking guide for a fee of 33,000 JPY or pulling aged sake from the sea (a unique tradition) for 6,000 JPY per bottle. These extras add layers of cultural insight but come at additional costs.

Practicalities and Considerations

• The tour is non-refundable, so be sure of your plans.
• It requires most travelers to participate, making it accessible for many, but not suited for those with mobility issues.
• The price reflects the exclusivity, personalized service, and gourmet meal, offering value for someone seeking a unique, premium experience.
• The duration of about 4 hours makes it a well-paced half-day activity, fitting easily into most itineraries.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is especially suited for seafood lovers, culture enthusiasts, and luxury travelers craving something beyond the usual sightseeing. It’s ideal if you want a personal, hands-on adventure that combines tradition with comfort. Also suitable for special occasions or romantic getaways, where you’re willing to spend a bit more for privacy and a memorable story to tell.

Final Thoughts

The Ama Butlers Service and Shimas Seafood on a Private Beach offers a rare blend of culture, culinary delight, and private comfort. For those willing to invest in a premium experience, it delivers a genuine taste of Japan’s coastal traditions and the chance to create lasting memories. It’s not a casual, quick tour — it’s a thoughtfully curated, intimate outing that rewards effort with authenticity and deliciousness.

Travelers who value personalized service, authentic fishing traditions, and gourmet seafood will find this tour well worth the cost. Just remember, it’s designed for those ready to embrace a special adventure — and to savor every bite of their freshly caught seafood in a quiet, scenic spot.

FAQ

• How long does the tour last?
  Approximately 4 hours, from meeting to returning, with plenty of time to enjoy each part of the experience.

• What is included in the price?
  The fee covers the boat ride with the ama diver, fishing, transportation to the private beach, and the seafood meal prepared by a top chef.

• Are there any optional extras I can pay for?
  Yes, you can hire an English-speaking guide or pull aged sake from the sea, for additional fees.

• Is this experience suitable for children?
  While most travelers can participate, specific age restrictions aren’t provided. It’s best for those comfortable with boat rides and physical activity.

• Can I cancel or reschedule?
  No, the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

• What should I wear?
  Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, and consider bringing a hat or sunscreen for the beach.

• Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
  The information suggests most travelers can participate, but note that it involves boat rides and walking on uneven surfaces.

• Where exactly do we meet?
  At Satoumian Ama or the marina owned by your accommodation, usually around 2:00 pm.

• What if I want an English guide?
  Contact the provider directly by phone; guide services are available for 33,000 JPY.

• Is the seafood fresh?
  Absolutely — you catch it yourself, and it’s prepared immediately, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.

This tour offers an excellent chance to connect with Japan’s fishing heritage while enjoying a luxurious, private meal. For those seeking a meaningful, hands-on experience in a beautiful setting, it’s a memorable choice that’s worth considering.