Divers need to have a large lung capacity, great eyesight, and a strong heart, as well as being daring and skilful. Wajima is home to the second-largest group of Ama in Japan, numbering about 200, ranging from women in their 70’s to teenagers. These divers dive to depths of over 10 metres wearing only a wetsuit and goggles, to collect items such as pearls, abalone (sea snails), and turban shells.
The word Ama literally translates to ‘woman of the sea’ and the history of the female shell divers of Wajima goes back more than 400 years. This remote city is most famous for its morning market, its incredible lacquerware, and its female pearl & shell divers (Ama). Wajima sits at the tip of a rugged and hilly peninsula, stretching out far into the Japan Sea. Overnight Garden Hotel Kanazawa or similarĪfter enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will journey via express bus from Kanazawa to Wajima (approx 3 hours). Shoyu, or soy sauce as known globally, has become a popular condiment worldwide and you will learn how it is made by the local experts. It is then time to get acquainted with a staple of Japanese food as you visit a Soy sauce factory. It flows into the neighbouring old Geisha district with its well-preserved tea houses where Geisha still perform. Known as the kitchen of Kanazawa, this bustling market has been around for over 400 years, and has its own distinct and lively atmosphere, with shop keepers’ cheerful and loud shouts filling the air. Strolling it’s grounds you will encounter all the things that are commonly associated with a tranquil Japanese garden – teahouses, wooden bridges, water features, an abundance of flowers and plenty of hidden nooks just waiting to be discovered.įrom there, it is time to tempt those tastebuds as you enjoy a foodie tasting tour through Omicho Market. This garden used to be outside of Kanazawa Castle, and was constructed over nearly two centuries by the ruling Maeda family. On arrival, you will visit Kenrokuen Garden which is considered to be in the top three of the most beautiful landscape gardens in the country.
Taking a Japanese bullet train (shinkansen) is an experience in itself with these sleek high-speed trains which are able to reach speeds of up to 320km. Set off this morning via bullet train from Tokyo to Kanazawa (approx. Overnight Cotoha Hotel Okachimachi or similar They are particularly associated with Tokyo and are sold year-round at yakitori street bars. These chicken skewers were originally a food prepared for temple festivals, with a history stretching at least 1000 years, although it wasn’t until the mid-17 th century that they were officially named. This evening, you will enjoy a welcome yakitori dinner (skewered BBQ chicken) at a street yakitori bar. Old Japan can still be found in the peaceful gardens and teahouses that are sprinkled through the city, and the Japanese obsession with ‘Kawaii’ (cuteness) pervades every life with a sense of playfulness, reflected in everything from instructional street signs through to everyday fashion. Set amongst its futuristic skyscrapers, you will find a district to suit every type of interest, from Harajuku with its quirky fashionista’s, through to Akihabara, a heaven for technology enthusiasts where you could be forgiven for thinking you have time-travelled into the future.
Any trepidation felt by the sheer size of this buzzing metropolis is soon overcome as you discover the innate order, cleanliness, and civility that defines this exciting city. Whilst being perhaps the most energetic, and futuristic city in the world, for a capital city, Tokyo remains remarkably safe, friendly, and manageable. The remainder of the day is free to soak up the atmosphere of this truly astounding city. Welcome to Japan! On arrival in Tokyo, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
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