Sea fireflies (Vargula hilgendorfii) are ancient creatures which are famous for their blue bioluminescence. This small nocturnal animal, only 3mm long, looks exactly the same as it did 400 million years ago. At night, in the mud and sand of the shallows, these creatures swim around, bathing their surroundings in blue light. Discover the mysterious sight on a summer Sea Firefly Viewing Tour.

Sea Firefly Viewing Tour

The word ama refers to traditional Japanese women divers who catch abalone, turban shells, and other seafood. Using simple tools, such as an abalone chisel and and a measuring stick, the ama’s environmentally-friendly diving techniques are deeply related to the local wisdom of environmental preservation. Ama are listed as an intangible folk cultural property of Mie Prefecture and hope to be registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Have a warm conversation with friendly Ama-san while enjoying freshly-grilled seafood in our Ama Spiritual Tour.

Ama Spiritual Tour

The coastal area of Ise-Shima was once called “Miketsukuni”, and was responsible for supplying food for the Imperial Court until the Heian Period. The greatest source of Ise-Shima seafood lies in the seaweed forest. This nutritional haven is cultivated along the river from the mountains and forests that surround Ise Bay. Experience having lunch in a fishing village and enjoy Ise-shima’s freshest seafood!

Let’s Go By Boat! Lunch in a Fishing Village