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
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In 2018, it was designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Kuji City as "Kuji's Ama Fishing Technique".
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The free diving scene in the NHK television drama series "Amachan" was filmed here at the demonstration site.
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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.
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During the high season, car traffic may be restricted in order to avoid congestion.
