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HOME > ACTIVITIES > SCUBA DIVING > INTRO |
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Japan is an island nation sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Sea of Japan to the east. The country's main islands, as well as smaller islands scattered throughout the archipelago, make it a great place for scuba diving. From the spectacular ice flows in the Sea of Okhotsk to the north to the tropical waters of Okinawa, there is something for everyone.
Japan has the most diverse climate in Asia which is evident in the weather patterns from north to south as well as the temperatures underwater. A warm current bathes Japan’s islands with warm water from the tropics while a cold current brings icy waters south from the Arctic ocean.
| This unusual combination offers divers the unique opportunity to see both tropical and temperate species on the main Island of Honshu. An increasing number of dive spots are discovered every year, and divers in Japan can enjoy everything from tropical coral reefs to kelp forests, and even ice diving. |
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Photo courtesy of Fathoms Diving |
Within an hour from Tokyo by car or train, the Izu Peninsula is the most popular dive area and has the largest number of dive sites on the mainland. Most coastal towns feature shore and boat dives, each with unique underwater environments to explore. On the east coast, the Izu Oceanic Park has the distinction as the first dive site explored many years ago, while on the west coast, Osezaki is known as the number one dive site in Honshu.
To the east of Tokyo and the Izu peninsula divers can explore the Seven Islands of Izu. The islands provide a great escape from the city and good place to enjoy a weekend of diving and relaxation that can be done in a weekend. Because the islands are further from Tokyo and the mainland, the visibility is usually better and the water warmer.
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If you’re looking for tropical waters, the popular Okinawa Islands are the place to be. Further East, the Ogasawaras (also known as the Bonin Islands) consist of four island groups: the Keitas, the Chichijimas, the Hahajimas, and offer some excellent warm water diving as well. Chichijima is the largest of the Ogawawaras, just over eight square miles with some 1,800 inhabitants. |
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Photo courtesy of Fathoms Diving |
Other diving areas include Shikoku, where most dive spots are located around Mugi and Kashiwajima and the Kansai area, with dive spots located around the tip of the Kii peninsula between Shirahama and Kushimoto. New dive spots have recently been explored along the eastern coast line from Kushimoto to Toba as well. Diving is also gaining in popularity in northern Japan (Tohoku), especially around Aomori and on Sado Island in the Sea of Japan. For ice diving head up to Hokkaido and the spectacular ice drifts in the Sea of Okhotsk.
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Know of some good dive spots in Japan? Please send reviews, comments and questions to : editor@outdoorjapan.com |
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Scuba Diving Area Guide |
