Japan is a chain of islands stretching from north to south, creating a wide range of climates across the country. This natural diversity offers unique diving experiences with underwater scenery that changes with the location, ensuring something for everyone to enjoy. In this guide, we’ll introduce 7 of the best diving destinations in Japan, and share 3 tips to make the most of your diving adventure.Let this guide help you discover the perfect diving experience for your trip.
Japan’s 7 Best Diving Locations: Where and How to Dive
1. Ishigaki Island: A Paradise of Marine Life and Coral
Ishigaki Island, located about 400 km southwest of Okinawa’s main island, is a popular remote destination in Japan. Known for its crystal-clear waters, Ishigaki offers numerous diving spots that can be enjoyed year-round, making it a perfect choice for both beginners and advanced divers. Featuring vibrant coral reefs, fascinating macro marine life, and thrilling encounters with large migratory fish, Ishigaki’s underwater world promises an unforgettable experience. Remarkably, 360 of the approximately 800 coral species found worldwide can be seen here.
Features
- Admire marine life through crystal-clear waters.
- Explore caves, deep-water areas, and gentle currents.
- High chances of encountering manta rays, sea turtles, tuna, and other large marine life.
- Sea turtles are especially common in spring and summer.
- Rich diversity of tropical fish.
- Warm climate allows for diving even during winter.
- Experience seasonal underwater scenery changes throughout the year.
- Marvel at colorful coral reefs surrounding the island.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Ishigaki island enjoys a warm climate year-round. Even in January, the coldest month, it has an average temperature of 18°C and a minimum of 16°C, making winters only slightly cool. The best time to visit is from late June, after the rainy season, to autumn. However, since the marine life available varies by season, make sure to plan your visit based on your specific interests.
Recommended Diving Spots
The attractions of Ishigaki Island’s diving spots vary depending on the region. In the northwest region, the Kabira area is famous for its large gatherings of manta rays, which often swim at shallow depths of around 6–7 meters, making them easily visible even to beginner divers. The western region, on the other hand, is known for its frequent sightings of large migratory fish. The southern region offers excellent diving spots conveniently located near hotels and the airport, making them an accessible option for travelers.
2. Miyako Island: Experience Dynamic Landscapes in Clear Waters
Miyako Island, located about 290 km southwest of Okinawa’s main island, consists of six distinct islands. Connected by bridges and ferries, the surrounding islands and their diving spots are easily accessible, offering a wide range of options for both beginners and advanced divers.
Features
- A diverse range of diving sites around Miyako Island.
- Exciting cave diving opportunities.
- Three iconic diving spots: Devil’s Palace, Toori-ike Pond, and Antonio Gaudi.
- The famous “Blue Cave” is accessible and enjoyable even for beginners.
- Exceptionally clear waters throughout the year.
- Yonaha Maehama Beach, also known as “Miyako Blue,” features pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, earning its reputation as one of the most beautiful beaches in the East.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
The best time for diving on Miyako Island is between spring and autumn. From spring to early summer, the winds subside and the sea stabilizes, making it ideal for diving. In autumn, the water’s transparency improves significantly, enhancing the underwater experience. However, the coldest months of January and February have an average temperature of 18°C, making it slightly chilly for diving.
Recommended Diving Spots
Among the numerous diving sites on Miyako Island, the areas around Irabu Island and Shimoji Island stand out for their wide variety of diving spots.
3. Okinawa Main Island: Explore a Diverse Range of Underwater Worlds
Okinawa’s main island boasts an abundance of tourist attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu” and numerous war relics. In 2022, the island welcomed 6.77 million visitors, a number that continues to grow each year, cementing its status as one of Japan’s premier resort destinations. Its crystal-clear blue seas are another major attraction, making diving on Okinawa’s main island a popular activity for both beginners and experienced divers.
Features
- Hundreds of diving spots offering vastly different experiences depending on the area.
- Admire coral reefs, macro marine life, and migratory fish of various sizes.
- Discover sunken ships from World War II, including the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Emmons.
- Numerous tourist attractions beyond diving.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Okinawa’s coldest month, January, has a mild average temperature of 17°C. While diving is possible year-round, the best seasons are from spring to autumn. However, do be cautious during the rainy season from May to June and the typhoon season from August to September, as weather conditions can be unpredictable.
Recommended Diving Spots
Okinawa Main Island boasts numerous diving spots across its regions, each providing a unique experience. In the southern region, divers can explore a range of options, including cave diving, drift diving, and beach diving. This area is also less affected by the north winds, making it a reliable choice throughout the year. The northern region is known for its pristine natural beauty. This region features Motobu, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, and Minna Island, regarded as one of Okinawa’s premier diving destinations. The east coast remains accessible throughout winter, as it is protected from the strong north winds. In fact, its waters become even clearer in winter, offering breathtaking underwater views.
4. Ogasawara Islands: Dive into the Deep Blue of a World Heritage Site
The Ogasawara Islands, a group of over 30 islands located approximately 1,000 km south of Tokyo, boast a unique ecosystem shaped by their isolation from other continents. Registered as a World Natural Heritage Site in 2011, these islands offer unparalleled natural beauty that all divers can explore. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, the Ogasawara Islands promise an unforgettable underwater adventure.
Features
- Experience the deep blue waters unique to the “Bonin Blue” area.
- Admire coral reefs, macro marine life, and migratory fish of various sizes.
- Drift diving spots where you can explore the underwater world by riding ocean currents
- The Keita Islands, located 1.5 to 2 hours by boat from Chichijima, feature attractions, such as the Tuna Hole, and sightings of sand tiger sharks (Shiro wani) and playful dolphins
- Explore sunken ships from World War II and gain a fascinating glimpse into history beneath the waves
Climate and Best Time to Visit
The Ogasawara islands maintain a mild average temperature of 18°C, even in its coldest month of January. While diving is possible year-round, the best seasons are from spring to autumn. Autumn, in particular, is ideal with peak water temperatures and enhanced visibility, providing the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning “Bonin Blue” waters of the Ogasawara Islands.
Recommended Diving Spots
The Tuna Hole, near Mukojima and Yomejima, is a popular site where schools of dogtooth tuna form mesmerizing whirlpools. Despite being more suited to advanced divers, it remains a favorite destination among tourists due to the spectacular experience. Around Hahajima, divers have a high chance of encountering humpback whales, adding to the thrill of underwater exploration. For beginners, the relatively calm waters around Chichijima are highly recommended.
5. Osezaki: Year-Round Diving with Seasonal Wonders
Osezaki, located within Suruga Bay on the Izu Peninsula, is so popular among divers that it’s known as the “Holy Land of Diving” in the Kanto region. Protected by its location within the bay, Osezaki is less affected by wind and waves, making year-round diving possible except during direct typhoons. This diving destination is perfect for both beginners and advanced divers.
Features
- Underwater scenery transforms with the seasons, providing new experiences year round.
- Three main diving points: Inner Bay, Outer Bay, and The Tip.
- Diverse environments and experiences depending on the location.
- Abundant marine life, with chances to spot large migratory fish like manta rays in certain areas.
- Night diving available within the bay.
- “Meoto Byakushin,” a 1,500-year-old national natural monument, is a must-see attraction at Ose Shrine, located at The Tip.
Climate and Best Time to Visit Osezaki
While diving is possible year-round in Osezaki, the highlights vary by season. January, the coldest month, has an average temperature of 6.9°C, so proper cold-weather gear is essential for winter dives.
6. Lake Shikotsu: Dive into Japan’s Clearest Freshwater Lake
Lake Shikotsu is a stunning caldera lake that was formed when water filled the depression left by a volcanic eruption. Its waters are remarkably transparent due to the low occurrence of plankton, making it easy to see deep beneath the surface. Recognized as having the best water quality in Japan, the lake has claimed the top spot in the Ministry of the Environment’s Public Water Quality Measurement Results an impressive 20 times. With calm waters, minimal currents, and exceptional clarity, Lake Shikotsu is a must-visit destination for both beginners and advanced divers.
Features
- Experience unique freshwater diving in a tranquil lake environment.
- Admire scenery exclusive to freshwater, such as giant submerged trees, freshwater fish, and aquatic plants.
- Enjoy diving year-round with different atmospheres across the seasons.
- Take on ice diving in January and February when the lake freezes over.
- Unmatched water clarity due to low nutrient content and minimal plankton
Climate and Best Time to Visit
In August, the warmest month, the average temperature is a comfortable 18°C. During winter, especially in January and February when ice diving is popular, the average minimum temperature drops to -7.9°C, so proper cold-weather gear is essential.
Recommended Diving Spots
Lake Shikotsu has numerous entry points, allowing divers to explore various locations across the lake.
7. Shiretoko: Explore An Enchanting World – Drift Ice Diving in a World Heritage Site
Shiretoko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its rich ecosystems and abundant marine life, offers the rare and extraordinary experience of drift ice diving. While diving in such extreme cold is undoubtedly challenging, the breathtaking and mystical underwater world beneath the drift ice is truly unforgettable. Drift ice diving, due to its inherent risks, is exclusively recommended for advanced divers. It’s essential to carefully follow the guidance of the support staff to ensure safety. However, with rising sea temperatures, the amount of drift ice reaching the shore is steadily declining, making the future of this extraordinary experience increasingly uncertain.
Features
- The basic dive lasts approximately 15 minutes.
- Walk across the drift ice to the diving point, create an entry hole, and submerge beneath the surface.
- Enjoy walking across the drift ice to reach the diving point.
- Unique experience of swimming among the drift ice and gazing up at its mesmerizing patterns from below.
- A chance to encounter the fascinating “Clione,” known as the sea angel
- Best suited for experienced divers due to extreme and challenging conditions
Climate and Best Time to Visit
The best time to experience drift ice diving is from February to March, when the ice reaches the shore. During this period, daytime temperatures average -2.1°C and water temperatures drop as low as -2°C, making it extremely cold. With occasional temperature dips below -10°C, proper cold-weather gear is absolutely essential for safety and comfort.
Recommended Diving Spots
Diving in Shiretoko is possible on both the western side in Utoro and the eastern side in Rausu. However, drift ice is less consistent in reaching the shore in Rausu, whereas Utoro has more reliable drift ice conditions, making it the preferred location for drift ice diving.
3 Ways to Enjoy Diving in Japan
Introductory Diving
Introductory diving is perfect for beginners and doesn’t require a license. It offers a first diving experience under the guidance of an instructor. After a brief preliminary lecture, you’ll dive with an instructor for about 20–30 minutes. The maximum depth for introductory diving is 12 meters, and the average cost ranges from 8,000 to 15,000 yen per dive.
License Acquisition Tour (C-Card Certification)
A license acquisition tour allows you to earn a “C-Card” certification, which is necessary for independent diving. During this tour, you’ll gain the essential knowledge and skills to dive safely. Certification can be completed in as little as 2-3 days, but most courses typically take 3-4 days. The average cost ranges from 60,000 to 100,000 yen, though it varies greatly depending on the diving center. Be sure to check for additional fees in advance, as some centers with lower initial prices may charge extra for equipment rental or other services.
Fun Diving
Fun diving is reserved for those with a diving license. With a “C-Card” certification, you can explore the underwater world and embark on exciting ocean adventures. The certification allows you to dive to a depth of 18 meters under the guidance of a diving leader. With further training and certification, you can dive to a maximum depth of 40 meters, opening the door to even more thrilling experiences. The average cost for fun diving ranges from 10,000 to 25,000 yen per dive when starting from the beach, with higher costs for boat dives. Price variations are often due to facility usage fees and transportation costs between centers. For better value, consider packages that include 2–3 dives over multiple days, as they’re usually more cost-effective than booking individual dives.
Summary
Japan offers a wide variety of spectacular diving spots, each with its own unique charm. From the warm tropical seas of Okinawa to the icy waters of Shiretoko, there’s a perfect underwater experience for every diver. Exploring these underwater worlds not only creates unforgettable memories, but also fosters a deeper appreciation for Japan’s remarkable natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner eager to take a plunge, Japan’s rich and diverse marine environments await you. Start planning your diving adventure today!
