Surrounded by ocean on all sides, Japan boasts a variety of distinctive dive locations. A lot of them are nearer than you would possibly suppose — together with the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, which will be reached in nearly two hours from central Tokyo. With the comfort of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, entry is even simpler, making this space a favourite amongst divers based mostly within the capital area.
The southern coast of the peninsula is the place most dive websites are positioned, and one in all Boso’s biggest appeals is the distinction between the 2 coasts. The Pacific facet (Sotobo) faces the open ocean and is strongly influenced by the nice and cozy Kuroshio Present. This creates dynamic underwater circumstances, with highly effective topography and frequent appearances by education pelagic fish. In the meantime, the Tokyo Bay facet (Uchibo) is sheltered and calm, however due to favorable currents, it additionally hosts a stunning number of marine life, together with many seasonal tropical species. The biodiversity and accessibility of this area make it a rewarding vacation spot for divers of all ranges.
Learn on to be taught extra concerning the prime diving spots within the Boso Peninsula.
Namegawa
Slightly below two hours by practice from Tokyo, Namegawa is a dynamic dive vacation spot providing all kinds of underwater experiences. Situated on the Pacific facet of the Boso Peninsula, the world advantages from clear water and powerful influences from each the Kuroshio and Oyashio currents. Because of this, the marine biodiversity right here is distinct from that of close by Izu. You might even see something starting from colourful nudibranchs and macro critters to varsities of pelagic fish. On uncommon events, even bigger guests, like tuna and dolphins, make an look. The underwater terrain options dramatic drop-offs and overhangs, providing one thing for each diver, from newcomers to seasoned professionals.
Prime Dive Spot in Namegawa: Maguro-ne (Tuna Rock)
This offshore web site is the signature spot of Namegawa, recognized for its rugged topography, massive rock formations and powerful currents. These circumstances appeal to a wide range of massive marine life, together with colleges of yellowtail and amberjack. It’s additionally a fantastic place to come across sharks, just like the Japanese bullhead and banded dogfish, and for those who’re fortunate, you would possibly see sea turtles, too. Autumn via winter gives notably spectacular visibility and fish density, making it a favourite amongst skilled divers. As a result of robust currents, this web site is finest suited to superior divers.
How To Get There
- By automobile: About two hours from Tokyo by way of the Keiyo and Tateyama Expressways towards Otaki/Katsuura.
- By practice: About one-and-a-half hours from Tokyo Station on the restricted categorical Wakashio line. Get off at Namegawa Island Station.
Katsuura
Situated on the southeastern fringe of the Boso Peninsula, Katsuura is a captivating port city recognized for its wealthy pure environment and long-standing fishing tradition. Solely two hours from central Tokyo, it gives quick access to dynamic offshore diving and vibrant marine life — all formed by open-ocean currents. The world options each boat and shore dives, with winter-only boat websites, like Umanose, drawing explicit curiosity. A number of native dive operators can be found, guaranteeing protected and cozy experiences for all ranges of divers.
Prime Dive Spot in Katsuura: Isomura
Isomura is Katsuura’s signature dive spot, well-known for its dramatic underwater surroundings and spectacular fish density. A large rock pinnacle rises from a pure white, sandy backside, with a lot to discover that one dive received’t be sufficient to see all of it. Giant pelagic species, like yellowtail, higher amberjack and yellowtail kingfish, regularly go via, making for thrilling encounters. Fortunate divers might even spot sea turtles or eagle rays gliding by. Look intently inside rock crevices, and also you would possibly discover a Japanese bullhead shark or moray eels hiding within the shadows.
Past diving, Katsuura gives loads to get pleasure from above the floor, from one in all Japan’s oldest morning markets to coastal sizzling springs and a maritime museum, making it a fantastic vacation spot for full-day or weekend journeys.
How To Get There
- By automobile: About two hours from Tokyo by way of the Keiyo Street and Tateyama Expressway towards Otaki/Katsuura.
- By practice: About one-and-a-half hours from Tokyo Station on the restricted categorical Wakashio line. Get off at Katsuura Station.
Nishikawana
Simply across the bend from Cape Sunosaki and about two hours from Tokyo, Nishikawana is among the most enjoyable diving areas on the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula. Fed year-round by the nice and cozy Kuroshio Present, this web site is understood for its spectacular biodiversity and constantly excessive fish density.
The underwater panorama is placing and assorted, from rugged rock formations and sandy patches to colourful delicate coral gardens. Visibility tends to be glorious due to robust tidal circulate, and the marine life is solely spectacular. Highlights embrace lengthy rows of long-barbeled grunter and the awe-inspiring colleges of eagle rays that seem between Could and June, typically numbering within the tons of. Different year-round residents embrace moroko gudgeons, eels and each temperate and tropical species influenced by the Kuroshio.
Prime Dive Spot in Nishikawana: Buoy A
Divers sometimes enter from Buoy A and head towards a dramatic rock formation often called Ōne (actually “large root”). Comply with the information rope to a slender valley dubbed “V-shaped Canyon,” the place you’re prone to spot long-barbeled grunter, moroko gudgeons, striped beakfish, scorpionfish and rockfish. In the correct season, massive colleges of eagle rays and even teams of banded dogfish will be seen cruising via the world. As a result of usually robust currents, this web site is finest suited to intermediate to superior divers.
How To Get There
- By automobile: About two-and-a-half hours from Tokyo by way of the Aqua Line and Tateyama Expressway. Exit towards Tateyama, then observe Route 127.
- By practice: Take the Restricted Categorical Sazanami from Tokyo Station to Tateyama Station (about one hour and 45 min), then take a 20-minute native bus experience to the positioning.
Ito
Situated on the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula in Tateyama Metropolis, Ito gives a number of the most thrilling shark dives in Japan. Opened to divers in 2010, this comparatively new web site has rapidly gained worldwide recognition for its breathtaking underwater encounters with tons of of sharks and rays.
The spectacle started when the native fishing cooperative began feeding sharks to forestall them from getting caught in fastened nets. At the moment, divers can witness a rare congregation of marine life, together with banded dogfish, longtooth groupers, stingrays and Asian sheepshead wrasse. The proximity of the dive web site to the harbor make it a favourite amongst native and worldwide divers alike.
Prime Dive Spot in Ito: Okimae-ne (Shark Metropolis)
Only a three-minute boat experience from the harbor, Okimae-ne is dwelling to the well-known “Shark Metropolis,” the place tons of of banded dogfish swirl round a roped-off space close to the seabed. Divers usually discover themselves utterly surrounded, providing a heart-pounding, unforgettable expertise. Different regulars embrace stingrays, groupers and Asian sheepshead wrasse. From January to March, it’s possible you’ll even spot diving Japanese cormorant plunging as deep as 20 meters (65 toes) to hunt for fish, a uncommon and interesting sight.
How To Get There
- By automobile: About two hours and quarter-hour from Tokyo. Take the Tateyama Expressway to Tomiura IC, then observe Route 127 and Prefectural Route 297.
- By practice: Take the Restricted Categorical Sazanami from Tokyo Station to Tateyama Station (roughly one hour and 45 minutes), then switch by bus or taxi.
Kenbutsu
Situated alongside the scenic Boso Flower Line simply past central Tateyama, Kenbutsu sits on the entrance of Tokyo Bay and gives a wealthy number of marine life influenced by the Kuroshio Present. This quiet dive space is well accessible, with each seashore and boat diving choices obtainable, in addition to close by lodging and categorical bus stops. Calm circumstances make it a really perfect spot for newcomers and returning divers, whereas websites like “Triangle,” a kelp forest, “Goby’s Level,” recognized for its gobies, and a shallow seashore space used for coaching supply a wide range of underwater experiences. From summer time via autumn, tropical species additionally start to look, making it a fantastic location for relaxed fish watching.
Prime Dive Spot in Kenbutsu: Triangle
Only a few minutes from the port, this web site reaches a most depth of round 7 meters (23 toes) and is often freed from robust currents, good for first-time boat divers. A rocky space lies offshore from a sandy seabed, the place a number of kinds of coral will be discovered. You’ll usually see charming species, just like the threespot dascyllus and clownfish, in the course of the hotter months. It’s additionally a superb web site for refreshing your expertise after a break from diving.
How To Get There
- By automobile: Roughly one hour and 45 minutes from Tokyo by way of the Tateyama Expressway (exit at Kyonan-Hota IC) and Route 127.
- By practice: Roughly one hour and 50 minutes from Tokyo Station by way of the Sazanami restricted categorical to Awa-Katsuyama Station, then a bus or taxi from the station.
Banda
Situated within the metropolis of Tateyama on the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula, Banda is a quiet port city recognized for its peaceable bay, vibrant underwater life and connection to legendary freediver Jacques Mayol, who cherished the world’s pure magnificence and warm-hearted locals. Because of the affect of the Kuroshio Present, Banda’s waters are wealthy with marine biodiversity, making it a preferred day-trip vacation spot for divers coming from Tokyo.
With shallow depths and mild currents, Banda is very welcoming to newcomers and returning divers. Beneath the floor, you’ll discover colourful delicate coral gardens, education amberjack and yellowtail and even uncommon creatures, like rhinopias. Whether or not you’re into wide-angle seascapes or macro critter looking, Banda has one thing to supply.
Prime Dive Spot in Banda: Karoune
Situated simply 5 minutes by boat from the harbor, Karoune is a hidden reef recognized for its floral-like delicate corals and swarms of fish. Giant colleges of sea bass and amberjack in addition to large clouds of silver-stripe spherical herring make this an exciting spot for underwater images. It’s additionally the place the uncommon rhinopias was as soon as noticed, including to its enchantment amongst macro fanatics. The seafloor is roofed with colonies of sea pens, one other distinctive spotlight of the positioning.
How To Get There
- By automobile: About one hour and 40 minutes from Tokyo by way of the Tateyama Expressway (Kyonan-Hota IC) and Route 127.
- By practice: About one hour 45 minutes on the Sazanami restricted categorical from Tokyo Station to Tateyama Station, adopted by a bus or taxi.
Hazama
Situated on the entrance of Tokyo Bay, Hazama gives divers entry to one in all Boso Peninsula’s most iconic underwater experiences. Its largest draw is the underwater shrine on the widespread dive web site Takane, the place a towering torii gate and the submerged altar of Susaki Shrine create a surreal and sacred seascape. Whereas as soon as recognized for Yoriko, the legendary pleasant Asian sheepshead wrasse, at present different sheepshead wrasses proceed to inhabit the world, providing thrilling encounters for divers.
Hazama’s calm waters — sheltered by close by mountains and capes — make it accessible year-round. Along with the shrine, divers can get pleasure from fish-attracting blocks coated with delicate corals, making a vibrant habitat teeming with marine life, and divers can go to close by “Mola Mola Land,” the place sunfish often seem in season. From macro creatures, like gobies and nudibranchs, to massive groupers and banded dogfish, Hazama gives one thing for everybody.
Prime Dive Spot in Hazama: Takane
Only a brief boat experience from the port, Takane is known for its sacred underwater torii and altar resting about 15 meters (49 toes) under the floor. The shrine is surrounded by numerous marine life, together with Asian sheepshead wrasses, longtooth groupers, striped beakfish and vibrant fields of sea pens. The calm circumstances and non secular ambiance make it a memorable dive for newcomers and skilled divers alike.
How To Get There
- By automobile: Roughly two hours from Tokyo by way of the Tateyama Expressway (Tomisaki IC) and Route 127.
- By practice: About one hour 45 minutes from Tokyo Station to Tateyama Station by way of the Sazanami restricted categorical, then a bus or taxi.
Katsuyama
Simply 90 minutes from central Tokyo, Katsuyama is a scenic, coastal city on the Boso Peninsula with quick access by way of the JR Uchibo Line, freeway bus or Tokyo Bay Ferry. Additionally recognized by the nickname “Kacchama” — derived from the native dive store — this space gives a year-round diving expertise within the nutrient-rich waters of Tokyo Bay, influenced by the Kuroshio Present.
Diving factors are centered round Ukishima, a small offshore island, and the close by rocky outcrops of Dai-Bokke and Sho-Bokke. These spots are sheltered from wind and swell, making circumstances comparatively calm and accessible all year long. Underwater, you’ll discover vibrant delicate corals, colleges of pelagic fish and even tropical species in season.
Prime Dive Spot in Katsuyama: Senju Drop
Considered one of Katsuyama’s signature dive spots is Senju Drop, which options dramatic underwater topography of steep rock partitions coated in whip corals and sea followers. The identify comes from the resemblance of those branching corals to the various arms of the Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Goddess of Mercy). The wall is dwelling to a wide range of macro life, like nudibranchs, in addition to occasional sightings of Japanese bullhead sharks and stingrays. It is a nice web site for each underwater photographers and those that get pleasure from topographic diving.
How To Get There
- By Automobile: About one-and-a-half hours from Tokyo by way of the Tateyama Expressway and Route 127.
- By Practice: Round one hour and 50 minutes from Tokyo Station by way of the JR Uchibo Line to Awa-Katsuyama Station, then a 10-minute stroll to the harbor.
Whether or not you’re drawn to the thrilling shark encounters, the calm and colourful shallows or the one-of-a-kind underwater archaeology dives, the Boso Peninsula gives one thing for each diver. Its quick access from Tokyo makes it the right escape for a day journey or weekend getaway beneath the waves.
To benefit from your journey, join with a neighborhood dive store within the space. Their experience and steerage will guarantee memorable dives tailor-made to your expertise stage.
Prepared to find Japan’s underwater treasures? Guide your dives at present and discover the perfect of the Boso Peninsula with the PADI Professionals who understand it finest.
