Japan is a rustic surrounded by oceans and residential to an unimaginable vary of dive websites — every distinctive and lovely in its personal method. From fast day journeys to distant adventures, there are thrilling underwater experiences to be discovered throughout the nation.
Within the far north, Hokkaido is a area identified for its unspoiled pure magnificence, from huge wilderness and alpine landscapes to crystal-clear lakes and wetlands. The diving right here is simply as breathtaking in scale. In winter, you’ll be able to expertise ice diving beneath the drift ice of the Sea of Okhotsk and even share the water with sea lions and seals.
On the Pacific coast of the Tohoku area, heat Kuroshio currents from the south meet the chilly Oyashio currents from the north, making a uncommon marine crossroads. Right here, divers can observe each northern and southern species dwelling aspect by aspect. On the Sea of Japan aspect, highly effective waves have carved out dramatic underwater landscapes, providing one more form of diving expertise.
From icy seascapes to current-swept reefs and mysterious marine ecosystems, northern Japan guarantees unforgettable underwater adventures for individuals who enterprise off the overwhelmed path.
Diving Highlights in Hokkaido
Hokkaido gives a few of Japan’s most various and dramatic diving experiences, formed by its northern latitude and distinctive seasonal shifts. From the colourful blue waters of the Shakotan Peninsula to the surreal ice diving of Shiretoko and the biodiverse shallows of Usujiri, every space showcases a unique aspect of the island’s underwater world. Whether or not you’re drawn to playful sea lions, uncommon cold-water species or breathtaking volcanic formations, Hokkaido guarantees unforgettable encounters for adventurous divers year-round.
Shakotan Peninsula & Bikuni
Situated on the jap aspect of the Shakotan Peninsula, Bikuni is one in every of Hokkaido’s premier diving areas and is house to the area’s solely formally designated “Underwater Park Zone”, which stretches from Cape Shakotan to Cape Byano. The realm is thought for the well-known “Shakotan Blue” — stunningly clear waters that reveal distinctive underwater landscapes, like towering volcanic rock columns and rugged formations.
Relying on the season, divers can take pleasure in all kinds of marine life. Through the hotter months, massive colleges of damselfish and striped beakfish fill the clear waters, and wetsuit diving is feasible due to increased water temperatures. In winter and spring, the world gives the prospect to come across sea lions and seals. Yr-round, iconic northern species, similar to large Pacific octopuses, clean lumpsuckers (domestically often known as gokko) and Atka mackerel, make this a uniquely wealthy diving vacation spot.
Featured Dive Web site: Takarajima Island
Takarajima Island is without doubt one of the hottest dive websites in Bikuni, providing glorious visibility and dramatic underwater terrain. In winter, sea lions can usually be seen gracefully swimming by the water — a wide ranging sight.
The positioning is split into two primary areas:
- West Facet – A sheltered, bay-like space beginning at a depth of 5 meters (16.4 toes) and progressively descending. This aspect is incessantly used for programs and entry-level dives on account of its calm circumstances.
- East Facet – A sloping reef that drops from shallow rock beds round six meters (19.7 toes) right down to sandy bottoms at 22 meters (72.2 toes). Colleges of white-edged rockfish and spotbelly rockfish can usually be discovered right here. Nice for coaching or newbie dives.
How To Get There
- By automotive: About two hours from Sapporo by way of the Do-o Expressway → Otaru IC → Route 5 → Route 229.
- By practice & bus: From Sapporo Station, take the JR Hakodate Line to Otaru (approx. 35 min), then a neighborhood bus to Bikuni (approx. 1.5 hours)
Shiretoko
Yearly from February to March, drift ice carried by the Sea of Okhotsk reaches the shores of the Shiretoko Peninsula, marking the beginning of Hokkaido’s legendary ice diving season. With air temperatures dropping to –15°C (5°F) and water temperatures as little as –2°C (28°F), this is without doubt one of the most excessive dive experiences on the planet — but additionally probably the most awe-inspiring. The magical sight of daylight filtering by gaps within the ice above creates an otherworldly ambiance, and the water beneath is wealthy with distinctive marine life. A must-see is the long-lasting clione, often known as the “angel of the drift ice,” which floats gracefully by the icy water. You might also encounter species, like sculpins, snailfish and blennies — all thriving on this wealthy, ice-fed ecosystem.
Featured Dive Web site: Offshore Utoro
Situated on the western aspect of the Shiretoko Peninsula, Utoro is the gateway to ice diving. Divers enter by a gap reduce into the frozen floor, descending right into a surreal world of excessive visibility and absolute silence. Clione are a spotlight, and fortunate divers could even spot seals close to the floor. Along with diving, the world gives drift ice walks and sightseeing alternatives, making it a whole winter journey.
How To Get There
- By automotive: About two hours from Memanbetsu Airport by way of Route 334.
- By practice and bus: Take the JR Senmō Primary Line to Shiretoko-Shari Station (approx. 50 min from Abashiri), then a neighborhood bus to Utoro (approx. 50 min).
Usujiri, Hakodate
Situated on the southern tip of Hakodate, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northeast of town middle, Usujiri faces the Pacific Ocean and is thought for its uncommon mixture of each temperate and cold-water marine life — a mixture that’s uncommon even for Hokkaido.
Every season gives one thing completely different. In spring, you’ll be able to spot stunning egg clusters and juvenile clean lumpsuckers. As summer season approaches, divers take pleasure in encounters with nudibranchs and colourful Japanese lumpsuckers. In autumn, tropical species carried by southern currents typically make shocking appearances. The realm is particularly in style amongst underwater photographers on account of its biodiversity. Regardless of the wealthy marine life, Usujiri Bay is comparatively calm and guarded, with many dive spots appropriate for all ranges, from newcomers to skilled divers.
Featured Dive Web site: Maehama
Usujiri Bay is thought for its calm waters, making it very best for straightforward and pleasurable diving. The favored web site known as Maehama includes a gently sloping shore with a ramp for straightforward entry and exit. The positioning is shallow, with a most depth of about 15 meters (50 toes), making it excellent for dive coaching, fish watching and underwater images. The panorama is roofed in seagrass and seaweed, making a lush habitat the place fish lay eggs and hatchlings emerge — providing infinite photograph alternatives.
How To Get There
- By automotive: About one hour from Hakodate metropolis by way of Route 278.
- By practice & bus: From Sapporo, take the JR Hakodate Line to Hakodate Station (approx. three and a half hours), then a neighborhood bus to Usujiri (approx. one hour and 20 minutes).
Diving Highlights within the Tohoku Area
The Tohoku area gives a few of Japan’s most fascinating diving, formed by the highly effective assembly of the nice and cozy Kuroshio and chilly Oyashio currents. This uncommon convergence creates an underwater crossroads the place northern and southern species coexist, leading to unimaginable biodiversity and ever-changing seasonal surroundings. With its mixture of sheltered bays, dynamic reefs and distinctive entry factors, the Tohoku area delivers all kinds of dive adventures for each stage of diver.
Ofunato, Iwate
Ofunato, situated in Iwate Prefecture, gives distinctive diving experiences formed by its dramatic ria shoreline — a sequence of deeply indented bays and inlets. The realm sits on the assembly level of two main ocean currents: the chilly Oyashio from the north and the nice and cozy Kuroshio from the south. This convergence creates a nutrient-rich marine surroundings that helps an unimaginable range of life.
All year long, the ocean adjustments with the seasons. In spring, lush growths of seaweed rework the underwater panorama right into a vibrant backyard. Divers can encounter northern favorites like Japanese lumpsuckers, clean lumpsucker, fats greenlings and fringed blennies — very best for individuals who love relaxed fish-watching dives. In autumn, some dive operators even supply salmon swimming excursions in close by rivers.
Featured Dive Web site: Namiita Seaside
Namiita Seaside, situated in Okirai, Ofunato Metropolis, has an extended historical past as a diving web site — it’s been used for over 40 years by native fishery cooperatives and marine researchers from Kitasato College. It’s extensively thought to be probably the most acknowledged dive websites for Iwate’s leisure divers.
Though the world was closely impacted by the 2011 tsunami, the world has recovered remarkably. In the present day, divers can take pleasure in peaceable scenes of fish weaving by eelgrass meadows on the sandy seabed. The positioning can be identified for in style macro species, like Japanese lumpsuckers, making it an important spot for underwater images.
How To Get There
- By automotive: About two hours from Sendai by way of the Tohoku Expressway and Sanriku Expressway.
- By practice & BRT: Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Ichinoseki Station (approx. 30 min from Sendai), then switch to the BRT (Bus Fast Transit) system to achieve Ofunato (approx. one hour 30 min). The realm can be accessible by way of the Tohoku Primary Line and Sanriku Railway.
Onagawa, Miyagi
Situated alongside the Sanriku Coast in Miyagi Prefecture, the waters round Takeura in Onagawa are wealthy in plankton introduced by offshore currents, making a marine surroundings that helps a exceptional range of life. Right here, divers can observe a mixture of northern and southern species — a uncommon ecological overlap in Japan.
Takeura is particularly in style amongst underwater photographers and fish watchers. You’ll discover charming creatures like Japanese lumpsuckers, grunt sculpins and fringed blennies. The realm can be identified for its pure colonies of untamed sea squirts, including to its distinctive underwater enchantment. With each fascinating rock formations and high quality macro life, the positioning gives an important number of dive experiences.
Featured Dive Web site: In the past Island
In the past Island is only a 5 to 6 minute boat trip from the port. It options a mixture of shallow channels, sloping terrain and rocky ridges that help a vibrant array of marine life. Stronger currents could also be current at instances, however they assist preserve the visibility clear. Among the many highlights are wild sea squirts protecting the seafloor, and with some luck, you could catch a Japanese lumpsucker adorably perched atop one — an ideal photograph alternative.
How To Get There
- By automotive: About one hour and half-hour from Sendai by way of the Sanriku Expressway.
- By practice: Take the JR Senseki-Tohoku Line from Sendai to Ishinomaki Station (approx. one hour), then switch to the JR Ishinomaki Line to Onagawa Station (approx. half-hour).
Shizugawa, Miyagi
Situated within the coronary heart of Minamisanriku-Kinkasan Quasi-Nationwide Park, Shizugawa Bay is stuffed with lush, island-dotted waters the place the nice and cozy Kuroshio and chilly Oyashio currents converge. This mixing of currents creates a biologically wealthy and various marine surroundings — one in every of Japan’s most original underwater ecosystems.
Right here, divers can encounter each northern and southern species all year long. The seasonal adjustments deliver ever-shifting underwater surroundings, from forests of seaweed to rocky outcrops teeming with marine life. Common sightings embody Japanese lumpsuckers, grunt sculpins, ballon lump fish and barbed hunchback poacher — all of that are species beloved by macro photographers.
Due to the bay’s calm, protected waters, many dive websites are appropriate for newcomers in addition to skilled divers on the lookout for relaxed underwater exploration.
Featured Dive Web site: Round Tsubaki Island
Tsubaki Island, situated inside Shizugawa Bay, gives quite a lot of dive websites appropriate for all ranges. Many areas are comparatively shallow, making them very best for coaching dives, fish watching and underwater images.
One of many highlights is observing grunt sculpins, particularly throughout breeding season once they guard their eggs in rocky crevices. Different species generally seen embody Japanese lumpsuckers and sailfin sculpins, every including to the wealthy biodiversity of this northern coastal paradise.
How To Get There
- By automotive: About one hour and half-hour from Sendai by way of the Sanriku Expressway.
- By practice & BRT: Take the JR Tohoku Primary Line to Kogota Station (approx. 50 minutes from Sendai), then switch to the BRT (Bus Fast Transit) line to Shizugawa (approx. one hour and half-hour).
Kamo, Yamagata
Situated on the coast of the Sea of Japan, the Kamo space of Shonai is thought for its beautiful “Japan Sea Blue” — crystal-clear waters with glorious visibility. The Tsushima Present brings heat waters northward, elevating summer season sea temperatures to a snug 28°C (82°F), making for relaxed and pleasurable diving.
The marine life adjustments dramatically with the seasons, providing underwater scenes that mirror Japan’s pure rhythms. In spring, divers can witness clean lumpsuckers guarding their eggs, juvenile fish and charming Japanese lumpsuckers. From summer season to autumn, tropical species drift in with the currents, whereas autumn and winter supply alternatives to watch the egg-guarding habits of spotbelly greenlings. Whereas winter brings colder water temperatures, it additionally brings distinctive visibility.
Featured Dive Web site: Kamo Seaside
Kamo Seaside is a shallow, easy-access dive web site excellent for newcomers and relaxed dives. The positioning has a most depth of round 12 meters (39.4 toes) and a median of eight to 10 meters (32 toes) with steady circumstances all through many of the 12 months.
The underwater surroundings consists of a mixture of rock formations and sandy patches, creating very best habitats for all kinds of marine life. Divers can observe northern species in spring and southern species in autumn — making this a implausible spot for fish watchers concerned about seasonal behaviors, like spawning and hatching.
How To Get There
- By automotive: About half-hour from Shonai Airport by way of Route 7.
- By practice: Take the JR Uetsu Primary Line to Tsuruoka Station (approx. two hours from Niigata, two-and-a-half hours from Sendai), then a 20-minute bus trip to Kamo.
Yotsushima, Yamagata
Off the coast of Tsuruoka Metropolis in Yamagata Prefecture lie the Yotsushima Islands, a cluster of 4 small islets identified for his or her distinctive underwater biodiversity. These websites are excellent for divers who take pleasure in each wide-angle and macro images due to massive colleges of pelagic fish, like yellowtail, in addition to an abundance of smaller critters.
The underwater terrain is maze-like with crisscrossing rocky ridges and outcrops, providing adventurous divers the fun of exploring a pure labyrinth. One of many space’s most distinctive options is its jetty diving. Relatively than getting into from a seaside or boat, divers descend straight from jetties constructed on the islands themselves, providing a really distinctive expertise.
Featured Dive Web site: Lighthouse Island
Simply 5 minutes by boat from the harbor, this web site takes you to an island with a lighthouse and a sturdy jetty that serves as your entry level. Due to robust currents, the world is teeming with life — colleges of sardines, horse mackerel and yellowtail cruise by the clear waters.
The true stars of the positioning, nonetheless, are the pleasant Asian sheepshead wrasse and crimson seabream that usually greet divers. These charismatic fish have develop into native icons and are a favourite amongst underwater photographers. The island’s north aspect additionally includes a pure, underwater tunnel, excellent for divers looking for thrilling terrain-based dives.
Notice: Diving right here is seasonal, obtainable solely through the summer season months.
How To Get There
- By automotive: Roughly one hour and half-hour from Yamagata Metropolis by way of Route 112.
- By practice & bus: From Sendai, take the JR Ōu Primary Line to Yamagata Station (approx. one hour), then switch to a neighborhood bus to Yotsushima (approx. one hour).
From icy drift dives beneath floating sea ice to vibrant kelp forests, rocky reefs and seasonal encounters with distinctive northern and southern species, the waters of Hokkaido and the Tohoku area supply among the most various diving in Japan.
Able to discover these hidden treasures for your self? Join with a neighborhood dive store right now and begin planning your subsequent dive journey in northern Japan.
