Mountains and temples abound in Japan. But, have you ever considered what this country has to offer below the surface of its waters? Spoiler alert: some breathtaking scenery that’s right at your doorstep waiting to be discovered by you! Scuba diving is a wonderful activity to discover while living or visiting Japan.
The sea life here is remarkable, and there are some world-class diving spots dotted around the country that make it well worth exploring. Although the best diving is limited to certain areas of the country, cheap domestic air travel means that, even if you don’t live anywhere near a dive site, it’s easy to get to one. And if you’ve never scuba dived before, no need to worry! “Discovery dives” are a special kind of experience designed for absolute beginners who have no experience with diving. So get your wetsuit on and keep reading!
Living in Japan: What to do in Rainy Naha, Okinawa
Why Japan?
Within Asia, scuba diving is an activity often associated with the waters off of southeast Asian countries. However, Japanese dives can offer some of the most incredible experiences. Despite only holding about 0.9 percent of the world’s ocean volume, its waters are home to 14.6 percent of all approximately 230,000 marine species. In other words, it’s a hotspot of diversity, and perfect for catching a glimpse of some fauna that you might otherwise never get the chance to see.
Additionally, diving and Japan go back—way back. All the way to the beginning, in fact. Ama (海女)—or, specially-trained free-diving women in Japan—goes back as far as 2,000 years ago, and was essential to feeding the population. Eventually, they became an indispensable part of the pearl farming industry. Furthermore, the first diving equipment was designed by a Japanese man named Murakami Yasukichi (ヤスキチ・ムラカミ). He was unable to renew his design’s patent in 1943 due to his and his family’s internment at an Australian camp during the Pacific War, however his contributions to modern-day diving are indisputale.
In other words, scuba diving and Japan have a close relationship that has created a wonderful diving culture on its many islands.
How Much to Dive in Japan?
There are both beach and boat dive tours available throughout Japan, however boat dives are much more common, as they make it easy to move between dive sites. Because of this, however, scuba diving is not exactly a frugal hobby to take up. Even still, it won’t break the bank, and for the kinds of things you can see, it’s well worth the price.
On average, expect to spend upwards of ¥10,000 for a single dive as a discovery diver. Signing up for a multi-dive tour can lower the price. For example, the company that I did my first discovery dive with charged ¥20,000 for two dives, but ¥26,000 for three. Plus, I can almost guarantee you’ll be dying to get back in the water after your first discovery dive!
If you are open-water certified, then the price is usually a bit lower, since you won’t require as much guidance throughout the dive itself. Most tours that you join will include between two and three dives, and your certification can bring the price down to around \7,000 per dive.
Dives usually last anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes, depending on various factors, some of which can change during the dive itself. Just remember to stay present and enjoy every bit of the dive while you’re down there!
Living in Japan: Staying Safe in the Land of Natural Disasters: Why Japan Gives You Peace of Mind
Where to Find the Best Diving
Diving is a popular sport in Japan, and you will find no shortage of spots to partake throughout the country. Even as far north as Hokkaido, which sees many months of heavy snowfall and below-freezing temperatures every year, there are a few months of summer where diving is possible. Here are some of the best diving spots in Japan:
Yaeyama Islands (八重山列島)
The Yaeyama islands are located at the very southernmost point of Japan, and consist of Iriomote (西表), Ishigaki (石垣) and Yonaguni (与那国), among many others. They are located far enough that it’s even possible to see Taiwan from the shores of Yonaguni on a clear day. These islands’ claim to fame is undoubtedly swimming with manta rays in what’s known as the “Manta Scramble”, as during high season the number of these mysterious sea creatures climbs exorbitantly. You can catch manta rays swimming off the shores of Ishigaki between April and November. Be careful to avoid typhoon season, however, as it’s highly likely your boat ride will be canceled due to inclement weather.
Living in Japan: Japanese Islands to Visit Off the Beaten Track
Ogasawara Islands (小笠原諸島)
Also sometimes called the Galapagos of Japan, the Ogasawara islands are located off the eastern coast of Japan. Tokyo is the closest major city, but even from here, the trip is long and expensive. A one-way trip takes about 24 hours by ferry, and tickets cost around ¥35,000 one way. The name “Galapagos” is associated with this island due to the number of unique flora and fauna that have evolved there. Consequently, the dives here can be pretty spectacular, with whales, dolphins and sea turtles inhabiting these waters.
Izu Peninsula (伊豆半島)
The Izu Peninsula is another top-tier diving spot located relatively close to Tokyo. Thanks to the Kuroshio Current (黒潮), its waters are rich in marine life, drawing in everything from swaying soft corals to schools of pelagic fish. Depending on the season, divers might even spot hammerhead sharks cruising through deeper waters. The peninsula’s volcanic origins have shaped an underwater landscape full of rugged rock formations, caves, and even sunken ships, making for dynamic and varied dives. With well-established dive shops, easy rental options, and accessible shore and boat dives, Izu is a convenient yet rewarding place to explore Japan’s underwater world throughout the year.
Living in Japan: Exploring Nagasaki’s Offshore Wonders on the Gotō Islands
Kerama Islands (慶良間諸島)
Located about an hour from Okinawa’s main island, this cluster of islands is an easy day trip to add onto a visit to Naha (那覇). Tokashiki (渡嘉敷) and Zamami (ザマミー) are the two biggest and most popular islands, not just for scuba diving, but also for stargazing thanks to minimal light pollution. Pristine coral reefs, whitetip reef sharks and sea turtles are just some of the wildlife that you are likely to see.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time diver, Japan is an excellent choice to experience the best of what the ocean has to offer. The variety of marine life and dive sites across the country make it a truly fantastic place to explore beneath the surface. Plus, with affordable domestic travel, reaching these world-class diving spots is easier than you might expect. If you’ve never considered Japan as a diving destination, it’s time to rethink that, because some of the country’s most breathtaking sights aren’t just above ground, but waiting for you underwater.
