Japan
Okinawa Islands
Highlights:
- Crystal-clear waters with excellent visibility.
- Vibrant coral reefs home to sea turtles, clownfish, manta rays, and reef sharks.
- The Blue Cave near Cape Maeda, famous for its glowing blue light.
- WWII wreck dives like the USS Emmons.
Best Time to Dive:
- April to November (best conditions in summer).
- Winter months are still diveable but cooler.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Fly into Naha Airport from major cities like Tokyo or Osaka.
- By Ferry: There are ferries from mainland Japan, but flights are faster.
Yonaguni Island (Okinawa)
Highlights:
- Yonaguni Monument, a mysterious underwater rock formation believed to be an ancient ruin.
- Drift diving with hammerhead sharks (huge schools in winter).
- Strong currents make it a site for experienced divers.
Best Time to Dive:
- December to April for hammerhead sharks.
- Year-round diving with varying conditions.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Fly from Naha or Ishigaki to Yonaguni Airport.
- By Ferry: A ferry connects Yonaguni and Ishigaki, but flights are more reliable.
Kerama Islands (Okinawa)
Highlights:
- Pristine coral reefs with excellent visibility.
- Frequent sea turtle sightings.
- Humpback whale migration from January to March.
Best Time to Dive:
- July to September for warm waters.
- January to March for whale watching.
How to Reach:
- By Ferry: 30-90 minutes from Naha.
- By Air: Some smaller islands have domestic flights
Yabiji, Miyako Islands
Highlights:
- Japan’s largest coral reef system, home to tropical fish and reef sharks.
- Perfect for freediving, snorkeling, and scuba.
- Reefs emerge above water at low tide, creating a surreal landscape.
Best Time to Dive:
- March to May, when tidal shifts make more of the reef visible.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Fly to Miyako Airport from Tokyo or Osaka.
- By Boat: Local operators offer dive trips to Yabiji.
Osezaki, Shizuoka Prefecture
Highlights:
- Ideal for macro photography, with nudibranchs, octopuses, and frogfish.
- Shallow and deep sites, good for beginners and experienced divers.
- Clear views of Mount Fuji on the surface.
Best Time to Dive:
- Year-round, with best visibility in winter.
How to Reach:
- By Train: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Mishima, then a bus to Osezaki.
Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture
Highlights:
- Soft coral gardens and pelagic fish.
- Hammerhead sharks at Mikomoto Island.
- One of Japan’s most accessible dive regions from Tokyo.
Best Time to Dive:
- June to November for warm waters.
How to Reach:
- By Train: Shinkansen from Tokyo to Atami, then local transport.