Japan is an island nation sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Sea of Japan to the east. The country’s main islands, as well as smaller islands scattered throughout the archipelago, make it a great place for scuba diving. From the spectacular ice flows in the Sea of Okhotsk to the north to the tropical waters of Okinawa, there is something for everyone.
Japan has the most diverse climate in Asia which is evident in the weather patterns from north to south as well as the temperatures underwater. A warm current bathes Japan’s islands with warm water from the tropics while a cold current brings icy waters south from the Arctic ocean.
This unusual combination offers divers the unique opportunity to see both tropical and temperate species on the main Island of Honshu. An increasing number of dive spots are discovered every year, and divers in Japan can enjoy everything from tropical coral reefs to kelp forests, and even ice diving.
Within an hour from Tokyo by car or train, the Izu Peninsula is the most popular dive area and has the largest number of dive sites on the mainland. Most coastal towns feature shore and boat dives, each with unique underwater environments to explore. On the east coast, the Izu Oceanic Park has the distinction as the first dive site explored many years ago, while on the west coast, Osezaki is known as the number one dive site in Honshu.
To the east of Tokyo and the Izu peninsula divers can explore the Seven Islands of Izu. The islands provide a great escape from the city and good place to enjoy a weekend of diving and relaxation that can be done in a weekend. Because the islands are further from Tokyo and the mainland, the visibility is usually better and the water warmer.
The Izu Peninsula, located in the eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture, has many popular diving spots, including the ones in Osezaki district in Numazu city and the Izu Kaiyo-Koen marine park in Ito City (Ito-shi). Choose Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) Certified SCUBA DIVING Shops, Dive Resorts and Courses according to your need.
SCUBA DIVING [Izu Kaiyo Koen (Izu Ocean Park) at Jogasak]
The park at Izu Kaiyo is one of the few places on mainland Japan where you will find all the equipment and facilities for scuba diving and Snorkeling. Instructors coach from beginners to advanced. Izu Kaiyo Koen (Izu Ocean Park), a 15-min. bus ride from Jogasaki-kogen Sta., on Izukyu Line, is situated in the middle of Jogasaki Beach. The park is dotted with swimming pools made of natural rocks for children, an olympic-sized swimming pool 50 m in length as well as facilities for scuba diving. Palm trees there create a tropical atmosphere. Also you may enjoy Jogasaki Beach , a 25-min. walk from Jogasaki- Kaigan Sta., is a sawtooth coastline, about 10 km in length, formed by the lava flow from the volcanic Amagi Mountains. A marine sports park and a hiking trail are laid out along the beach.
Izu Ocean Park (IOP) Diving Center [PADI Certified Dive Resort]
841-1 Futo, Ito City (Ito-shi), Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0231, Japan TEL: 0557-51-1129
Open daily: 9:00 – 17:00 (Mar. – Oct.) (-16:00, Nov.- Feb.). Admission: ¥500.
Website: http://www.iop-dc.jp/
Also, See:
Izu Peninsula Popular Beaches and Surrounding Hot Spots
Shizuoka Marine Sports – Fishing, Surfing, Windsurfing, Boating
Izu Diving Links:
Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), Japan: http://www.padi.co.jp/
National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), Japan: http://www.naui.co.jp/
NAUI Dive Shops: http://www.divedive.jp/
Divers Alert Network (DAN), Japan: http://www.danjapan.gr.jp/
Divers Clinic: http://www.diversclinic.jp/
