Japan

Country Name: Japan

Capital City: Tokyo

Population: Approximately 125 million (2024 est.)

Official Language: Japanese

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone: Japan Standard Time (JST), UTC +9

Cherry blossoms in bloom at Japanese temple with lanterns
Japanese temple with red bridge reflected in pond
Orange jellyfish gliding in deep blue ocean water
Aerial view of person tightrope walking between sea rocks

Diving Overview

Japan offers a rich and diverse diving experience, ranging from vibrant coral reefs in Okinawa to unique cold-water diving in Hokkaido. Divers can explore shipwrecks, underwater volcanic landscapes, and stunning kelp forests. The country’s varied marine environments provide opportunities for all levels of divers.

  • Number of Dive Sites: Over 200
  • Types of Diving: Reef, wreck, drift, wall, and ice diving.
  • Marine Biodiversity Highlights: Sea turtles, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and vibrant coral reefs.
  • Average Water Temperatures: 16-30°C (61-86°F) depending on the region and season.
  • Visibility Range: 10-30 meters (33-98 feet)

Important Information

Optimal Dive Seasons

The best diving conditions in Japan are typically from June to October, when the water temperatures are warmer and visibility is high.

Major Airports

Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), Narita International Airport (NRT), Kansai International Airport (KIX)

The Travel Tip

A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for most of Japan’s dive sites, though a 3mm suit may suffice in warmer areas like Okinawa during summer months.

Weather Patterns

Japan has a varied climate, with warm, humid summers and cool, dry winters. Typhoon season typically occurs from August to October, which may affect diving conditions.

Internal Transportation

Japan has an extensive and efficient transportation network, including bullet trains, buses, and domestic flights, providing easy access to various dive sites across the country.

Attractions

Major attractions include Tokyo, Kyoto’s temples, Mount Fuji, Okinawa’s beaches, and the historic city of Hiroshima.

Top Dive Regions

Japan offers some of the most unique and diverse diving experiences in Asia, with its temperate and tropical waters providing a range of underwater landscapes and abundant marine life. Okinawa is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a variety of marine species, making it ideal for both novice and experienced divers. Izu Peninsula combines fascinating marine environments with proximity to Tokyo, offering an exciting underwater adventure near the bustling city. Ogasawara Islands, located far south of Tokyo, are famous for their pristine waters and rich marine biodiversity, including encounters with dolphins and whales. Lastly, Yonaguni is a remote and mysterious dive location known for its underwater rock formations, which some believe to be remnants of an ancient civilization, providing thrilling dives for advanced divers. These top dive sites highlight Japan’s diverse marine environments and the country’s appeal as a premier diving destination.


Okinawa

Known for its clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a variety of marine life, making it ideal for both beginner and advanced divers.

Izu Peninsula

Offers diverse marine environments with easy access from Tokyo, providing a rich underwater experience close to the metropolitan area.

Ogasawara Islands

Located in the Pacific, they are famous for encounters with dolphins and whales, along with pristine marine biodiversity.

Yonaguni

A remote dive location in the Pacific Ocean, known for its mysterious underwater rock formations, providing thrilling experiences for advanced divers.

Marine Life

Japan’s diverse marine environments, from the temperate waters of the north to the tropical seas in the south, are home to an impressive variety of marine life. The coral reefs of Okinawa, particularly around the Kerama Islands, teem with vibrant tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and various species of sharks. These reefs are also home to colorful corals, sponges, and an array of invertebrates. In the colder waters around Hokkaido, divers can encounter unique species such as the giant Pacific octopus, sea lions, and even ice-diving experiences during winter. Additionally, Japan’s waters host diverse species such as moray eels, barracudas, groupers, and a variety of nudibranchs and crustaceans. The unique marine ecosystems are supported by nutrient-rich waters, making Japan a prime destination for marine biodiversity and underwater exploration.

Common Species: Sea turtles, rays, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, moray eels, barracudas, groupers, nudibranchs, and various species of tropical and temperate fish.

Seasonal Highlights: Humpback whales migrate through the waters around Okinawa from December to April, offering spectacular sightings. The best time to encounter whale sharks is typically from May to September in the warmer southern waters.