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Logistics · Destination Guide
Japan's rare-macro reefs, protected coral bays and wild Shikoku headlands in one two-base road trip.
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Kochi Ryoma Airport (KCZ) is the main air gateway; reach Kochi Station via an airport transfer and use rail services toward Nakamura and Sukumo or drive the southwestern coast. For Kashiwajima, JNTO names Sukumo as the convenient rail gateway and suggests prearranged dive-shop pickup; Otsuki Town confirms the island is connected to the mainland by bridges, not a passenger ferry. Tatsukushi and Cape Ashizuri use the Nakamura/Tosashimizu side, with separate local buses. This is a long rural road itinerary, not a same-day short hop from Kochi city. Alternate entry via Matsuyama Airport (MYJ) and southwest Shikoku roads is possible, but route and timing should be planned afresh. Kochi Seinan Kotsu schedules were revised in 2026 for Otsuki local routes.
Kochi Ryoma Airport
KCZ • RJOK
Rural long-distance onward trip; no one distance represents all three bases. • Allow substantial same-day travel and verify rail, local bus or pickup timing.
Main Kochi Prefecture airport, connected to Kochi city by airport bus. Continue by road or rail toward Sukumo for Kashiwajima or Nakamura for Tatsukushi and Ashizuri. JNTO and Visit Kochi list services from major domestic airports; live airline routes must be checked.
Transport: Airport bus to Kochi Station then rail, Prebooked car rental and coastal drive, Prearranged local dive-shop pickup from Sukumo when available
Matsuyama Airport
MYJ • RJOM
Varies significantly by Otsuki versus Tosashimizu base. • Check current road route and roadworks; not a guaranteed express transfer.
Alternative entry on the Ehime side for an independently planned road itinerary to southwest Kochi, not a direct transit to Kashiwajima or Tatsukushi.
Transport: Rental car via southwest Shikoku roads, Rail and connecting regional transport with multiple changes
A rental car is the most flexible choice for this multi-stop coastal route. The official Kochi Seinan Kotsu timetable covers Nakamura, Sukumo, Otsuki, Kashiwajima, Tosashimizu and Cape Ashizuri, but frequency and transfers are limited. Otsuki/Kashiwajima local schedules were revised October 1, 2026. Do not assume a through-bus, direct ferry or through-boat connection between dive ports. Within Kashiwajima, use designated visitor parking instead of village roads. Overnight in each base or confirm a realistic road transfer before scheduling morning dives.
Japan entry conditions depend on passport nationality and stay purpose. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains the short-stay visa-exemption list; some eligible visitors can enter without a visa for short tourism stays, commonly up to 90 days, but this is not universal. Bring a valid passport, evidence of onward plans if requested, and follow current official entry procedures. No separate island immigration process applies to bridge-access Kashiwajima.
Kashiwajima and Tatsukushi providers publish guided dive gear and equipment-inclusive introductory and snorkeling programs. Reserve cylinder type, weights, exposure suit, rental sizes, camera rinse/storage and site meeting point directly with each shop. Certified divers should carry C-card, logbook and computer. Do not assume freedive depth lines, oxygen fill or technical cylinders are available. Rural accommodations can have limited drying/storage and patchy connectivity. Allow enough no-fly time after scuba and protect equipment during long transfers.
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Yen cash is valuable for village inns, small shops, parking, rural buses and locally operated marine activities. Larger attractions and some shops may accept cards or QR payments, but check individually and carry cash.
Use known bank, Japan Post or Seven Bank ATMs in larger rail or town hubs before heading to the fishing villages; foreign-card and opening-hour support differs. Do not assume a 24-hour ATM at Kashiwajima or Tatsukushi.
100V • 60Hz • A
Western Japan, including Shikoku, uses 60 Hz. Typical outlets are ungrounded Type A; check camera chargers and any high-power travel devices for 100V compatibility.
Communications
Japanese mobile networks and travel eSIMs/pocket Wi-Fi are practical, but the precise village, harbor and cliff-side signal is unverified. JNTO cautions that rural guesthouses may lack reliable Wi-Fi. Download offline maps, transfer instructions and Japanese-language tour details; contact operators before coastal drives.
Language
Japanese is the normal working language in small coastal towns. Tatsukushi Diving Center publishes an English information page and national-park materials offer some English interpretation, but specific guides and safety briefings in English must be confirmed. Carry written Japanese addresses and a translator for medical and weather calls.
Insurance
Check that your policy covers scuba or guided skin diving at the intended level, medical evacuation from rural southwest Kochi, emergency hyperbaric treatment when indicated and cancellation due to extreme weather. Verify exclusions for non-certified intro scuba, freedive depth, breath-hold activity and any overhead/current specialty dives. Know insurer contact procedure before departing.
Packing list
Bring fitted mask and exposure protection, reef-conscious sunscreen, sun hat, refillable bottle, dry bag, seasickness remedies when appropriate, sturdy coastal walking shoes and warm/wet weather layers. Certified divers should bring C-card, dive computer, safety equipment as required by their operator and medical information. A car charger, cash and offline maps matter on the rural road circuit.