Use New Chitose Airport (CTS) as the air gateway. JR airport trains connect to Sapporo, and some continue to Otaru. The fastest published rail times are 33 minutes to Sapporo and 73 minutes to Otaru; allow additional time for arrival procedures, connections and the road leg to Shakotan. S50 S29

For a Sapporo-based dive day, agree the collection point with the operator. Grande Polpo lists its shop and Kita-34-jo subway station as pickup points. For an independent stay, Aqua Cat expects local arrival at Horomui and estimates about two hours by car from Sapporo, longer in winter. These estimates do not include an airport connection. S09

The verified air gateway for the Sapporo connection. Select actual flights separately; this research does not assert a current direct route from any overseas city. S50

The current public-transport chain is Chuo Bus between Otaru and Bikuni, then town Shakobus services where needed. The former Chuo Bus Bikuni-Yobetsu section ended in 2023. Otaru-Bikuni takes approximately one hour 20 minutes. Reservation-marked Shakobus trips require a telephone booking by 17:00 the previous day; carry cash and small change. The reviewed timetable ends November 30, 2026, so obtain the next timetable for later dates. S28

Before renting a car, check the documents accepted for the country that issued your licence. Japan recognizes qualifying 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permits and has separate arrangements for certain national licences with Japanese translations. Do not assume any permit sold online qualifies. Allow additional winter travel time and choose transport appropriate to the actual road conditions. S52 S07

Check Japan's MOFA visa-exemption table for your passport nationality and type. Eligible short visits often allow 90 days, but there are shorter periods and passport-specific conditions. If a visa is required, arrange it before travel. Your passport must remain valid throughout the stay; Japan does not impose a universal additional six-month validity requirement. Be ready to show onward or return travel. S30 S31

Visit Japan Web can be used to prepare immigration and customs arrival information. It does not replace any required visa or determine the immigration decision. S51

Reserve sizes and cold-water equipment before arrival. Confirm cylinder valve compatibility, available gas, drysuit qualification requirements, equipment drying and what is included in the quoted price. Aqua Cat advertises courier delivery, but its page contains inconsistent address numbers, so obtain the current label directly. Keep certification, log, insurance details and essential personal equipment with you. Ask the airline about baggage and batteries before packing. S07 S11 S04

Carry yen and confirm payment with each small coastal business. The moderate cost classification is an editorial estimate based on local guided-day products and simple accommodation, not a total daily-budget promise. Transfers, full rental equipment and private departures can change the total substantially. S46 S12 S16

Withdraw enough cash in Sapporo or at the airport before the coastal leg. Sapporo tourism documents overseas-card ATM options, but acceptance and opening at a specific Shakotan machine were not verified. Keep small change for the town bus. S46 S28

Bring a compatible adapter and check charger input ratings. An adapter changes the plug shape, not the voltage. Verify any device that is not rated for 100V and 50Hz. S47 S56 S58

Communications

Arrange mobile data before leaving the gateway; New Chitose has prepaid SIM facilities. Store the operator contact, meeting point, bus information and access notices offline. Airport connectivity services do not prove reception at an offshore dive site. Ask the operator what it uses for emergency communication and check whether your own plan supports voice calls. S57

Language

Japanese is the working language, and rural services may have limited English. PADI lists English and Japanese at Aqua Cat, but request an English-speaking instructor or briefing explicitly for the booked day. Use a translation aid for routine logistics without relying on it as the sole way to understand a water-safety briefing. S58 S08

Insurance

Ask the insurer to confirm the exact planned activity, certification and depth limits, cold-water participation, search and rescue, evacuation and recompression treatment. Check whether equipment, cancellations and travel disruption are covered separately. Operator-provided insurance must not be assumed to duplicate a personal policy. Save the policy number, assistance telephone and any notification requirements offline.

Packing list

Certification, recent log, insurer details and any required medical documentation.
Confirmed thermal equipment, correctly fitting hood/gloves/boots as advised, and dry insulating layers.
Personal mask, computer and required signaling equipment for scuba.
Swimwear, towel, dry bag and a change of clothes for surface activities.
Grippy shoes, rain and wind protection, water and snacks for the permitted coastal walks.
Compatible chargers, plug adapter, power bank, offline directions and cash.
Extra scheduling room for fitting, transport changes and weather cancellations.

Shakotan Peninsula

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