Diving in Japan Sea
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Japan Sea's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Japan Sea, sea. This region features 23 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Japan Sea has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Japan Sea (4)
Popular Spots in Japan Sea (23)
Candle Rock
Candle Rock features a diverse underwater environment characterized by numerous caves and crevices. These formations are home to a variety of marine life, including snails, octopuses, and small fish such as scorpionfish and flatfish. The area is rich in plant life, with seaweed and reef mollusks thriving in the nooks and crannies of the rocks. Divers can explore the intricate spaces among the stones, where they may also encounter sea stars. The site is accessible via shore entry, allowing for easy access to the underwater exploration.
Chishima
Chishima is located approximately 10 minutes by boat from Kamiko Port. This uninhabited island features a drop-off that ranges from 5 meters to over 40 meters, making it a notable dive site. Divers can expect to encounter schools of Spanish mackerel, yellowtail, kanpachi, and horse mackerel. The site is also home to scorpionfish, snappers, and bluefin reef squid. While the underwater scenery is dynamic, diving conditions are best in the summer months, as winter can present challenges.
Fushikikokubu
Fushikikokubu, located in Takaoka, Toyama, is a shallow dive site with a maximum depth of 5 meters, accessible via a beach entry at Kokubu Seaside Park. The area is known for its diverse marine life, particularly around the offshore wave blocks. Seasonal highlights include cuttlefish spawning in spring, various coral fish and yellowtails in summer, mackerel and red barracuda in fall, and nudibranchs and dungeness in winter. This site is suitable for divers of all experience levels throughout the year.
Heinaicho
Heinaicho, located at the Natsudomari Peninsula in Tsugaru, Aomori, features a combination of rocky and sandy substrates. The site is known for its diverse marine life, particularly during the spring months when nudibranchs such as cat-billed, emulonectes, hymenoptera, and eda are prevalent. Additionally, the charming himeika can also be spotted. The clear waters surrounding Oshima Island enhance visibility, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. This site showcases the vibrant ecosystem of Mutsu Bay, with opportunities to observe both macro species and migratory fish.
Kabushiwa
Kabushiwa, located in Echizen-cho, Fukui, is a shore-entry dive site suitable for beginners, with depths reaching up to 12 meters. The site features intricate reefs and tunnels, providing stable conditions during the summer months. Divers may encounter schools of horse mackerel, barracuda, and various nudibranchs. A notable feature is the 'First Tunnel,' which contains natural air pockets, enhancing the diving experience.
Kitakoura Akaiwa
Kitakoura Akaiwa is located on Sado Island, which is accessible by ferry from Niigata Port in approximately 2.5 hours or by jetfoil in about 1 hour. The dive site features a shore entry and is known for its calm and clear waters during the summer months, with warm temperatures that attract divers. Marine life includes large lobsters, schools of horse mackerel, various anemones, and nudibranchs. Additionally, large ostriches are observed in the winter months as they come to spawn.
Komatsu
Komatsu is accessible only by service boat from Kamiko Fishing Port, as there is no land access. The dive site is situated within a bay, providing protection from severe weather conditions. Divers enter from a sandy area where the depth gradually increases. To the north of the entry point, rocky formations are present, which serve as habitats for various bottom fish. Marine life observed in this area includes grunts, damselfish, horse mackerel, chaga, scallops, wrasses, blenny fish, and sea slugs. Occasionally, yellowtails and butterflyfish can be spotted, influenced by ocean currents. Schools of yellowtail and Spanish mackerel may also be seen moving towards nearby fixed nets.
Kujyukushima Islands
The Kujyukushima Islands, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, comprise a sea area with a high concentration of islands, extending 25 kilometers north of Sasebo Port. This dive site can be categorized into the nearby Kujuku Islands area and an expedition area. Divers can expect to encounter a diverse range of marine life, including various nudibranchs such as Sea Slug Nudibranchs and Sessile Nudibranchs. Other notable species include Leaf Shrimps, Blue Ribbon Fish, Blue Ribbon Goby, Squid, and Crabs. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, providing access to these rich underwater ecosystems.
Mikuni Takara Island West
Mikuni Takara Island West, located near Bikuni Port in Shakotan, Hokkaido, is accessible by boat within a 5–10 minute ride. The site is characterized by its clear waters, often referred to as 'Shakotan blue,' and features a variety of underwater landscapes including columnar joints, crevasses, and tunnels. Marine life at this site includes species such as mebaru, soi, and sculpin, along with migratory yellowtails and flounders. Divers may also encounter schools of sea tanago and a diverse array of nudibranchs among the rock and coral ecosystems.
Minami Echizen
Minami Echizen is located approximately 10 kilometers south of Echizen and is a relatively new diving area. It is easily accessible from the Kansai and Chubu regions, attracting many divers. The site features over 20 dive locations accessible from the shore. Marine life includes seasonal visitors such as sardines and horse mackerel in the summer, while autumn brings the appearance of Echizen and Mizudako jellyfish. Year-round, divers can observe various species including dandelions, sea horses, nudibranchs, and groupers.
Mitate Wreck
The Mitate Wreck is located on Sado Island, which is accessible via a ferry from Niigata Port in approximately 2.5 hours or by jetfoil in about 1 hour. This dive site is characterized by calm and clear waters during the summer months, with higher water temperatures that enhance visibility. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of horse mackerel and sea bream, along with mebals and chagarras. The area is also home to kobudai, moss dippers, and various anemones. Notable behaviors such as the spawning of spoonbills and octopuses can be observed here, adding to the site's ecological interest. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore the wreck and its surrounding marine life.
Nagashima Kaiba 1
Nagashima Kaiba 1 is located at Cape Shakotan, the northernmost point of Shakotan in northwestern Hokkaido. This site is part of Hokkaido's only underwater park and is recognized for its sandy beach. Divers can expect to see various marine life, including schools of headliners and bowhead whales, which can reach lengths of 12 to 3 meters, typically observed from June onwards. Additionally, killer whales may be spotted in April. Tuna sightings are common around September. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers.
Namerikawa
Namerikawa is accessible via a beach entry from a gravel shoreline. As divers descend, they will encounter Gorota stones, transitioning into sandy areas further offshore. The depth increases gradually, reaching over 40 meters. The site is located in the Sea of Japan, which is known for its unique marine life, including Baldwin's shrimp, various squid species, octopus, dandelion fish, whitefish, and anglerfish, which are typically found in deeper waters.
Noto Island
Noto Island is situated in the bay of the Noto Peninsula within Ishikawa Prefecture. Access to the island is possible by land via a bridge, but diving activities are conducted by boat at six designated dive points. The underwater environment features dense growths of seaweed, particularly Hondawara, which provides habitat for various marine life. Notably, large groups of mebals can often be observed among the seaweed. Additionally, there is a specific area where Kobudai are found living in a harem structure. The site is also rich in macro organisms, including moss dippers and nudibranchs, making it a diverse location for underwater exploration.
Okinose W Arch
Okinose W Arch is located on the Etchu-Miyazaki Coast at the eastern edge of Toyama Prefecture, approximately 1 kilometer from the shore and facing the open ocean. The site features two adjacent arches, a rare geological formation in the Sea of Japan. The depth at this site is around 15 meters, and divers may encounter strong currents, particularly in certain conditions. The underwater environment supports a variety of marine species, including big snappers, amberjack, yellowtail, sunfish, and various nudibranchs such as yellow-bellied and white nudibranchs. The presence of an ancient shrine in the area contributes to its local significance as a power spot. Clear water conditions are typical from spring through summer, making it a notable dive location.
Oyashirazu
Oyashirazu is located at the boundary of Toyama and Niigata prefectures. The dive site features a cliff at Oshirachi Beach that faces the open ocean, providing good visibility that can exceed 20 meters from June to September. The underwater terrain includes numerous large roots, rocks, arches, and crevasses, offering diverse exploration opportunities. During the fall, divers can observe many juvenile fish, along with seasonal nudibranchs. Additionally, larger marine life such as 1-meter class yellowtail and lobsters can be encountered, allowing for both macro and wide-angle photography.
Ryuodo
Ryuodo, located on Sado Island's Ogi Peninsula, features a prominent sea cave known as Ryuoh-do Cave, often referred to as the 'Blue Cave' due to its clear waters and distinctive blue illumination. This site is suitable for both beginners and intermediate divers, providing opportunities to observe a variety of marine life including nudibranchs, seahorses, manta rays, and small crustaceans. Seasonal migratory fish can also be spotted here, making it ideal for close-up marine life observation. The dive site is accessed via shore entry.
Shark Fin
Shark Fin is located along the road connecting Rankoshi Ocean Road to Iwanai City. Access to the site is straightforward, featuring stairs leading down to the water. Facilities such as parking and restrooms are available near the entrance. The beach is rocky, so appropriate footwear is recommended for walking. This site is suitable for open water divers and freedivers. Underwater, divers can explore caves and rocky formations where various snails and octopuses can be found. The area is characterized by an underwater garden filled with seaweed, other aquatic plants, and small fish, providing a diverse marine environment.
Shikanoshima Island
Shikanoshima Island is situated in the northern region of Hakata Bay, approximately 45 minutes by car from central Fukuoka. The island is linked to the mainland via a sandbar, providing easy access for divers. This site is frequently utilized for beginner diving courses due to its accessible shore entry. During the summer months, divers can observe a variety of southern fish species, including damselfish, hornbills, and black lily gobies, along with numerous nudibranchs that thrive among the abundant marine sponges. From winter to spring, divers may also encounter danglers and seahorses, adding to the site's diverse marine life.
Tajiri
Tajiri is situated at the eastern end of Tottori Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan. The area is characterized by a diverse coastal topography that has been designated as a nature park within the San-in Coast geopark. This complexity extends underwater, featuring numerous waterways, horizontal holes, and caves located at mid-water depths. The site is particularly appealing to divers interested in unique underwater formations. Notable marine life includes the pink clownfish, known for its distinct juvenile pattern and reddish hue, as well as the Himetatsu, which can be observed during late-night courtship and childbirth. Additionally, divers may encounter cloaked octopus, sakura dango fish, sakura fish, and migrating yellowtail.
Tappizaki
Tappizaki, located at the northern tip of Honshu in Aomori, is a notable dive site accessible from the shore. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life including snappers, horse mackerel, lingcod, and colorful nudibranchs. A distinctive feature of this site is a small tunnel rock that attracts divers for repeat visits. The area is also recognized for its unique northern sea creatures, making it a significant spot for both diving and camping.
Tobishima
Tobishima is situated 39 km from Sakata City, featuring a vertical drop to depths of 40 meters. The site is known for its clear waters, particularly in August when visibility reaches between 20 and 30 meters. Divers can observe a variety of marine life including schools of bluefin tuna from May to September, along with jawfish, damselfish, lobsters, snapper, and black rockfish. A notable feature is a wall of horse mackerel. In the autumn months, divers may encounter large jellyfish exceeding one meter in length. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.
Yotsushima Jetty
Yotsushima Jetty, located near Ruzaoan Island, is a unique dive site in Japan known for its shore entry. The site is accessible via a ferry pier, approximately 5 minutes by boat. It features a harbor equipped with parking, water facilities, and flush toilets. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including notable species such as the Asian sheepshead wrasse and the red seabream. This dive site is operational during the summer months, specifically from July to October.