Japan consists of 14,125 islands and has the sixth longest coastline in the world. The country stretches over 3000 km off the Pacific coast of Asia. The five main islands, from north to south, are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu and Okinawa. Tokyo is the capital and largest city of Japan.

The country has a long, war-torn history but is culturally interesting. The country's geography and nature have changed many times over thousands of years. Here you will find a lot of exciting culture, good food and much to experience and the impressions are many. Japan is hard hit by nature and often experiences earthquakes, typhoons with large amounts of rain and sometimes even tsunamis.

The history and culture can be seen and experienced throughout the country in the architecture and ancient shrines and temples that can be found in many places. Cultural clashes can happen and sometimes they can be experienced as very strange, bordering on shocking, something that can be good to have with you.

Along with historic buildings, there is also much that is state-of-the-art. Infrastructure has been invested in a great deal and Japan today has among the world's most developed railway networks and the best or most reputable airports in the world.

How much does a diving trip to Japan cost?

A diving trip to Japan normally costs anything from around 45-50 000 SEK and upwards. It is difficult to answer such a general question about how much a diving trip costs, more information is needed. Japan offers everything from simple primitive accommodation to super luxury and flair that is difficult to understand and take in, but it is possible to go here for less money and still have a good holiday and diving trip. The trip is inclusive, flights, accommodation, transfers and diving. But prices can vary enormously, see more why here on our websiteThe best thing to do is to contact us at Scuba Travel and ask for a free proposal for more details and a more accurate price for your diving trip to Japan.

When is the best time to go to Japan?

The best time to dive and visit Japan, including Okinawa, is during the spring and early summer (March-June) and autumn (September-November), when the weather is pleasant, visibility is good and the water is warm with many marine species. You have the opportunity to see cherry blossoms in Japan, an event that attracts tens of thousands of tourists every spring.
Summer is peak season with warm water in Okinawa, but it also means high humidity, a high risk of typhoons, and large crowds.
Winter is less ideal for general tourism and diving, with the exception of specialized areas and there being significantly fewer tourists.

o Winter, December – February
o Spring, March – May
o Summer, June – August
o Autumn, September – November

What can I see when diving in Japan?

Typical marine species in Japan range from marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and seals to various fish species such as sea bass, mackerel, cod and many smaller species of fish. Butterflyfish, pufferfish, anthias, pufferfish and triggerfish are some. Marine life also includes iconic creatures such as the enormous Japanese spider crab and deep-sea animals such as the elusive giant squid. Sea turtles, jellyfish and various types of sharks and rays are also common. Schools of hammerhead sharks and manta rays are known in some locations but are seasonal and often clash with typhoon season making the best season “short”

Animals and nature

Japan is a country of great biodiversity, with over 90,000 species of animals and diverse environments from subarctic to subtropical zones. It is home to a number of endemic species in its diverse forests, mountains and coral reefs. One of the most famous is the Japanese giant salamander, but you can also see unique animals such as snow monkeys bathing in hot springs or whales in southern Japan, and experience the rich marine life in the surrounding oceans.
Despite the large population, large parts of the country are still wild, with a rich wildlife in national parks and on smaller islands.

Okinawa, best known for diving today, is surrounded by one of the world's most species-rich coral reefs. It is also home to the northern hemisphere's largest and oldest population of blue coral (Heliopora). Tons of turtles come to the beaches of southern Japan and Okinawa every year to lay eggs.

Where is the best diving in Japan?

The best diving in Japan is considered to be in Okinawa Prefecture in southern Japan, especially on the Yaeyama Islands with Ishigaki and Iriomote, which are known for manta rays and coral reefs full of reefs and perhaps most of all Yonaguni Island for its underwater monument and schools of hammerhead sharks.

For a different and exciting experience, dive and experience a combination of Osezaki Bay near Tokyo along with Mikomoto which are both located on the Izu Peninsula south of Tokyo along with Chiba which is known for being able to dive and experience lots of Japanese leopard sharks*.

Osezaki offers a variety of diving from calm bays to open sea, popular for macro life and fish and the occasional Mola mola (lumpfish), while Mikomoto Island is a world-class destination for encountering schools of hammerhead sharks and Japanese wobbegongs thanks to the strong currents found here. A range of larger pelagic species are also regularly seen here such as amberjack, goldfish species of reef shark and others.

Diving in the Ito area of ​​Chiba, Japan is famous for its “shark fight”, where you can see hundreds of Japanese leopard sharks. The dive site offers an opportunity to dive with sharks and other marine life such as stingrays and groupers in often strong currents. You should be aware that both Chiba and Mikomoto Island require good diving experience, while Osezaki is suitable for a variety of levels.

* For diving in the area outside Tokyo, we can only arrange groups of six people or multiples with ready-made programs. (Chiba-Ito, Mikomoto and Osezaki – combo)

Is there liveaboarding in Japan?

There are currently no liveaboards operating in Japan. It is a distinctly land-based accommodation that applies to day trips to the diving. For those of you who would like alternatives for Japan or other liveaboards, please contact us with your wishes by email or phone: 0301-22100 – Departures

Great species richness

Japan offers several species of marine life. Thanks to its location where all conceivable climate zones are found and different currents influence it, it gives an incredible diversity of species below the surface. Marine mammals such as whales and dolphins can be seen as well as a number of species of strange fish. There are crustaceans, nudibranchs, squid and much more among the rocks and coral reefs. Japan is not yet a prominent destination for diving but diving is growing and for those who want to experience something new, this is a really exciting destination.

For those of you who don't dive

If you don't want to dive in Japan and Okinawa, you can explore their unique and beautiful landscapes. Here you have everything from iconic mountains like Mount Fuji to the lush bamboo forest of Arashiyama. In Okinawa you can enjoy subtropical beaches, mangrove forests and unique cultural experiences. Pay a visit to Shuri Castle or to national parks. Here you can also visit the world's currently fifth largest aquarium (single tank).

The Japanese mainland offers shopping and exciting culture, plenty of restaurants, historic castles, old shrines and preserved historic villages combined with beautiful nature.