Because of Japan’s vast size and relative land to ocean ratio there is a huge variety of dives to partake in. There are at least three distinct ecosystems, from the far north: where you can find king crabs prowling the depths, to the warm south: where you can explore coral reefs. Swim through kelp forests and discover large creatures in the region in between the two.

From November to May you can swim with schools of hammerheads, and during the summer you can watch manta rays go through their cleaning stations.

Turquoise fringed archipelagos and crystal blue lagoons await off the shore. Old WWII wrecks sit quietly on the sandy sea floor, slowly accruing coral and algae. For history buffs there are few better sites to explore than near Okinawa. The white sand beaches and carpets of coral in this gorgeous area are unforgettable.

Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Kansai Shikoku Chugoku Kyushu Okinawa

Popular Diving Destinations

Wakayama Prefecture

Wakayama prefecture is the spectacular, spiritual heart of Japan

Chiba Prefecture

Day-tripping in Tokyo's backyard

Yamaguchi Prefecture

Kyoto of the West

Shimane Prefecture

Home to Izumo-taisha, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan

Kanagawa Prefecture

Seaside, shrines and stretchy pants in cosmopolitan Kanagawa

Kochi Prefecture

Birthplace of noted revolutionary Sakamoto Ryoma

Shizuoka Prefecture

It's resorts galore in serene Shizuoka

Fukuoka Prefecture

Fukuoka and Kitakyushu, the two largest cities on Kyushu

Mie Prefecture

Basho's ancient birthplace is pure poetry