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About Yamagata

Given Yamagata Prefecture's geographical characteristics and coastal landscape facing the Sea of Japan, it doesn't possess renowned diving areas compared to regions with extensive coral reefs or underwater attractions. The rugged coastline, marked by mountains and characterized by limited accessibility, doesn't typically lend itself to popular diving spots.

However, adventurous divers may find some potential diving areas along Yamagata's coast, particularly in locations where underwater rock formations or marine life clusters can be found. Exploring the coastal waters of Yamagata could unveil hidden gems for those willing to venture off the beaten path and explore lesser-known diving sites.

While diving may not be the main draw in Yamagata Prefecture, visitors can still indulge in the prefecture's rich cultural heritage, including relaxing in the traditional ambiance of Ginzan Onsen and savoring the local culinary delights, such as the renowned Yamagata soba.

Local Areas

Yamagata Area Map

Areas in Yamagata

Shonai

Life from the Tsushima Warm current

From the warm current from the south, the water temperature of the Syounai area can be up to 28C during the summer months. The visibility is fairly stable between Spring and Summer when other reagion may go through a murkey period due to the rise in the water temperature.

What you can see

All year round:
-Variety of nudibranch
-Variety of Shrinps and Crabs
-Variety of Macro marine life

Spring season:
-Japanese Banded houndshark(Triakis scyllium)

Summer season:
-Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis)
-young Japanese amberjack (Seriola quinqueradiata)

Autumn season:
-Giant Nomura's jellyfish (Nemopilema nomurai)

Spring to Summer seasons:
-Deep water creatures from the Noth

Tobishima

An Island 40km off the coast of Yamagata prefecture.
It is well known to the bird watchers as there are more than 270 species of migrating birds here in this 10km Island.
Underwater, the shark hole containing large numbers of groups of Japanese Banded houndshark(Triakis scyllium) during the spring to summer season are popular among the local divers.

Kamo

A shallow diving point with the maximum depth f 10m. 1-3m seaweeds, 4-5m rocks and gravel, 6-10m sandy bottom, provides an ideal site to observe the smaller marine animals and it's natural environment.  You can enjoy the change of season underwater.

Ryutoanjima-Yotsushima

An Island 800m off the coast of Yamagata prefecture, enjoys the warm current water temperature. During the Summer seasons, the water temperature can rise up to 28c. The idol in these waters is the large size Asian sheepshead wrasse(Semicossyphus reticulatus).

Average Water Temperatures