Diving in Mie Prefecture offers an enchanting opportunity to explore the vibrant underwater world along the eastern coast of the Kii Peninsula, amidst a backdrop of cultural landmarks, scenic landscapes, and culinary delights.
Situated in the Kansai region of Honshu, Mie Prefecture boasts a diverse coastal environment, featuring the picturesque shores of Ise Bay and the warmer Pacific marine climate south of the Shima Peninsula. With approximately 35% of its areas designated as natural parks, Mie is blessed with pristine natural beauty that extends from land to sea.
While Mie is renowned for the iconic Ise Jingu, one of Japan's most sacred shrines, visitors can also immerse themselves in a myriad of other tourist attractions throughout the prefecture. From historic sites to scenic vistas, Mie offers something for every traveler to discover and enjoy.
For food enthusiasts, Mie is a paradise of culinary delights. Meat lovers cannot miss the opportunity to savor the renowned Matsusaka beef (Matsusaka Ushi), known for its exceptional quality and flavor. Seafood aficionados can indulge in local delicacies such as Ise-ebi (lobster) and fresh oysters harvested from the region's coastal waters.
Transportation to Mie is convenient, with easy access from both Osaka and Nagoya via the Kintetsu Rail Pass and the Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Tourist Pass of JR Central, allowing visitors to explore the prefecture's attractions with ease.
Regarding diving, Mie's coastal waters are as dynamic and beautiful as its neighboring Wakayama Prefecture. Divers can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life, including colorful reef fish, crustaceans, and other fascinating creatures, amidst stunning underwater landscapes.
Whether you're drawn to Mie for its cultural heritage, scenic beauty, or culinary delights, diving in this prefecture promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the richness and diversity of Japan's marine environment.
Near 100% Japanese bullhead shark(Heterodontus japonicus)
Located on the east coast of the Kii peninsula, Owase is located in the door step of the World Herritage "Kumano Kodo" and welcomes many overseas visitors all through the year.
If your a diver, an underwater visit when you are here is a must. The sea bed are covered with colourful soft corals such as Alcyonacea.
Visit the diving point "NECO Ichiban". Here the local divers says, you can see the Japanese bullhead shark on every dive.
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All year round:
-Variety of nudibranch
-Variety of Shrimps and Crabs
-Variety of squid
-Variety of Sea Horse
-Variety of Macro marine life
-Variety of Frogfish
-Japanese bullhead shark(Heterodontus japonicus)
During the Winter month:
-John Dolly(Zeus faber)
Saw tooth sea line with macro to wide range marine life
Located on the east side of Kii peninsula, Kuki is a warm ocean with the black current coming into the bay. It is popular due to the many variety of nudibranch and other macro marine life you can encounter.
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All year round:
-Variety of nudibranch
-Variety of Shrimps and Crabs
-Variety of squid
-Variety of Sea Horse
-Variety of Macro marine life
-Variety of Frogfish
A small fishing port in the Owari area, Mikiura offers protection from wind waves, offering stress free diving. It is considered by some divers as a secret hideaway due to the small numbers of divers visiting this area presently.
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With the saw tooth shoreline, Houzaura offers protected in bay diving through out the year. The bay is famous for it's pearl cultivation and aqua farming. Underwater, you can enjoy the beauty of the soft corals and the rich marine life environment.
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Located in the protected bay area, Nansei is popular because of it's diversity of marine life. From January to May, you can see variety of macro marine life ,such as as nudibranch and tiny Lethotremus awae. From summer to autumn season, you can enjoy the school of large size fishes.
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Koka is famous for it's Ama woman divers, a traditional skin diving fishing done by the female divers. Unlike the other diving area in this area, Koka is situated on the open seaside of the pacific. Generally shallow, the depth ranges from 2m -20m.From schools of large size fishes to small nudibranch, it is a popular diving sites for the local divers.
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