Diving in Fukui Prefecture offers a unique opportunity to explore the underwater treasures of Japan's Sea of Japan coastline, amidst a backdrop of historical sites, cultural attractions, and culinary delights.
Located in the Chubu region on Honshu Island, Fukui Prefecture's coastal areas boast a rich diversity of marine life, making it a favored destination for divers in the Kansai region. The Echizen area serves as the diving hub for enthusiasts, offering easy access to a wealth of underwater adventures.
Despite occasional closures during the winter months due to fishing activities and weather conditions, Fukui's coastal waters are teeming with marine biodiversity. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine species, including colorful fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates, amidst rocky reefs and underwater formations.
While diving in Fukui, visitors can also explore the prefecture's rich historical and cultural heritage. From the ancient Maruoka Castle, the oldest remaining castle in Japan, to the Fukui Dinosaur Museum, which boasts magnificent displays of prehistoric creatures, Fukui offers a wealth of attractions for history and science enthusiasts alike.
Additionally, Fukui is renowned for its culinary delights, with snow crab and mackerel being popular among both locals and visitors. The prefecture's quality water supply also contributes to the deliciousness of its rice and sake, making it a must-visit destination for food connoisseurs.
Whether you're drawn to Fukui for its historical landmarks, cultural sites, or underwater adventures, diving in this prefecture promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the beauty and diversity of Japan's marine environment.
Enjoy Autumn season "Echizen Blue "waters
Echizen is a city in Fukui Prefecture facing the Sea of Japan. If compared to the Pacific Ocean, Sea of Japan does have the image of, cold violent winter waves. But here at Echizen, you can enjoy diving all through the year. It is a point where the warm current from the south collide with the cold nutrient filled waters from the North, making this Ocean vibrant will underwater marine life.
On land, Echizen is famous for it's hot spa"Onsen" and it's delicious sea food dishes.
Photos by Satomi Yasuda
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All year round:
-Variety of nudibranch
-Variety of Shrinps and Crabs
-Variety of Macro marine life
Spring months:
-Beautiful underwater seaweed forest
Autumn months:
-Tropical creatures from the south.
-Variety of Nudibranch, Sea horses
Winter months:
-North Pacific Giant Octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini）
Otomi Peninsula is famous for it's dynamic 230m high cliff by the seashore running across 2km of it's coastline. The change of season, such as the cherry blossoms and the autumn leaves attracts many tourists from all over Japan.
The diving points are as dynamic as on land. There are several beach entry points but also many boat diving areas just a few minutes ride from the ports. Nudibranch, yg fishes, Asian sheepshead wrasse(Semicossyphus reticulatus) are among the many attractive marine lives in this area.
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An easy access from the Chubu/Kansai area. Opened on 2008, the easy accessible location has made this area an home ground for many local divers in the Chubu/Kansai area. The facility provided to the divers are available. You can see nudibranch and smaller marine animals in this area.
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