Diving in Miyagi Prefecture offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the diverse marine ecosystems along its picturesque coastline, which faces the Pacific Ocean and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Situated in the Tohoku region of Japan, Miyagi Prefecture is home to Matsushima, known as one of the three most scenic views of Japan, with its bay filled with over 260 small islands.
With 23% of its area designated as natural parks, including national parks such as Rikuchu Kaigan National Park, and quasi-national and prefectural natural parks like Kurikoma, Minami Sanriku Kinkasan, and Zao Quasi-National Parks, Miyagi's coastal waters are protected and pristine. These natural parks contribute to the preservation of the region's marine ecosystems and provide opportunities for divers to explore diverse underwater landscapes.
Diving in Miyagi allows divers to encounter a wide variety of marine life, from colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs to unique rock formations and underwater caves. The region's clear waters and abundant marine biodiversity make it an ideal destination for both recreational and exploratory diving.
While diving infrastructure in Miyagi may vary, there are dive operators and facilities catering to divers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner seeking your first dive or an experienced enthusiast looking for new underwater adventures, Miyagi's dive sites offer unforgettable experiences beneath the waves.
So, whether you're drawn to Miyagi for its scenic views, natural parks, or cultural attractions, don't miss the chance to explore the hidden treasures of its coastal waters through diving. Pack your gear, dive into the crystal-clear waters, and immerse yourself in the wonders of Miyagi's underwater world.
Grunt Sculpin in Winter
Besides the Alaska and Canada, Port of Shizukawa in winter is the only place in Japan where you have the chance to see the rare odd looking GruntSculpin(Rhamphocottus richardsonii). Besides this popular rare critter, this diving site offeres macro divers a time of their diving life.
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All year round:
-Variety of nudibranch
-Variety of Shrimps and Crabs
-Variety of Tropical marine animals
-Lethotremus awae
-Fringed blenny(Chirolophis japonicus Herzenstein,)
-Common Skete(Raja kenojei)
-Spider crab(Pugettia quadridens)
-Liparis punctatus
During winter season:
-GruntSculpin(Rhamphocottus richardsonii)
Dive the sawtooth shaped coastline
Onagawa is famous for the tragidy caused by the tsunami of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Before the tsunami, this was famous globally as one of the world's three major fishing grounds. This is due to the mixing point of the Black current(Warm current) and the Oyashio(Cold current) just off the coast of this area. The tragedy of the tsunami is still visible in this area but at the same time, the reconstruction and recovery process are seen as well. For diving, due to the mineral rich ocean, the recovery is slowly but surely seen underwater. If your lucky, you may encounter the loveable, grunt sculpin (Rhamphocottus richardsonii) during your diving.
All photos provided by Shuzo Koda
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All year round:
-Variety of nudibranch
-Variety of Shrimps and Crabs
-Variety of Macro marine life
During the Summer season:
-Eyeshade sculpin (Nautichthys pribilovius )
-Beauty goby(Pterogobius zacalles)
During the Winter season:
-Grunt sculpin (Rhamphocottus richardsonii)
-Lethotremus awae
