Japan offers an incredible variety of dive experiences, with highlights that rival some of the world’s top destinations. In the tropical waters of Okinawa, divers can explore vibrant coral reefs, crystal-clear visibility, and WWII wrecks teeming with marine life.  For thrill-seekers, Mikomoto Island, located off the Izu Peninsula, is famous for its seasonal hammerhead shark aggregations, drawing advanced divers hoping to witness these majestic creatures in large schools.  Located in the Chiba Prefecture, advanced divers can also experience the Shark Scramble dive site on the Izu Peninsula, an exhilarating dive featuring large groups of Japanese Banded Houndsharks. Together, these regions showcase Japan’s diverse underwater world, blending warm tropical diving with heart-pounding big fish action.

When to go

To see the Mikomoto Hammerheads, you will need to visit in October and November.  They are winter months, but they are also the only months these dives are possible.

How to get there

Qantas and Japan Airlines fly from Australia to Tokyo, sometimes requiring a connection depending on what city you fly from.  Flights are regular, but not daily.  From Tokyo grab a connecting flight to Okinawa - though this may require an overnight in Tokyo, particularly if your internal flight leaves from a different airport.

Where to stay

There are several hotels in all of the premier dive destinations, but it can be tricky to co-ordinate.  We have several options for hotels that can cater for English speaking passengers, and we combine that with English speaking guided transfers and dive operators.  Honestly, this is a tricky trip to organise without the know-how, and a great one for experts like us to help with!

Highlights

Well, we are hammerhead people here - they are our favourites!  Although it is a tricky dive in cooler water, and with some current, we think Mikomoto is a spectacular bucket list experience.