About Scuba Diving in Japan
Popular Dive Areas on Izu Peninsula
An Introduction to the Izu PeninsulaThe best diving near Tokyo and surrounding areas (Kanagawa, Saitama) is on the Izu Penninsula in Shizuoka prefecture, about 100 kilometers away from Tokyo. Since Izu is located close to Tokyo's 12 million-plus inhabitants (only about 40 minutes by bullet train), there can be large crowds on the weekends and in the summer during the public school holiday period. The beauty of the Izu penninsula is that you could spend a month diving on the coast of Izu and not see the same site twice. Also, the outlaying seven Islands of Izu can be a memorable dive experience with slower island pace of life and scenery. Officially part of Tokyo, the islands are accessible via ferry departing from Takeshiba pier or Atami or Ito harbors. Ogasawara is the furthest island, over 26 hours away with no access via air. It requires dedication to get to this dive site, but the diver is well rewarded with its incredible diversity of marine life. East Izu (Higashi Izu)The most popular dive location on the east coast is Atami due to its easy access via bullet train, only 45 minutes away from Tokyo station. Atami, is a hot springs resort town where the people from the Tokyo area go to escape the metropolis. Diving conditions are usually excellent throughout the year. West Izu (Nishi Izu)On the west side of Izu, Osezaki is by far the biggest dive site in terms of concentration of dive services. There is a beach which is literally filled with divers during the weekends, a kind of diving amusement park. The main dive site is in a protected cove, which means that it is diveable even when the weather is not so good when a typhoon is coming and other sites on the east side are blown out. South Izu (Minami Izu)On the southern tip, Mikomoto is the most famous dive destination with access from Shimoda harbor. The dive sites are 30 to 60 minutes away by boat, which is farther than the usual 10-15 minute ride to most boat dive sites in Izu. The Mikomoto dives are for advanced divers, due to currents and conditions. Mikimoto is for advanced level divers having the necessary diving experience and skills, usually Advanced Open Water certified with a minimum of 50 dives in similar conditions. 'Fun Dives' - Scuba Diving One Day Dive ToursPrices Price for two tank boat dives in Atami and most other dive sites in Izu (except for Mikomoto) is 18,900 yen (consumption tax included). Beach dives are 13,650 yen for 2 tank dives. Whats Included Prices include tanks, weights, ocean entry fees, facilities usage fees, English speaking dive guide (Divemaster or Instructor) and bento box lunch (usually meat, seafood, or combination, vegetarians please contact us for options). Pickup at designated station in Izu, transfers to dive site. Pickup/dropoff point for East Izu locations is Atami station on the same day, or early morning or evening before at Mishima station for West Izu locations. Logistics information will be sent upon confirmation of booking. Enriched air 32 (Nitrox) is available at some sites for 1,470 yen extra per tank, includes use of Oxycheq Expedition oxygen analyzer, reservation required at least 10 days prior to dive tour. Rental Equipment BCD, regulator set, and wetsuit is available at 2,100 yen each, or special package price rental of all three (BCD, regulator set and wetsuit) is 5,250 J. Yen per 1 day. Inquire about special 2 for 1 special price for weekend dive tour rentals. Please view our schedule for fun dive tour dates. Email us directly for questions or to join a fun dive tour. |
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