Question 1

What's the most popular dive site in Izu Peninsula, Japan?

Accepted Answer

Izu Oceanic Park (I.O.P.) is arguably the most famous dive site in Izu Peninsula, Japan. It's an incredibly well-equipped shore diving facility with easy entry and exit points, multiple underwater routes, and abundant marine life. It's known for its density of fish, seasonal attractions like an underwater Christmas tree, and even an underwater postbox. Its accessibility and suitability for all diver levels contribute to its immense popularity.

Question 2

What are the good and less popular dive sites in Izu Peninsula, Japan?

Accepted Answer

Well-known sites include the bustling Izu Oceanic Park (I.O.P.) and Osezaki, famous for its calm bay and macro life. For a more advanced and thrilling dive, Mikomoto Island offers seasonal hammerhead shark encounters. A less-crowded gem is Hirizo Beach, a remote, boat-access-only site on the southern tip known for its excellent clarity and pristine coral. Futo is another great option, offering similar conditions to I.O.P. but often with fewer divers.

Question 3

What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Izu Peninsula, Japan?

Accepted Answer

Water temperatures in Izu Peninsula, Japan, vary significantly by season. In summer (Jul-Sep), temperatures are warmest, ranging from 23-27°C (73-81°F). Autumn (Oct-Nov) sees them cool to 20-24°C (68-75°F). Winter (Dec-Mar) is coldest, dropping to 13-16°C (55-61°F), requiring a drysuit. Spring (Apr-Jun) gradually warms from 16-22°C (61-72°F), making it a transitional period for dive gear.

Question 4

When is the best time to visit Izu Peninsula, Japan?

Accepted Answer

The best time to dive in Izu Peninsula, Japan, is from late summer to autumn (September-November). During this period, you get the best of both worlds: warm water temperatures from the summer and improving visibility. While winter offers the absolute best clarity, the cold water requires a drysuit. Summer has the warmest water but can be impacted by typhoon season and reduced visibility due to plankton blooms.

Question 5

What's the visibility like during the dive season in Izu Peninsula, Japan?

Accepted Answer

Visibility in Izu Peninsula, Japan, is highly seasonal. The best visibility occurs in the cold winter months, often exceeding 20 meters (65+ feet). In contrast, summer visibility is typically lower, ranging from 10-15 meters (30-50 feet) due to plankton blooms fueled by the warm water. Autumn and spring offer a moderate middle ground, with visibility often improving as the water begins to cool.

Question 6

Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Izu Peninsula, Japan?

Accepted Answer

While large manta or whale shark sightings are rare, Izu Peninsula, Japan, has a world-class seasonal event. The dive site at Mikomoto Island, off the southern coast, is famous for large schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks that congregate during the summer and early autumn (July to October). This thrilling drift dive attracts experienced divers from around the globe hoping for this incredible pelagic encounter.

Question 7

What marine life can I expect to see in Izu Peninsula, Japan?

Accepted Answer

Diving in Izu Peninsula, Japan, you can expect a rich mix of temperate and subtropical species. The area is a macro photographer's paradise, with countless varieties of nudibranchs, frogfish, and scorpionfish. You'll also see moray eels, soft corals, sea turtles, and large schools of cherry bass and Japanese jack. Seasonally, you can find scalloped hammerhead sharks at specific sites like Mikomoto Island.

Question 8

What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Izu Peninsula, Japan?

Accepted Answer

For summer diving (Jul-Sep) in Izu Peninsula, Japan, a 3mm to 5mm wetsuit is sufficient. In the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, a 5mm or 7mm wetsuit, possibly with a hood and vest, is recommended as the water cools. For winter diving (Dec-Mar), a drysuit is highly advised due to water temperatures dropping as low as 13°C (55°F).

Question 9

How do I get to Izu Peninsula, Japan?

Accepted Answer

To get to Izu Peninsula, Japan, first fly into Tokyo's Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airports. From Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Atami station at the peninsula's entrance. From there, local train lines run down the east and west coasts. Renting a car from Tokyo or a major town like Atami is also a highly recommended option for flexibility in reaching different coastal dive centers.

Question 10

Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Izu Peninsula, Japan?

Accepted Answer

Shore-based diving is the standard and most practical way to dive in Izu Peninsula, Japan. The region does not have a liveaboard industry. Divers typically stay in hotels or traditional inns (ryokan) and book daily dive trips with local operators. The peninsula has an excellent road network, making it easy to drive between the numerous shore and boat diving sites dotted along its extensive coastline.

WikiBubbles

Izu Peninsula

Dive Sites

Cape Ose

Ito

Mikomoto Island

Osezaki

Frequently Asked Questions