Kushimoto

This dive site, Kushimoto, is Japan's southernmost town on Honshu, renowned for its vibrant marine ecosystem heavily influenced by the warm Kuroshio Current. While specific underwater navigation details or historical accounts are not provided, its reputation as one of Japan's top fishing areas suggests a rich and diverse environment. The site offers relatively shallow diving, with a maximum depth of 16 meters and an average of 8 meters, making it accessible and enjoyable for various diver experience levels. The waters of Kushimoto are teeming with marine life, showcasing a large variety of tropical fish typically found in Okinawa and Izu. Divers can consistently observe the rare and symbolic Azahata fish throughout the year. Macro enthusiasts will delight in the year-round presence of fringed shrimp, nudibranchs, and jawfish. During the winter months, the site becomes a hotspot for larger pelagic species, including razor sharks, spiny stingrays, and common spiders. The best time to visit Kushimoto depends on your diving interests: winter offers the thrilling opportunity to encounter big fish like razor sharks and spiny stingrays, while macro life such as fringed shrimp, nudibranchs, and jawfish are observable year-round. This site is suitable for both snorkeling and freediving due to its shallow average depth and rich biodiversity. Divers should be mindful of the moderate currents, a characteristic influence of the Kuroshio Current, which contributes to the site's vibrant ecosystem.