Located just a short 100 kilometers from Tokyo, and accessible from the city by train, Izu Peninsula’s West Coast is one of Japan’s favorite places to dive. Sometimes described as Japan’s Disneyland of Diving, it can be very crowded, particularly when the weather is bad in other places. Even if you tend to prefer less populated areas, don’t pass up a trip to this area – if you have the opportunity to dive here, take it. Let’s take a closer look at three top dives in the area.
Wan-nai - Izu Peninsula Dive Sites
Probably one of the most scenic dive sites in the world, Wan-nai is certainly Japan’s most scenic, as one can see Mount Fuji rising up into the distance when the weather is clear. Well protected and with a nice swimming beach, it is popular for both diver training and family day trips. Featuring a crescent shape, and easy to access from shore, the site is at its best after the sun goes down, when a wealth of crustaceans and cephalopods come out of hiding to forage. In addition, a local dive club has sunken a motorcycle on cement blocks, and you can find lionfish, blennies, squirrelfish, gobies, shrimp and others. Careful of the lionfish – if you get too close, and they see their reflections in your mask, they may charge your face. Maximum depth is 20 meters, the rock formations are exceptional, and the site is suitable for all levels.
Sakamoto Beach - Izu Peninsula Dive Sites
A peaceful location with a lower concentration of divers than are normally at Wan-nai, Sakamoto Beach is home to lots of spiny lobsters and little fish. While irresponsible visitors have littered, the fish have made the best of the discarded soda cans and other bits of rubbish along the bottom, creating dens inside. Watch for gobies, shrimp, batfish, and little crabs as you explore this sandy site; with maximum depth at 12 meters, it is suitable for all divers.
Ushizuki Iwa - Izu Peninsula Dive Sites
Featuring two shrines on rocks connected by a rope on shore, and some shallow caverns beneath the water, Ushizuki Iwa features excellent visibility and calm conditions, along with lots of schooling reef fish in brilliant colors. You’ll also find plenty of little critters here, from crabs to lobsters, to tiny shrimp. While maximum depth is 24 meters, there is lots to see in shallow water. If you want to swim through the caverns, be sure to bring a good dive light.
When you visit the Izu Peninsula, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there, as it can be very busy, particularly on weekends and during holidays. It is not uncommon for traffic jams to happen; simply enjoy the scenery and take it in stride if this happens! Once you get to the area, you’ll find lovely scenic views, hot springs, a fantastic art museum, and more. Visit on a weekday if you can, and you’ll get to see a more peaceful side of the area. Whenever you plan to visit though, be sure to make your travel plans in advance, particularly if you are going to need a car rental; and remember your camera – you’re going to see some amazing things.