Reachable in 30 minutes by plane from Kagoshima, Yakushima is an island with a circumference of about 130 km and an area of 500 km². In the center of the island is a prehistoric forest, and the Jomon cedars are all too famous.

This island is located about 100 km south of Kagoshima and is famous for its space center where rockets are launched. It is also a mecca for surfing. It can be reached from Kagoshima in about 30 minutes by plane or 1 hour and 30 minutes by high-speed boat.

These small islands are scattered between Yakushima and Amami Oshima in Kagoshima Prefecture, about 160 kilometers away, and are only accessible by two village run ferries a week from Kagoshima. It’s a 5-minute boat ride close to the point and 20 minutes farther.

It takes about 90 minutes by boat from Nagasaki to the Goto Islands, which are made up of more than 140 islands of various sizes floating about 130 km west of Nagasaki. The coastline is intricate, so there are plenty of diving spots.

Fukashima, the southernmost island in Oita Prefecture, is a small island with a population of about 30 people, located about 9 km south of Kamae Port. There are nearly 100 cats on the island, but most of them are not domestic cats, but island cats. Two islands, one in the south and the other in the north, are connected by a central sandbar that looks like a gourd from the air. You may even encounter dolphins and turtles while traveling on the island. Underwater, you’ll find dynamic terrain, beautiful coral reefs and colorful soft coral beds.

Kujuku Island in Nagasaki Prefecture is a sea area dotted with islands that stretches 25 kilometers north of Sasebo Port, and is said to have the highest density of islands in Japan. The diving can be divided into the nearby Kujuku Islands area and the expedition area.

This island takes about 45 minutes from the center of Fukuoka by car. The island is located in the northern part of Hakata Bay and is connected to the mainland by a sandbar. It is one of the most popular diving spots in Fukuoka and is often used for beginners’ courses.

Uguru Island is the southernmost town in Shikoku, 23 kilometers off the coast of the city of Shukumo. Due to the Kuroshio Current, the visibility in this area is one of the highest in Japan, and on a good day, the visibility can be as high as 50 meters. With its dynamic terrain and coral habitat, you can see tropical fish all year round. There are both big fish spots and macro observation spots, and both beginners and experts can enjoy them.

Like a fault line, there is a mix of hard and soft corals on the monolithic rock. The depth ranges from 5-9 m, and the colony extends over more than 1 km in a straight line, with side holes next to the monolith allowing swim-throughs in some areas. Hard and soft corals coexist, and this type of landscape is rare in Japan. Sometimes rays, which can grow to over 2 meters, can be found hiding in the side holes. The scenery in shallow areas where light shines through is extremely beautiful.

This dive site is among top 5 for its enchanting allure and beauty within the region. Here, you’ll marvel at the splendid coral colonies and vibrant schools of fish. After a safety stop, you can even venture into captivating underwater caves. While the current can occasionally become swifter, I often recommend diving during low tide. When entering the water from the boat, you’ll find a calm 5-meter depth, making it a fantastic spot suitable for beginners and providing a sense of security.