Japan may not be at the top of your snorkeling bucket list, but can you imagine what its 6800 islands, from the chilly north to the tropical south, have to offer? Japan boasts diverse marine habitats and a vast array of sea life. The subtropical Okinawan islands, in particular, are abundant with pristine coral reefs. Here, snorkelers can get up-close to manta rays, clownfish, sea turtles, reef sharks, angelfish and sea snakes and many more. Japan just might be the snorkeling world's best-kept secret!
The most popular snorkeling destinations on Japanese main islands are Hokkaido (especially the Shiretoko Peninsula, famous for ice diving) and Honshū (in particular the Izu Peninsula and the Izu Islands, just a few hours drive from Tokyo, and the Kii Peninsula, further southwest on the island).
If you want to get off the beaten track, head for the Ogasawara Islands. Located more than 600 miles (1 000km) south of Tokyo, they were designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage in 2011. Also known as the “Galápagos of the Orient”, the Ogasawara Islands are famous for their rich biodiversity and high endemism.
Under the surface of the sea, you’ll come face to face with sea turtles and sharks, but be sure to keep an eye out for the wrought iron butterflyfish, and endemic specie which can only be found in the Izu and Ogasawara Islands.
But for the best snorkeling in Japan, reach the south part of this island country and the Okinawan Islands, the ‘Hawaii’ of Japan. In this subtropical paradise, you will find the best reef snorkeling of the region.
On Okinawa’s main island, many spots are accessible from the shore (like Cape Maeda) and represent some of the easiest options. Nevertheless, you’ll have to head for the Kerama Islands (Tokashiki, Zamami), the Miyako Islands of the Ryukyu Islands (Ishigaki) to live the best experience in the archipelago.
The climate on mainland Japan is temperate, with cold winters and hot summers, from June to September. Outside these months, snorkeling is limited by cooler water temperatures.
Okinawa archipelago is the only place in Japan where you can go snorkeling all year round. It has humid subtropical weather, with no dry season. Summers (May to October) are hot and wet, and the temperature rarely goes above 86°F/30°C.
The rest of the year, the climate is drier and still remains warm and comfortable, at above 68°F/20°C during the daytime. The temperature of Okinawa”s coastal waters ranges from around 65°F/18°C in winter to about 84°F/29°C in the summer.
600+ spots have already been featured on Snorkeling Report thanks to people like you. Share your favorite snorkeling spot and help us cover the world map. Your contribution will help the snorkeling community find new sites and enjoy the underwater world!
ADD A SPOT
Common on all reef spots
Found in all Okinawa reef areas; abundant at Furuzamami Beach
Frequently sighted at Ama Beach at high tide; occasionally seen at Furuzamami Beach
Found in all Okinawa reef areas; common at Furuzamami and Aharen
Frequently sighted chasing on Furuzamami Beach reef
Fringing reef with a vibrant marine life
Level: Free shore access
Seagrass meadows with sea turtles and small coral gardens
Shallow fringing reef with colorful fish and sea snakes
Fringing reef with colorful fish and sea krait
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Taiwan’s crystal clear waters, warm subtropical climate and beautiful sea life make for a pleasant snorkeling experience. There are many nice snorkeling locations are found on the main island, but don't miss the outer islands of Taiwan, in particular Liuqiu Island, Green Island and the Penghu Archip (...)
With more than 7600 islands to explore, it makes sense that the Philippines is one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world. Part of the Coral Triangle, the epicentre of global marine biodiversity, the archipelago has a mind-blowing array of sea life. With pristine coral reefs, lush soft cor (...)
Located some 850km east of the Philippines, Palau comprises 26 main islands and more than 300 smaller islets, most uninhabited, and all fringed by coral reef. From the scenic Rock Islands to its marine lakes full of thousands of jellyfish, there's an astonishing array of snorkeling spots to be explo (...)
Pristine white-sanded beaches fringed with swaying palms and crystal clear waters... welcome to Guam! This territory of the United States is the southernmost island in the Mariana islands chain and the largest island in Micronesia. With its wide range of beaches and its healthy coral reefs, Guam is (...)
Vietnam is not a top snorkeling destination, but some sites are fascinating and the country is slowly growing in popularity. You’ll find along the extensive Vietnam coastline several islands and small archipelagos hosting various and diverse snorkeling spots, especially in Nha Trang, Phú Quốc and Cô (...)
Consisting of two land regions divided by the South China Sea, Malaysia comprises more than 850 islands, of which 394 are located in the state of Sabah, in Borneo. Most of the Malaysian coasts and islands are fringed by spectacular coral reefs. This exceptional geography offers a huge variety of sno (...)
Indonesia is a vast archipelago of 17,000 islands located at the heart of the Coral Triangle. The country features some 30% of the world’s coral reefs. The archipelago hosts pristine coral gardens, which are home to the richest marine biodiversity on earth. You will never get tired exploring its war (...)
Despite an overtourism contributing to the overall decline of the country's coral reef, Thailand remains a good snorkeling destination. Its lush tropical coastlines, reefs and islands offers a diversity of snorkeling spots, in both Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. More than 900 species of reef (...)
LAST SPACES AVAILABLE
