Local Dive Sites and Trips
Local Dive Trips and local dive sites that PDC frequently visits are listed here below. All trips currently scheduled will be listed on the Events Calendar. To sign up for any trip, or to request us to take you diving at any dive location listed here or across Japan, please use the form at the bottom of the page. For Frequently Asked Questions regarding dive trips, please refer to the FAQ's at the bottom of this page. For our Cancellation and Refund Policies, please refer to the Cancellation and Refund Policy section at the bottom of this page.
Jogashima
Jogashima is a tiny island located at the southern end of the Miura Peninsula that hosts both shore and boat diving possibilities. When the conditions are right, you may be lucky to see over 30 types of nudibranch in this area and a wide variety of fish, squid, Kidako Moray Eels, and even the occasional stingray. The underwater terrain is also diverse as well. From boat, you can enjoy diving along large geological cracks (100m long, 10m deep) and dynamic drop off's. The visibility here is often low to limited, making Jogashima a prime training ground for PDC as we intentionally train all divers from Open Water and up in the worst conditions possible, safely in a controlled environment.
Atami
Atami has always been a favorite Onsen resort town for Tokyo residents to escape to. The city is filled with Onsen (hot spring baths) accommodations and restaurants to satisfy your craving for delicious seafood. When diving here, you can enjoy wreck diving, cave diving (September to December), soft coral forests, and an environment filled with more sea life than you can fathom. The wreck here is a local favorite and locally famous, the Asahi Maru, which has exploded in sea life in the past 5 years, and is only getting better by the day. This dive site requires at least an Advanced certification and good diving skills.
A STRONG WORD OF CAUTION!
The shipwreck here was made of a very low-grade steel that is rapidly decaying. As of winter 2022, this wreck is NO LONGER SAFE for penetration or swimming through! If we take you to this wreck, you will see other divers venturing into the wreck. These divers are unknowing, or untrained, or they don't care about the dangers, and that includes their guides. PDC staff are highly trained and experienced in evaluating structural integrity. This wreck will collapse at some point in the near future, and for safety, we will NOT allow our divers to venture inside.
Osezaki
Osezaki has long been a well-established diving resort location. Many diving shops with their own hotel accommodations line the 800m long cape waterfront, offering diverse diving opportunities from the calm inland bay to fast currents outside in the open sea.
Located on the edge of the 2500m deep Suruga Bay, depending on the wind and current situation, you may be lucky to see many types of deep sea creatures in one dive. The inland bay is basically a sandy, muddy sea floor, giving it an ideal environment for nudibranch to flourish. Everything from macro to larger pelagic life is often spotted here, and during the winter months, the entire environment changes and larger sea life moves in. The tip of the cape is open only on weekends and public holidays, but if you are certified to dive deep, you can also see many different types of deep water antias, some endemic to Japan.
Izu Oceanic Park
Izu Oceanic Park (IOP) is a dynamic underwater terrain site that was formed by volcanic magma pouring into the ocean 4,000 years ago. Due to its complex underwater geography, the site is an ideal environment for underwater life, making IOP a very popular diving location on the Izu peninsula. It is a beach point entry with a permanent set up to help divers reduce hassles during entry and exit. The facilities are also very good, with 31 shower heads, warm changing rooms, and hot bath which you can jump in with your dry suits on during the cold winter season.
CAUTION: The entry/exit point here is a singular location and a choke-point for currents that eddy and billow onto the shore. Due to the rock formations and topography below the surface, strong waves and surf here can pose a challenge for inexperienced divers, and have been known to cause injury for those who do not know how to manage getting through them. Standing in the surf zone for too long is ill-advised, and speed and technique are the key. Further, exit here is accomplished in two different methods depending on tides. It is strongly advised to join PDC staff when diving here for your first time or two in order to learn the safest, most effective methods, as you will see the local population doing things we advise against.
Futo
This diving area offers both beach and boat diving experiences. The bay like beach, protected by it's geography, is often not effected by wind and waves that may otherwise cause dive spot closures. The bay is popular as you can observe the spawning of the big fin reef squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) from June to August. The shallow depth (6-8m) allow you to stay and watch life at this magnificent site for a long time, and it is very popular among Japanese divers for it's abundance of marine life.
Tateyama
Bommie, located at Ito Tateyama in Chiba, is world-famous, and is commonly referred to as the "Shark Scramble", thanks to the dedicated work of Mr. Kan Shiota, the owner of "Bommie", who many years ago received a request from local fisherman to solve their "shark problem". The local fisherman didn't want sharks to be caught in their nets because they claimed the fish they wanted to send to the market were getting "damaged" (PDC Note: Saving the sharks is vitally FAR more important than the fish in our opinion). Mr. Shiota says that the sharks that were caught were also being harmed as they were thrown back into the ocean. To solve this issue, Mr. Shiota set out to lure the sharks away from the fishing nets (making him a hero if you ask us here at PDC). Now, many years later, Bommie offers a protected, well-built diving destination with a thriving shark population, filled with rays, eels, and countless large fish too. We are very lucky to have this wonderful diving spot just a few hours away from Tokyo. But a word of caution... This dive site requires at least an Advanced certification and good diving skills. It is at the edge of the Kuroshio current, where strong surface current (and sometimes bottom current), can make entry and exit a challenge.
Please see the shop SAFETY VIDEO before arriving so you know what to expect when diving at Bommie.
Motosuko
Our local high-altitude diving training and camping grounds, Motosuko is an absolutely beautiful diving location, and a wonderful place to camp and unwind. Further, it sits at the base of Mt. Fuji and offers wonderful views of the mountain. There are dive sites located around the lake featuring beautiful frozen lava flows, sunken trees, and even some small wrecks (boats and cars alike). But a word of caution... This dive site is freezing cold all year around, with water temperatures usually around 10 deg C (50 deg F), and a razor sharp thermocline in the summer. So it's a perfect location for both drysuit diving all year around, and altitude training. Altitude certification is required to dive this site, which PDC offers every time we go. This dive site requires well-developed diving skills for two reasons. First, the bottom is all silt, so touching or wafting fins or hands over it immediately results in losing visibility. And second, you must be able to stay neutral and at a fixed depth, as changing depth rapidly at altitude can increase the risk of DCS development.
List of Local-Area Foreigner-Friendly Dive Sites
Miura Peninsula
Note: Just south of Yokosuka, accessible by public transportation (train and bus).
Jogashima
Dive Shop: Jogashima Dive Center
Level: Basic and up.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/j7sN4tE7Cj6PcXmb9
Website: http://jdc-net.jp/
Video: https://youtu.be/yKwaXPqOL4s
Video: https://youtu.be/B0raIYrlkE8
Video: https://youtu.be/5jOArPPfQ_g
East Side of Izu
Note: All dive shops here are accessible by train.
Atami
Dive Shop: Atami SCUBA
Level: Advanced and up.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KUM9977GLGwyfFdy6
Website: https://www.atamiscuba.jp/
Video: https://youtu.be/QZMN9iwATY0
Video: https://youtu.be/p8x4uNxI0bI
Video: https://youtu.be/0hPisYfF140
Video: https://youtu.be/5QUxz4l8s48
Izu Ocean Park (IOP)
Dive Shop: IOP Dive Center
Level: Basic and up.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RYja2uP7wC6ptRYU9
Website: http://iop-dc.com/
Video: https://youtu.be/tyIqSkEen64
Video: https://youtu.be/xMIzBPDYWk8
Shobuzawa
Dive Shop: Shobuzawa
Level: Basic and up.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/LGY6xPzmgG971Psx9
Website: https://shobuzawa.com/
Video: None yet.
West Side of Izu
Note: All dive shops here are accessible only by car.
Shishihama
Dive Shop: Shishihama Diving Service
Level: Basic and up.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xnyxoUrfkQJi5Nfm6
Website: http://www.shishihama.com/
Video: None yet.
Osezaki
Dive Shop: Osekan
Level: Basic and up.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/w1ErxLqKeAknaRZ18
Website: https://natureinn.jp/
Video: https://youtu.be/yKwaXPqOL4s
Video: https://youtu.be/xL8hNrrYcmg
Video: https://youtu.be/DtNtcKCrNZs
Video: https://youtu.be/Dn2nTOIZjgk
Video: https://youtu.be/DrIlofI5vlk
Video: https://youtu.be/-OipC6VIVY8
Video: https://youtu.be/LtrXqhxqRak
Video: https://youtu.be/diInmLPvUw0
Video: https://youtu.be/qSSoAWZASI0
Video: https://youtu.be/R2pWp-SA3cI
Video: https://youtu.be/T9QEh4Lke_k
Video: https://youtu.be/6kEmcg_54yA
Video: https://youtu.be/exMUbJXNiPA
Video: https://youtu.be/jR-a6_YxqLU
Koganezaki
Dive Shop: Koganezaki Dive Center
Level: Basic and up.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/hjxEL9xLvJowdLAU7
Website: https://www.arari.co.jp/
Video: https://youtu.be/iLrGQAAJc88
Tago
Dive Shop: Tago Diving Service
Level: Advanced and up.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fKXukHHN4LoffkPM6
Website: http://diver-s.net/nishiizu-marine-kai/
Video: None yet.
Motosuko
Note: Motosu Lake, Yamanashi Prefecture.
Motosuko
(STRONGLY recommend drysuit use here all year around!)
Dive Shop: Motosuko Dive Resort
Level: Basic and up WITH Altitude Diver certification
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/CDMpSbB6qmArNwqL9
Website: http://motosukodiving.com/
Video: https://youtu.be/fZicFxuZgCY
Video: https://youtu.be/U9y25G90mLE
Chiba
Note: Ito, Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture.
Tateyama
Dive Shop: Bommie
Level: Advanced and up
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/p5LdkaJLTZc8DTiw5
Website: http://bommie.jp/
Video: https://youtu.be/t-Ck10L5HIE?si=qBBsCP2Zx5cJpVAn
Nishikawana
Dive Shop: Nishikawana Ocean Park
Level: Advanced and up
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f5PCVenwvxZZHD2v7
Website: https://www.nishikawana-diving.com/
Video: None yet.
Motosuko Altitude Diving Weekend
Please see our Events Calendar for dates!
PDC plans weekend dive trips to Motosuko (Motosu Lake) by Mt. Fuji for both camping and altitude diving several times throughout the year from Spring to Fall, and additionally by request of two or more (or a group), any time.
Motosuko is one of the five famous mountain lakes formed by Mt. Fuji, and features camping, diving, hiking, paddle boarding, a variety of other activities, and a view of Mt. Fuji.
This trip doubles as an Altitude Diver Specialty Course. So for anyone joining who intends to dive, the trip cost will equal enrollment in the course (unless you are already certified as an Altitude Diver, then a reduced price is available).
The trip itinerary is always the same. We arrive Saturday morning by 0830, get checked in, and begin training that morning. By Lunch, we complete final exams for the Altitude course, and by Saturday afternoon, conduct our first two dives. Sunday morning will be our third and fourth certification dives, and all divers will be able to earn their Altitude Diver certification. We should be finished by the early afternoon on Sunday.
If you are already Altitude certified, then we plan this trip as a relaxing weekend getaway with enjoyable, longer dives ranging from recreational to technical.
Participants have the options to arrive on Friday afternoon if they wish, or even stay Sunday night and depart on Monday morning if they would like as well. If you'd like to take these options, please message us to make arrangements in advance.
Drysuits are strongly encouraged due to the water temperatures in the the lake remaining consistently 10 degrees C year around at the thermocline, which means divers that use a drysuit will be required to own their own drysuit and be drysuit certified. If you do NOT own a drysuit, then a 7mm wetsuit with hood and gloves would be the next best option.
ALL LEVELS OF CERTIFIED DIVERS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN!
HOWEVER, please understand that you must have good buoyancy skills for two reasons: First, the bottom is silty, so touching it means losing visibility, which would be a shame as the lake is often clear and beautiful. And second, the margins for error for depth in Altitude Diving are reduced. So you need to be able to maintain depth.
Because this trip is "local" (within Japan), trip costs will NOT include transportation or food.
We will stay in a cabin at Motosu Campgrounds at the lake, affording the group opportunities to enjoy the outdoors the entire weekend.
CAUTION!
Weather may dictate this trip be shifted on the schedule forward or backward depending on rain or other storms. Please be advised, if the minimum number of people have already signed up, and bad weather is predicted during the trip's timeframe, it will not be cancelled, but shifted to another weekend instead, and all reasonable efforts will be made to work with the group for scheduling.
Trip itinerary will be published directly to attendees well in advance to give ample time for travel planning.
For those interested, please message us using the form at the bottom of the page.
Not certified as a diver yet? NO PROBLEM!
You can register for your Open Water SCUBA Diver course now, complete your academics and confined water training here locally before you leave, and get certified before you go!
Availability and Costs
The cost for this trip is: ¥45,000
(For those needing the certification)
The cost for this trip is: ¥26,560
(For Altitude certified divers)
(Includes one night stay, dives, and weights)
NOTE: THIS IS A "GROUP-DEPENDENT" TRIP!
A minimum of 2 people are required for the trip to take place.
Groups are also welcome.
To sign up, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
Cost for the trip includes the following:
- NAUI Altitude Diver Specialty Course enrollment,
- 1 night in a cabin at Motosu Campground,
- 4 dives for certification,
- Tanks and weights, and
- facility and site fees.
*Transportation costs are not included.
**Food and drinks are not included.
***Additional dives are available by request.
****Rental gear is available by request.
For Frequently Asked Questions regarding dive trips, please refer to the FAQ's at the bottom of this page.
The Battleship Mutsu
Located 2km off the coast of SuoOshima, just south of Iwakuni, Japan!
Twin sister ship to the Nagato, the Mutsu is a Nagato Class Dreadnought Battleship, and the second largest battleship ever built, the Mutsu rests approximately 2km just off the Northern coast of SuoOshima, not far from Mutsu park.
In June, 1943, she was anchored near SuoOshima when one of her aft magazines detonated, sinking the ship. 1,121 crew and visitors perished. The IJN investigation concluded that it was the work of a disgruntled crew member, yet some sources suggest it was the work of a US spy who planted a bomb. Much of the wreck was immediately dredged for scrap, leaving a large debris field around the remains.
Today, the Mutsu rests in 30m of water, with the top of the ship becoming visible at between 12m and 15m, there is a surface buoy marking its location.
We have dived the Mutsu several times from 2017 through 2019 both by ocean kayak and by boat. If we make arrangements to dive the Mutsu for any person or group, we will use a boat to take our divers to the site.
Availability and Costs
The cost for this trip is: UNDETERMINED
To inquire about going to dive the Mutsu, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
*Transportation costs will not be included.
**Food and drinks will not be included.
For Frequently Asked Questions regarding dive trips, please refer to the FAQ's at the bottom of this page.
F.A.Q's for Dive Trips
How do I register for a trip?
To register for any trip with PDC (or to inquire about creating your own trip for a group), simply fill out the form above on this page. Please list the name and dates of the trip you desire to join, list your full legal name, age, any equipment rental needs (or tell us if you plan to bring your own), and provide us with a detailed message as applicable.
Can't I just message you via social media to register?
Unfortunately no. We do not accept reservations for any of our scheduled trips via social media. To register for any of our listed trips, you must fill out and submit the form above.
Can I pay by cash or credit card?
Cash is only acceptable for trips within the local area (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Yamanashi) during normal fun-diving weekends, when reservations can be made locally. For any and all trips that require travel to a destination--both across Japan and internationally--payment in advance is required. Both credit and debit card payments may be made easily online via an online invoice sent to your email address from PDC (JDE) through Square. Additionally, bank transfers are possible for payment too.
What are the deadlines for registration?
Unless otherwise noted, mentioned in a post, or arrangements have been made with us by direct or email communication, deadlines for reservations to join in on any listed trip are typically no less than 60 days prior.
I want to join, but I can't pay until sometime after the deadline, what do I do?
Please contact us and let us know you desire to join but need to pay at a date after the deadline. We're very reasonable and understanding when it comes to individual needs. In many cases, we can work something out to help you reserve your seat for a trip, and pay on a later date when you're able.
I am not a diver, can I still join?
Almost every trip welcomes non-divers to join. If you would like to come with us, but are not a diver and will not be diving, please contact us and let us know! We can offer you a discounted price that does not include the diving part of the trip.
I have family / friends who would like to join, is this possible?
Absolutely! All trips are family friendly, and the more friends the better!
I'd like to join one of your trips, but I'm not a diver yet. Can I get certified before the trip?
Everything depends. Where are you located? What time of year is it currently? When is the trip? Where is the trip going to? What are YOUR needs? Are we able to conduct the full course prior, or part of it prior and the remainder while at the destination? These are all important questions, and PDC is 100% willing to help you answer them. Please communicate with us your interests and needs, and we'll do our best to help.
I'd like to do other activities while on a trip, is this possible?
Many trips go to locations where lots of other activities are offered. From snorkeling to surfing, local tours and treks, sight seeing and cuisine, even parasailing, kayaking, excursions, and more... If there are other activities possible at the destinations we visit, then we strongly encourage you to let us know what your interests are. Please remember, however, these are not included in the trip costs, and will be at your own expense.