| Shizuoka Prefecture, located on the Pacific coast in Japan's Chubu region, is a renowned diving destination, particularly along the Izu Peninsula. Its warmer climate compared to other regions allows for year-round diving. | |
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General Info
- Main Diving Area: Izu Peninsula
- Highlights: Offers a variety of diving options, from snorkeling to deep scuba diving.
- Marine Life: Known for diverse marine life, including sightings of Hammerhead Sharks, and a wide range of rare deep-sea and macro creatures.
- Water Conditions: The water is generally clear, with currents that vary from mild to strong.
- Best Season: Diving is possible all year. The summer and autumn months offer the warmest water and best visibility.
- Language: Japanese is the primary language. Some dive operators may have English-speaking staff, but it's best to be prepared with a translation app or basic Japanese phrases.
- Skill Level: There are dive sites suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to highly experienced divers.
- Dive Operators: Numerous dive shops and centers are located throughout the Izu Peninsula. They typically offer full-service packages, including equipment rental, guided tours, and diving courses.
Getting There
Main Route: From Bangkok, you can fly into Tokyo's Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) International Airport. You can also consider flying into Chubu Centrair (NGO) in Nagoya, then connecting via train.
Domestic Travel in Japan:
- Shinkansen: From Tokyo, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station and then transfer to the local Izukyu Line to reach various destinations on the Izu Peninsula.
- Odoriko Express: A direct limited express train from Tokyo that goes straight to Izukyu-Shimoda Station.
- Rental Car: Renting a car is a convenient option for those who want flexibility to travel between different dive sites.
Flight Info.
Many airlines operate the Bangkok-Tokyo route, including Thai Airways, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Thai AirAsia X, and more.- Tokyo International Airport (Narita - NRT / Haneda - HND): The closest major airports with the most direct flights from Bangkok.
- Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport (FSZ): A smaller domestic airport that may have some international flights, but it's less common for direct flights from Thailand.
Overnight
- Hotels/Ryokans: A wide variety of accommodation is available, from modern hotels to traditional Japanese inns (Ryokan) with hot springs (Onsen).
- Booking: It's highly recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during public holidays or peak seasons.
Emergency
- Hospitals: Hospitals and clinics are available in the major towns on the Izu Peninsula, such as Shimoda Hospital.
- Travel Insurance: This is extremely important: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses abroad, particularly for diving-related injuries, as medical costs in Japan can be very high.
- Emergency Services: In case of an emergency, call 119 for an ambulance or fire department, or 110 for the police.
