Project Wave

For anyone interested in diving in Japan, try the island of Hachijojima, one of the Izu Islands (Izu Shotou) off the coast of Tokyo. Hachijojima is the farthest of the islands, but definitely worth the 10.5 hour ferry ride or 45 minute plane ride from Haneda airport.

Hachijojima is an incredibly lush, beautiful island with few people and tons to see and do. The island was formed from two now dormant volcanoes. Thus, the numerous beach dive sites offer incredible natural underwater lava rock structures: tunnels and bridges... and enormous beautiful lava rock structures. There can be typhoons, so you may want to do some research and plan to miss typhoon season, and yet arrive right around the time of the Black Current which makes for INCREDIBLE visibility (20 - 25 meters!!). Experienced divers should bring their own equipment and take a few guided dives. The sites are very easy to navigate and after one guided tour, easy to dive with just a buddy (1 guided beach dive with tank and weights costs 5,000 yen... about 45 dollars).

If you speak Japanese you're fine, otherwise you'll want to arrange to dive with Yumi Iwasaki -- she speaks English. All the staff are incredibly knowledgeable, experienced and professional. Yumi also runs eco-tours, hiking, kayaking, and all sorts of tours and excursions for those who want to explore the amazing, semi-tropical nature of the island... don't miss the glow-in-the-dark mushrooms!!

For more information on diving in, or help planning a trip to Japan's Hachijojima or Okinawa, feel free to contact me at erika.ahlstrom@gmail.com. Otherwise, you may contact Iwasaki-san of Project Wave directly at:

Websites

http://www.hachijo.info Info on Hachuijojima (English)
http://www3.ocn.ne.jp/~p-wave/wave/wave.html (Japanese only)
http://www.8jyo.jp/towninfo/travel/guide/1071.html (Japanese only)