Big in Japan
Report by Lisa Kean from her trip to Japan.
One of the best things about diving is that it takes us all over the world and provides a wonderful opportunity to explore new places and cultures.
A recent trip to Japan by some of our members combined a backpacking trip down the country with some lovely, easy diving in Okinawa, taking in Tokyo, Kanazawa, Hiroshima and Osaka on the way.
While not top of mind when planning a dive trip, the islands in the Okinawa Prefecture are a haven for divers looking for a combination of culture and tropical paradise. After a busy week of karaoke, cherry blossoms, bullet trains, shrines and eating everything they could get their hands on – from the world’s best sushi to delicious ramen and even the famous cream and sprinkles sandwich – the group headed off to the islands for some R&R.
As soon as you step off the plane, you can feel the slower pace, the warm welcome and the unique culture of the ‘sea people’. A totally different vibe compared to the frenetic, surreal world of Tokyo. The difficult history of Okinawa is not forgotten, and a memorial museum is an excellent educational resource that honours the many victims. Okinawans are incredibly hospitable and friendly, and our gang spent many an hour sharing beers (Kanpai!!!), and conversing with the help of Google translate and hand signals that were mainly universal but sometimes raised a few eyebrows 😲
The diving is usually easy – warm, great vis and shallow – although there are some strong currents. With a superb skipper and a personal guide (James at Okinawa Reef Tours) who trains the region’s military divers, the group was in safe hands and got out to the hidden gems in the Kerama Islands that most visitors never see. With a young trainee diver in the mix, having this knowledge and expertise was crucial. These guys went above and beyond, locating a group of eight huge green turtles and fulfilling our trainee’s lifelong dream of seeing a turtle in the wild.
After diving, a relaxing snorkel at the Blue Cave over-delivered in spectacular fashion. Jumping off the rocky shore you are straight into a world of octopus, sea kraits, surgeon fish, squirrel fish, trumpet fish, cuttlefish, tuna, prawns, pufferfish…the list goes on. A swim through into the cave followed with more exploring and free diving.
There are some exciting options in the area for experienced groups, like the WWII destroyer wreck USS Emmons, and giant hammerhead drift diving expeditions in the winter months. This is also a perfect time of year to watch the humpback whales arriving in Okinawa from Russia for the breeding season, though diving is not permitted.
This really was a trip of a lifetime with so many unique aspects of Japanese culture to experience and so many things to do. You could spend a month there and still have a to-do list as long as your arm. The next trip is already being planned – who’s in?
