Diving in Japan in May 2004? Please Help!

[bethbsting]

My husband and I will be going to Japan to visit a Japanese friend and his family. We plan to visit in May 2004 and spend about a week based in Fukouka on the Island of Kyushu. It is on the Eastern Channel. Are there any good dive ops and locations to dive on that Island in general or around Fukouka? We are also planning to make a few overnight trips to other areas in Japan, and spend a night or two in Tokyo. I hear the Fukouka is on the same latitude as Dallas, Texas.

So what are the temperatures of waters surrounding Japan? Will a 3 mm or 5 mm work in May? What type of regulators will work with air there?

We have about 15 dives logged (2 night). We will have some more dives logged between now and then and get the Advanced Open Water certification before our trip. We are PADI certified. Will there be any problems in Japan with PADI certs?
Anyone care to join us on one of the dives?
Any info and ideas will help! Thanks.

Beth

[nori1841]

Hello Beth,

In generally speaking,
It will be around 18-21C so 5mm is needed at least.
A tank valve is yoke type, so no DIN type available. You should bring an adapter or need a rental gear.
PADI certs is valid and very well known because PADI-Japan is the largest agency.
Unfortunately I don't know info of Kyushu(Fukuoka).
If this will be the 1st time to Tokyo,no dive is recommended. I believe that a sightseeing is good for you.

[bethbsting]

No I lived in Japan for 1 month and visited many sights. Japan is a wonderful country!

[nori1841]

OK, You already have enjoyed sightseeing so you should find KimLeece on the board.
Because he is living in Kyushu now You could obtain info about dive sites.

[japan-diver]

OK, You already have enjoyed sightseeing so you should find KimLeece on the board.
Because he is living in Kyushu now You could obtain info about dive sites.

Checked with a few divers down in Okinawa this weekend for diving up in Kyushu and they didn't have much good to say about it, but Kim might have some insight. If not come see us in Okinawa while your here, 3mm wetsuits mid-70's water temp and lots of coral.

[jagfish]

Hi
Have to agree with Japan-diver. If you can get down to Okinawa, that will be world class. I live in the Tokyo area myself, but Osaka/Kyoto/Nara are really the best places to see traditional sightseeing stuff.

Some of the best diving in the mainland is a couple hours south of Tokyo on the Izu peninsula. That's where I dive on a regular basis. The east cost is where most of the sites are (busy) but the west coast has nice views of Mt. Fuji on clear days (see the picture I've attached). Really nice opportunity. On many days, it kinda floats in the distance like a ghost, like in this picture. There are also some freshwater lake sives you can do near the base of Fuji. I am going on one in June. Altitude there is about 900 meters.

You are free to contact me off list when you trip comes near, and I can see if there is any way I can hep you out with your trip, especially up in this area. Don't know about Kyushu at all, sorry.

JAG

[bethbsting]

It looks like we will try to get down to Okinawa for diving. I found a goos deal on ANA for non-Japanese residents. It is up to 5 flights anywhere in Japan for 11,500 yen per flight. I have been looking and flights are expensive from one Japanese city to another.

Thanks for the links about dive sites in Okinawa. Any English speaking DO's would be preferred.

Thanks for all your help and postings!

[jagfish]

Yup
You are right, flying in Japan is ridiculously expensive, and that is a good deal you are getting. This spring, it cost me about 600 dollars round trip from Tokyo to Okinawa. For a bit less, I could have flown to the states.

In Okinawa, there is so much military (English speaking) presence, that you will get by with English just fine.

JAG

[scubashooter]

In Okinawa, Rick Ruth of Fathom Diving speaks english and non-military. He can arrange trips to the Keramas and local sites. You can also do some shore diving.

[Padiwan]

In Okinawa, Rick Ruth of Fathom Diving speaks english and non-military. He can arrange trips to the Keramas and local sites. You can also do some shore diving.

His name is Rich Ruth and I think he was kicked out of PADI and is now IDEA. There are all kinds of instructors and divemasters on Okinawa that can help you. A majority speak english and are PADI pros. Try visiting www.dive-okinawa.com for a good instructor who can arrange anything you would want to do on island.

[WaterDawg]

www.reefencounters.org is based out of Okinawa and are a full service shop. Your cert agency really dosent matter. Also if you wanna know more some of Okinawas shops you can always do a google search for "Japanupdat, scubatanks" It will make your choice easier.

[Kim]

Hi-

Sorry to be a bit late with a reply - my daughter is visiting from Holland and we have been away for a week on a Kyushu tour.
If you want to dive in Fukuoka you can from a small peninsular called Shikano-shima on the north side of the city. It's not very deep - about 10-12 meters - you'll need a 5mm wetsuit. It depends a bit on the weather as it's a rocky beach entry/exit - so if it's windy and the waves are up it's not worth it - difficult entry - bad visibility. If it's calm it can be quite a nice dive - there are a few bottom to surface rock formations - octopus - lionfish - other smallish fish etc. Quite a few people use the same spot at the weekends for practicing - but unless you go there with a local dive school there aren't any facilities at the beach - you have to take everything you need (including fresh water etc for an after dive rinse!) If you really want to go for a dive there, PM me and we can probably make some arrangements - I have a Japanese friend with lots of tanks that you could probably use for the price of the refill (and weightbelts) - he also has some BCD's and regs that he can also rent out cheap (he's an instructor - but his main job is a civil servant in the Fire Dept - so he's not allowed to make huge profits on outside work!) Like I said - PM me with want you want and I'll be glad to see if we can help. I live about 20 miles from Fukuoka.