© AdobeStock/Hiroki WAKABAYASHI

Explore Hokkaido

Diving in Hokkaidō, the northernmost region of Japan, offers a truly unique experience for adventurous divers. The region is renowned for its dramatic seasonal changes, with temperatures often falling below freezing in winter. This makes Hokkaidō a distinct diving destination where a dry suit is essential. One of the standout locations is the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From January, divers can experience the thrill of ice drift diving as drift ice arrives from the Amur River in Russia, creating a surreal underwater landscape.

The diverse marine environments in Hokkaidō are captivating. Lake Shikotsuko, Japan's clearest lake, boasts visibility over 50 meters, allowing divers to witness vibrant underwater flora and, come autumn, the remarkable sight of salmon spawning. Meanwhile, the Shakotan Peninsula offers a geological marvel with its columnar joints—stone pillars formed by cooling magma—adding an extra layer of intrigue to the underwater topography. Amongst this stunning setting, divers may encounter a variety of marine mammals, adding to the allure of Hokkaidō as a prime diving destination.

Dive Activity

Diving in Hokkaido

Hokkaidō, Japan's northernmost island, offers a diverse range of diving experiences that attract enthusiasts from around the world. One of the top wreck dives is the "Shakotan Peninsula," where divers can explore remnants of ancient vessels amidst vibrant marine life. The clear waters provide excellent visibility, making it ideal for capturing stunning underwater photography.

For those who enjoy shore dives, the "Akkeshi Coast" is popular, boasting a rich array of sea creatures and fascinating coral formations. Unique underwater experiences in Hokkaidō also include night dives, where divers can witness the mesmerizing bioluminescent displays of plankton. The region caters to both shore diving enthusiasts and those preferring local boat diving options, offering a balanced and fulfilling dive adventure.

Dive Sites

SEAMONK.JP, 0481316 Isoya-gun
Candle Rock (★3.2)

Candle Rock (★3.2)

The incredible diversity of snails and octopi concealed within the caves and crevices of the rocks at this dive site is truly astonishing. These caves provide ample room for swimming and underwater exploration. The presence of beautiful seaweed and other aquatic flora adds to the site’s allure, creating the appearance of an underwater garden. Moreover, this environment hosts a variety of small fish that play a crucial role in the ecosystem. Divers and snorkelers alike can immerse themselves in this captivating marine realm, marveling at the breathtaking underwater scenery and the fascinating creatures that call it home.
SEAMONK.JP, 0481316 Isoya-gun
Long Beach (★4.4)

Long Beach (★4.4)

It is located along the coast, at one end of the beach that extends to the right. This beach can be accessed through an easy entrance, but requires a short walk with the necessary gear. The beach is spacious and sandy, and plenty of parking spaces are available. One thing to note, however, is that there are no restrooms available. This is a great place to spend some time on the beautiful beach while enjoying nature.
SEAMONK.JP, 0481316 Isoya-gun
Shark Fin (★4.7)

Shark Fin (★4.7)

The location is near the road from Rankoshi Ocean Road to Iwanai City. The entrance is easy with stairs. The dive site has parking and toilets near the stairs. It is a rocky beach so it is important to wear suitable shoes for walking. A great place for open water levels and freediving.
SSI Service Center Japan, 101-0051 Chiyoda-ku
Shikotsu Lake (★4.0)

Shikotsu Lake (★4.0)

The water quality has been the highest in Japan for five years in a row and the clarity is high, reaching 50 meters from January to June. You can also go ice diving during January to March. You can do a river drift dive into the river that drains from the lake.
SSI Service Center Japan, 101-0051 Chiyoda-ku
Usujiri Shrine Front (★0.0)

Usujiri Shrine Front (★0.0)

The town of Usushiri in Hakodate City, Hokkaido, is an ocean with an excellent ecological balance and biodiversity. The water temperature drops to 2 degrees Celsius at its lowest point, but rises to 21 degrees Celsius in the summer, making it a great place to dive all year round.
Aqualung
Mikuni Takara Island West (★4.0)

Mikuni Takara Island West (★4.0)

Bikuni Treasure Island in Shakotan, Hokkaido, is a boat-entry site 5–10 minutes from Bikuni Port. Known for its clear “Shakotan blue” waters, it features dynamic terrain with columnar joints, crevasses, and tunnels.
Aqualung
Rausu (★0.0)

Rausu (★0.0)

The Shiretoko Peninsula is the mecca of ice diving in Japan, and unlike other frozen lakes, it is possible to dive on drift ice, which is one of the rarest in the world. The freshwater from Russia’s Amur River freezes and is swept away by the wind, bringing it to the Shiretoko Peninsula from January to March every year.

The best Months to dive in Hokkaido

Diving in Hokkaidō offers diverse experiences throughout the year. Water temperatures range from 3°C–10°C/37°F–50°F in winter to 15°C–22°C/59°F–72°F in summer. Visibility can vary significantly, typically ranging from 5 to 20 meters/16 to 66 feet, depending on the season and location.

Diving is possible year-round, but conditions are most favorable from late spring to early autumn when the waters are warmer and visibility is at its best. Winter can bring challenging conditions with lower temperatures and stronger winds, which may affect currents and reduce visibility. Divers should plan accordingly, considering these seasonal variations.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Hokkaido

Hokkaidō, Japan's northernmost island, is known for its rich marine biodiversity, drawing divers eager to explore its waters. The Sea of Okhotsk, off the northern coast, provides a unique diving experience with its cold currents. Here, divers can often encounter the Asian sheepshead wrasse and schools of sardines. In the warmer months, sightings of the giant Pacific octopus are common, adding excitement to dives. In the summer, the waters around the Shakotan Peninsula become a hotspot for clear blue water, rocky underwater scenery, kelp forests, and cold-water marine life. While encounters with sharks in Hokkaidō's waters are less frequent, the elusive salmon shark may be spotted by those diving further offshore during its migration season.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle

Green Turtle
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus

Octopus
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

iStock/cinoby
Lionfish

Lionfish
3 Sightings
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish

Pufferfish
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