Situated 100 kilometers from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Japan’s Izu Peninsula is easily accessed by bullet train. With beautiful scenery and seven outlying islands, it is the perfect place to experience the best of Japan’s natural beauty. While much of the area is busy on weekends and crowded during the summer when public schools are on holiday, the South Izu Peninsula is more remote, and as Mikimoto’s diving is for experienced divers only, it tends to be extremely rewarding.
Dive Conditions at Mikimoto
One of the few areas in Izu where you can drift dive, the area is rarely calm, and even when surface conditions seem perfect, currents can pick up in a heartbeat. Normally subject to challenging rip currents that can separate divers from one another, the site is usually only visited on special request, although some dive operators do run a few pre-planned trips each year. Expect visibility at about 20 meters, depending on the weather and time of year, although it is occasionally as good as 30 meters. Dive operators warn that dives at Mikimoto must sometimes be aborted as conditions can go from challenging to unsafe very quickly.
Besides the downcurrents, the area is hazardous for diving due to commercial fishing operations. Always listen for boats, and if you find yourself separated from the group, be doubly cautious while making your ascent. In addition, surface conditions are often very challenging, and at times, divers will need to wait for pick up in rough swells.
Marine Life
The same currents that create a challenge for even the most experienced diver provide optimal conditions for huge pelagics. Schooling tuna and huge barracudas and even groups of hammerheads can be seen on most dives. In addition, warm water along the tip of the peninsula brings in reef fish which are not usually seen at other nearby sites, and there is an abundance of other marine life in attendance. Rays, nurse sharks, wobbegong sharks, and grey reef sharks are encountered on most dives, and smaller creatures, including nudibranchs and crustaceans, are everywhere.
Diving Mikimoto
In order to dive Mikimoto, one needs to carry a PADI AOW certificate or equivalent, and have a minimum of 50 dives logged in conditions that involve similar current and depth conditions. You’ll need to be capable of drift diving, negative entry, and SMB deployment, and your capabilities will be evaluated prior to embarking on tours with local dive operators. Groups are normally kept to six divers or less, with two local dive masters.
Diving at Mikimoto requires advance planning, as space is extremely limited. Take advantage of the time between your decision to dive the south Izu Peninsula and your trip to get yourself into excellent physical condition – without a doubt, your plans will fail miserably if you’re not in good shape. In addition, familiarize yourself with common Japanese social courtesies and customs; and take the time to learn at least a little Japanese. With proper preparation and careful planning, this is certain to be one of the most memorable dive trips you ever make.