Tokyo Prefecture dive sites

The only way to reach the Ogasawara Islands is by the Ogasawara-maru ferry from Tokyo's Takeshiba Pier, a journey of approximately 24 hours covering 1000 kilometres south into the Pacific. The ferry operates roughly every six days, meaning a minimum stay of six days on Chichijima. From Chichijima, dive operators run boat trips to Minami-jima and other southern dive sites, which takes about one to two hours depending on conditions. There is no airport in the Ogasawara Islands, and this remoteness is central to their character and marine health.

The most commonly encountered shark at Minami-jima is the Galapagos shark, a robust species that patrols the walls and drop-offs in groups of three to eight individuals. These sharks are confident and often approach divers closely, particularly at depth along the outer wall. Sandbar sharks and occasional hammerheads are also reported, and whale shark sightings occur during summer months. The Ogasawara Islands are one of the few locations in Japan where shark encounters are virtually guaranteed, as the remote location and protected status have maintained healthy populations.

Minami-jima diving is recommended for advanced divers with significant open water experience. Strong currents are common, the nearest chamber is in mainland Japan over 1000 kilometres away, and depths along the walls exceed recreational limits quickly. Most operators require Advanced Open Water certification as a minimum, and many request a logbook showing at least 50 dives. Conditions can change rapidly, and dive plans must account for current, surge, and the remote location. That said, experienced divers will find the rewards extraordinary.