Kashiwajima, a hidden paradise in Shikoku, a "dive journey" given to those who seek extraordinary life
Kashiwajima, located at the southwestern tip of Shikoku and Kochi prefectures, is a paradise in the sea where divers from all over the country can take a longing look. The sea with excellent transparency, colorful fish. It is a perfect place for those who want to take a look at another world in the sea. A proposal to travel around scuba diving. I would like to recommend Kashiwajima, which can be accessed from Kansai and the Tokyo metropolitan area, as a destination for a "dive journey".
Contents
What is Kashiwajima? Big nature that small islands grow
Kashiwajima is a small island with a circumference of only 4 km, but its sea is surprisingly rich. The island is connected to the mainland Shikoku by two bridges, so you can easily cross by car. There is no large river around the island and there is little development, so the sea is always clear.
The place is located in the area where the currents of the Kuroshio and Bungo Channel intersect, and warm seawater flows throughout the year. Thanks to this, tropical and subtropical creatures gather, and the rich sea world unique to this place is spreading.
On the other hand, there are no convenience stores, supermarkets, ATMs and gas stations in Shimauchi. Necessary drinks and sweets are prepared in the city area of Otsuki-cho, and there are many shops that do not support cashless payments, so it is safe to prepare a little more cash. The meal is mainly in the inn and guest house, and it is very quiet at night. Kashiwajima's charm is that you can enjoy a special time wrapped in the sound of stars and waves because there are few useful things.
A world of diverse creatures and corals
The sea of Kashiwajima is one of the best in Japan for the richness of living things. It is said that more than 1,000 species of fish have been identified, including the rare species that was first recorded in Japan. In the shallow area, coral communities spread out, and you can enjoy watching colorful fish swimming up close.
It is also popular with photo divers because of the encounter with sea slug's friend "Udefritsunozaya Urushi" and gobys, and sometimes sea turtles, which are similar to Pikachu. In addition, a group of migratory fish appears in the deep and middle layers, and you can enjoy various scenery with a single dive.
Sea Transparency and Light Production
The sea of Kashiwajima on a sunny day is so transparent that you can see up to 20 to 30 meters away. When the light of the sun shines into the white sandy ground, the "curtain of light" spreads out, creating a fantastic landscape. This scenery created by the flow of the Kuroshio and the unique terrain is a special charm unique to Kashiwajima. In addition, it is relatively warm throughout the year, and there are points that can dive even in winter, so it is easy to visit regardless of season.
Scuba diving experience in Kashiwajima
For those who have not experienced diving, "Experience diving" is recommended. It is safe because the instructor will carefully guide you from land explanations to shallow practice and full-fledged diving. If you have a license, you can go around points for fan diving or night diving, and enjoy a different expression of the sea.
The creatures that can be observed on Kashiwajima are various such as Joe Fish, Mijin Benihaze, and Nishiki Furaio. If you're lucky, you can also meet a flock of sea turtles and kamas. There is a variety of terrain from shallow to deep, and it continues to attract repeaters.
Diving shops and facilities where you can experience
Kashiwajima has several diving shops that travelers can use with peace of mind. We have equipment rental and experience plans, and we will respond gently to beginners.
- AQUAS Official Website: kashiwajima.jp
A diving service that represents Kashiwajima. We offer a wide range of services from experience diving to licensing training and fan diving. - Sea Air Kashiwajima (SEA Air) Official Website: seaair.co.jp
We provide a polite guide with a small number of people. Accommodation facilities are also available for stay-type diving. - Palade (PARADI) Official Site: paradi.net
A shop where you can use accommodation and diving as a set. Night dives are also available for seasonal limited time.
In addition, there are also unique shops such as Smiley Dive, Polypole Dive, Marine Dream Kashiwajima, etc. It is recommended that you choose according to your travel style and level.
Model plan introduction
1 night and 2 day plan
First day: After moving, experience diving in the afternoon → Dinner and accommodation in the hotel
Day 2: Morning dive → Check-out after lunch → Return to the road
2 nights 3 days plan
Day 1: Walking around the seaside
Day 2: Dive to multiple points in the morning and afternoon
Day 3: Start after diving one in the morning
Access is about 3 and a half hours by car from Kochi Ryoma Airport. It is convenient to use airplanes from Kansai and Tokyo metropolitan areas.
Summary
Kashiwajima is one of Japan's leading diving spots where you can meet the highly transparent sea and a variety of creatures. Because there are few convenient facilities, there is a special time here to spend while facing nature. Why don't you turn your next vacation into a special experience in the sea of Kashiwajima where both beginners and veterans can enjoy?
