photos by: yasuaki kagii
A 2 hour drive from the center of Tokyo, Tateyama is a well-known diving destination that is often referred to as “Shark scramble” or “Japanese hound shark traffic jam” and is the only shark feeding area in Japan. It is important to point out that the feeding is not done to attract divers but done to save the sharks from the local fixed fishing nets set in the area.
From the past, there were large populations of these Japanese hound sharks in this area, often caught in fishing nets. To avoid this unfortunate circumstance, the local fishing community and the dive shops devised a plan to lure the sharks away from the fishing nets. This was a success and now, the sharks are no longer caught or hurt by these nets. The local divers are also blessed with the opportunity to swim with the sharks. (Japanese hound shark is a nurse shark and are harmless to divers)
To dive with these beautiful sharks, you only need to visit Ito, Tateyama which is located on the south tip of the Boso Peninsula (Chiba prefecture). You can see them all year round but during January to March, you may also see the Japanese cormorant bird diving as deep as 20m. Bird watching during your shark dive, a treat for any divers for sure.
Sample Itinerary:
5 days, 4 nights (3 days diving - 3 dives a day)
Day 1 - Arrival, check into Tateyama Resort Hotel
Day 2 - 3 dives (Shark City) - Boat ride to dive site is less than 10min
Day 3 - 3 dives (Shark City) - Boat ride to dive site is less than 10min
Day 4 - 3 dives (Shark City) - Boat ride to dive site is less than 10min
Day 5 - Check out and departure
***Additional land tour days may be arranged by request***
Package
**Please contact us for pricing as rates change depending on season, arrival dates, currency exchange and number of divers**
5 days, 4 nights (3 days diving - 3 dives a day)
Includes:
English speaking dive guide
Dive shop to hotel transfers
Full board meals (3 meals a day - Breakfast and dinner at the hotel, lunch at the dive shop)
Day boat
Tanks and fills
Excludes:
Equipment rental
Flights & Airport Transfers
Notes:
Diving park fees are no charge for this destination
Nitrox not available for this destination
Tips are not necessary as Japan is a no tip country
**RATES MAY CHANGE ANY TIME WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE**