Chris Willson

Chris Willsonhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/chris-willsonChris Willsonhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/japan/top-scuba-experiences-in-japanFrom underwater wrecks near Tokyo to sunny Okinawa, Chris Willson shares his expert tips on where to go diving in Japan.2016-10-25T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/japan/top-scuba-experiences-in-japanhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Karate, judo, and even sumo may be what comes to mind when thinking about Japanese sports, but many forget that as a nation of islands, <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/water-and-sports-activities-travel-insurance">water sports</a> are just as popular. From wrecks near Tokyo, to manta, turtle and whale encounters in sunny Okinawa, the varied coastline provides plenty of amazing scuba diving and snorkeling possibilities. </p> <ul> <li><a href="#izu"> Izu Peninsula </a></li> <li><a href="#bonin"> Bonin Islands </a></li> <li><a href="#ryuku"> Ryukyu Islands </a></li> <li><a href="#kerama"> Kerama Islands </a></li> <li><a href="#yaeyama"> Yaeyama Islands</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="izu">Izu Peninsula Diving</h2> <p>A <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/getting-around-in-japan" target="_blank">few hours from Tokyo by car or train</a> will get you to the Izu Peninsula. On the east coast, there are numerous dive locations with good numbers of fish, caves, and some wreck diving. </p> <p>Visibility is reasonable at approximately 33-66ft (10-20m), but the water can be cool. Most divers wear 5mm wetsuits from July to October, and dry suits in the winter. </p> <p>The islands of Oshima and Hachiojima are popular weekend destinations too. Many Tokyoites take the overnight ferries on Friday evening, dive Saturday and Sunday morning, then jump on the afternoon ferry back to the modern world. Hachiojima in particular is famous for its turtles. </p> <figure><img src=" https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/okinawa-scuba-divers.jpg" alt="Diving at the Izu Peninsula, Japan." /><figcaption>Diving at the Izu Peninsula, Japan. Photo credit: Chris Willson Photography</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="bonin">Bonin Islands Diving</h2> <p>The Bonin Islands, also known as the Ogasawaras, are sometimes referred to as Japan’s Galapagos because their isolation has caused local species to evolve in unique ways.</p> <p>The islands are only accessible by ferries that run once or twice a week, and the journey is both long (around 24h) and expensive (around ¥35,000 or US$240 each way). However, this does mean that visitor numbers are limited and it helps preserve the island’s plentiful and often endemic flora and fauna. </p> <p>Visibility here is good – normally up to 130ft (40m) – and the local waters are filled with tuna, stingrays and dolphins. There’s a reason divers describe the water's color as “Bonin blue”. </p> <h2 id="ryuku">Ryukyu Islands Diving</h2> <p>The Ryukyu Islands were once an independent kingdom, but now form Japan’s southernmost prefecture. Okinawa is the main island and the hub for transportation, business, American bases, and definitely worth a visit. Further south are the Miyako Islands, and further south again are the verdant Yaeyama islands that include Ishigaki, Iriomote and Yonaguni. </p> <p>Flights to Naha on the main island of Okinawa take around 2h 40min from Tokyo. From Naha to Miyako or Ishigaki is another 1 hour. </p> <p>There’s great diving across the entire Ryukyu chain. The most popular dive spots on the main island are the blue caves near Cape Maeda, and Sunabe Seawall which has excellent soft corals. More advanced divers head to the steep walls of Cape Zampa or Manza Point. Popular species to look out for here are batfish, anemonefish, and colourful nudibranchs. </p> <figure><img src=" https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/okinawa-nemo.jpg" alt="A clownfish fish peeking out from a sea anemone." /><figcaption>A clownfish. Photo credit: Chris Willson Photography</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="kerama">Kerama Islands Diving</h2> <p>Just an hour by ferry from the port in Naha are the Kerama Islands. The Keramas have some of the best diving in Japan, with crystal clear waters, turtles, beautiful hard corals and immaculate beaches to relax on after the dive. </p> <h2 id="yaeyama">Yaeyama Islands Diving</h2> <p>Ishigaki Island is famous for the idyllic Kabira Bay and the “manta scramble” where during the summer months, manta rays lazily circle coral outcrops on the reef. </p> <p>Yonaguni is Japan’s westernmost inhabited island, famous for migrating hammerhead sharks during winter and the Yonaguni Monuments. These massive stone structures that are either a natural phenomenon or evidence of a lost civilization.</p> <figure><img src=" https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/okinawa-scuba1.jpg" alt="Scuba diving the Yaeyama Islands, Japan." /><figcaption>Scuba diving the Yaeyama Islands, Japan. Photo credit: Chris Willson Photography</figcaption></figure>Chris Willson Photography 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/japan/okinawa-nightlifeOkinawa is well known for its aquatic activities, white sandy beaches and sub-tropical climate. But that's just the beginning. Nomad Chris Willson shows you the best bars to check out.2016-10-25T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/japan/okinawa-nightlifehttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#okinawa-izakayas"> Izakayas </a></li> <li><a href="#okinawa-drinks">Local drinks </a></li> <li><a href="#naha-nightlife"> Naha nightlife </a></li> <li><a href="#okinawa-chatan"> Chatan</a></li> <li><a href="#elegant"> Something more elegant </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="okinawa-izakayas">Izakayas</h2> <p>For many locals, a night on the town starts with a bowl of Okinawa soba – buckwheat noodles served in a pork broth. Others will visit a local <em>izakaya</em>, a cross between a restaurant and a bar.</p> <p>You’ll often find Japanese co-workers sitting cross-legged on tatami mats around long tables. Usually the group orders a wide range of small dishes and everyone shares. Some <em>izakaya</em> offer all-you-can-eat (<em>tabehodai</em>) or all-you-can-drink (<em>nomihodai</em>) specials for a set fee.</p> <p>There’s no need to search for a specific <em>izakaya.</em> Just head to the nearest one, point at a few items on the picture menu and enjoy. </p> <h2 id="okinawa-drinks">Local drinks</h2> <p>For beverages, the local Orion beer reigns supreme. For something stronger try the <em>awamori</em>. Although similar to sake, <em>awamori</em> is made with Thai rather than Japanese rice, and served with a jug of cold water and ice. You pour and mix your own drink, and traditionally the drink of your superior.</p> <p>If you're looking for something alcohol-free, try the <em>sanpincha</em> (jasmine tea) or one of the local fruit juices: <em>acerola</em> (similar to cranberry) or <em>shikuwasa</em> (similar to a lime).</p> <p><a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/okinawa-one-day-itinerary">In the capital, Naha City,</a> Sakaemachi Arcade is filled with small bars where you can meet the locals. </p> <h2 id="naha-nightlife">Naha nightlife</h2> <p>Naha City is home to some excellent nightlife. The Dojo Bar is owned by karate black belt and British ex-pat James Pankiewicz. There’s great food and drinks, and is often filled with martial artists making their pilgrimage to the birthplace of karate.<em> (Note: Dojo Bar is currently closed but planning to reopen in late 2023.)</em></p> <figure><img src=" https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/okinawa-dojo-bar.jpg" alt="Customers raise glasses at Dojo Bar in Naha City, Okinawa." /><figcaption>Dojo Bar in Naha City.</figcaption></figure> <p>Parker’s Mood Jazz Club serves up fine wines with live jazz, while Gold Disc caters for those who long for the days of rockabilly and Elvis. At Hateruma on Kokusai Street there are nightly performances of traditional Okinawan music, with songs played on the three-string sanshin.  </p> <figure><img src=" https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/okinawa-jazz-bar.jpg" alt="Musicians at Parker's Mood Jazz Bar in Naha City, Okinawa." /><figcaption>Parker's Mood Jazz Bar.</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="okinawa-chatan">Chatan nightlife</h2> <p>About 45 minutes north of Naha is the beachside entertainment area of Chatan. In close proximity to the U.S. military base, there is a wide range of international cuisine. You can choose from Thai, Indian, Nepalese, Mexican, Turkish, Greek and Italian restaurants.</p> <p>The Okinawa Brewing Company Mihama Café has the best selection of craft beers on the island. </p> <p>Your night wouldn’t be complete without a line dance and a ride on a mechanical bull, so pull on your boots and head over to Nashville Restaurant and Rodeo, “The place to git yer country on”.</p> <h2 id="elegant">Looking for something more elegant?</h2> <p>If cocktails and fine dining are more your scene, head to one of the many resort hotel complexes.</p> <p>In Naha City, chill at the bar on the 18th floor of the Hyatt Regency Okinawa. For luxury and views of the ocean travel further north to the Busena Terrace Beach Resort or the Ritz-Carlton Okinawa. On Miyako Island, the Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel & Resort sits just yards from Maehama Beach, one of Asia’s finest.</p> <p>Order a cocktail, watch the sunset and relax in paradise.</p> <figure><img src=" https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/okinawa-chatan.jpg" /></figure> <p><em>Updated August 2023</em></p>Chris Willson 0