This dive site is Kanmurishima Island, an uninhabited island with a circumference of 4km, strategically located near the exit of Wakasa Bay in Japan's Kyoto Prefecture. The underwater environment is defined by dynamic terrain and sheer cliffs almost entirely surrounding the island, offering dramatic topography. While there's no specific dive site history provided, its natural monument status (Great Horned Plover) highlights its pristine and protected nature.
The waters around Kanmurishima are teeming with diverse marine life. Divers can expect to encounter large migratory fish such as yellowtail and red snapper, as well as schools of spiny dogfish, horse mackerel, and Japanese sardines, which are often targeted by yellowtail and flathead mackerel. The site is also home to various shark species, including yellowfin reef sharks, bluefin reef sharks, and flathead reef sharks, alongside scorpionfish and a variety of soft corals.
The best time to visit for a unique experience is in the fall when spectacular tornadoes of pike can be observed. Given its maximum depth of 24 meters and average depth of 12 meters, the site is suitable for intermediate divers, offering plenty to explore for both scuba divers and freedivers. Be prepared for potentially variable currents due to the dynamic underwater landscape and location.
