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Maptlantis

Shark · Japan

Where to see sharks in Japan

Operators 5Regions 3Published prices 5Encounter formats 2
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About this list

A common trap when looking for places to see sharks in Japan is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the shark as a target species, 5 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record: Izu Islands, Izu & Shizuoka and Okinawa Main Island. Encounters are split into scuba diving and snorkeling. Two "shark tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. All 5 operators on this list publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare them directly. Estimated prices are not shown. Most listings give the season as Sep–Oct. Boats can still be canceled for sea and weather conditions, so check before you book. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.

5 listed operators

Shark season

Sharks in other countries

Other marine life in Japan

Activities in Japan

Frequently asked questions

Where can you see sharks in Japan?

5 operators name the shark as a target species. Main regions: Izu Islands, Izu & Shizuoka and Okinawa Main Island.

Do you have to get in the water to see sharks?

Formats on record: scuba diving and snorkeling. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.

When is shark season?

Most listings give the season as Sep–Oct. Boats can still be canceled for sea and weather conditions, so check before you book.

Will I definitely see them?

No. Sharks are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.