Reachable in 30 minutes by plane from Kagoshima, Yakushima is an island with a circumference of about 130 km and an area of 500 km². In the center of the island is a prehistoric forest, and the Jomon cedars are all too famous.

Amami Oshima is located almost halfway between Kagoshima and the main island of Okinawa, and is the second largest island in Japan. There are many flights and good access from the metropolitan area. It takes about 15 minutes by boat to see the huge common coral (20m in diameter and 7m high). It was named Daibutsu Coral because the huge coral looks like the head of a giant Buddha. The water is about 16m deep and the sandy white sandy soil is spreading and there are many colorful flounder and butterflyfish around. Points that can be enjoyed by beginners at ease.

Yamamoto Special, is a beginner-friendly site 10–12 minutes by boat. With a max depth of 14m, it’s wind-resistant and diveable year-round. Divers can see five species of bear clams, youkata grouper cleaning scenes, abundant macro life, and fish-filled sandy roots—ideal for relaxed diving and photography.

This island is located about 100 km south of Kagoshima and is famous for its space center where rockets are launched. It is also a mecca for surfing. It can be reached from Kagoshima in about 30 minutes by plane or 1 hour and 30 minutes by high-speed boat.

Amami City Kasari B\&G Ocean Center in Kagoshima offers a year-round heated indoor pool in Taiyo-no-oka Sports Park. With a 25m competition pool and toddler pool, it’s popular for locals and youth teams. Just 5 minutes from Amami Airport, it’s ideal for families and beginners.

Coral Garden in Amami Oshima, Kagoshima, features vibrant coral colonies including Palau coral. With depths of 8–10m and minimal current, it’s ideal for all skill levels. Accessible year-round, just 10 minutes by boat, it’s a popular and beginner-friendly dive spot.

Villa Beach in northern Amami-Oshima is a beach-entry site for beginners to intermediates, with depths to 15m and easy access from the shop. Shallows boast table corals and frequent sea turtle sightings. After the June full moon, coral spawning offers a magical natural spectacle.

Tebiro Beach on Amami Oshima Island is a beginner-friendly beach dive spot, best in winter when northerly winds calm. With a max depth of 10m and gentle tides, it’s ideal for relaxed diving and macro photography. Expect frequent sightings of nudibranchs, gobies, spiny dogtooth eels, and sea turtles.

Nase Undo Koen Indoor Pool in Amami City is a heated public pool (120–130cm deep) used for lessons, training, and events, including Amami’s first freediving competition in 2023. Open 9:00–21:00, closed Thursdays and Dec 31–Jan 1. Fees: Adults ¥320, HS ¥160, kids ¥110.

This dive site is located on the western side of the Satsuma Peninsula, facing the East China Sea. You can usually dive anywhere at any time depending on the wind direction. The clarity is 10 to 30 meters. The water temperature is 8.5 degrees Celsius in September and can reach 30 degrees Celsius.