About Mikomoto Island

Destination: Shimoda, Shizuoka

Dive Site: Mikomoto Island

Overview: Located off the coast of Shimoda, Mikomoto Island is world-renowned for its thrilling encounters with schooling scalloped hammerhead sharks. Swept by dynamic oceanic currents, this pelagic playground teems with large pelagics, ray squadrons, and vibrant marine life. Demanding excellent buoyancy and drift-diving skills, Mikomoto rewards experienced divers with an adrenaline-charged, world-class underwater expedition.

How to get there

Limited Express Odoriko Trains:

Direct service from Tokyo to Izukyu-Shimoda in 2 hours 39 minutes. Fares range from ¥3,500 to ¥6,000. Reservations required.

Shinkansen & Local Lines:

Take the Shinkansen to Atami, then transfer to local lines to Izukyu-Shimoda. Total travel time: ~2 hours 50 minutes. Cost: ~¥6,020.

Diving shop

Diving with Mikomoto Hammers

Mikomoto Diving offers a unique hammerhead shark experience, but it’s not a typical fun dive. A minimum of 50 dive experiences is required due to strong currents. Be prepared to swim against the current and bring fins with good propulsion. Gear up before reaching the entry point. Stay close to the guide to avoid being separated by the currents. Dives are limited to 30 minutes for safety. Divers set up tanks independently. Ensure you have a dive computer and emergency float. Rentals are limited, so request in advance or bring your own gear.

Free Pick-Up & Drop-Off Service

Select one of these hotels for free pick-up and drop-off service:

- Shimoda Tokyu Hotel

- Kurofune Hotel

- Shimoda Juraku Hotel

- Shimoda Ocean Park Hotel

- Shimoda Kaihin Hotel

- Ryokan Ogawa

- Shimoda Yamato-kan

- Kyukamura Minami-Izu

- Tokiichiyu

- Yado-Marubun

- Kawachiya Ryokan

*Taxis are limited and cannot be pre-booked, so avoid booking hotels far from Shimoda Station.