Explore the Ocean in 3D at Ogi in Southern Sado
"I love the feeling of weightlessness like you're in a spaceship," says Hiromitsu Takashima of Ogi Diving Center. We asked the master of ocean fun about how to get the most out of Southern Sado's ocean with a focus on diving.
People have the impression that diving is difficult, but at Ogi Diving Center, even those without a license can enjoy diving with the introductory diving class. Minimum age for the class is 8, and the fact that instruction is given one-on-one is really reassuring. With this class you can experience the ocean down to the depth of 5 meters. "You can observe fish and scenery at the eye level of the fish. Sometimes you look right into the fish's eyes," says Mr. Takashima. Introductory diving class takes place at Ryuoh-doh on the other side of the cave that's adjacent to the Center. There is a barbequing facility inside the cave, so you can enjoy fresh grilled fish on the beach.
Diving season starts at Golden Week and continues through the end of November, but for kids without drysuits, July to September is recommended. When we asked about dangers of jellyfish after mid August, the answer was: "Jellyfish don't gather in Southern Sado. Even if you find one, you can see it three dimensionally, so you can avoid it."
Since Kotoura's rocks are made of lava, you can see beautiful coral reefs at the depth of about 30 meters. ( photo by Masuo Tomita)
Once you get a license, the range of diving increases to 30 meters. At that depth you can see orange coral reef against the blue ocean, Japanese jack mackerel's great migration towards the end of August, and variety of tropical fish in September. Mr. Takashima was the one that made the discovery of joe fish, a kind of fish that makes its nest by stacking rocks, which prompted the resetting of the Northern limit of its habitat to Kotoura.
Hiromitsu Takashima of Ogi Diving Center at Ryuoh-do, location of Introduction to Diving class.
Rental equipment for the Introduction to Diving class. You wear a wetsuit under this. Bring your own swim suit, towel and beach sandals.
From summer to fall, you can bump into some unique looking fish at tide pools and other shallow waters. Introduction to Diving is a good way to see these creatures. ( photo by Masuo Tomita)
Hitch a ride on the pail-shaped, traditional boat of Ogi called taraibune. The view of the cave from the ocean is wonderful, too.
There are many other ways to enjoy the ocean according to Mr. Takashima. "Taraibune (a boat shaped like a giant pail used for fishing sazae (a kind of shell fish named turbo), abalone, and sometimes seaweed in the shallow waters of Ogi) is something you can only experience in Ogi. You can also try making dried squid or fishing on a remote island, which you can go to on a boat. Sobama Beach is a perfect sand beach that's great for going swimming, and it's only 10 minutes' drive away." You can also see the beautiful natural setting of Ogi Marine Park, ocean creatures, and geological features from the hiking trail that stretches for about 1 km between Kotoura and Shukunegi. You might be ambushed by a raccoon along the way, so beware!
Last but not least, we asked Mr. Takashima about where to go after diving. "At "Nanohana" in Shukunegi you can have delicious meals prepared with the freshest ingredients available that day. They also have a nice wine and local sake list."
DATA
Ogi Diving Center
- Tel.0259-86-2368
- 225-2 Kotoura, Sado
Getting there
10 minutes by car from Ogi Harbor, One hour by car from Ryotsu Harbor
Class Fees
- Introduction to Diving: 15,750yen (From 8-year old and up; approximately 2 hours long; includes facility fees, guide fee and equipment rental)
- Open Water Course at the School (3-day and 4-day courses): 68,250yen
* 20-year Anniversary Special through October 31: 48.250yen - Taraibune Ride: from \450 per person
- Okijiru (Seafood soup) / Beach grill: from 1,575yen per person (5 persons minimum)
- Fishing and Fish Impressions: from 1,050yen per person (5 persons minimum)
- Dry Squid Making: from 1,575yen per person (5 persons minimum)
Accommodation
7,350yen per person per night includes breakfast and dinner.
Ogi Diving Center is located in miniature-garden-like Kotoura Village in Ogi Peninsula. Just adjacent to it is the clubhouse from which you can enjoy diving in the ocean directly in front of you.
Nanohana
- Tel.0259-86-3955
- 428 Shukunegi, Sado@nsh428
- <Getting there> 10 minutes by car from Ogi Harbor, One hour by car from Ryotsu Harbor
- <Store Hours> 18:00 to 23:00, Closed Sundays and Mondays