Freediving Japan’s Volcanic Shores | Hidden Spots near Tokyo 🇯🇵 Vol.1

Freediving Japan’s Volcanic Shores | Hidden Spots near Tokyo 🇯🇵 Vol.1

It was a rainy morning and 
Mount Fuji didn’t show up. But I’m so happy to share the 
underwater beauty of Japan with you. So, let’s go. Dive with me. About 20 million years ago, the Izu Peninsula was actually an undersea volcano at 
the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. As part of the Philippine Sea Plate, 
it gradually drifted northward and eventually collided with the Japanese mainland. That’s how today’s Izu Peninsula was formed. These unique geological origins created a diverse 
landscape and gave rise to countless hot springs. Along the coast, lava from underwater eruptions built up and was slowly carved away 
by waves, creating these stunning sea caves. That’s why Izu Peninsula Geopark calls it 
“The gift of a volcano from the south”. It really is a volcanic wonderland. Here on the west coast, the peninsula 
faces Suruga Bay, the deepest bay in Japan. This deep ocean and the rich spring 
water flowing in from the land make it a perfect home for all kinds of marine life. There are so many sea caves in this area, but 
this one is my favorite. Let me take you inside. After the sea caves, it’s time to explore the 
Ushitsuki rocks, Kumomi’s iconic twin rocks. They are a pair of offshore rocks 
surrounded by dynamic terrain and known as a great diving spot full of sea life. Among all the fish swimming around, I was 
lucky enough to meet a Japanese eagle ray! Between the two rocks, a sacred 
rope is hang, a traditional prayer for safe harbors and safe voyages. And below that rope, there’s 
an underwater passage. As divers swim through the cave below, their 
bubbles float up and gently line the sacred path. I felt like I had wandered into an 
underwater temple from another world. Then, around the rocks, schools of 
silver stripe round herring appeared. A thousand fish sparkled around me. It felt just like a dream. On my way back, I came across the stingray resting quietly on the sandy bottom after 
leaving the fish and rocks behind. Oops, I made him surprised. Sorry. Here’s a quick look at another spot I 
visited that day on the south coast of Izu. The water here was much colder than 
in Kumomi, so I made it a short dive. Visibility wasn’t great and 
I didn’t know what to expect. But then, this cute porcupine fish showed up. Thank you for watching! More hidden gems of Japan coming soon!

Join me as I freedive through one of Japan’s most unique coastlines—the Izu Peninsula.
Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, Izu is full of underwater caves, lava-carved rock formations, and rich marine life.

On a rainy day in early July, Mt. Fuji stayed hidden…
but beneath the waves, I found a mysterious world shaped by volcanic eruptions and time.
From sea caves to shimmering schools of fish and sacred twin rocks,
it felt like I had entered an underwater temple.

Although most of the videos on this channel are usually narration-free, this one includes voice-over narration to make the geological story of Izu easier to follow.
I’m still exploring what works best for telling these underwater stories but hope you like it✨

🌋 About the Izu Peninsula:
Originally an undersea volcano on the Philippine Sea Plate,
Izu collided with the Japanese mainland, forming today’s peninsula.
The Izu Peninsula Geopark calls it “the gift of a volcano coming from the south.”
**Located about 3 to 4 hours from Tokyo by car,** it’s a stunning coastal region shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity.

🏞 Locations:
– Kumomi Shore (Western Izu)
– Kujūppama Beach (Southern Izu)

📍 Shot on July 2, 2025
Freediving Gear:
– Camera: Insta360 X4
– Fin: Leaderfins

🔔 Subscribe for more ocean adventures from Japan and beyond!
https://www.youtube.com/@dancing.mermaid5

🕛 Time stamps:
00:00 Intro
00:15 #1 Kumomi Shore
01:02 First sea cave
02:21 Second sea cave
03:46 Sacred rocks
05:30 Encounter with a Japanese eagle ray
06:23 Underwater passage with bubbles
08:27 Schools of silver-stripe round herring
10:20 Encounter with a stingray
10:49 #2 Kujūppama Beach
11:09 Encounter with a porcupine fish
11:47 Ending

#freediver
#underwaterworld
#diving
#japan
#izupeninsula
#baitball
#eagleray
#seacave
#freediving
#mermaid
#freediving
#japantravel