SAKURAJIMA POINT
Oga Peninsula
Akita Prefecture, Japan

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Sakurajima Point on the western side of the Oga Peninsula offers not only a different diving experience but incredible scenery comparable to that of the American Pacific Northwest. The peninsula itself juts out into the Sea of Japan just above the prefectural capital city of Akita. The scenery that makes this area unique consists of large volcanic cliffs and many small offshore islands. The cliffs drop sharply from heaviley wooded mountains to rocky shores below. At the foot of the cliffs the coastline is dotted with small deep water coves and many scenic fishing villages. For divers the number of locations is limited only by the sometimes treacherous access to the water, impossible in some places.
Plenty of Activities For Non-Divers

For non-divers there is plenty to do and see all along the peninsula. A large aquarium only five kilometers north of Sakurajima Point near the fishing village of Toga, offers a large variety of marine life in both indoor and outdoor displays. The aquarium also offers a few small restaurants and several gift shops. In the parking lot at the foot of some large rocks you'll find a monument dedicated to an Austrian woman who was the only casualty of a tidal wave that flooded the area during the mid-eighties. A series of photos of the tidal wave are on display inside the aquarium. A drive 18 kilometers to the north takes you to the northwestern tip of the peninsula where a scenic lighthouse and dozens of gift shops are located. This is a great location to take in an incredible sunset view. Above the rocky coastline is a large expanse of sloping meadows - a wonderful location for afternoon or early evening picnics. The shops offer traditional Akita Prefecture gifts, local foods, and the usual assortment of refreshments.
Camping Without "Roughing It"

One of the things that makes this a great place to spend a weekend is the campground at Sakurajima Point. Situated atop the cliffs and just south of a large tourist hotel resort, the campground offers most of the conveniences you'll need. For the less adventurous there are eight cabins available for rental. The cabins are in a small semi-circle and look out over the Sea of Japan from the highest point of the campground. Each cabin has electricity but the floors are flat, no bunks. Directly in front of the cabins is a playground area in the shape of a sailing ship (see above photo), and a large grassey meadow perfect for setting up tent sites. Also right next to the cabins is a covered washing basin area with fresh water for washing dishes, faces, and diving gear. On the south end of this meadow, and only a hundred feet or so from the cabins is an outdoor hot bath. The hot bath is segregated, women on the left and men on the right, but after dark if the place isn't crowded people have been known to just lock the doors and go coed-naked. The hot bath is nothing special, seven or eight people will fill the tub, but the water is HOT - a great way to relax after a day of diving in cold water (not to mention a great way to induce DCS - Be careful!). Right next to the hot bath tubs are showers, cold only though. If you want a more modern hot bath the hotel next to the campground has one, but the hours are restricted for non-hotel guests and it costs a few hundred yen to get in. To get to the campground turn in at the hotel and look for the small gravel parking lot to the south. From the parking lot there is a paved walkway leading to and through the campground. To get your gear to the campsite or cabins look for some large push-carts usually stored behind the hotel. Load one up and haul your stuff in the easy way - you can't drive into the campground. If your pitching a tent you can pick a site anywhere. There are lots of shade trees and campfires are allowed. If you want you can even set up right on the edge of the cliff in some places - there is a small wooden fence along most of the edge.
Diving at Sakurajima Point

The most popular dive site at the point is located at the foot of the cliffs just below the campground. To get there (safely) take the stairs that have been constructed down the face of the cliff. They start just north of a large amphitheater area and are pretty steep so be careful. When its wet they're slippery so be extra careful, especially when you're carrying your gear down. At the bottom you'll find yourself at the head of a small cove with a somewhat level area on the left. Find a place on this plateau for your gear. The best entry points are anywhere along the south side of this cove. You can slide into water thats anywhere from a few feet to 10 feet deep. Follow this cove out and turn left into a small channel, follow this channel. From here you are out in the open water. Some divers head west along the edge of the rocky island, others just head straight out and descend. The depths vary from 30 to 40 feet within 50 feet of the rocks but drop to over 100 as you get further out. There is a current out past the large rock island so don't go out too far. In the cove and channel you'll find the usual sea urchins and many jellyfish. Further out the bottom is rocky and there really isn't alot of spectacular marine life except for the occasional octopus (best seen at night). When you come here to dive come prepared. This is definitly "open water" and a surface swim of a few hundred feet is normal. The water is cold, about 65 degrees in June and there are thermoclines as you descend - a wet suit of at least 6mm with a hood and good gloves is a must. Expect some surge during your surface swim as the waves come into the channels. Night diving is possible here but you'll have to put out more then a few marker lights to guide you back in since the campground isn't well lit and not visible from the bottom of the cliff. At night it's best not to venture to far out.
Other Diving Locations Nearby

Another good location with very easy access is just south of the Toga aquarium. Park as close to the waters edge of the parking lot as you can and unload your gear. You can suit up right in the parking lot and walk across the fairly flat rocks to the water. In this area you'll need to be aware of the boat traffic. You're close to the fishing port and many of the fisherman will anchor between the many offshore rocks in this area.
How to Get to Oga Peninsula


This Section is Still Under Construction

From the main gate turn right at the second light. Follow this road all the way to the end and curve right back towards Green-Pole street and Nagasakia Department Store. Go straight thru the light and head towards the train station. Follow the road and signs to Towada City. When you reach Towada City turn left across the bridge when the road comes to the T-intersection. Look for the sign to Lake Towada and turn right where indicated. Follow the signs for Lake Towada. When you reach the lake turn left and follow the road to
What's Available at Sakurajima Point, Oga Peninsula

Distance (Km): 254 Kilometers
Driving Time: 5 Hours by way of Lake Towada
Day/Overnight: Definitely Overnight, long weekends are best unless you leave Friday after work and known the way well.
Campground: Yes, South of the hotel atop the seaside cliffs. There are plenty of spots available with the best near the cabin and playground area. Campfires are permitted. Lots of grassy fields and trees.
Cabin Rental: Yes, 8 available, plain floors, no bunks
Electricity: Yes, in cabins only
Firewood: Yes, lots of driftwood on the beach to collect, but you have to haul it up the cliff steps. Bring charcoal.
Showers: Yes, Cold only, located with the hot baths/bathrooms. Bring your own toilet paper!
Hot Bath: Yes, South of the cabins, small and outdoors, Free. A larger hot bath is available at the hotel but hours are restricted for campers, cost is 500 yen. Segregated, but late at night nobody cares - lock the door.
Fresh Water: Yes, Rinsing basins near the cabin area.
Costs: 1000 yen for camping/3000 yen for cabins (daily). A deposit of 1000 yen (daily) is required for the cabins.
Swimming: Yes, Just about anywhere, but no nice beaches, the coastline is rocky everywhere. This is a place for the strong swimmer only, not children. Snorkeling is good close to the rocks in sheltered areas.
Shopping: Yes, Shops at the Toga Aquarium and at the lighthouse point on the northern end of the peninsula. Traditional Akita Prefectural items. No large department stores.
Restaurants: Yes, In Toga, at the aquarium, and at the lighthouse point on the northern end of the peninsula. All Japanese with some local specialties. Lots-o-fish!
Attractions: The cliffs along the coastline resemble those of Oregon and Northern California. The aquarium in Toga offers a large variety of marine life and gifts. Wonderful sun- set views can be seen at the lighthouse point. The Oga Peninsula also offers mountains, temples, and scenic fishing villages.
Reservations: 0000-00-0000 Japanese Only. Reservations are recommended for the cabins.
Skill Level: Advanced Open Water recommended. Entry and exits require a swim of at least 200 feet against surge.
Equipment: Wet suit required (at least 6mm)
Night Diving: Yes, but definitley not for 1st timers. Make sure you place several lanterns securely on the rocks to guide you back into the cove.
From Campground: About a five minute walk from the cabin area. There is a rather steep set of cement steps leading down the cliff to a rocky cove. Be careful, if it's wet it's very slick!
Vehicle Access: Parking is in a small lot south of the hotel. There are carts available to take your camping and diving gear to your campsite. Distance from the parking lot to the cabins is approximately 300 meters.
Best Entry Point: The cove at the bottom of the steps is the only really accessable spot. It ranges from a few feet to about 15 feet in depth at it's mouth. Be careful, the rocks are sharp and slippery.
Best Exit Point: Same as the entry point.
Visibility: 15 to 20 feet average with sunlight penetrating to at least the 100 foot depths in good weather.
Temperature: Recorded at 65 degrees in 1 June.
Depths: 45 to over 100 if you go at least 200 feet offshore.
Current: Yes, Speed unknown. Stay within 500 feet of the shore.
Bottom Contours: Rocky, small to large boulders, volcanic rock.
Marine Life: Octopus, Jellyfish, Shrimp, Squid, Rock Bass
Dive Profile: Sea level, moderate surface swim out and back
Safety Information: Boat traffic is not a problem here. Watch for fisherman casting from the rocks. Rocks are sharp!
Site Highlights: The diving is average. What makes this place great is the scenery along the coastline, the clifftop campground, the aquarium 5 kilometers away, the shops etc.

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