Kashiwa Island

Kashiwajima is an island in Otsuki Town, Hata District, Kochi Prefecture, and is part of Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park. Although it’s an island, you can reach it on foot because a bridge connects it. With a circumference of about 4 km, Kashiwajima is one of the world’s top diving spots. Italy’s Lampedusa is sometimes cited for water so clear that boats seem to float, and Kashiwajima is said to have similar clarity—so transparent that people and boats look like they’re floating. About one-third of the fish species found in Japan can be seen here—around 1,000 species—and coral also lives in these waters. It is considered a sacred place for divers and has been carefully protected for many years. There are dive shops and you can also try diving experiences. Even if you don’t want to swim, you can still enjoy the sea via sightseeing boats or glass-bottom boats. There are other sights too, such as the Akou tree (about 350 years old), so be sure to explore the island fully. Access is about 60 minutes by bus from Sukumo Station, or about 4 hours by car from JR Kochi Station. It’s far, but the scenery and emotion you get in return are truly unforgettable.