2 Best Sights in Okinawa, Japan

Cape Maeda is one of Okinawa Main Island's most popular diving and snorkeling spots. During summer it gets packed by around 11 am, so it is usually best to arrive as early as possible. As with nearly all dive sites on Okinawa, early in the morning is most likely to give you calmer water for your entry and exit. Many of Okinawa's dive shops use this as a base for teaching. Cape Maeda has toilets, hot showers, vending machines, a café, and a large pay parking lot. Great for convenience, but some will prefer quieter, more remote dive sites.

If you travel across one of the several small bridges from Irabu-jima to Shimoji-jima, you can check out Tooriike Pond, a deep, mysteriously dark limestone-ringed pool connected by underwater caverns to the sea. It's a justly celebrated spot for diving.