Where to go whale watching? The best places to see whales in Japan and why they are so popular.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is Whale Watching?
- 2 What kinds of whales can be seen in Japan?
- 3 Whale Watching in Japan
spots in Japan where you can enjoy whale watching
- 3.1 Okinawa Prefecture (Kerama Islands, Tours from Naha)
- 3.2 Kagoshima Prefecture (Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima)
- 3.3 Goto Islands, Nagasaki Prefecture
- 3.4 Wakayama Prefecture (Taiji Town, Kushimoto Town)
- 3.5 Kochi Prefecture (Tosa Bay, Cape Muroto)
- 3.6 Ogasawara Islands (Tokyo)
- 3.7 Hokkaido (Shiretoko, Rausu, Abashiri)
- 4 Whale Watching in Japan
- 5 Whale Watching Preparation and Precautions for Enjoying Whale Watching
- 6 Tips for Successful Whale Watching
- 7 Whale watching is highly probable! Introduction of recommended tours in Japan
- 8 summary
What is Whale Watching?
Whale watching is an activity to observe whales in their natural environment. The dynamic behavior exhibited by whales and the opportunity to get a close-up look at their ecology as marine creatures are a source of inspiration for many people.
Especially in Okinawa,Many whales visit during the winter season.This makes it a popular spot for whale watching.
◆Who are looking for winter activities?
◆Those who would like to experience whale watching
◆Those looking for whale watching tours
◆Those who want their children to experience whale watching
Here are some whale-watching spots throughout Japan and their attractions.
Latest! Whale Watching Tour's
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What kinds of whales can be seen in Japan?
In the waters of Japan, you can encounter whales from different regions, from Okinawa to Hokkaido and the Ogasawara Islands. Here we introduce some of the typical whale species found in Japan and their characteristics.
Sperm whales: live in the deep sea around the Ogasawara Islands and Izu Islands
Minke whale: small whale seen around Hokkaido
Baird's beaked whale: A relatively rare species that inhabits the coast of Japan.
Orca: A powerful marine creature that can be observed in Shiretoko, Hokkaido, and other locations.
Whale Watching in Japan
Spots to enjoy
There are many spots throughout Japan where whale watching can be enjoyed.
The species of whales that can be observed and the time of year varies from area to area.Unique AttractionThere are
Whale watching is a rare opportunity to learn about whale ecology and experience the spectacular nature of the sea.
Okinawa Prefecture (Kerama Islands, Tours from Naha)
Feature: Humpback whales migrate south to breed and give birth. High chance of sighting.
Recommendation: Easy to access with a variety of tours from Naha
↓Click here for popular whale watching trips from Okinawa
↓Click here for popular whale watching in Kerama
Kagoshima Prefecture (Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima)
Feature: Humpback whales appear around Amami Oshima. If you are lucky, you can see a father and calf whale.
Recommendation: Watching in the crystal clear ocean is a powerful experience!
↓Click here for popular whale watching spots on Amami Oshima.
Goto Islands, Nagasaki Prefecture
Feature: Located on the route of humpback whales migrating south, and can be observed at multiple points.
Recommendation: Enjoy the beautiful nature of the Gotō Archipelago as a set. Whale watching in a quiet environment is attractive.
Wakayama Prefecture (Taiji Town, Kushimoto Town)
Feature: Sperm whales and dolphins are often seen
Recommendation: Dolphin watching and combination tours are also popular.
Kochi Prefecture (Tosa Bay, Cape Muroto)
Feature: A rare place where Bryde's whales (a member of the fin whale family) have settled
Recommendation: Easy to observe in relatively calm waters
Ogasawara Islands (Tokyo)
Feature: An area where humpback whales visit to breed. High possibility of seeing mother and calf whales.
Recommendation: Enjoy whale watching while enjoying the natural beauty of the Ogasawara Islands, registered as a World Natural Heritage site.
Hokkaido (Shiretoko, Rausu, Abashiri)
Feature: An area where killer whales and sperm whales can be seen. Attracted by the dynamic nature unique to the World Heritage Site of Shiretoko.
Recommendation: Orca pods in summer, sperm whales in autumn.
Whale Watching in Japan
Whale watching is the only way to observe the dynamic behavior of whales up close. Even beginners can enjoy this tour with a professional guide.
Observe with binoculars or use a camera to get the best shots.
It depends on the weather and the behavior of the whales, but it is a great feeling when you see them.
Latest! Whale Watching Tour's
Click here for a list of popular rankings
The powerful behavior of whales that can be seen up close.
The best part of whale watching is being able to observe the powerful behavior of the whales up close.
Huge bodies leap from the surface of the sea.breachingor slap the tail fin.Fluke's wrapDynamic performances such as these are a sight to behold.
Includes commentary by a guide!
Points of interest for tours popular with children
Many tours have a professional guide whoLearn more about whale ecology and behavior.It is a popular place for families with children to learn and have fun. It is popular with families with children, and is attractive in that it is both educational and fun.
The knowledge and experience of your guide will help you to gain a deeper understanding and impression of the place.
There are also luxury tours that offer both learning and fun, such as a set plan with the Churaumi Aquarium.
↓Click here for Churaumi Aquarium Set Plan
If you are lucky, you can even see dolphins!
During whale watching, you may encounter a pod of dolphins.
especiallybottlenosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)and ... andlong-nosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)and others can be seen, and they can enjoy a different attraction from whales.
Latest! Whale Watching Tour's
Click here for a list of popular rankings
Whale Watching.
Preparation and Precautions for Enjoyment
To enjoy whale watching in comfort, it is important to prepare in advance, including appropriate clothing and personal belongings.
Prepare well, protect the whales and the local environment, and enjoy a memorable whale-watching experience.
What to wear and bring
To enjoy whale watching in comfort,Appropriate clothing and personal belongingspreparation is important.
Prepare a windbreaker, raincoat, and shoes with non-slip feet to protect against the cold. A hat and sunglasses are also helpful to protect against the sun.
Some tours offer free rentals, so check in advance.
↓Learn more about clothing
What should I do to prevent seasickness?
If you are worried about seasickness, please contact us in advance.anti-travel sickness (medicine)to be taken.
Also effective are measures such as avoiding hunger and full stomachs and directing the gaze to distant sights.
↓Learn more about seasickness
Tips for Successful Whale Watching
For a successful whale watching trip, it is important to keep a few things in mind.
Aim for the time of day when whales are most likely to appear (morning).
Whales are often more active in the morning, so it is recommended to join a morning tour.
Whales are especially easy to spot during times when the wind is calm and the sea is stable.
Choose a guided interpretive tour
Tours are accompanied by expert guides who provide detailed explanations of whale behavior and ecology.
It will give first-timers a more satisfying experience by showing them the signs that they may have missed.
Bring a telephoto camera and binoculars
Since whales are observed from a distance, a telephoto camera or binoculars will allow you to observe their movements and features in detail. If you learn how to use them in advance, you can enjoy taking pictures without missing a shutter chance.
Also, do not irritate the whales,Maintain a certain distance, ,Avoid sudden movements and shoutingIt is also important to
Latest! Whale Watching Tour's
Click here for a list of popular rankings
Whale watching is highly probable!
Introduction of recommended tours in Japan
Various whale-watching tours are offered in Japan.
Cruise on a large shipand ..,Small group boat toursYou can choose the one that best suits your needs, such as Each tour company offers its own services and routes, giving you plenty of choices.
↓Click here for a completely private tour.
Almost 100% encounter rate.
Whale Watching Tour
Some whale watching tours in Okinawa,Almost 100% encounter rateThere are also plans for
Professional and experienced guides will take you to the best points of the season and show you the most impressive moments.
In addition, there is a plan that includes a rechallenge ticket in case you fail to see the whales, so you can participate with peace of mind.
↓Click here for the plan with almost 100% whale encounter rate.
Tours that can be joined by small children
Many tours are available for small children. Some have excellent onboard facilities and,Short and funCourses and other plans are available for families to participate safely.
The excitement of seeing whales as a family isMemories I will never forget.It will be.
↓Click here for a half-day tour.
↓Click here for a full day tour.
Swimming with Whales Tour
Swim with the whales on some toursWhale Swim."Some allow you to experience the Through snorkeling in the whales' habitat, theyFeel breathing and movement up close.It will be a very special memory.
However, please note that only license holders can participate in this tour.
↓Click here for tours where you can swim with whales
↓Learn more about Whale Swim
Click here to see popular Whale Swim plans.
summary
Whale watching is a rare opportunity to experience the grandeur of nature.
With proper preparation and good manners, you will enjoy a memorable experience.
↓Click here to read the article together.
