Mikomoto Island, Marine reserve in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Mikomoto Island is a small uninhabited island in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture, located about 10 kilometers southeast of the Izu Peninsula. The island features rocky shores and submerged reefs surrounded by clear water.
The island was home to the Mikomotojima Lighthouse, Japan's first operational stone lighthouse built to guide ships toward Tokyo Bay. This historic structure has marked the island since its construction in the 19th century.
The waters surrounding Mikomoto Island attract divers seeking to observe schools of hammerhead sharks during their seasonal migration from June to October.
Diving requires certification and a minimum of 30 previous dives, with tours departing from Shimoda port on specialized boats. Water conditions can be demanding, so divers should be comfortable with varied ocean situations.
The Kuroshio Current flows near the island, creating strong water movements that support diverse marine life. This creates ideal conditions for observing large fish species and seasonal populations of whale sharks and manta rays.
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