Can you dive in Japan without certification?

Yes, if it is a guided introductory dive with a professional instructor. An intro dive session or similar trial dive needs no card. Fun diving is for certified divers only, and the operator can still refuse you.

Tour guides and operators say certification is not legally required for an introductory dive in Japan. The dive is shallow and controlled, with an instructor beside you. No Japanese government page covers this, so the point rests on PADI material and operator pages.

One Ishigaki operator lists a two-dive intro dive at $180 (¥28,000) on its 2025 page and $205 (¥32,000) on a 2026 list. Expect that range, not a fixed price.

For fun diving, always: it requires a certification card. Some sites set a higher bar: most Yonaguni hammerhead operators want Advanced Open Water or equivalent plus drift experience, and Rausu drift-ice diving in Hokkaido wants Open Water and a dry suit.

• Try snorkelling if you want the water without the paperwork. Okinawa offers it widely.
• Take a short certification course if you plan several dives.

• A professional instructor supervises the whole dive, in shallow, controlled water. You do not dive solo.
• Age: operators often set 10 as the minimum. Each operator applies its own rule.
• You complete a medical questionnaire. The operator may refuse you.
• Dollar figures use about ¥155 to US$1 and are rounded; you pay in yen, so check the rate.

To verify The Japan-specific medical form is not confirmed, and no government source backs the legal point. Confirm with your operator.

Before you book Ask what the intro dive fee includes: gear, boat, photos and insurance.