Le Japan is not limited to Tokyo, Kyoto and Mount Fuji. There is, well off the beaten track, another Japan, more secret, insular, tropical: the archipelago ofOkinawa.
Located between the large island of Kyushu et Taiwan, this string of islands, called the Ryukyu, is a world apart, at the crossroads of Asian influences and ancient Japanese traditions. It is also a paradise for lovers of the sea, diving, snorkeling, nature and mysteries.
The Mystery of Yonaguni
In the southern part of Japan, in the clear waters of Yonaguni Island, lies one of the underwater world's most fascinating mysteries. At a depth of about twenty-five meters, a gigantic stone structure rises up, seeming to defy the boundaries between nature and humankind. Discovered in 1986 by a Japanese diver, Kihachirō Aratake, the Yonaguni Monument has since intrigued researchers, geologists and archaeology enthusiasts.
The site consists of stacked terraces, stairs, straight walls and flat platforms which, at first glance, resemble a monumental construction. Some even see it as an underwater pyramid. The whole thing measures almost one hundred meters long, forty meters wide and rises to a height of about twenty-five meters. This apparent geometric regularity has led many observers to think that these were the remains of an ancient submerged civilization.
However, the scientific community remains divided. For the majority of geologists, the Yonaguni monument is nothing more than a natural formation, shaped by tectonic movements and marine erosion. The rocks of the region, consisting of sandstone and mudstone, fracture easily into rectangular shapes and regular planes. This phenomenon could explain the straight lines and angles that give the site its artificial appearance.
Other researchers, such as Professor masaaki kimura of Ryukyu University, defend a more daring hypothesis: according to him, certain parts would have been arranged by the hand of man, perhaps in ancient times, before the rise of sea levels, more than ten thousand years ago. If this were the case, the Yonaguni monument could be one of the oldest evidence of human architecture never discovered, even predating the pyramids of Egypt.
So far, no concrete archaeological evidence, tools, inscriptions or artifacts, has been found to settle the debate. The Yonaguni monument therefore remains a enigmatic witness of the past, suspended between myth and science. Whether a forgotten masterpiece of a vanished civilization or a wonder of nature, it continues to fascinate those who delve into its silent depths, searching for the secrets it has guarded for millennia.
Diving in Yonaguni is like entering a timeless atmosphere. Visibility is exceptional in calm waters, and the current can sometimes be strong, making the experience even more intense. In winter, between November and March, hammerhead sharks gather in schools near the island. Watching them, while scuba diving in open water, is a highlight.
Beyond Yonaguni, the archipelago offers a variety of rare aquatic experiences. On Kumejima, it's possible to swim with humpback whales in their natural habitat. This majestic spectacle takes place mainly from January to March, when the cetaceans return to the warm waters of the East China Sea to breed. This encounter, via accompanied snorkeling, follows strict protocols to avoid disturbing the animals. The emotion is real: the singing of the males, the powerful leaps of the females, the curiosity of the calves.
Okinawa and its islands
On Kerama, another group of islands close to Naha, are renowned for their colorful and pristine coral reefs. Turtles, clownfish, gorgonians, marine caves: the biodiversity is exceptional. These still wild islands are ideal for snorkeling or diving, even for beginners. In Akajima, a small village with traditional houses, time seems to stand still.
On land, Okinawa is also known for the exceptional longevity of its inhabitants. The local cuisine is no stranger to this: forgotten vegetables, mineral-rich seaweed, raw fish with pure flavors, fermented tofu, delicate broths... Here, the ocean meets the table. Taking a cooking class with a local chef, after a guided tour of the market, allows you to better understand the secrets of this healthy, age-old diet.
The island also boasts a rich culture, originating from an independent kingdom for several centuries. Karate, a world-renowned martial art, was born here. It's possible to learn at one of the 400 dojos on the main island, or to visit the Karate Kaikan, a living museum and learning center for this discipline based on self-control and respect.
On the wellness side, some hot marine springs are drawn from deep within. At Kumejima, you can relax in a hot seawater bath. A perfect moment of regeneration after a day of diving.
Yonaguni's endemic horses: small and robust, they live in semi-freedom on the island and contribute to the unique identity of this territory. Observing these animals facing the sea at sunset adds a poetic dimension to the exploration.
This journey to the Okinawa archipelago is unlike any other. It combines archaeological mysteries, rare marine encounters, ancient traditions, and the gentle way of life. Between volcanic cliffs, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters, we discover an unexpected Japan: warm, secret, authentic, and exotic.
A dive organized by www.sealadventures.fr
Patrick Koune
