Kochi / Tosa Bay

Tosa Bay on Shikoku's southern coast hosts one of Japan's most spectacular pelagic encounters: whale sharks aggregate off Tosashimizu Point from July through October, sometimes in groups exceeding ten individuals. The same nutrient-rich Kuroshio upwelling draws scalloped hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and large grouper to offshore seamounts and reef edges. Visibility regularly exceeds 20 metres during peak season, and the surrounding coral reef supports diverse reef fish communities throughout the warmer months.