Ebisu-jima is a small uninhabited island off Susaki Beach near Shimoda, on the southern tip of Japan's Izu Peninsula, reached by a short pedestrian bridge. Part of the Izu Peninsula Geopark, its shoreline exposes striped volcanic strata from ancient submarine eruptions, and the surrounding reef is one of Izu's best-loved snorkeling spots thanks to warm Kuroshio Current water that brings in colorful reef fish. Depths run a shallow 2-8m with 5-12m visibility, and the mix of gentle shallows and a steeper drop-off near the rocks means both beginners and more experienced snorkelers find something to enjoy. As of July 2026 local dive shops appear to keep running guided snorkeling tours through the summer, though it's worth confirming current schedules and conditions before you go.
Small uninhabited island reached over a pedestrian bridge
Striped submarine-volcano rock strata protected as an Izu Peninsula Geopark site
Wide flat rock shelf and tide pools exposed at low tide, good for spotting small marine life
Colorful reef fish carried in by the warm Kuroshio Current amid shallow reef topography
Points ranging from an easy shore-entry beginner area to the offshore Susaki-ne reef reachable by boat for more experienced snorkelers/divers
Good to know
SafetyThere's no lifeguard on duty, so don't snorkel alone — use a buoy or flotation device, and stay in the shallow marked area, since the seabed drops off cliff-like right next to the rocks.
SafetyThe ocean-facing side is exposed to current and swell; on rough-weather days waves reach even the walkway, so check the forecast and sea conditions before you go.
SafetyThe bottom is rocky reef, so marine shoes are essential — watch for sea urchins and sharp rock, and jellyfish appear from July through September (peaking around the mid-August Obon holiday), so a rash guard helps.
RulesThe site sits inside a protected Izu Peninsula Geopark area, so collecting rock samples, strata, or tide-pool creatures is prohibited.
MannersDon't step on or touch reef and tide-pool life, and don't feed or crowd the fish.
SeasonBest season is June-October with July water around 22-26°C; avoid days with typhoon swell or rough seas, and reconfirm current weather and tide conditions locally before entering.
Practical info
From Izukyu-Shimoda Station it's about a 13-minute bus ride to the Susaki Kaigan stop, then a 3-5 minute walk and a short pedestrian bridge onto the island. Local dive shops typically run guided snorkeling tours from around May/June through October, so confirm current pricing, schedules, and availability before you go.
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