Takegashima Marine Park sits off the west coast of Takegashima, a small island at the southern tip of Tokushima Prefecture inside the Muroto-Anan Kaigan Quasi-National Park. Though the island lies about 100m offshore, a short bridge links it to the mainland, making it an easy, no-boat-needed entry point for snorkeling. Warmed by the Kuroshio Current, the bay hosts an unusually rich coral community for this latitude — around 50 species in water only 2-5m deep with 8-15m visibility — plus schools of colorful reef fish, which is why it was designated a protected marine park zone back in 1972. As of July 2026 the glass-bottom sightseeing boat 'Blue Marine' is running as usual, but Marine Jam's guided snorkeling, sea kayak, and SUP programs have reportedly scaled back individual bookings in favor of group reservations, so it's worth confirming current availability before you go.
Shallow 2-5m reef flats where around 50 coral species are visible right from the surface
A rare 'northern-limit' coral community sustained by the warm Kuroshio Current
The glass-bottom 'Blue Marine' boat tour for viewing coral and fish without getting in the water
Walk-in beach entry — a short bridge connects the island to the mainland, no boat required
Marine Jam's small aquarium and nature museum make a good add-on before or after snorkeling
Good to know
SafetyThe bay sees glass-bottom boat and small-craft traffic, so stay within the marked swimming/buoy area and never snorkel alone.
SafetyThe seabed is rocky and coral-covered, so going barefoot or in sandals is risky — water shoes are recommended, and brushing against coral or sea urchins can cause cuts or punctures.
SeasonJuly-September overlaps with typhoon season on Shikoku's Pacific coast, so snorkeling and boat tours can be cancelled at short notice when a storm warning is issued — check the forecast before heading out.
RulesThe area is a designated Marine Park Zone within Muroto-Anan Kaigan Quasi-National Park, so collecting or damaging coral, shells, and marine life is prohibited under Japan's Natural Parks Act.
MannersDon't stand on or touch the coral, and avoid kicking up the seabed with your fins — the coral here grows and recovers slowly.
RulesStarting in the 2026 season, Marine Jam has reportedly scaled back individual bookings for its guided snorkeling, sea kayak, and SUP programs in favor of group reservations (roughly 15+ people); the glass-bottom boat still runs normally, but confirm current availability by phone (0884-76-3100) or the official website before you go.
Practical info
Reach Takegashima via the Asa Coast Railway to Shishikui Station, then about a 10-minute bus ride plus a 1-minute walk across the bridge; a rental car from Tokushima City (2+ hours) is more practical given limited public transit. Guided snorkeling normally runs through Marine Jam, but with individual bookings currently limited, confirm prices, hours, and availability directly with the facility or its website before visiting.
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