Location: Honshu Island, Japan
Japanese Giant Salamander Mini-Expedition
Snorkeling with Giant Salamanders
Snorkel with the giant salamanders of Japan!
Imagine this unique encounter. You don your wetsuit and step into the river. It is not deep – maybe 1.5m at its deepest. Wading over to a craggy rock outcrop you quickly slip into the lea to avoid the current that is trying to drag you down river.
Ducking your head underwater you scan the area for overhangs that may harbor your quarry. Peering into the shadows, you see nothing but small fishes and flattened river rocks piled together. Disappointment starts to rise but then one of the rocks moves slightly and it dawns on you that the flattened rock you have been ignoring is the dinner plate sized head of a giant salamander!
The rock monster stirs. It clambers over the other rocks that you now realize are all actually heads with tiny eyes. Then it beats its tail sideways and snakes casually past you towards the river bank. You give chase. Once in shallow enough water, it lets out a stream of bubbles from its nostrils then raises its head to take a much needed breath. You swim with it up into the shallows with your camera and frame an epic shot of it moving between the aquatic and terrestrial worlds. Now that’s a shot your dive buddies don’t have!
The real Godzilla!
Japan’s giant salamander is the world’s second largest amphibian, topped only by the slightly longer Chinese giant salamander. Reaching a whopping 1.5m in length, these gentle giants have no natural enemies other than man. It is estimated that they live upwards of 80 years in the wild.
Giant salamanders have no gills. They rise periodically to the surface to breath but like other amphibians, they can absorb some oxygen through their skin. Consequently, they are confined to shallow, cool, well oxygenated streams in the mountains.
They hunt for small fishes; mostly at night. Their eyesight is very poor, but – just like sharks – they have a lateral line system of sensory pores in front of their mouths and running down their flanks. When a fish strays too close to the business end of these generally lethargic animals, they are capable of lightening fast lunges.
Be warned, every year, one or two unfortunate swimmers end up seeking medical attention after accidentally putting their fingers or toes in the ‘strike zone’. And although they look relatively harmless, giant salamanders have sharp teeth and are capable of clamping down on a finger and then spinning like a crocodile!
THE ENCOUNTER
Snorkeling with Giant Salamanders
2025
DATE
Private dates available between June and September.
PRICE (USD)
2 day trips: $750 per person (minimum two guests).
3 day trips: $900 per person (minimum two guests).
LEADER
Local Japanese Giant Salamander guide.
2026
DATE
Private dates available between June and September.
PRICE (USD)
2 day trips: $TBA per person (minimum two guests).
3 day trips: $TBA per person (minimum two guests).
LEADER
Local Japanese Giant Salamander guide.
2027
DATE
Private dates available between June and September.
PRICE (USD)
2 day trips: $TBA per person (minimum two guests).
3 day trips: $TBA per person (minimum two guests).
LEADER
Local Japanese Giant Salamander guide.
DETAILS
ACCOMMODATION
Traditional Japanese hotel in the mountains
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
Snorkeling experience only
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 2 or 3 days of snorkeling with Giant Salamanders in the mountain streams of Gifu.
- 1 or 2 night’s shared accommodation in a traditional Japanese hotel in Gifu Mountain Region.
- Traditional mountain-style evening feast.
- Japan’s most experienced giant salamander guide.
- Round trip road transfers from Gifu Hashima to the Gifu Mountains.
- Japanese/English Interpreter.
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal snorkeling equipment
- Alcohol
DRAGON FOOD
From tiny gobies to eels and large salmon-like fishes, the clear mountain streams of Gifu are full of colorful freshwater fishes. These fishes are an important part of the giant salamanders diet.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A TRULY JAPANESE EXPERIENCE
During this mini-expedition, you will have the chance to explore the beautiful countryside around Gifu. In the evening we will arrive at a traditional Japanese hotel to enjoy a delicious feast that will likely seem as delightfully unusual as the animals you are here to see.
TWO DAY ITINERARY
| Day 1 | 9:00 Meet your guide at Gifu Hashima Station. Your guide will be Ito San; a local expert in giant salamanders. He will then take you into the Gifu Mountains (about 90 minutes), where you will have a chance to prepare your equipment and then immediately start looking for salamanders.
After lunch you will be able to slip back into the river for more salamander encounters. Early evening Mr Ito will accompany you to a traditional hotel in the hills where you will enjoy a sumptuous feast of local dishes served Japanese style. After dinner there will be time to socialize or review images before drifting into dreams filled with giant salamanders. |
| Day 2 | After a traditional breakfast at the mountain hotel You will return to the river with your guide to hunt for more salamanders and other river creatures.
After a picnic lunch at the river there will be one more chance to snorkel with godzilla until it is time to return to the city. You will be back at Gifu Hashima train station by 4pm. |
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Contact Big Fish about this Expedition
Delivering world-class wildlife encounters since 2010
Big Fish Expeditions Founder Andy Murch has spent the last three decades chasing big animals all over the world. Few people have Andy’s knowledge and organizational skills necessary to put together a professional expedition. Have a look through some of the comments from our guests: testimonials.
Guest Feedback
GO. YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT!
I have been on 3 Big Fish Expeditions trips by now and have more trips to look forward to in the near future. First of all I share a big passion for sharks, whale and other big marine life and Big Fish Expedition is all about that. As an amateur photographer is great to be among equals and even better to get new tips and ideas from professionals.
Andy is very helpful showing new tricks and talk about UW photography in between dives. Sure the destinations offers world class diving but it’s also about the people and the relation to people and Andy surely gives everyone the feeling of being very welcome and try to give everyone a lifetime experience.
Another good thing is that Andy is maybe the only pro shooters who offers trips to very reasonable prices. I won’t go into details about all the good dives I’ve done with Big Fish but instead say GO, you will never regret it!
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Denmark
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Amazing trips, just finish my 7th with Big Fish Expeditions, many more to come! 
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Canada
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Vancouver, BC
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Just returned from my second trip with BFE and it went off perfectly. The true adventure of these trips always present challenging logistics but they pulled it off flawlessly. I would highly recommend BFE to anyone looking to get “off the grid” and experience a wildlife trip of a lifetime. I am looking forward to my next adventure with them. Thanks again!!
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Detroit, Michigan
ABOUT BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
5 stars!
I’ve been on three trips with Big Fish Expeditions. Each one was well organized and jam packed with unique wildlife encounters. I am booked for another trip next year and for many more to come. Highly recommended!!
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING TIME WITH BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
Andy is one of the best in the business. I would highly, highly recommend anyone interested in an animal focused trip to go with big fish expeditions.
The quality of experience and knowledge of the trip leader really sets them apart. Expect to get your fill of animals no matter what the trip is. Andy is also great at finding other animals to incorporate within the trips.
If you’re looking for a shark trip or big animal experience, this is your place. Period.
Enjoy!
Jesse B.
Ontario, Canada
