 Japan : Formalities
The JCG (Japan Coastguard) requires all vessels to report at least 24 hours before arrival with the following details: name, type and flag of vessel, port of registry and gross tonnage, details of captain and crew, port of entry and ETA, subsequent ports within Japan, previous 4 ports of call with dates and details of radio call signs, and phone numbers for communication with JCG. This should be done preferably by phone or fax. The form can be downloaded at http://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/01kanku/solas/english.pdf and faxed or emailed to the relevant JCG office. Further information (in English) is available at www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp
JCG numbers: Ishigaki, Tel. 0980-83-0118 , Fax. 0980-83-0135, Naha (Okinawa), Tel. 098-867-0118, Fax. 098-869-1167, Kagoshima, Tel. 099-222-6681, Fax.099-222-6712, Fukuoka, Tel. 092-281-5865, Fax. 092-281-5889. The fine for entering a port without prior 24 hour notice is $5000 US.
The formalities are time-consuming as there are lots of forms to fill in, but this is mostly routine and officials are always very friendly and courteous. On entry, inspections will be carried out by quarantine, customs and immigration, and maybe also the Maritime Safety Agency (coastguard). A de-ratting certificate must be shown. If one does not have a de-ratting certificate, the yacht is checked by inspectors. The customs, immigration and quarantine offices are normally in the same building in the main harbour - sometimes one can tie up to their jetty to complete the formalities. They will advise on the best berth or anchorage. Sometimes they will come to the yacht, if not the captain should go to their offices.
Clearance with customs and immigration must be carried out at every port, although this is routine and a question of filling out a lot of forms. The last port may telephone ahead to the next port to notify them of a yacht's arrival.
Alternatively the number can be obtained from the last customs office and one can telephone oneself on arrival. If arriving at a weekend officials may decide only to come on Monday, but one should attempt to arrive on a weekday as immigration cannot be done on weekends. If a place does not have a customs office, one should check in and out at the local police station (Koban); in these places the Maritime Safety Agency may check the yacht themselves. The Maritime Safety Agency office can often be a useful source of local information.
Cruisers have recommended the use of an agent during your stay in Japan, to assist with entry to ports and marinas, clearance, plus the language barrier.
Last updated September 2009
Kazuo Furuno
Interocean Shipping Corporation
Tel:81-3-3570-5196
car@interocean.co.jp.
This agent was recommended in 2009 by cruisers visiting Japan.
All visitors require a passport valid for the duration of their visa.
Almost all nationalities will be given a 90 day visa on arrival, except citzens of Brunei who are allowed 14 days. Nationals of the U.K, Austria, Germany, Ireland and Switzerland are allowed to stay for 6 months.
It may be possible to leave the boat in Japan and re-enter for another period.
Last updated July 2008
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Japan
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html, giw@ims.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Firearms and ammunition must be declared on arrival and the penalty for non-declaration is imprisonment. Arms will be sealed on board or kept in custody ashore.
Cruising yachts can get tax free fuel by filling out the customs form C1260 at any customs office. Give it to the company you buy the fuel from and you should have all taxes removed (including the road tax).
It is illegal to bring into Japan some over-the-counter medicines commonly used in other countries, including inhalers and some allergy and sinus medications. Specifically, products that contain stimulants (medicines that contain Pseudoephedrine, such as Actifed, Sudafed, and Vicks inhalers), or Codeine are prohibited.
Generally, up to one month's supply of allowable prescription medicine can be brought into Japan. Visitors must bring a copy of their doctor's prescription as well as a letter stating the purpose of the drug. If wishing to carry more than one month's supply (except prohibited drugs and controlled drugs), or are carrying syringes (pumps), are required to obtain a so-called "Yakkan Shoumei", or an import certificate in advance, and show the "Yakkan Shoumei" certificate with your prescription medicines at the Customs.
Decisions on what medications may be imported legally into Japan are made by the Japanese Government, and unfortunately, a comphrehensive lists of specific medications or ingredients is available only from the Japanese authorities, and subject to change.
For more information, visit the Kanto-Shinetsu Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare website.
Last updated July 2008
The mosquito-borne disease Japanese encephalitis is found throughout many regions of Asia.
Medical facilities across Japan are of a high standard. In most major cities, facilities with English-speaking staff can be located. Medical care in Japan can be expensive and payment is required in full at the time of treatment, or concrete proof of ability to pay, before a foreigner is treated.
To cruise the Inland Sea (Seto Naikai) a cruising permit must be obtained from the Department of Transportation in Hiroshima. One must present a planned itinerary, first checking which ports are off limits.
The local tourist office can provide a map of the area which shows all the attractions.
There are no charges for clearance or overtime.
A number of ports are closed to yachts, such as Urakawa (in the SE of Hokkaido), and these can only be entered in an emergency.
VHF Channel 16 is primarily a shipping communications channel and should only be used in an emergency.
Navigation Day-sailing is recommended along the Japanese coastlines due to the very high concentration of shipping and the innumerable fishing boats, nets and aquaculture projects. Along the Hokkaido coast a hazard are the salmon nets, up to 1000 m long and lying very close to the surface.
Currents can be very strong in the Inland Sea, especially at the entrances, where they may reach 6-8 knots.
In some parts of Tokyo, including Chiyoda-ku, smoking on the streets is prohibited. Those caught are liable for an on-the-spot fine.
Dogs and cats entering Japan from the United States must be quarantined for at least 14 days. A Health Certificate is required verifying the dog is not infected nor suspected of being infected with Leptospirosis.
Dogs require a Rabies Inoculation Certificate valid at least 30 days prior to arrival and if for 12 months after arrival, date to be shown. Dogs may be inspected on board after 14 days. Cats also need a certificate and must have had the necessary cat injections at least 30 days ahead of arrival. Otherwise animals must be confined on board. Japan's official "Guide to the Animal Service Service" has all details.
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