Southern Waters of Japan

Created by val. Last modified on 2009-08-25 21:28:31
Contributors:
Countries: Japan

Cruising Permit
We were able to facilitate this in Ishigaki. Upon arrival in Naha Okinawa we were given the option of clearance to Kagoshima or Sasebo Kyushu. Our advise is to put every single island that you maybe passing on your permit application. It does not appear to create a problem if you do not arrive, but if you arrive somewhere with no permission it may cause a problem.

Ask for a list of Open Ports at Ishigaki. Coastguard are very visible and always asked us to telephone them (even though Japanese rules do not allow a foreigner on tempory visa to purchase a telephone). They do not respond to VHF 16. They always arrive with a pile of forms to be filled in.

Customs are the same as the Coastguard. The forms they bring are exactly the same as the ones from Coastguard, but the departments do no share information. We did not go out of way to contact either group. They usually arrived within a short time of our arrival if they had an office in the area. Otherwise the local policeman may visit. Remember that at least one of the officials visiting your boat will have an undisclosed understanding and ability to speak English. Sometime there will be up to six coastguard or customs officials come to your boat. We now only invite officials to board our boat if they can speak/understand English !!!!!!!!!

LPG and Fuel
LPG bottles with NZ / Aus regulators can be filled in Ishigaki.

Diesel
Many of the islands we visited did not have spare fuel. The locals order it in in 44 gallon drums.

Mooring
The Ports are being continually upgraded and altered wth the extension of wharf areas and breakwaters and can change very rapidly.

The people we met were friendly and generous. With our very limited Japanese and an unknown skill at charades, we have had a fabulous time. Charioteer is 53ft long with a 2.2m draft.

Tarama Shima 24°40’N, 124°42’E
Side tied at a public wharf. Apart from a couple of PADI boats it was empty. We had a visit from a couple of policemen who were grateful for a change in their routine. They had an English speaking lady with them. It was easy cycling around to view the few tourist sights. The small town has two small supermarkets.

Ikena 24°55’N, 125°14’E
Side tied at public wharf. Coastguard visited. Bus stop to Miyako Shima just across from where we were tied. A friendly PADI company supplied us with a daily weather forecast

Naha
The floating pontoon that is meant to be available is no longer there.
Ginowan marina - Customs visited. Well maintained, friendly helpful staff. Easy bus access to Naha where we did stage two of our cruising permit. It was here that we learnt that one must do your permit prefecture by prefecture.
Chandelry - Miyagi Sangyo Co Ltd., Miyagi Building. 2nd floor, 3 - 13 - 2 Tomari, Naha
They have West marine quality gear and the Japanese Chart books that we have found to be invaluable.

Ie Shima 26°42’N, 127°48’E
Side tie at public wharf. Friendly local who is restoring a Wharram Catamaran gave us lots of useful advice re entering Yuron Shima. There are many WWII monuments which we think are worth while visiting. No visiting officials.

Yuron Shima 27°02’N, 128°24’E
Behind the breakwater that is in front of you as you enter the harbour is a floating pontoon in a nice clean and friendly enviroment. The tourist office has information in English. There is a great internet cafe and the Southern Cross museum is worth the climb. No officials visited us.

Okinerabu 27°19’N, 128°34’E
Tied to public wharf, which has very little use. Large supermarket, internet available at library or if that is not working the hotel will let you use their computer in the foyer.

Amami O Shima

Ikenma 25°06’N, 129°19’E
Rafted up to Glass Tourist Boat. Walked over hill to see the Flame trees. Nice peaceful area, friendly people.

Koniya 25°08N, 129°18’E
New visitors berth area. (June 2009) besides the bridge. Junior Sumo training ring in park beside berth. Supermarket very close. Friendly town. Customs and Coastguard visited us.

Naze (Daikumu Gyoko) 28°24’N, 129°31’E
Over night stop only.

Takara Shima 29°09’N, 129°12’E
Tied to old public wharf. A medium sized ferry was anchored just outside the harbour awaiting high tide. This ship used the artistically decorated main wharf. The wind came up during the night and we appreciated all our polystyrene fenders.!!!!!!!!!

Nakano Shima 29°50’N, 12°950’E
We initially tied to old public wharf, but the fishermen invited us in to their harbour and to raft up to them. A new wharf is being built (June 2009) so the page in our new chart book for this port was already out of date !!!!! A very nice Onsen. The fishermen gave us fish we gave them vegetable curry. Local policeman was expecting us.

Kucvhineorabu 30°27’N, 130°11’E
Inside the breakwater, turn to starboard to secure harbour. We rafted up to a disused launch.

Thanks to Carol and Brian Boswell for this report.