Hokkaido - Immigration

Description:

The island of Hokkaido is located at the north end of Japan, near Russia, and has coastlines on the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Pacific Ocean. There are a number of ports of entry around the island (see Clearance).

It is renowned for its volcanoes, ski areas and onsen (natural hot springs). Major cities include Sapporo and Asahikawa in the central region and the port of Hakodate facing Honshu.

Kushiro lies on the SE coast of Hokkaido and is known for the Kushiro marshes. It is an important port because it is more reliably ice-free during winter than other ports in Hokkaido such as Hakodate. Deer, sea eagles and Japanese cranes can be found here.

Most cruisers sail up the east coast of Hokkaido so they can clear out of the country at Kushiro, however, there are no marine facilities here. Otaru, however, on the west coast, has a good marina and is ideal for boat work and re-provisioning. There is an international passage through the islands that belong to Russia.

Cruiser Highlights:

Port Otaru Marina on the west coast of Hokkaido, north west of Sapporo, is a good place to leave your boat at season-end. The marina manager is reported to be very helpful and can assist with appointing a yacht caretaker. There is also a good yard and haulout option for boats under 20 tons.

Position:

42° 58" 46' N, 144° 22" 16' E (entrance to the Kushiro river).