English 
日本語 
Because Japan is off the beaten path and often experiences rough weather, not many cruising yachts visit here. However, those that do find that Japan is well worth the visit and the locals are very friendly and accommodating. For those yachts venturing north to mainland Japan, Okinawa will most likely be your first stop. You will probably like it here so much that you will stay longer than planned.
Japan Coast Guard
For visiting cruising yachts, it is best to inform customs and immigration ahead of time to let them know you are coming and to give them an estimated date of arrival. When you arrive in Okinawa it is easiest and safest to first enter and clear customs and immigration in Naha Port. This is the only official open port in Okinawa and you must obtain permission to visit and moor elsewhere. You will probably want to request permission from the Okinawa General Bureau to stay at Ginowan Marina during your time in Okinawa.
Navigating into Naha Port is easy and straightforward. Japan uses IALA (B) “Red Right Returning” or “Green Right Reaving” system. You can moor temporarily to any seawall that looks safe, maybe near where you sea a Japan Coast Guard ship, until you are directed elsewhere by the authorities. Some seawalls, like at Aja shipping terminal (under the big cranes) and Tomari ferry terminal (under and past the bridge) receive a lot of heavy ship traffic, so do not moor there. The Seamen’s Club on the south side of the port might be a good temporary option.
Be careful when you navigate from Naha port to Ginowan Marina. The channel entrance into the marina is dangerous, especially when there is a strong northerly wind and the channel splits off into a Y before the # 5 green buoy. After you pass the # 4 buoy, look for the two small red and green buoys and do not pass between the small red and big # 5 green buoy, as there is a shallow reef there. At Ginowan Marina, guests can moor at the dock along the seawall in front of the marina office, where you can connect a long shore power cable (100 VAC) and get good WiFi reception.
Phone numbers:
Customs Office (Naha): 098-938-1177
Immigration Office (Naha): 098-868-5089
Okinawa General Bureau (Naha): 098-868-0031
Useful websites:
Visit Okinawa (Visitor’s info)
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This post is also available in: Japanese
