Overview
Japan extends roughly 1,600 nautical miles from north to south, spanning nearly 7,000 islands and several climatic regions, from the cooler waters of Hokkaido to the subtropical Ryukyu archipelago in the south. This range supports year-round cruising somewhere in the country, with the main season running April to October.
The country has maintained an established superyacht marina infrastructure for over 35 years. Full-service dockage is available at every scale, supported by a complete range of shore services. Almost every sizeable port is a designated port of entry, and the regulatory environment for visiting yachts is among the most accommodating in Asia.
Japan combines a 2,600-year cultural history with modern, ultra-safe infrastructure and exceptional natural geography. Cruising grounds range from the Seto Inland Sea, one of the most scenic protected cruising areas in Asia, to the volcanic landscapes of Kyushu, the temple cities of Honshu, and the coral reefs of Okinawa. The next major addition is Superyacht Base Kobe, Japan's first dedicated superyacht marina, opening 2026-27.
Major Cruising Regions
- Hokkaido & Northern Honshu — cooler waters, dramatic coastline, best in summer.
- Southern Honshu (Tokyo to Osaka) — the main corridor, most developed marina infrastructure.
- Seto Naikai (the Inland Sea) — protected waters, hundreds of islands, Japan's premier cruising ground.
- Kyushu — volcanic landscapes, hot springs, gateway to the southern islands.
- Ryukyu & the Southern Islands — coral reefs, year-round cruising, subtropical climate.
Cruising Map & Marinas
Map Key — Marinas & Ports Of Entry
- Hokkaido, Hakodate (PoE)
- Yumenoshima Marina, Tokyo
- Yokohama Bayside Marina
- Osanbashi, Yokohama
- Yamashita Koen, Yokohama
- Shinko Futo, Yokohama
- Laguna Marina, Gamagori (PoE)
- Ashiya Marina, Hyogo
- Superyacht Base Kobe
- Shin Nishinomiya Marina
- Sakai Kitahato Marina, Osaka
- Sea Tiger Marina, Wakayama
- Wakayama Marina City
- Bellavista Marina, Hiroshima
- Grand Prince Hotel Marina, Hiroshima
- Toyoshima Marina, Hiroshima
- Omishima town dock, Hiroshima
- Onomichi U2 Mega Dock
- Takamatsu Port Marina, Shikoku
- Nio Marina, Shikoku
- Hagi Marina, Yamaguchi
- Beppu Marina, Kyushu
- Deijima Wharf, Kyushu
- Kagoshima Port Marina, Kyushu
- Marinoa Marina, Fukuoka (PoE)
- Nagasaki Sunset Marina
- Yonabaru Marina, Okinawa (PoE)
- Ginowan Marina, Okinawa
- Ishigaki Port Marina
PoE = Port of Entry
Getting There & Clearance
Clearance
Notice of clearance and pratique must be submitted and accepted at least 24 hours before arrival. Foreign yachts over 100 GRT must hold Japanese-approved P&I insurance. Coastguard, Customs and Quarantine will often visit on entry; sometimes Immigration and Port Control will too.
Government Contacts
Immigration: Immigration Bureau of Japan · immi-moj.go.jp
Customs: Japan Customs · customs.go.jp
International Airports
Haneda & Narita (Tokyo) · Kansai & Itami (Osaka) · Chubu Centrair (Nagoya) · Kobe · Hiroshima · Fukuoka & Nagasaki (Kyushu) · Naha & Ishigaki (Okinawa) · Hakodate & New Chitose (Hokkaido)
Local Services
Agents
Creation Co. · Konpira Yacht Services · SYL Japan
Brokerage & Charter
Burgess Asia · YACHTZOO Japan
Repair & Refit
Creation Co. (Osaka)
Shipyards
Tsuneishi (Hiroshima) · Sunamachi (Tokyo)
Tourism
Setouchi DMO (Inland Sea)
APSA Grand Tour: Japan
Nigel Beatty, Super Yacht Logistics Japan: "Japan imposes few restrictions on visiting yachts. Shipyards are first-class, almost every sizeable port is a port of entry, and crew can come and go with relative ease."
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to cruise Japan by superyacht?
The main season runs April to October across most of Japan, with year-round cruising in the subtropical far south around Okinawa. Northern regions such as Hokkaido are best in the summer months.
Can foreign superyachts clear into Japan?
Yes. Almost every sizeable port in Japan is a designated port of entry. Notice of vessel clearance and pratique must be submitted and accepted at least 24 hours before arrival, and foreign yachts over 100 GRT must hold Japanese-approved P&I insurance.
Are there superyacht marinas in Japan?
Japan has maintained superyacht marina infrastructure for over 35 years, with full-service dockage at marinas from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Superyacht Base Kobe, Japan's first dedicated superyacht marina, opens in 2026-27.
Where are the best cruising grounds in Japan?
The Seto Inland Sea is considered Japan's premier cruising ground. Other highlights include the volcanic landscapes of Kyushu, the coral reefs of the Ryukyu Islands and Okinawa, and the metropolitan corridor between Tokyo and Osaka.
Which APSA members provide superyacht services in Japan?
APSA members serving Japan include Creation Co., Konpira Yacht Services and SYL Japan, alongside others listed in the members directory above.