Tokyo, Japan

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Destination: Tokyo, Japan

Introduction

Tokyo Bay is Japan's premier sailing venue and the gateway to the world's largest metropolis — a 50-kilometre deep enclosed bay lined with industrial waterfront, container terminals, and in its southern reaches, the active recreational sailing scene centred on Yokohama, Zushi Marina, and Hayama. Tokyo itself has limited waterfront access from a yachting perspective — the inner bay is almost entirely commercial — but the southern approaches via Uraga Channel and the Miura Peninsula offer well-equipped marinas within rail reach of Tokyo. The Izu Islands extending 300 km south are a major cruising destination from Tokyo Bay, offering volcanic island scenery, excellent fishing, and numerous anchorages. Yokohama, 30 km south of Tokyo on the western shore of the bay, is the preferred base for cruising yachts.

GPS Coordinates

35° 40' 34.320"N 139° 39' 1.080"E

35 40 34.320N 139 39 1.080E

Protected Anchorages

Zushi Marina, on the Miura Peninsula south of Yokohama, is the most cruiser-friendly facility — floating pontoon berths in a protected basin, fuel, chandlery, haul-out, and rail connection to central Tokyo (90 minutes); call VHF Ch 16. Hayama Marina, 3 km north, is the home of the Imperial Household Agency's sailing program and has some visitor berths — very well maintained; advanced booking required. Yokohama Bay Side Marina has full facilities in a purpose-built development near the International Container Terminal; taxi and rail to Yokohama station. Anchorage in Sagami Bay (south of the Miura Peninsula, outside Tokyo Bay proper) at Sagamihara or Atami in 10–20 metres over sand is possible. The Izu Islands (Oshima, Niijima, Shikinejima, Kozushima, Miyakejima) each have small harbours and limited anchorage — some exposed to swell but rewarding.

Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts

Tokyo/Yokohama is a major designated port of entry. Foreign yachts arriving from overseas should contact Tokyo Bay Traffic Service (VTSTOKYO) on VHF Ch 16 or 14 as they approach through the Uraga Channel. Japan Coast Guard Third District (Yokohama) handles customs and immigration boarding. Most nationalities receive 90-day visa-free entry. Strict biosecurity: no unauthorised food or agricultural products. A Japan cruising permit is required; specify intended route including Izu Island stops. The Izu Islands require separate clearance with local coast guard at each island group.

Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity

  • Zushi Marina Yacht Club
  • Hayama Marina
  • Yokohama Bay Side Marina
  • Tokyo Bay Sailing Club

Renowned Attractions

  • Tsukiji Outer Market — the world's most famous fish market relocated to Toyosu; the Tsukiji outer market remains open with the best sushi breakfast in Japan; at the auction by 5 am for tuna
  • Shibuya Crossing and Harajuku — the iconic pedestrian scramble crossing and the youth fashion street of Takeshita-dori; contrasting but both quintessentially Tokyo
  • Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa — Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple (645 AD) and the city's most visited historic site; spectacular at dawn before the crowds arrive
  • Tokyo National Museum, Ueno — the finest collection of Japanese art and antiquities in the world; 110,000 items across five buildings
  • Shinkansen to Kyoto — 2.5 hours from Tokyo Station on the Nozomi; the most efficient way to combine Tokyo with Kyoto and Osaka
  • Mount Fuji and Hakone — 90 minutes west by bullet train or road; Hakone has a natural harbour on Lake Ashi below Fuji; the classic view of Fuji above the lake with wooden torii gate
  • Izu Islands cruise — Oshima (2.5 hours by ferry or 45 min by jetfoil), Niijima, and Miyakejima form a chain of volcanic islands with hot springs, surfing beaches, and pristine reef diving

Currency and Exchange Rate

Currency: Japanese Yen

Exchange Rate to USD

Nearby Yachting Destinations

Summary

Tokyo Bay's southern marina complex at Zushi and Hayama puts the world's greatest city within reach — outstanding yacht facilities, the Izu Islands chain for offshore cruising, and bullet train access to Kyoto and Mount Fuji make the Tokyo region a compelling destination for Pacific-crossing yachts.