Beppu
22 April 2009 | Oita Prefecture, East Kyushu
Mauro
Port Harbour or Marina: Beppu, Oita Prefecture, East Kyushu
Latitude: 33 17.3412N
Longitude: 131 30.3192E
Major Attractions: Since the 1980s Beppu has been known for its "sex museum" (Beppu Hihokan) which commemorates the resort town's sex industry with waxwork exhibits. The Hihokan was founded by an aficionado of sex-related artifacts, many of which are on display.
Besides the various onsen, Beppu also has an aquarium featuring dolphins and on the edge of the city lies Takasaki-yama (mt. Takasaki), which is known for its large populations of wild monkeys (macaques).
Nearest Port of Entry: Oita
Formalities Arrival: This is a closed port. Fax for the Japan Coast Guard Oita Branch (covers Beppu) 097-521-0114. Prior permission should have been sought from the Ministry of Lands to enter the harbor. On arrival call Coast Guard on VHF16
Formalities Departure: None
Immigration: Not available.
Customs: Not available.
Coast Guard: Not available.
Quarantine: Not available.
Harbour master: Not required to visit.
Berthing Mooring Options: Beppu Koukitahama Yacht Harbor.The only practical location found is the "Yacht Basin" a mixed use harbour on the edge of town. Tie up is med moor and the harbour is shallow, 2m at lows.
Anchorage Options: Anchorage may be secured outside the harbor but this is an open roadstead and it could be uncomfortable.
Yacht Club Facilities: Not available
Haulout Facilities: 5127-5 Kawasaki, Hiji-machi, Oita Ship Reparing Ltd. , Tel: +81-977-72-7181
Trades: Unknown
Websites: http://www.oitaplaza.jp/e/index.html
Japanese Small Ships Guide: H-804-W, www.jha.jp
Charts: Japanese: 1219, H150
Sailing Directions:
Water: There's a tap near the shed that houses the haulout winch. Jerry jugging.
Fuel: To fuel up you can either try the local fishermen's co operative or arrange with a service station to send a mini tanker to the quayside at no extra charge.
LPG: Available, however, non Japanese tanks are difficult to refill due to Government safety regulations. Ocassionally, some gas resellers will fill your tank, especially if it is a small family owned establishment.
Marine Vendors: Unknown. Worthy of notice, however, is that West Marine has a 1-800 number that can be used from anywhere in Japan for ordering.
ATMs: As always the most efficient way to get money from your overseas account in Japan is through the Post Office system of ATMs. There is an office located near the harbor
Shops & Markets: A multi storey shopping complex with supermarket is located within 5 minutes walking distance from the harbor on Route 10. Most of the retail stores are concentrated in Ekimae dori which leads up to beppu JR Station
Postal Services: There is a Japan Post office located on Route 10 within 10 minutes walking distance from the harbor (one in each direction)
Hotels & Restaurants: Beppu is dotted with hotels and guesthouses, especially around the onsen areas. Restaurants abound.
Internet/Phones: See "All about the Internet in Japan" on this Blog. International coin and card 'phones are available in the shopping centre.
Laundry Services: Unknown
Air/Sea/Road Transport: Several ferries operate to Honshu, Kitakyushu and Miyazaki. Nearby Oita has its own domestic airport and it takes 60 minutes by bus. Train services operate from here and the Shinkansen can be reached in 80 minutes by train. Bus and taxi services operate throughout the city with a bus depot on Route 10, just behind the harbor.
Special Notes: Tsurumi Hospital, 19 departments including internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery (400beds), 4333 Tsurumi Beppu City, (3 minutes by car)
Other Information: The "Ogiyama Fire Festival" where the side of Mt. Ohira is set alight, is spectacular and held at the beginning of April. Try the "fango treatment" which is a mud cosmetic treatment, and "town walk tours" which are guided by local people giving explanations of the town history and culture.
Disclaimer: The information made available herein is intended as purely a broad guideline for the intending cruising yachtsman. It is not intended as, nor should it be used for navigation. The authors accept no responsibility for its accuracy and therefore cannot be held liable for any consequences of its use.