Port Harbour or Marina: Hirara Port, Miyako Shima, Miyako Retto. Okinawa Prefecture
Latitude: 24 49.90N
Longitude: 125 16.75E
Major Attractions: Stop en route to Okinawa Island. Miyakojima City Tropical Plant Garden
Nearest Port of Entry: Ishigaki or Naha, Okinawa
Formalities Arrival: Prior permission should have been sought from the Ministry of Lands to enter the harbor. On arrival call Coast Guard on VHF16. This is a closed port.
Formalities Departure: None
Immigration: Available but details unknown
Customs: Call Customs on Tel: 0980-72-2310
Coast Guard: Coast Guard 0980-72-2310
Quarantine: Not available
Harbour master: Not available
Berthing Mooring Options: This is a wharf tie up. You'll need good fenders against damage. Good protection from Easterlies and fair from other directions. Free mooring.
Anchorage Options: None
Yacht Club Facilities: None. Mr. Tomari who owns the dive centre, 24 North, is very helpful. Tel: 090-4777-8868
Haulout Facilities: Unknown
Trades: Unknown
Websites: www3.city.miyakojima.lg.jp/kankou-english/
Japanese Small Ships Guide: H-812-W
Charts: Japanese: 1203, 1281
Sailing Directions: BA: Japan Pilot, Vol.II
Water: No water at wharf but arrangements can be made nearby to jerry jug.
Fuel: A mini tanker may be arranged
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:
ATMs: As always the most efficient way to get money from your overseas account in Japan is through the Post Office system of ATMs. At intersection of the Bunkyōdōri (Bunkyō-Street) and Road 243 in Hirara. .
Shops & Markets: Few shops nearby.
Postal Services: At intersection of the Bunkyōdōri (Bunkyō-Street) and Road 243 in Hirara. .
Hotels & Restaurants: You will find a small selection of hotels, pensions, guesthouses and apartments at all price levels. Miyako has a rich choice of restaurants.
Internet/Phones: See "All about the Internet in Japan" on this Blog. Free internet is available at the ferry terminal. One location only. International coin and card 'phones are available in the ferry terminal.
Laundry Services: Unknown
Air/Sea/Road Transport: Ferries to other parts of Japan are available. There is an airport that connects with Okinawa. Several bus routes criss cross the island. A car is probably the easiest way to get around Miyako, as many beaches and sights are not easily reached by public transportation. You can either hire a cab or rent a car yourself.
Special Notes: Prefectural Clinic Miyako, Tel: 0980-72-3151, Hirara, Higashinakasone 807. Emergency Clinic Miyako, Tel: 0980-72-2008, Hirara, Higashinakasone 807-5
Other Information: Tourism Association Miyako 0980-73-1881
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.