Port Harbour or Marina: Ie Island, Okinawa Prefecture
Latitude: 26 42.25N
Longitude: 127 48.14E
Major Attractions: Located some twenty five miles from Ginowan Marina on Okinawa and 7 miles from the nearest part of Okinawa Jima is the little, rarely visited holiday island of Ie.
Nearest Port of Entry: Naha
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: Not available
Customs: Not available
Coast Guard: Not available
Quarantine: Not available
Harbour master: Not available
Berthing Mooring Options: There is a main port area consisting of three distinct harbors on the Southern side of the island, all interconnected. As you enter into Ie Port (Entrance beacon at approximately 26 42.25N 127 48.14E), you have the main ferry terminal dead ahead with a wall tie on your starboard side of the basin which yachts can use. This is, however, somewhat exposed to swells. Immediately to starboard of the main harbor's breakwater walls, you enter the fishing harbor of Gushi through a deep but narrow passage. This has within it several additional enclosed pens with alongside wall ties that provide absolute security from passing storms and provide refuge in times of typhoons. Water is available as is diesel from the fishermen's co-op. This fishing harbor has another entrance to its North East which is clearly marked by red and green markers and lights. Generally the harbor is for the exclusive use of the fishermen but a polite request at the fishermens' co-op usually results in permission being received to tie up for one to three days. If you turn to port after you've entered the main harbor you'll find the entrance to the private vessel harbor of Upuguchi where bow to wall and aft mooring ball ties are available. It is cramped and quite shallow.
Anchorage Options: None
Yacht Club Facilities: None
Haulout Facilities: None
Trades: None
Websites: www.iejima.org
Japanese Small Ships Guide: H812W
Charts: Japanese: 226, 227, BA: 2416, 2024
Sailing Directions: Japan Pilot, Vol.II
Water: Water can be jerry jugged from the fishermen's co-op.
Fuel: Diesel is available at the fishermen's co-op but it is of a low quality. Best to arrange with a service station in town to have a mini tanker come to quayside.
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: None
ATMs: As always the most efficient way to get money from your overseas account in Japan is through the Post Office system of ATMs.
Shops & Markets: The ferry terminal has a small convenience store, a cafeteria, toilets, bike hire and a taxi rank. Island services include two small supermarkets and several convenience storesPostal Services:
Hotels & Restaurants: There are a couple of tourist hotels and several guesthouses. There are a few restaurants including one at the YYY Resort.
Internet/Phones: See "All about the Internet in Japan" on this Blog. International coin and card 'phones are available in the village. International calls may be made from a pay phone located in the ferry terminal.
Laundry Services:
Air/Sea/Road Transport: A frequent ferry service operates to Unten Port on Okinawa. Rental bikes are available. Taxis operate on the island as well as a tour/transport bus. Air Dolphin operates a service to Naha.
Special Notes: A small hospital is on the island.
Ie island is the setting of a traditional Okinawan drama where a sad girl by the name of Hando-gwaa fell in love with a man named Kanahi, Ie-shima's headman. When Hando-gwaa learned that Kanahi had already wed she climbed up to Tacchu Mountain and hanged herself with her long black hair. You can find a statue of this woman in a garden that sits below Gusukuyama.
U.S. journalist Ernie Pyle died there during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. There is a monument dedicated to his memory on the southern part of the island. Every year on the weekend closest to his death, April 18th, there is a memorial service.
Other Information: The island is dotted with Japanese relics from World War II and many different examples of pre war rural Japanese architecture.
The United States military maintains a small 'auxiliary landing strip' on Ie, this airstrip is now a military training facility. The U.S. Marine Corps runs the training area. There is a detachment of usually less than 20 US Marines which operate the range.
Alternately called "Peanut Island," for its general shape and peanut crop, or "Flower Island," for its abundant flora and more sizeable crop. Ie draws tourists by ferry, especially during late April when the Ie Lily Festival begins.
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.