Itsukushima
24 April 2009 | Hiroshima Wan, Hiroshima Prefecture
Mauro
Port Harbour or Marina: Itsukushima, Hiroshima Wan, Hiroshima Prefecture
Latitude: 34 18.30N
Longitude: 132 19.30E
Major Attractions: Good location for visiting the torii arch at Miyajima
Nearest Port of Entry: Hiroshima.
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: Available. It is unlikely that you'll receive a visit here but in Japan they are mostly professional and polite.
Quarantine: Not available
Harbour master: Not available
Berthing Mooring Options: Alongside tie at the ferry terminal. The place is rolly. 100 yen per night.
Anchorage Options: None
Yacht Club Facilities: None
Haulout Facilities: Unknown
Trades: None
Websites: http://www.miyajima-wch.jp/en/
Japanese Small Ships Guide: H804W
Charts: Japanese: 113, H148; BA 3602
Sailing Directions: BA: Japan Pilot, Vol. II
Water: Unknown
Fuel: Arrange for a mini tanker with a local service station.
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 place is awash with souvenir stores. Amongst them they even have a few food stores.
Postal Services: You'll find it across from the world's biggest rice scoop, in town.
Hotels & Restaurants: Bennten no Yado Itsukushima, Email: info@bentennoyado.com Address: 634 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima, 739-0515 Fax: (0829) 44-2129
There are many little restaurants in the shopping streets near the shrine. As a rule of thumb, anything out by the seafront in the restored classical houses will be expensive, while the simpler eateries in the streets will be cheaper.
Internet/Phones: See "All about the Internet in Japan" on this Blog. International coin and card 'phones are available in
Laundry Services: At Benten no Yado Itsukushima
Air/Sea/Road Transport: Miyajima is small enough to walk, and the sights are very well sign-posted in English. A Miyajima free pass at ¥2000 includes unlimited travel on the ropeway, the ferry, and the Hiroshima street car for two days, so it is cheaper even if you only plan on taking the ferry and the ropeway.
Special Notes: Tame deer amble around the island, harassing tourists for food.
Other Information: The island of Itsukushima, has been a holy place of Shintoism since the earliest times. The first shrine buildings here were probably erected in the 6th century. The present shrine dates from the 12th century and the harmoniously arranged buildings reveal great artistic and technical skill.
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.