Cruiser Notes: Marinoa Marina, Fukuoka
22 May 2015 | Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan
Jim
There are two marinas in Fukuoka where both Japanese and foreign cruisers are welcome. These are Fukuoka City Marina or "Odo" and Marinoa. As mentioned in a previous posting, we chose Marinoa because it has a better reputation for protection in the event of bad weather, particularly anything with strong NW winds. We have been at Marinoa for twelve days and have noticed that Japanese sailors prefer it to Odo for that reason. In addition, Marinoa boat yard has an excellent reputation. As long as you stay less than ten days, there is no cost advantage either way. However, for longer stays, there is no question that Odo is the more cost effective option. Monthly, Odo will cost roughly 50,000 yen while Marinoa will cost 120,000 yen. Daily rates are similar. Marinoa has excellent wifi and comfortable surroundings in their office for computer work or reading. There are several showers so you never have to wait, however, they turn the hot water off at night. There are several reasonably priced restaurants a few minutes walk away and even outlet stores (not to mention the golden arches and Starbucks). We notified the marina by email (front@marinoa.co.jp) that we would be arriving and they took the time to respond. When we arrived, no one came out to show us where to berth so we moored in front of the office (the baby blue building) where the fuel berth is (140 yen per liter but no need to jerry can). After checking in and paying in advance, they directed us to moor further out on the same pontoon. I protested that the berth was exposed to wind and swell that would blow through the entrance given the typhoon that was expected and they allowed us to moor along a pontoon near the travel lift. This was much more secure and better maintained and it is here we have stayed. It is about a twenty minute walk to the main subway station at Meinohama (no difference from Odo) and it is a fifteen minute walk to the supermarket (less than ten from Odo). Marinoa is well maintained with the exception of the visitors pontoon which has missing rubber coamings along the edges of the pontoon, some dangling into the water, and some of the decking is suffering from dry rot and needs to be replaced. This gives the marina a shabby first impression but otherwise, it is a fine place to moor for a short stay. The staff are friendly and helpful but since this is a marina that is not frequented by foreigners, English is not spoken. For cruisers seeking permission to stop at open ports either on the west coast of Honshu or within the Inland Sea, take the subway to Hakata (the main rail hub), take the east exit, walk over to the Hakata Miyako hotel keeping it on your right. You then walk about 200 meters along the slightly curving road to the Fukuoka Prefecture Government building (gray, the first of two government buildings you come to). Enter and ask security for the Ministry of Land and you will be directed to floor 8. Upon exiting the lift, the maritime division is on the left. The folks I dealt with were friendly and efficient and as it turned out, the same folks that sent permission down to Okinawa for our sail up from there. We had time on our hands so I cannot comment on how quickly they could respond if you are in a hurry. One note: Watch out for Golden Week national holidays. Little gets done during this time as many Government offices virtually close. This year that was from April 29 through the first week in May.xxx