Port Harbour or Marina: Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, Northern Kyushu
Latitude: 33 29.1825N
Longitude: 129 57.135E
Major Attractions: Karatsu's name is formed by the kanji "kara" (China), and "tsu" (port), and signifies its historical importance as a link between Japan and China. The graceful Karatsu Castle stands watch over this castle town. The city is famous for its Karatsu Kunchi festival, which runs annually from November 2 to November 4. The festival consists of 14 hikiyama (floats made of paper mache) being carried around the city's narrow streets to chants of "Enya! Enya" or "Yoisa!",
Nearest Port of Entry: Fukuoka
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 Required to visit. Fax: 0955-74-4322
Quarantine: Not available
Harbour master: Not required to visit.
Berthing Mooring Options: Unfortunately the marina, Saga Prefecture Yacht Harbour, (Tel: 0955-73-7041) is small and in a state of disrepair. The pontoons are generally only suitable for 10 metre vessels, but a larger yacht can be secured. The staff is most helpful. Free bicycles are available for visitors. The marina has hot showers, water and free laundry facilities. Rates are expensive considering the lack of services
Anchorage Options: Anchorage may be had outside the marina walls but the area is subject to swells and heavy passing traffic.
Yacht Club Facilities: Other than above there are no club facilities.
Haulout Facilities: No haulout.
Trades: A small engineering works attached to the marina can provide mechanical assistance. Elsewhere in the area there are several mechanical workshops that can repair most engines.
Websites: www.city.karatsu.lg.jp
Japanese Small Ships Guide: H808W
Charts: Japanese: W1229, W188, H-193W, BA: 3115, 3514, 359
Sailing Directions: BA Japan Pilot Vol. II
Water: In the marina by long hose that will be supplied from the office.
Fuel: To fuel up you can either go to 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: 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. There is an office located opposite Karatsu Train Station.
Shops & Markets: There are several supermarkets, bakeries and vegetable stores within biking distance of the marina. A small department store is open in town as well as several local craft shops.
Postal Services: There is a Japan Post office located opposite Karatsu Train Station.
Hotels & Restaurants: Several hotels at varying rates are available in the city, as well as a range of restaurants.
Internet/Phones: See "All about the Internet in Japan" on this Blog. International coin and card 'phones are available in the railway station. A local and international 'phone is available opposite near the tourist information center. There is a small internet facility in a photo copy shop opposite the Karatsu City Hall and a regular internet café above the bowling alley just outside of town.
Laundry Services: None found
Air/Sea/Road Transport: A local and international 'phone is available opposite near the tourist information center.
Special Notes: The main reason for making a stop here is to try and day sail across the top of Kyushu. It is highly discouraged to sail Japanese waters at night due to the density of fishing vessels and fish farms that cover the littoral coast.
Other Information: A well staffed hospital operates in town. There are general practitioners but it is unknown if they speak English. The prefectural capital of Saga can be reached by train from here. Some of Japan's finest ceramics are produced in the area.

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.