Port Harbour or Marina: Koniya Ko, Amami O Shima, Kagoshima Prefecture
Latitude: 28 08.66N
Longitude: 129 18.81E
Major Attractions: The sea around the islands, designated as Amami-Gunto Quasi-National Park, is known as a great diving spot. There are literally dozens of tiny ports and anchorages suitable for shelter from virtually any point that the wind might decide to blow.
Nearest Port of Entry: Amami (a.k.a. Naze)
Formalities Arrival: Prior permission should have been sought from the Ministry of Lands to enter the harbor. On arrival call Coast Guard on VHF16 it is likely that your call will be unanswered, but you'll receive a call from Kasai san. He will assist you. No charge. This is a closed port.
Formalities Departure: None
Immigration: None
Customs: None
Coast Guard: Not Required to visit but you will probably receive a visit from them.
Quarantine: None
Harbour master: None
Berthing Mooring Options: There are three distinct enclosed harbors here. The Eastern most is the mixed fishermen's and dive boat harbor with a small spur on the port side that has the visitors' tie up. The middle one is exclusively for fishermen and the Western most is the ferry terminal and a mixture of other service vessels. Large ships tie up to quays on the outside walls of these harbors. We were directed to an alongside tie to a visitors' wharf immediately to port as you enter the Eastern most harbor where we found good ropes and chains already set up on the bollards. A second alternative is beside the ferry terminal opposite the ablutions block. This is very central but often occupied by visiting fishing vessels.
Anchorage Options: Anchorage is not possible in this restricted harbour.
Yacht Club Facilities: None
Haulout Facilities: There are a couple of rail haulout facilities capable of lifting 25 tons but it is unlikely that they have the expertise to handle a yacht.
Trades: Repair work including fiberglass, steel welding and general repairs can be arranged through Yumemaru Boat Yard, Mr. Yasuo Kasai, (Kasai-san) at 34 Funatu Setouchi Cho Koniya 894-1506 Tel: 090 4778 1867 Fax: 0997 72 2761. A Yanmar Marine repair centre is next door.
Websites: Web : http://www.amami.or.jp
Japanese Small Ships Guide: H809W
Charts: Japanese: 225, 230, BA: 2024, 3229
Sailing Directions: Japan Pilot Vol.II
Water: It is difficult to access water here. Water can be found on the side of the building that looks like a concrete block right on the waterfront near the tie up wall. Alternatively ask Kasai-san to arrange.
Fuel: Fuel can be taken on at dockside by arrangement using the Eneos mini fuel tankers (depot just two minutes walk from the wall tie).
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: There are several boat equipment shops surrounding the port. They supply mostly fishing gear but also have some items useful to yachtsmen.
ATMs: As always the most efficient way to get money from your overseas account in Japan is through the Post Office system of ATMs. The Post Office, with its international ATM facility, is in town.
Shops & Markets: The township has several supermarkets and many convenience stores including a good bakery inside the "Everyone" supermarket, close to the ferry terminal.
Postal Services: The Post Office, with its international ATM facility, is in town.
Hotels & Restaurants: There are several budget hotels in the town. Whilst we saw a few restaurants, none were tried.
Internet/Phones: See "All about the Internet in Japan" on this Blog. International coin and card 'phones are available in the ferry terminal. No wifi. Internet is available at the Public Library (toshokan), both at the computer station or you can plug in your own laptop. Photocopying and faxing facilities are also available here for a small fee. To get there walk along the waterfront around the fishermen's harbor then go along one street from the waterfront for five minutes and look for a large building with pyramid green roof opposite to the police HQ and next to the fire station. Internet is also available at the Community hall next to Kasai-san's workshop but it is excruciatingly slow.
Laundry Services: None found.
Air/Sea/Road Transport: There are ferries that operate around the Amami group, to Okinawa and up to Kagoshima. A small airport services the area from Naze city. Buses opearte throughout the island.
Special Notes: Japan Coast Guard office is located opposite the central fishermen's' harbor, (look for the JCG logo on top of a three storey grey building facing the Oshima Kaykio). They will assist with weatherinformation. Setouchi Town Trade, Fishery and Tourist Section Tel: 0997-72-1111
Setouchi Town Tourism Association Tel: 0997-72-4567
Other Information: If you get an opportunity, or if someone offers you a lift, try to take a trip to the onsen at Sebiyou Village. Super modern facility and an interesting experience if you don't mind public bathing. On the way to the onsen you'll see the "Virgin Mangrove Forest" where many tourists go kayaking. Worth visiting is the local museum which is located above the Public Library. It has a permanent display of local items showing the cultural diversity of the area. The local dive tour operators will arrange for dives in the surrounding district and islands although the scuttlebutt is that the waters in this region are very cold.From Konyia you can take the bus to Naze which takes about takes about 90 minutes.

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.