Port Harbour or Marina: Suntopia Marina, Sumoto Harbour, Awaji Island, Hyogo
Latitude: 34 19.7983'N
Longitude: 134 54.8471E
Major Attractions: From here one can go and visit the Naruto Whirlpools under the O Naruto Bridge that connects to Shikoku.
Nearest Port of Entry: Wakayama
Formalities Arrival: Check in with the harbourmaster who will arrange for any of the necessary authorities to visit.
Formalities Departure: Advise Customs of next port of call.
Immigration: Not available
Customs: Will visit at marina. Office will arrange.
Coast Guard: Not available
Quarantine: Not available
Harbour master: He will come and visit you on arrival at the visitor's dock.
Berthing Mooring Options: The entrance into this marina is very tight, with an immediate turn to port just inside the entrance. The visitors dock is just inside the breakwater. The Suntopia Marina is in front of a huge hotel. Traditional old Shigeru Kou 656-0023 Hyogo office@suntopiamarina. Tel:0799-24-0401, Fax:0799-24-4591. One day free (might be extended depending on how busy the marina is).
Anchorage Options: None
Yacht Club Facilities: Showers, toilets and ;phones are available
Haulout Facilities: A rail haul out capable of up to 20 tons is available.
Trades: Fibreglass and mechanical repairs on site.
Websites: www.suntopiamarina.jp/, http://www.awaji-navi.jp/en/
Japanese Small Ships Guide: H803W
Charts: Japanese-W1149, W1143, H137W.
Sailing Directions: Japan Pilot Vol.III
Water: At the berth
Fuel: Available at marina
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. Ask the marina manager for assistance.
Marine Vendors: The marina office has a limited range of cordage and accessories for yachts.
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 nearest Japan Post office is on the approach road to Sumoto City.
Shops & Markets: Sumoto city is a short taxi ride away from the marina. Here you'll find a large array of shops, supermarkets and excellent bakeries.
Postal Services: The nearest Japan Post office is on the approach road to Sumoto City.
Hotels & Restaurants: The hotel at the marina is a resort style. En route to Sumoto city and within there are hotels and restaurant to suit most palates and pockets.
Internet/Phones: See "All about the Internet in Japan" on this Blog. International coin and card 'phones are available in the hotel. Internet at Went Awaji Higashikaigan. 1990-1, Aigacho Heianura, Sumoto-city, Hyogo, Open 24hrs
Laundry Services: The hotel offers a laundry service but it is expensive.
Air/Sea/Road Transport: A ferry connects directly to Kansai International Airport from Sumoto. Bus services connect both Kobe and Shikoku through Sumoto City.
Special Notes: The whirlpools in the Naruto Channel (between Awaji and Shikoku) are a famous sightseeing spot in Japan. The change in the level betweenthe Seto Naikai and the Pacific Ocean create whirlpools when the tide changes. The diameter of the largest whirlpool is about 30 meters.
Other Information: Awaji is connected with the mainla nd (Honshu) by the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the largest suspension bridge in the world. At the southern end the Oonaruto Bridge links Awaji to Shikoku. The Nojima Fault was formed at the time of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake as this area was the seismic center.

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.