Tosashimizu, Japan
10 May 2009 | Kochi Prefecture, Shikoku
Mauro
Port Harbour or Marina: Tosashimizu, Kochi Prefecture
Latitude: 32 46.762'N
Longitude: 132 57.432'E
Major Attractions: This is a rest stop that will allow you to day sail towards Kyushu if you're travelling West. For Japanese pilgrims on the tour of the 88 shrines, this is a welcome rest stop.
Nearest Port of Entry: Kochi
Formalities Arrival: Call Coast Guard on VHF 16. If no reply call on VHF 12
Formalities Departure: Advise Coast Guard of your next port of call.
Immigration: Not available
Customs: Not available
Coast Guard: Call Coast Guard on VHF 16. If no reply call on VHF 12. They will come and visit and request that you do paperwork - a lot of it.
Quarantine: Not available
Harbour master: Not required to visit
Berthing Mooring Options: If you continue on to the Motomachi end of the harbour, after entering through the leads, you'll find a wall tie (bollards) at the very end past the fishermen's wharf on your port side.
Anchorage Options: None. The harbour is too busy and the local fishermen's co-op is said to have moved on anyone who tried.
Yacht Club Facilities: None, however a sento (public bath house) is located near the port.
Haulout Facilities: Unknown
Trades: Unknown
Websites: http://www.city.tosashimizu.kochi.jp/index.html
Japanese Small Ships Guide: H802W
Charts: W1268
Sailing Directions:
Water: Can be jerry jugged across from the hardware store, or sometimes there is a long enough hose to reach the boat. Beware of speeding cars!!
Fuel: Arrange with any of the local service stations to send a minitanker.
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. Had the local Maruman gas delivery van pick up, fill and deliver our Japanese tank at quayside.
Marine Vendors: The hardware store across the road from the wharf has some good marine products.
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: There are several supermarkets in town. The most convenient ones are on the street parallel to the wharf, Ashizuri Sunny Road.
Postal Services:
Hotels & Restaurants: There are several hotels, inns, ryokan and private homes that provide accommodation. A large choice of eating places.
Internet/Phones: See "All about the Internet in Japan" on this Blog. International coin and card 'phones are available in
Laundry Services:
Air/Sea/Road Transport: A bus will take you from here to Uwajima that will then connect you with the rest of Japan's rail network.
Special Notes: Eighty-five percent of Tosashimizu consists of mountains and forests and the Ashizuri Cape area which is the center of the Ashizuri-UwaSea national Park and has an abundance of natural subtropical forests. The deep blue ocean is rich with the warm Black Current, blue sky and towering precipices. There is also a sawtooth coastline and the first underwater observatory in Tatsukushi.
Other Information: Located at the southernmost end of Shikoku, Tosashimizu is a city with many dynamic scenic coastal areas. At Cape Ashizuri, a precipitous cape jutting out into the sea, you can enjoy scenery that indeed is dynamic. The Hakusan Domon, a rock cave with a huge gaping mouth, is another place of interest in this area. There is also the Ashizuri Hot Spring resort near the cape.
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.