No One “Right” Way to Cruise Japan

It was sad to say good-bye to Tango 5, a Konpira Consulting client boat that recently departed from Yonabaru Marina, Okinawa, heading to the Philippines, after being in Japan for the past 8 months. During that time, she visited various places in Kyushu and the Seto Inland Sea, with the owner/guests flying in for a few weeks at a time to visit both famous and off-the-beaten-path sights and to enjoy Japanese cuisine. (Special thanks to Akiko Honma, our Okinawa employee, who supported Tango 5 and her captain/crew throughout their time in Japan, wherever they went.)

Tango 5 is the 12th client boat to leave Japan this year, with one more heading to Alaska from Hokkaido within the next few days. By contrast, last year only four of 16 client boats left Japan.

A few client boats are staying in Japan until next year, and one has been sold to another foreign sailor, who will leave the boat in Japan for at least a couple of years. A few new clients are expected to arrive in the second half of 2024, and 2025 is likely to be very busy.

Without exception, every client who comes to Japan loves it. Some are on big boats, some are on small boats. There are solo sailors, couples, families, and boats with crew. This year’s client boats fly eight different flags, with an even greater number of nationalities on board. But all rave about their time in Japan, especially citing the warm hospitality of the Japanese people.

It is fascinating to see the different cruising styles and the different ways that clients experience Japan. Some stop every night, spending one or two days in each location; others make long overnight passages and then spend a week or more in one place. Some seek to learn as much as they can about Japanese history and culture, others are really into Japanese food and drink, and some make voyage plans based on the location of onsen. There is no one "right" way to cruise Japan, but each cruiser leaves with great memories to last a lifetime.