How to Cruise Japan: Fabulous but Different
In part two of our interview with experienced sailor Francis Hawkings, we delve deeper into his recommendations for anyone interested in cruising or sailing in Japan. A seasoned sailor with a wealth of knowledge, he shares valuable insights on everything from anchoring and fenders to charting software and the mysterious aspects of Japanese culture.
The Unique Experience of Cruising in Japan
Francis starts by explaining why Japan is a fabulous but different cruising destination compared to other places he’s visited. One major difference is the preference for docking in harbors rather than anchoring out, which may seem surprising at first. He mentions that this practice is due to factors like aquaculture and underwater obstacles that make certain bays unsuitable for anchoring.
The Importance of Mindset Adjustment
Another crucial aspect Francis highlights is the need to adjust your mindset when cruising in Japan. Embracing a more organized approach, such as making reservations for marinas or pontoons and planning your ETA (estimated time of arrival), will make your journey smoother. He emphasizes that taking your time and adapting to local customs can transform a challenging experience into an enriching one.
The Role of Big Fenders
A essential item for cruising in Japan, according to Francis, are big fenders. The rugged shoreline and seawalls can put a lot of pressure on your boat when docking, making oversized fenders crucial for protecting your vessel.
Mastery of Local Charting Software
NewEx SM, a local Japanese charting software program, proves to be invaluable for navigating the waters around Japan. Although it’s in Japanese, Francis insists that mastering this tool is worth the effort as it provides better detail and accuracy compared to other popular programs like Navionic or CMAP.
The Pleasures of Exploring Small Places
Don’t rush through your journey in Japan – take the time to explore smaller, hidden gems that make this country so unique. Francis recommends immersing yourself in the local culture and customs to truly appreciate the richness of the Japanese experience.
Navigating Mysterious Situations
Sailing in Japan can lead to some perplexing situations that may seem illogical or contradictory. Francis shares a personal anecdote about how two fishermen initially asked them to leave, but later welcomed them for a party aboard their boat. These mysterious interactions may happen behind the scenes, but trust that they often lead to positive outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Cruising in Japan is unique and requires an adjusted mindset compared to other destinations.
- Anchoring is less common, and harbors are often a more popular choice for docking.
- Bigger fenders are essential for protecting your boat from rugged shoreline and seawalls.
- Local charting software like NewEx SM offers better detail and accuracy when navigating the waters around Japan.
- Taking your time to explore small places and immerse yourself in local culture makes for a more enriching experience.
- Mysterious situations may arise, but trust that they often lead to positive outcomes with an open mindset.
Embark on Your Japanese Sailing Adventure
If you’re considering a sailing adventure in Japan, this interview offers valuable insights and recommendations to help guide your journey. By embracing the unique culture, preparing for potential challenges, and trusting in mysterious circumstances, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy all that this fantastic cruising destination has to offer.
Don’t miss part one of Francis Hawkings’ interview about his solo sale journey from Hawaii to Japan and other exciting sailing adventures. And remember, it’s never too late to embark on your own Pacific Solo voyage.
Support Japan Solo
At WeBoating.com, we profoundly acknowledge the unwavering dedication that Japan Solo invests in crafting each and every video or voyage. Their passion for delivering exceptional ocean content shines through every frame, and it's a labor of love that deserves your attention.
We invite you to watch their captivating videos here and actively engage with their content, including their social media links above. Liking, commenting, and sharing their work goes a long way in fueling their creative fire.
We're also inviting you to explore the gear, sponsorships, and boat partnerships highlighted in the "How to Cruise Japan: Fabulous but Different" video description, or directly on YouTube. By engaging with these offerings or purchasing services and items, you directly support Japan Solo, their collaborators, and the brands they're associated with.
To ensure you never miss an offshore update, consider visiting their official YouTube Channel to subscribe, like, and join their community directly.
If you have any feedback, corrections, or additional information about Japan Solo or their videos, please use the comment form below to share your thoughts with us.
Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting the creators we cherish. Your time and support truly matter!
Welcome to Part 2 of my interview with the seasoned gentleman sailor Francis Hawkings aboard his sailboat, PlainSong. In part one, we explored Francis's sailing adventures around the world and his eventful journey to Japan. In this segment, Francis shares invaluable tips and recommendations for those interested in sailing Japanese waters.
While meeting various cruisers in Japan, I've learned something unique from each of them. Francis brings a particularly rich and informed perspective to the table. One aspect that stands out about Francis is his respectful and meaningful interaction with local communities and their culture. He embodies the spirit of an ambassador for the cruising world, especially in Japanese ports and communities that are often cautious of foreigners and may see us as an `inconvenience` whilst wearing a smile and maintaining a cordial, even warm, conversation.
In this interview, Francis offers a wealth of practical advice and mindset tips for incoming cruisers. His insights are invaluable for anyone looking to navigate and enjoy the unique experience of sailing in Japan.
Tune in and benefit from Francis's expertise!
Are you a Never-Too-Later? Check out https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/
The drone shot is thanks to @SailingRamona
As always, thanks to my Patrons and Sponsors
Japan Solo
Lowell Sheppard: The 71-year-old 'Never Too Later' who traded life in Tokyo for a solo odyssey, transitioning from Pacific ambitions to the Japan Solo longevity project.
Channel Information:
Social Media Links:
Latest Episodes from Japan Solo
Explore the most recent voyages. Subscribe to the channel to never miss an update!
From Pacific Solo to the Turtle Highway #expedition #oceanlife #research
No talking. Only music, memories and a final farewell and wishing Fair Winds At sunset, I watched Wahine from the shoreline one last time. Later, following Japanese maritime custom, we burned the charms and sacred items marine shrines had given her over the years—honoring her former name and life w...
Back to the Boat: It’s never too late to keep variety in your life
Leg two of my Top 10 and Bottom Three longevity expedition is complete. Back in Buren Bay, the focus now turns to Wahine 8—and helping Mitsu prepare her for next year’s Pacific crossing along the Turtle Highway from Japan to Mexico. Today’s jobs: tow her across Uken Inlet, tackle a fuel-line proble...
Is this the easiest workout for long life? #longevity #japan #wellness
Meet Chiharu. She's 91, full of life, and leading Radio Taiso in a Tokyo park. Family, friends and passing strangers join in. No invitations needed. Just a little morning exercise and the Art of Community in action. Chiharu joined Stuart Spencer of AIA and me for a day of filming about longev...
The Japanese Prayer for a long vibrant life and a Quick End
Nagano is stop three of Leg Two of my Top Ten and Bottom Three journey, guided by the True Longevity Index (TLI)™. Here, decades of public-health policy meet something much more personal: Pin-Koro—a prayer to live long, live well, and when the time comes, go quickly. Nagano is now known as a longevi...
The Unexpected power of Yamanashi’s Deep-Earth Water 🌍 #japan #health #longevity
Yamanashi is one of the 13 prefectures I am visiting this autumn on my Top Ten and Bottom Three journey, guided by my True Longevity Index (TLI)™. The TLI tells me where to go. Once I arrive, I read, watch, listen and follow the clues. Here, one of those clues is water. Yamanashi treasures the soft,...