Can A Sailboat Get To Japan?
Sailors often question if a sailing trip to Japan is worth it—or even possible. As it turns out, Japan and California have a coastline along the massive Pacific Ocean, albeit on opposite sides of it. Sailing from California to Japan is an extensive journey, but it's well within the realm of possibility if you have the right boat and the right amount of experience.
Many sailboats have made the trip from California to Japan and even further to other nations such as Australia. There are many places to stop along the way, as the route between the continental US and the Japanese islands is dotted with small atolls and island chains. As a result, you don't have to store supplies for the entire journey if you want to stop along the way.
How Far Is California From Japan?
A single, non-stop sailing trip from California to Japan is about 5,150 miles. This is a considerable distance for a sailboat to travel and will likely take a month or two to achieve. Assuming your sailboat travels at 7 knots, it'll take around 30 days. This doesn't take into account stops and variations in wind speed, so it's best to expect a 45-day trip or longer.
Hull speed is a major factor to consider when choosing a boat for this long journey. A knot or two in average speed variation can add several days to the length of the trip, which can spell trouble if you only planned enough food and water for the shorter journey. Always prepare and provision for 25% to 50% longer than you expect to spend on the water.
Do You Need A Passport To Sail To Japan?
Yes, you'll need a passport to sail to Japan. You'll also need to get in touch with a local marina in your destination area. The marina staff can help you set up a meeting with local customs and immigration services.
Because you are arriving on your own vessel, you'll need to fill out special declaration paperwork and may be subject to an inspection. Additionally, you'll likely be limited in how long you can stay in the country.
The laws in Japan are different from the United States, and while in Japan, you and your vessel are subject to the laws of the land. Some items that are legal in the United States and in California are not in Japan, so be sure to research what you can and can't have aboard before departing. The same is true in all of the island nations and destinations along the way, except Hawaii.
Provisioning For Sailing To Japan
The absolute minimum amount of provisions you need should span a month, though it's always wise to prepare for a much longer journey. Here is a basic list of items to stock in adequate supply, along with some optional items that can make your trip safer and more comfortable.
- Dry non-perishable foods
- Fresh drinking water
- USCG supplies (flares, life jackets, fire extinguisher)
- Charts
- Flashlights and batteries
- Spare lines
- Fiberglass patch kit
- Sail patch kit
- Extra fuel
- Extra oil
- Fuel, water, and oil filters
- Fuses
- Bulbs
- GPS
- Satellite phone (for communication and internet access)
- Spare engine parts
- Life raft, survival kit, and a locator beacon
- Medical supplies
- Soap and toiletries
- Reading material (because it's a long journey)
Before embarking on your sailing trip from California to Japan, find a trustworthy friend or relative to check in with along the way. Report your position to them twice a day every day, and instruct them to call authorities if they don't hear from you in a day or so. This means your contact on shore is never more than half a day or so away from your last-known position.
Sailing Route From California To Japan
Japan offers some of the most unique and remote sailing destinations in the entire world. However, it's a long way from the continental United States and one of the longest sailing journeys you can make without going through the Panama Canal. Here's an outline of how that journey may look, along with where to stop for supplies and rest along the way.
Pacific Ocean Sailing Hazards And Conditions
The pacific ocean is known for its vastness and warm temperatures. Unlike the Atlantic, you're not likely to encounter freezing Gaels or weeks of inhospitable and stormy conditions. However, there are a few times a year when the Pacific Ocean can get hazardous, namely during typhoon season.
The Pacific typhoon season varies between locations but usually runs between April and December. Typhoons are hazardous because they are hurricane-type storms with huge waves and wind. These tropical cyclones can cause extreme conditions and hurricane-force winds that span hundreds of miles, and they should be avoided at all costs.
Typhoons, like hurricanes, are extremely dangerous but highly predictable. Modern meteorological instruments and methodologies make it possible to see typhoons many days before they bear down, and most sellers can avoid them without trouble as long as they plan wisely and monitor storm reports.
Navigation
Precise navigation and adequate experience are key to a successful long-distance voyage. A simple mistake on a chart can leave you miles off course, especially if you don't have a high-quality GPS aboard. Additionally, a GPS should never be a replacement for a traditional chart. Always mark your position at least twice a day on a paper chart while using a GPS. It's also helpful to learn traditional navigation tools in case your GPS fails.
Islands Between California And Japan
Some of the best experiences on Pacific sailing voyages happen along the way, as Pacific islands have some of the best scenery and culture around. There are several popular stops along this route, and most major islands have full-service marinas and supply distributors for food, water, and parts.
Hawaiian Islands
The first and most popular destination along the way is Hawaii. This island state requires no passport for Americans and is home to some of the world's best resorts and marinas. Additionally, virtually any repair can be performed on a sailboat at one of the state's many boatyards.
Hawaii is a great destination because it's roughly halfway to Japan. From the California coast, the closest Hawaiian Island is about 2500 nautical miles away. The waterways between Hawaii and the mainland are well-traveled and relatively safe, as typhoons never occur in this area. Additionally, you can take advantage of reliable westerly trade winds, which stall out just before the islands.
There's a wealth of knowledge and experience about the trip from California to Hawaii. Thanks to reliable trade winds, many sailors simply pole out the jib and keep the course straight.
Islands of Micronesia
When sailing to Japan, you'll pass briefly through Polynesia en route to Hawaii. After a few days of travel, you'll enter a region of the Pacific known as Micronesia. This region is more prone to typhoons than the northern part of Polynesia, but it's also home to several safe harbors.
There are many islands in Micronesia. Some of the most popular destinations for sailors are the Marshall Islands (the closest to Hawaii) and the Mariana Islands. These small island nations are home to marinas and supply depots, along with some beautiful coral reefs to explore. Stopping first at Marshall and then at Mariana breaks up the trip nicely—and Japan is the next land destination.
Preparing Your Sailboat To Sail From California To Japan
Preparing your boat is one of the longest processes you'll undertake before your trip. The vessel will be your home for up to two months (or more) and should be in excellent mechanical and physical condition before departure. Always change your engine oil and stock extra, along with spare parts such as belts and filters.
Additionally, take some time to check your plumbing and electrical systems. Make sure your lights work and keep extra bulbs, fuses, and hoses on board. Clean your fuel tank and freshwater tank, and have the black water pumped before departure. You won't need to use the black water tank once you're far enough out to sea, but you will when approaching ports.
Inspect your standing rigging and stays, and replace any aged or worn lines. This is essential, as a broken stay can spell disaster at sea. Additionally, repair any cracked or suspicious fiberglass while in your home port—it's easier and cheaper at home. We also recommend replacing your electric bilge pumps, as these can fail under heavy use.
How To Choose A Sailboat
If you're set on sailing to Japan, but you don't have a boat, here are a few considerations. Most monohull sailboats 40-feet and longer can safely make this journey, provided they're designed for bluewater sailing. Alternatively, a catamaran or trimaran can increase the comfort and speed of your journey, sometimes cutting the arrival time in half.
A large monohull, ranging from 40 to 50 feet in length, can be acquired for between $20,000 and $60,000 in turn-key condition. Smaller monohulls, in the 30 to 35-foot range, have made the journey before and usually cost a lot less. Catamarans are universally expensive and will cost several times more than a suitable monohull.
The main things to consider when choosing a sailboat are seaworthiness, accommodations, and condition. The best boat for you may be totally different from the typical blue water cruiser. As long as your boat is safe, reasonably large, comfortable, and has enough room for provisions, it can be used to sail from California to Japan.
