Between Japan and California is the Pacific ocean. However, with just a sailboat, the distance becomes closer than people normally think. Here is how to cruise from California to Japan.
The distance between California and JapanYou is 5,150 nautical miles. So, it will take from 30 to 60 days if you keep sailing.
It is fine to have a break in Hawaii, as the halfway point. You can also stop in either Marshall or Marianas, which is near Japan.
This article will provide all the major steps for taking the sailboat from the coastline of California to the Japanese mainland.
The information on this page is reliable sources, consisting of the idea of the sailors who have done the voyage themselves.
Can Sailboats Come To Japan?
Can Sailboats Come To Japan?
Do you wonder if a sailing trip from California to Japan is worth it? Certainly. The fun fact is that both Japan and California possess a coast along the enormous Pacific Ocean. However, they are on opposite sides of the ocean.
To sail from California to Japan is a broad journey. Yet, it is possible to do it if you can prepare the proper sailboat and have sufficient experience.
A lot of sailboats have carried out the boat trip from California to Japan. They can even go further to many other countries like Australia.
Plenty of destinations are available to have a break along the way. The way between California and Japan has a few beautiful atolls and some islands.
As a consequence, it is not necessary to reserve supplies for the entire trip if you intend to have a break along the way.
How Long Is The Distance Between California And Japan?
How Long Is The Distance Between California And Japan?
One constant sailing journey from California to Japan is roughly 5,150 miles. It is an extensive distance for one sailboat to cruise. It will possibly take one or two months to complete the trip.
You can assume that the sailboat will travel at 7 knots; it will take approximately 30 days. This calculation does not consist of stop points and variations in climate, speed. It will be better to anticipate a 45-day journey or even longer.
The hull speed of the sailboat is one main factor that can have a huge impact on this long trip. One or two knots in average speed difference can increase many days to the time of the voyage.
It is likely to trigger many troubles if you only prepare enough supplies for the shorter trip. Keep in mind to always plan and provision for up to 25% or 50% longer time than you anticipate spending on the ocean.
Is A Passport Necessary To Sail From California To Japan?
Is A Passport Necessary To Sail From California To Japan?
A passport is essential to sail from California to Japan. You will also have to make contact with some local marinas in the destination area. Marina staff will help you get familiar with the local custom and the immigration service.
As you are traveling on your own boat, it is necessary to fill out some declaration paperwork. You may also undergo an inspection. In addition, you will likely suffer from a restriction in the time you can stop in the nation.
Japanese laws differ from the United States. Also, when you are in Japan, you along with your boat are under the laws of the Japanese mainland.
A few items are legally accepted in the United States as well as in California but not in Japan. Therefore, you need to discover what things you can and cannot carry with you before the vessel departs.
You should also apply this tip to all of the countries and destinations along the way, excluding Hawaii.
Preparation For Sailing From California To Japan
Preparation For Sailing From California To Japan
The minimum amount of supplies you have to prepare should extend a month. It is even wiser to plan one much longer trip.
The following is a simple list of essential items to store with a sufficient supply. It also includes a few additional items that can help your journey get much safer and more relaxing.
- Dried non-perishable foods
- Fresh potable water
- USCG supply (a flare, a life jacket, a fire extinguisher)
- Paper charts
- Flashlight and battery
- Spare lines
- Fiberglass boat repair kit
- Sail repair kit
- Additional fuel
- Additional oil
- A filter of fuel, water, and oil
- Fuse
- Bulb
- GPS
- Satellite phones (to communicate and access the internet)
- Spare engine elements
- Life rafts, survival kits, and locator beacons
- Medical tools
- Soap and toiletries
- Books or something like that (as it is a long trip)
Before you embark on one sailing voyage to Japan, you should find a reliable friend or relative to verify your location along the way.
You can inform them of your location one or two times a day. It is also important to guide them to report to authorities if they do not receive any information from you in one day or so. In other words, your contact on the land must not be half a day or longer from your last-reported position.
Sailing Way From California To Japan
Japan will offer a few special and remote sailing destinations across the world. Still, it is a long trip from California. It is also one of the longest boating trips you can plan without stopping in the Panama Canal.
We will offer the instructions of how your trip can look, as well as destinations to have a break for food and water along the way.
Pacific Ocean Sailing Risks And Requirements
Pacific Ocean Sailing Risks And Requirements
The Pacific Ocean is famous for its immensity and warm climate.
Not similar to the Atlantic, it is unlikely to bump into freezing Gaels. Also, there is no chance for inhospitable weather followed by stormy conditions.
However, there are some cases in a year when the Pacific Ocean will become dangerous. It is during the typhoon season.
The Pacific typhoon season can vary between positions. But it usually happens from April to December.
Typhoons are dangerous since they are storms accompanied by huge waves, strong winds, and hurricanes.
This tropical cyclone can trigger severe conditions with strong winds that can expand a hundred miles. To any sailor, they should avoid it at all costs.
Typhoons, similar to hurricanes, are intensely threatening, but they can be predictable.
Advanced weather instruments and methodologies will help sailors see typhoons several days before bearing down.
Almost all sailors can avoid these typhoons without difficulties as long as they can make a wise plan and keep an eye on storm reports.
Navigation
Accurate navigation and sufficient experience are key points for a successful long trip. Just one basic mistake on a chart will make you miles off course, especially if you do not possess a good-quality GPS aboard.
In addition, you should not use a GPS as a substitute for the traditional chart.
Keep marking your location at least two times a day on this paper chart when you use the GPS. It is also useful to know traditional-style navigation instruments if your GPS can fail.
Islands Along The Route From California To Japan
One of the most wonderful experiences on a Pacific sailing voyage is visiting the islands. The reason is that Pacific islands feature plenty of the best sceneries and cultures around.
There are a variety of famous stop destinations along this way. Furthermore, almost all major islands are available with marinas featuring full services.
They even have many supply distributors so that you can stock food, water, and sailboat parts.
Hawaiian Islands
The most well-known island along the route is Hawaii. This destination does not require a passport for any American.
It also builds up some of the top-notch resorts and marinas. In addition, almost any fixing can happen on a sailboat at one boatyard.
Hawaii is a wonderful place as it is about halfway to the Japanese mainland. From the California coastline, Hawaiian Island is the nearest island roughly 2500 nautical miles away.
The route between Hawaii and Japan is nice and considered safe for traveling because typhoons never happen in this waterway.
Moreover, you can make use of trustworthy westerly trade winds. These winds will occur just before the island.
Information and experience are abundant about the route from the continental US to Hawaii. With the great help of trustworthy trade winds, many sailors just start the voyage and maintain the course on a straight line.
Islands of Micronesia
When you sail to Japan, there is a small stop destination of Polynesia en route to the Hawaii island. After some days of traveling, you will get to an area of the Pacific Ocean called Micronesia.
This area is more likely to have typhoons than northern Polynesia. Still, the region is home to numerous safe ports as well.
There are plenty of islands across Micronesia. Some of the most famous islands for any sailor are Marshall (the nearest to Hawaii) as well as Mariana.
These small islands come with many marinas and supply distributors. You can also encounter some pretty coral reefs to discover.
You can stop first at the Marshall Islands and then at the Mariana Islands. You will break up the trip wisely, and Japan is the last destination of your journey.
Preparing The Sailboat For A trip To Japan
Preparing the sailboat is one of the most time-consuming steps you will do before your journey.
The boat will be your second home for one or two months (or longer). So this vessel should be in the best mechanical and physical shape before you depart.
Continuously replace the engine oil as well as store extra oil. Also, prepare spare parts like the belt and filter for oil and water.
In addition, have some time to look at the plumbing and electric system. Ensure your light works well. Prepare additional bulbs, fuses, along with hoses on board.
Wipe off the fuel container and water container. You also need to pump the black water before your trip.
Check all the standing rigging and change all desired lines. Next, fix all cracked fiberglass at home. It will take the least expense and effort to repair.
How To Choose The Right Sailboat
The right sailboat will be your consideration if you do not have a boat. A monohull sailboat 40 feet long or longer will ensure your safety. You can also choose a catamaran or trimaran for more comfort and speed during the voyage.
The best choice for you is from 40 to 50 feet long in the hull. But if you are a budget-conscious consumer, you can pick a 30-35 feet long hull.
However, the most important things to choose the right sailboat are seaworthiness, accommodation, and status.
Related Posts:
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is not such a long trip from California to Japan, but there are many things that you should prepare for. Then, you will get the best sailing experience. Have a nice and safe trip! Windrider of The Rockies.
Reference: California to Tokyo
