PUB.

(ENROUTE)

SAILING DIRECTIONS

★

★

2011

159

JAPAN 

VOLUME II

Prepared and published by the

NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL-INTELLIGENCE AGENCY

Bethesda, Maryland

© COPYRIGHT 2011 BY THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

NO COPYRIGHT CLAIMED UNDER TITLE 17 U.S.C.

FOURTEENTH EDITION

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office

Internet: http://bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800; DC area (202) 512-1800

Fax: (202) 512-2250 Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-0001
II

Pub. 159

Preface

0.0 Pub. 159, Sailing Directions (Enroute) Japan, Volume II,

Fourteenth Edition, 2010, is issued for use in conjunction with

Pub. 120, Sailing Directions (Planning Guide) Pacific Ocean

and Southeast Asia. Companion volumes are Pubs. 153, 154,

155, 157, and 158.

0.0 Digital Nautical Charts 12, 23 and 24 provide electronic

chart coverage for the area covered by this publication. 

0.0 This publication has been corrected to 7 May 2011, including Notice to Mariners No. 19 of 2011.

Explanatory Remarks

0.0 Sailing Directions are published by the National GeospatialIntelligence Agency (NGA), under the authority of Department

of Defense Directive 5105.40, dated 12 December 1988, and

pursuant to the authority contained in U. S. Code Title 10,

Sections 2791 and 2792 and Title 44, Section 1336. Sailing

Directions, covering the harbors, coasts, and waters of the

world, provide information that cannot be shown graphically

on nautical charts and is not readily available elsewhere.

0.0 Sailing Directions (Enroute) include detailed coastal and

port approach information which supplements the largest scale

chart produced by the National Geospatial-Intelligence

Agency. This publication is divided into geographic areas

called “Sectors.”

0.0 Bearings.—Bearings are true, and are expressed in degrees

from 000° (north) to 360°, measured clockwise. General

bearings are expressed by initial letters of points of the compass (e.g. N, NNE, NE, etc.). Adjective and adverb endings

have been discarded. Wherever precise bearings are intended

degrees are used.

0.0 Charts.—Reference to charts made throughout this publication refer to both the paper chart and the Digital Nautical

Chart (DNC).

0.0 Coastal Features.—It is assumed that the majority of ships

have radar. Available coastal descriptions and views, useful for

radar and visual piloting are included in geographic sequence

in each Sector.

0.0 Corrective Information.—Users should refer corrections,

additions, and comments to NGA’s Maritime Operations Desk,

as follows: 

0.0 1. Toll free: 1-800-362-6289

0.0 2. Commercial: 301-227-3147

0.0 3. DSN: 287-3147

0.0 4. DNC web site: http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/

DNC.portal

0.0 5. Maritime Do0.0 main web site: http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/

MSI.portal

0.0

0.0 6. E-mail: navsafety@nga.mil

0.0 7. Mailing address: Maritime Domain

0.0 National Geospatial-Intelligence

0.0 Agency

Mail Stop D-44

0.0 4600 Sangamore Road

0.0 Bethesda MD 20816-5003

0.0 New editions of Sailing Directions are corrected through the

date of the publication shown above. Important information to

amend material in the publication is available as a Publication

Digital Update (PDU) from the NGA Maritime Domain website.

0.0NGA Maritime Domain Website

http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal

0.0

0.0 Courses.—Courses are true, and are expressed in the same

manner as bearings. The directives “steer” and “make good” a

course mean, without exception, to proceed from a point of

origin along a track having the identical meridianal angle as the

designated course. Vessels following the directives must allow

for every influence tending to cause deviation from such track,

and navigate so that the designated course is continuously

being made good.

0.0 Currents.—Current directions are the true directions toward

which currents set.

0.0 Dangers.—As a rule outer dangers are fully described, but

inner dangers which are well-charted are, for the most part,

omitted. Numerous offshore dangers, grouped together, are

mentioned only in general terms. Dangers adjacent to a coastal

passage or fairway are described.

0.0 Distances.—Distances are expressed in nautical miles of 1

minute of latitude. Distances of less than 1 mile are expressed

in meters, or tenths of miles.

0.0 Geographic Names.—Geographic names are generally

those used by the nation having sovereignty. Names in parentheses following another name are alternate names that may

appear on some charts. In general, alternate names are quoted

only in the principal description of the place. Diacritical marks,

such as accents, cedillas, and circumflexes, which are related to

specific letters in certain foreign languages, are not used in the

interest of typographical simplicity. Geographic names or their

spellings do not necessarily reflect recognition of the political

status of an area by the United States Government.

0.0 Heights.—Heights are referred to the plane of reference

used for that purpose on the charts and are expressed in meters.

0.0 Index-Gazetteer.—Navigational features and place-names

are listed alphabetically in the back of the book. The approximate position, along with the Sector and paragraph numbers

(e.g. 1.1), facilitate location in the text.

0.0 Internet Links.—This publication provides internet links to

web sites concerned with maritime navigational safety, including but not limited to, Federal government sites, foreign Hydrographic Offices, and foreign public/private port facilities.

NGA makes no claims, promises, or guarantees concerning the

accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of the web

sites and expressly disclaims any liability for errors and omissions of these web sites.

0.0 Light and Fog Signals.—Lights and fog signals are not described, and light sectors are not usually defined. The Light

Lists should be consulted for complete information.

0.0 Ports.—Directions for entering ports are depicted where

appropriate by means of chartlets, sketches, and photos, which

facilitate positive identification of landmarks and navigational
III

 Pub. 159

aids. These chartlets and sketches are not always to scale, however, and should be used only as a general informational guide

in conjunction with the best scale chart. Specific port facilities

are omitted from the standard format. They are tabulated in

Pub. 150, World Port Index.

0.0 Radio Navigational Aids.—Radio navigational aids are not

described in detail. Publication No. 117 Radio Navigational

Aids and NOAA Publication, Selected Worldwide Marine

Broadcasts, should be consulted.

0.0 Soundings.—Soundings are referred to the datum of the

charts and are expressed in meters.

0.0 Special Warnings.—A Special Warning may be in force for

the geographic area covered by this publication. Special

Warnings are printed in the weekly Notice to Mariners upon

promulgation and are reprinted annually in Notice to Mariners

No. 1. A listing of Special Warnings currently in force is

printed in each weekly Notice to Mariners, Section III, Broadcast Warnings, along with the notice number of promulgation.

Special Warnings are also available on the Maritime Division

website.

0.0 Wind Directions.—Wind directions are the true directions

from which winds blow.

Reference List

0.0 The principal sources examined in the preparation of this

publication were:

0.0 British Hydrographic Department Sailing Directions.

0.0 Various port handbooks. 

0.0 Reports from United States Naval and merchant vessels and

various shipping companies.

0.0 Other U.S. Government publications, reports, and documents.

0.0 Charts, light lists, tide and current tables, and other documents in possession of the Agency.
Pub. 159 V

0.0SECTOR LIMITS — PUB. 159
Pub. 159 VI

Conversion Tables

Feet to Meters

Feet 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

 0 0.00 0.30 0.61 0.91 1.22 1.52 1.83 2.13 2.44 2.74

 10 3.05 3.35 3.66 3.96 4.27 4.57 4.88 5.18 5.49 5.79

 20 6.10 6.40 6.71 7.01 7.32 7.62 7.92 8.23 8.53 8.84

 30 9.14 9.45 9.75 10.06 10.36 10.67 10.97 11.28 11.58 11.89

 40 12.19 12.50 12.80 13.11 13.41 13.72 14.02 14.33 14.63 14.93

 50 15.24 15.54 15.85 16.15 16.46 16.76 17.07 17.37 17.68 17.98

 60 18.29 18.59 18.90 19.20 19.51 19.81 20.12 20.42 20.73 21.03

 70 21.34 21.64 21.95 22.25 22.55 22.86 23.16 23.47 23.77 24.08

 80 24.38 24.69 24.99 25.30 25.60 25.91 26.21 26.52 26.82 27.13

 90 27.43 27.74 28.04 28.35 28.65 28.96 29.26 29.57 29.87 30.17

Fathoms to Meters

Fathoms 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

 0 0.00 1.83 3.66 5.49 7.32 9.14 10.97 12.80 14.63 16.46

 10 18.29 20.12 21.95 23.77 25.60 27.43 29.26 31.09 32.92 34.75

 20 36.58 38.40 40.23 42.06 43.89 45.72 47.55 49.38 51.21 53.03

 30 54.86 56.69 58.52 60.35 62.18 64.01 65.84 67.67 69.49 71.32

 40 73.15 74.98 76.81 78.64 80.47 82.30 84.12 85.95 87.78 89.61

 50 91.44 93.27 95.10 96.93 98.75 100.58 102.41 104.24 106.07 107.90

 60 109.73 111.56 113.39 115.21 117.04 118.87 120.70 122.53 124.36 126.19

 70 128.02 129.85 131.67 133.50 135.33 137.16 138.99 140.82 142.65 144.47

 80 146.30 148.13 149.96 151.79 153.62 155.45 157.28 159.11 160.93 162.76

 90 164.59 166.42 168.25 170.08 171.91 173.74 175.56 177.39 179.22 181.05

Meters to Feet

Meters 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

 0 0.00 3.28 6.56 9.84 13.12 16.40 19.68 22.97 26.25 29.53

 10 32.81 36.09 39.37 42.65 45.93 49.21 52.49 55.77 59.06 62.34

 20 65.62 68.90 72.18 75.46 78.74 82.02 85.30 88.58 91.86 95.14

 30 98.42 101.71 104.99 108.27 111.55 114.83 118.11 121.39 124.67 127.95

 40 131.23 134.51 137.80 141.08 144.36 147.64 150.92 154.20 157.48 160.76

 50 164.04 167.32 170.60 173.88 177.16 180.45 183.73 187.01 190.29 193.57

 60 196.85 200.13 203.41 206.69 209.97 213.25 216.54 219.82 223.10 226.38

 70 229.66 232.94 236.22 239.50 242.78 246.06 249.34 252.62 255.90 259.19

 80 262.47 265.75 269.03 272.31 275.59 278.87 282.15 285.43 288.71 291.99

 90 295.28 298.56 301.84 305.12 308.40 311.68 314.96 318.24 321.52 324.80

Meters to Fathoms

Meters 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

 0 0.00 0.55 1.09 1.64 2.19 2.73 3.28 3.83 4.37 4.92

 10 5.47 6.01 6.56 7.11 7.66 8.20 8.75 9.30 9.84 10.39

 20 10.94 11.48 12.03 12.58 13.12 13.67 14.22 14.76 15.31 15.86

 30 16.40 16.95 17.50 18.04 18.59 19.14 19.68 20.23 20.78 21.33

 40 21.87 22.42 22.97 23.51 24.06 24.61 25.15 25.70 26.25 26.79

 50 27.34 27.89 28.43 28.98 29.53 30.07 30.62 31.17 31.71 32.26

 60 32.81 33.36 33.90 34.45 35.00 35.54 36.09 36.64 37.18 37.73

 70 38.28 38.82 39.37 39.92 40.46 41.01 41.56 42.10 42.65 43.20

 80 43.74 44.29 44.84 45.38 45.93 46.48 47.03 47.57 48.12 48.67

 90 49.21 49.76 50.31 50.85 51.40 51.95 52.49 53.04 53.59 54.13
VII Pub. 159

Abbreviations

The following abbreviations may be used in the text:

Units

°C degree(s) Centigrade km kilometer(s)

cm centimeter(s) m meter(s)

cu.m. cubic meter(s) mb millibars

dwt deadweight tons MHz megahertz

FEU forty-foot equivalent units mm millimeter(s)

grt gross registered tons nrt net registered tons

kHz kilohertz TEU twenty-foot equivalent units

Directions

N north S south

NNE northnortheast SSW southsouthwest

NE northeast SW southwest

ENE eastnortheast WSW westsouthwest

E east W west

ESE eastsoutheast WNW westnorthwest

SE southeast NW northwest

SSE southsoutheast NNW northnorthwest

Vessel types

LASH Lighter Aboard Ship ro-ro Roll-on Roll-off

LNG Liquified Natural Gas ULCC Ultra Large Crude Carrier

LPG Liquified Petroleum Gas VLCC Very Large Crude Carrier

OBO Ore/Bulk/Oil

Time

ETA estimated time of arrival GMT Greenwich Mean Time

ETD estimated time of departure UTC Coordinated Universal Time

Water level

MSL mean sea level LWS low water springs

HW high water MHWN mean high water neaps

LW low water MHWS mean high water springs

MHW mean high water MLWN mean low water neaps

MLW mean low water MLWS mean low water springs

HWN high water neaps HAT highest astronomical tide

HWS high water springs LAT lowest astronomical tide

LWN low water neaps

Communications

D/F direction finder MF medium frequency

R/T radiotelephone HF high frequency

GMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety System VHF very high frequency

LF low frequency UHF ultra high frequency

Navigation

LANBY Large Automatic Navigation Buoy SPM Single Point Mooring

NAVSAT Navigation Satellite TSS Traffic Separation Scheme

ODAS Ocean Data Acquisition System VTC Vessel Traffic Center

SBM Single Buoy Mooring VTS Vessel Traffic Service

Miscellaneous

COLREGS Collision Regulations

IALA International Association of Lighthouse

Authorities

No./Nos.

PA

Number/Numbers

Position approximate

IHO International Hydrographic Office PD Position doubtful

IMO International Maritime Organization Pub. Publication

loa length overall St./Ste. Saint/Sainte
Pub. 159 IX

Contents

Preface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . II

Chartlet—Sector Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V

Conversion Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VI

Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VII

Sector 1

Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Sector 2

Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki (including off-lying islands) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Sector 3

Honshu—Northwest Coast—Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana (including off-lying islands) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Sector 4

Tsushima . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Sector 5

Kyushu—Northwest Coast (including off-lying islands) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Sector 6

Kii Suido and Osaka Wan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Sector 7

The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Sector 8

The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Sector 9

The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Aki Nada, Tsurushima Kaikyo, and Hiroshima Wan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

Sector 10

The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Iyo Nada and Bungo Suido . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

Sector 11

The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Suo Nada and Kanmon Kaikyo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239

Index—Gazetteer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
1

Pub. 159

1.

Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo

1.0Additional chart coverage may be found in NGA/DLIS Catalog of Maps, Charts, and Related Products (Unlimited Distribution).

SECTOR 1 — CHART INFORMATION
3

Pub. 159

SECTOR 1 

HOKKAIDO—WEST COAST AND TSUGARU KAIKYO

1.0 Plan.—This sector describes the W coast of Hokkaido from

Soya Misaki, the N extremity of Hokkaido, to Orido Saki, its

SW extremity; the arrangement of this part is from N to S.

Then Tsugaru Kaikyo, the deep strait between Hokkaido and

Honshu, connecting the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Japan, is

described; the arrangement of this part is from E to W. 

General Remarks

1.1 Japan consists of four large and many small islands.

The four large islands are named from NE to SW, respectively,

Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The islands are

mountainous and there are many volcanoes forming distinct

volcanic chains. Earthquakes occur frequently in different parts

of Japan. The rivers of Japan are comparatively short, their

flow rapid, and none are navigable by large ocean-going vessels. Large plains are few in Japan, but there are a number of

small alluvial plains, and the valleys of the larger rivers are

especially fertile.

1.1 The Naikai, or Inland Sea, bounded N by Honshu and S by

Shikoku and Kyushu, constitutes an important passage for

vessels, foreign and domestic, between the large ports of Kobe

and Osaka at its E end and Moji, Shimonoseki, and Wakamatsu

at its W end, and numerous other harbors in between. The

Naikai, which contains an immense number of islands and islets, is famous for its scenery. Many of the channels are narrow

and the tidal currents in them are strong, but heavy seas are seldom experienced.

1.1 Winds—Weather.—The climate along the W coast of Hokkaido is influenced by the Tsushima Current, which gives its

relatively warm temperatures. In winter, however, it bears the

full impact of the Northwest Monsoon, with the heaviest

snowfall, a low percentage of days with sunshine, and extremely cold temperatures. In summer since the Southeast Monsoon

is blocked by mountains, there is relatively little rainfall, and

the climate is characterized by stretches of good weather and

moderate land and sea breezes.

1.1 The Northwest Monsoon prevails in winter and the Southeast Monsoon prevails in summer. The winter wind is generally strong, and the summer wind relatively weak. The cold

Northwest Monsoon from the Continental High dominates the

winter climate, but these strong winds are not necessarily continuous. Periods of weak and strong currents generally alternate at intervals of 5 to 10 days. As one low pressure system

moves E and out to sea the weather moderates until another

storm moves in from the Sea of Japan. Winds are not very

strong until the low pressure system passes through, and a cold

front brings the monsoon winds in its wake. These strong

winds may persist for several days until the low pressure system moves E out to sea and relatively calm weather is once

again restored.

1.1 The Northwest Monsoon gradually begins to weaken in

March, and by April, S winds become dominant.

1.1 During the summer season, an E wind is sometimes generated

in June, the Sea of Okhotsk High. Generally, the Pacific Ocean

High dominates and a mild Southeast Monsoon prevails.

1.1 The winter Northwest Monsoon winds tend to persist for

long periods over a wide area, and generally attain velocities of

19 knots or more; since they are usually accompanied by snow,

most are blizzards. Like heavy fogs, blizzards obstruct visibility, but they are much more dangerous to navigation due to

the extremely cold and strong winds that accompany them. It

appears that snowfall generally drops sharply beyond a distance of 10 miles from shore. 

1.1 On the W and S coasts of Hokkaido, fog occurs on the average of less than 1 day per month from about September to

April, increasing in the summer months to a maximum of 5

days per month in July. It is most frequent in the vicinity of

Rashiri Suido and Okushiri Kaikyo.

1.1 In the Sea of Japan during the winter months, the Northwest

Monsoon normally ensures that the air temperature is below that

of the sea surface, a condition which discourages fog formation. 

1.1 Ice.—Drift ice passing through La Perouse Strait from the E

does not usually extend farther SW than the vicinity of Rishiri

To, where it disappears. Most of this ice is brought from the

Sea of Okhotsk by NE winds, but some occasionally arrives

from the W coast of Ostrov Sakhalin. Winds from between the

S and W tend to clear the ice way.

1.1 The harbor of Wakkanai is occasionally frozen over. There

are occasional years in which neither fast ice nor drift ice appears on this part of the W coast of Hokkaido. There is practically no fast ice along the mainland coast S of Rishiri To.

1.1 Tides—Currents.—Tides along the W coast of Hokkaido

are very small. The maximum daily tidal range does not exceed

0.3m. Diurnal inequality is marked all along the coast, with

often only one HW and one LW per day. 

1.1 The tidal currents of the W coast of Hokkaido are generally

weak and irregular. They are influenced by the ocean currents

that set N along the coast.

1.1 The Tsushima Current, a branch of the warm Kuro Shio,

flows in a N direction off the W coasts of Honshu and Hokkaido, and branches of this ocean current set E through Tsugaru Kaikyo and La Perouse Strait. In summer, the time of

greatest strength, the velocity is generally less than 0.5 knot,

though it may attain more than 1 knot in places, with much

greater strength in the straits. The Tsushima Current is extremely weak in winter. 

1.1 Regulations.—The Japanese Coast Guard has instituted the

Japanese Ship Reporting System (JASREP). Purpose and participation in this system is similar in intent and format to the

AMVER system. Any vessel desiring to participate in both

JASREP and AMVER may do so by sending notice of dual

participation to the appropriate coastal station. The service area

of the JASREP system is the area N of latitude 17°N and W of

longitude 165°E.

1.1 The Maritime Traffic Safety Law established traffic routes in

Tokyo Wan, Ise Wan, and the Naikai. Waters along the coast of
4 Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

Japan are congested with vessels, especially in the abovementioned areas which are extremely crowded with large and

small vessels. In order to maintain safety of traffic, the Maritime Safety Law establishes special rules to regulate shipping

traffic in these traffic congested areas. See Pub. 120, Sailing

Directions (Planning Guide) Pacific Ocean and Southeast Asia

for Maritime Traffic Safety Law; also see appropriate sectors

of this publication for rules and signals of Maritime Traffic

Safety Law.

1.1 Pub. 158, Sailing Directions (Enroute) Japan, Volume I describes the coasts of Japan which border the Sea of Okhotsk,

the Pacific Ocean, and the Philippine Sea; it also includes

Nampo Shoto and Nansei Shoto (Ryukyu Islands).

1.1 Caution.—Fish havens, which may be on the seabed, at intermediate mid-layer depths, or floating on the surface, are numerous

in Japanese waters and are continually being augmented. Concentrations of fishing vessels can be expected in their vicinity.

Caution should be exercised as the placement of fish havens may

well precede their inclusion in the Notice to Mariners.

Hokkaido—West Coast

1.2 Soya Misaki (45°31'N., 141°56'E.), the N extremity

of Hokkaido, is grass-covered and 50m high. It rises about 2

miles inland to the summit of Maru Yama, a rounded hill,

168m high, which can sometimes be seen when the cape itself

is obscured by fog. A light, 17m high, is shown from a tower

on the cape. Benten Shima, a light brown rock, 11m high,

stands about 0.8 mile W of Soya Misaki, on a reef.

1.2 The cape is fringed by rocky ledges and the bottom is uneven

in the vicinity. Depths of less than 20.1m extend up to about 2

miles off the cape, which should be given a wide berth due to

the currents.

1.2 Caution.—Large vessels approaching from the E should

avoid a reef, with depth of 15.8m, about 13 miles E of the cape.

Due to the dangers in the vicinity of Soya Misaki the tidal

currents in La Perouse Strait, Soya Misaki should at all times

be passed at a distance of at least 5 miles.

1.2 La Perouse Strait, known to the Japanese as Soya Kaikyo

and to the Russians as Proliv Laperuza, separates Hokkaido

from Sakhalin, and is described in Pub. 155, Sailing Directions

(Enroute) East Coast of Russia. The passage is about 23 miles

wide between Soya Misaki and Mys Kril’on (Nisi-Notoro

Misaki), the S extremity of Sakhalin. Ostrov Kamen Opasnosti

(Nizyo Gan) (Nijo Gan), an isolated rock, lies in the N part of

the strait, about 8.5 miles SE of Mys Kril’on. The strait joins

the Sea of Japan and the Gulf of Tartary, to the W, and the Sea

of Okhotsk, to the E.

1.2 Soya Wan is entered between Soya Misaki and Noshappu

Misaki (Nosyappu Misaki), about 12 miles WSW. The bay is

divided into two parts. Koetoi Saki projects N from the head of

the bay. Wakkanoi Ko occupies the SW part of the bay.

Wakkanoi Ko is suitable for vessels of up to 5,000 dwt.

1.2 Anchorage.—The bottom of Soya Wan is either rock or

sand and affords such poor holding ground that dragging is

likely in strong winds.

1.3 Noshappu Misaki (45°27'N., 141°39'E.), the NW extremity of Hokkaido, is the N extremity of a peninsula connected to the mainland of Hokkaido by a low isthmus. The

peninsula appears as an island from a distance; its central range

of hills rises to an elevation of 211m and falls sharply to a

tongue of low land at its N end. A light is shown from Noshappu Misaki. Houses about 0.5 mile S of the light structure are

brightly illuminated and can be seen over 20 miles offshore,

and are visible before Noshappu Misaki Light. 

1.3 Esandomari Gyoko, protected by breakwaters, from one of

which a light is shown, is situated close S of Noshappu Misaki.

The light is shown from a red tower, 11m high. A radio tower,

220m high, is conspicuous about 2.5 miles SSE of Noshappu

Misaki. Several white domes and blue domes are conspicuous

about 0.8 mile to 2 miles S of the point.

1.3 Rocks and shoals, with depths of less than 4.9m, extend up

to about 0.7 mile off Noshappu Misaki. The point should be

given a berth of at least 1 mile.

1.3 Koetoi Saki (45°25'N., 141°45'E.) can be identified by the

houses on it and by a flat treeless hillock behind them. A spit,

on which there are several rocks with depths of less than 1.8m,

extends about 1.5 miles N of Koetoi Saki. A light is shown

nearly 1 mile N of the point.

1.3 Caution.—Fish traps are laid (August to December) from

0.8 to 1.5 miles seaward of the E side of Koetoi Saki and the

SE side of Noshappu Misaki. Seaweed farms lie within 0.8

mile of the shores of Koetoi Saki and Noshappu Misaki.

Wakkanai Ko (45°25'N., 141°41'E.)

World Port Index No. 61260

1.4 Wakkanai Ko handles oil, cement, vehicles and

general cargo. There is a terminal for the ferry service from

Hokkaido to Rebun-jima and Rishiri To. Domestic and foreign

vessels enter and cargo volume is increasing steadily as port

Soya Misaki Light
Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 5

Pub. 159

facilities are expanded. 

1.4 The port is sheltered by North Breakwater extending 1 mile

ESE from the shore. A light is shown on its head from a red

round tower, 14m high. East Breakwater, detached, lies with its

NW head 0.2 mile SSE of the head of North Breakwater. It

extends SE and then E. A light is shown at its NW end. 

1.4 A detached breakwater, 0.35 mile long, is situated 0.2 mile N

of the head of North Breakwater. A light is shown from its E

end. 

1.4 North Wharf, Central Wharf, and Hokuyo Wharf, N to S respectively, lie on the W side of the harbor. Tenpoku Wharf extends N from the shore S of the head of North Breakwater.

1.4 Winds—Weather.—West and NW winds are most frequent

in winter; sea conditions are most frequent in winter; sea conditions are particularly poor from September to April. In the

prolonged westerlies of winter, large swells sweep around

Noshappu Misaki and penetrate the harbor. North to NE winds

quickly generate high seas in the anchorage, and seas and swell

penetrate the harbor through the large opening to the E.

1.4 Spring and summer winds are generally from SSW and E.

1.4 Fog forms from mid-June to early August. Their frequency is

low and average about 6 or 7 times per month in June and July.

The visibility in fog is about 0.2 mile. No fog forms in March.

Fog forms in April around sunrise and after May, from 0300 to

0800 and from 1600 to 2100.

1.4 Fog often follows misty rain and disappears within 1 to 2

hours. It also forms frequently in light easterlies and dissipates

with an increase in wind velocity or a change of wind direction. The visibility in fog is at times about 0.1 mile.

1.4 Fog in this area persists for 2 to 3 hours and rarely lasts for

more than 10 hours. Fog, which forms with Southwesters, is

said to persist for a long time.

1.4 Tides—Currents.—The tidal rise at Wakkanai is 0.3m at

MHHW.

1.4 Depths—Limitations.—The fairway and the approach to

TenpokuNo. 1 Wharf has been dredged to a depth of 10m. The

draft limit is approximately 9m. 

1.4 The principal berthing facilities are described in the table

titled Wakkanai Ko—Berthing Facilities.

1.4 Aspect.—Cranes and white oil tanks are conspicuous on

Hokuyo Wharf.

1.4 The Combined Port Affairs Building, a four-story building

with a radio tower and yellow dome on the roof and with radio

towers in the compound, lies at the foot of Central Wharf.

1.4 Pilotage.—Pilots are available at Rumoi; VHF channel 16 is

used. 

1.4 Anchorage.—The best anchorage for large vessels, in about

14m, sand, lies about 0.6 mile ENE of the head of North

Breakwater. The bottom is a thin layer of sand over rock; there

is risk of dragging with strong winds or swell. The anchorage

is susceptible to winds from the NW to NE.

1.4 The quarantine anchorage is centered about 0.8 mile N of the

head of North Breakwater.

1.4 Directions.—Entry is made between the head of the N

breakwater and the NW end of East Breakwater. The fairway

leading to the entrance at the breakwaters has been dredged to

a depth of 12.8m; from the entrance to Tenpoku Wharf, the

fairway has been dredged to a depth of 11.9m. Irregular seas

occur at the entrance with prolonged NW to N winds.

Islands and Dangers Off the Northwest End of

Hokkaido

1.5 Rebun To (Ruben Shima) (45°22'N., 141°01'E.),

about 25 miles W of Noshappu Misaki, rises to an elevation of

490m at Rebun Take, near the center of the island. The top of

Rebun Take is covered with pine trees, and appears conical

from the N or S, but the descent on the N side is gradual.

1.5 The E coast consists of a sand and shingle beach; the W side

consists of eroded cliffs, 100 to 200m high.

1.5 Todo Shima, an islet 43m high, lies about 0.8 mile N of

Sukoton Misaki, the N extremity of Rebun To. A light is shown

from the W side of the islet. Todo Shima lies on the foul

ground extending N of Sukoton To. A bare rock, 3.4m high,

lies about 1.5 miles N of Todo Shima, and a rock, Oki-no Syo,

with a depth of 1.2m, lies about 0.5 mile farther N.

1.5 Gorota Yama, a hill, 179m high, lies about 1.5 miles S of

Sukoton Misaki.

1.5 Kanedano Misaki, the NE extremity of Rebun To, and

marked by a light, has depths of less than 4.9m extending about

0.4 mile N. An isolated rock, with a least depth of 0.1m and

surrounded by deep water, lies about 1.5 miles N of Kanedano

Misaki; it is constantly awash and easy to identify by day. A

shoal having a least depth of 7.4m lies about 2.3 miles NE of

Kanedano Misaki.

1.5 Funadomari Wan, entered between Sukoton Misaki and

Kanedano Misaki, has depths of 20.1m in the entrance, gradually shoaling to 4.9m about 0.3 mile off the head. There is good

anchorage, sheltered from the S winds, in 14m, with Kanedano Misaki bearing 032°, and with Oshonnai Yama, a 171m

Wakkanai Light
6 Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

high hill, about 2 miles SSE of the point, bearing 119°.

1.5 Funadomari Ko, a small harbor, sheltered by breakwaters,

lies on the E side of Funadomari Wan. A berth, 100m in length,

with a depth of 4.9m alongside, lies on the S side of the S

breakwater.

1.5 Uedomari Saki, the E extremity of Rebun To, and about 2.8

miles SSE of Kanedano Misaki, is marked by a light.

1.6 Kafukai Byoshi (Kahukai Byoti) (45°20'N.,

141°03'E.) is an open roadstead formed by a slight indentation

on the W side of Rebun To. Komayano Saki, the N entrance

point, is a red cliffy headland. A fishing harbor, formed by

breakwaters, with an entrance in its NE corner, lies in the S

part of the roadstead. A rock, with a depth of 6.4m, lies about

0.3 mile NE of the fishing harbor entrance. The best anchorage,

sheltered from W winds, is in about 14m, sand, about 0.2 mile

NE of the fishing harbor entrance, clear of the above-mentioned rock. Caution is also necessary as the bottom is rocky in

places. 

Anchorage, in about 33m, sand, good holding ground, lies

farther offshore.

Kanedano Misaki Light

Uedomari Saki Light

 Wakkanai Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

North Wharf

Mooring Quay West of the root of North Breakwater 154m 6.5-7.0m 3,000 dwt

Kita Chiku East side of wharf 110m 5.0m 1,000 dwt

Ferry Quay South side of wharf 110m 5.0-5.5m 1,000 dwt

Central Wharf

North Quay

North of the root of wharf 90m 4.5-5.0m 2,000 dwt

North side of wharf 260m 6.5-7.0m 5,000 dwt

South Quay South side of wharf 275m 4.0-5.5m 2,000 dwt

East Quay A pier on the E side of wharf 170m 6.0-7.0m 5,000 dwt

No. 2 Auxiliary Quay West side of No. 2 auxiliary port 420m 5.0m

No. 1 Auxiliary Quay West side of No. 1 auxiliary port 990m 5.0m Fishing boats only

Hokuyou Wharf

Improved Quay West side of wharf 753m 5.0m

North Quay North side of wharf 460m 5.0-6.0m 2,000 dwt

No. 1 S Quay South side of wharf (in order from N)300m

6.0-8.0m Fishing boats only No. 2 S Quay 210m
Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 7

Pub. 159

1.6 Stationary fish traps extend about 1 mile off the N and S

sides of Kafukai Byoshi from March to November on the N

side and from March to July on the S side.

1.6 Kafuka Ko (Kahuka Ko) is a small port about 2 miles S of

Kafukai Byoshi. Karrannai Misaki is situated 4 miles SSW of

Kafukai Byoshi. 

1.6 The entrance to Kafuka Ko, which faces SE, lies between

two detached breakwaters and the heads of the North

Breakwater and South Breakwater. A light is shown on the

South Breakwater. 

1.6 The E detached breakwater extends about 0.2 mile S from a

position 0.15 mile S of the head of South Breakwater. South

Outer Breakwater extends 0.25 mile WSW from a position 0.4

mile S of the head of South Breakwater. All breakwaters are lit. 

1.6 Anchorage, sheltered from W winds, can be taken, in 10.1m

or more, outside of the breakwaters at Kafuka Ko.

1.6 Kufuka Ko and Funadomari Ko are terminals for the ferries

to Hokkaido.

1.6 Nairo Ko Light is shown from the head of a breakwater 7

miles N of Karannai Misaki. 

1.6 Rebun Suido, 5 miles wide between Rebun To and Rishiri

To, is deep and free of dangers. The currents set NE.

1.7 Rishiri To (Rishiri Shima) (45°11'N., 141°15'E.) is a

volcanic island, rising to Rishiri San, a conical mountain,

1,719m high, at its center. The summit of the mountain is usually in clouds or mist, but with NE winds or after a heavy rain it

is visible for about 80 miles.

1.7 The coasts of the island are mostly low and backed by dense

woods. The NW side of the island facing Rishiri Suido has

depths of less than 10.1m extending about 0.3 to 0.5 mile offshore. The remainder of the island has no dangers less than

10.1m beyond 0.25 mile offshore.

1.7 Beshi Misaki (45°15'N., 141°14'E.), a small peninsula with

a steep outer cliff and a sharp summit, 93m high, lies about 1.5

miles ESE of Hontomari Misaki (Motodomari Misaki), the N

extremity of Rishiri To. Oshidomari Light is shown on Beshi

Misaki. Oshidomari Ko (Osidomari Ko), a small port, lies

close S of Beshi Misaki.

1.7 Oshidomari Wan, entered between Beshi Misaki and Notsuka Misaki (Nozuka Misaki), about 1.8 miles ESE, is sheltered from winds from the SE through S to NW, and partially

sheltered from winds between E and SE by the mainland; at

times there are strong winds from Rishiri San. The holding

ground in most places is good. Depths of less than 10.1m extend about 0.2 to 0.4 mile offshore.

1.7 Ishi Saki (Isi Saki), the E extremity of Rishiri To, is marked

by a light shown from a round tower, 32m high.

1.7 Oniwaki Ko (45°09'N., 141°19'E.), a small port, lies about

1.5 miles SW of Ishi Saki. 

1.7 The harbor, in which there are general depths from 3 to 5m,

is entered from the NNE between the N breakwater and the W

head of the S breakwater, which is Y-shaped.

1.7 A light is shown from the W head of the S breakwater and on

a beacon on the head of the N breakwater.

1.7 A light is shown on the N head of a detached breakwater, 0.2

mile ENE of the W head of the S breakwater. 

1.7 The best anchorage off Oniwaki Ko, in about 13m, sand, lies

about 0.3 mile E of the S breakwater head. During winds from

the W, anchorage should be obtained as close inshore as possible. 

1.7 Caution.—Submarine cables extend from the foot of the E

breakwater at Oshidomari Ko. Another detached breakwater is

under construction 0.15 mile SSE of the head of the E breakwater. A light is shown from its N head.

Senhoshi Saki (Senposi Saki), the S extremity of Rishiri To,

is marked by a light. Senposhipon Yama, a hill, 320m high, is

Suehiro Wharf West Quay West side of wharf 260m 5.0m 400 dwt

East Quay East side of wharf 240m 12.0m 30,000 dwt

Tenpoku No. 1 

Wharf

West Quay West side of wharf 185m 9.5m 15,000 dwt

North Quay North side of wharf 185m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

East Quay East side of wharf 260m 7.5-8.0m 5,000 dwt

Tenpoku No. 2 

Wharf

West Quay West side of wharf 260m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

East Quay East side of wharf 180m 7.5m 2,000 dwt

 Wakkanai Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

Kafuka Light
8 Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

conspicuous with its barren top, about 1.8 miles NNE of

Senhoshi Saki. Oniwakipon Yama, 411m high, about 1.8 miles

farther NE, has a prominent wooded summit, which from the S

appears as two.

1.7 Senhoshi Ko, a fishing port, lies 1.5 miles NW of Senhoshi

Saki. The lighthouse on the E breakwater is an excellent

landmark when approaching Rishiri To from the S.

1.7 Senhoshi Tai (Senposi Tai), SW of Rishiri To, consists of

two parts, with a deep trough between Rishiri Ne (Risiri Ne),

with a least depth of 56m, lies about 10 miles SW of Senhoshi

Saki. Orikomino Ne, with a least depth of 42m, lies about 7

miles WNW of Rishiri Ne.

1.7 Musashi Tai is an extensive bank, with its least depths in

position 44°46'N, 140°21'E, about 46 miles WSW of Rishiri

San. This shoal area has four shoals, with depths of 4.9 to 34m,

within a radius of 1.75 miles. On the NE side of this shoal area

there is a shoal 10.1m deep, 180m long, and 18m wide. The

shoal area has a thick growth of seaweed and is surrounded by

deep water. The remainder of Musashi Tai, with depths of less

than 200m, extends about 20 miles NW and 30 miles SE of the

shoal area, and is about 20 miles wide.

Rishiri Suido (Risiri Suido), between Rishiri To and Hokkaido, is 10 miles wide, deep, and free of dangers. Conspicuous landmarks on Rebun To and Rishiri To make navigation

easy; however, Rishiri Suido is relatively shallow on the mainland side, where depths of less than 10.1m extend from 1 to 1.5

miles offshore. There are no conspicuous landmarks on the

mainland side and it is advisable to navigate nearer to Rishiri

To.

1.7 The current sets NE in Rishiri Suido, attaining velocities of 1

to 1.5 knots in summer, and increasing markedly with strong

SW winds.

Oshidomari Light

Ishi Saki Light

Senhoshi Saki Light
Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 9

Pub. 159

Noshappu Misaki to Tampake Misaki

1.8 The coast from Noshappu Misaki (45°27'N.,

141°39'E.) to Tampake Misaki, about 68 miles S, is generally

low, with very few conspicuous landmarks. Depths of over

19.8m lie from 1 to 2 miles offshore, except off Haboro. where

depths over 19.8m lie 3 miles offshore; there are no detached

off-lying dangers. There are no harbors suitable for large vessels. However, with E winds, temporary anchorage can be obtained in suitable depths, sand or mud, nearly anywhere along

this coast.

1.8 Bakkai Misaki, about 8 miles S of Noshappu Misaki, is a

small projection, 1m high, with a village on it, providing an excellent radar target. A rock, with a depth of 10.1m, lies about

1.3 miles NW of Bakkai Misaki.

1.8 The mouth of Teshio Gawa (Teshio Kawa) lies about 26

miles farther S; a light is shown near the entrance. A white

chimney, 38m high, is conspicuous about 0.5 mile N of the

light. The town of Teshio (Tesio), E of the river mouth, is an

excellent landmark day or night. There are low tablelands and

plains N of the Teshio Gawa estuary, while S of the estuary is a

series of low hills. Owing to the fluctuating depths in the entrance, the port is used by vessels of not more than 150 grt.

1.8 The coast for about 15 miles S of Teshio Gawa consists of

low, flat, sandy beach, then changes to brown sea-eroded cliffs,

30 to 50m high, for about 4 miles to Toyosaki Misaki.

At Embetsu (Onbetsu), about 10 miles S of Teshio Gawa, a

railway bridge, painted green and crossing a river, is conspicuous. A radio tower, 135m high and marked by red lights,

is visible from 10 miles offshore.

1.8 The coast between Toyosaki Misaki and Tomamae Saki,

about 16 miles SSW, consists of intermittent light brown cliffs,

20 to 30m high, backed by plateau-like hills. Inland there is

dense, dark forest.

1.8 Tomamae Saki (44°19'N., 141°39'E.) is a headland with a

small bare hill, 64m high; there are cliffs on its seaward side,

with houses at the foot of the cliff.

1.8 Tomamae Saki is foul on its W and N sides; from it a reef extends about 0.9 mile NNW. The bottom in the vicinity is rocky

and very uneven; depths of about 5m are found up to 1 mile

NNW of the point. 

1.8 Pisshiri Yama (Pissiri San), a mountain, 1,032m high, is conspicuous about 17 miles E of Tomamae Saki. Maru Yama, a

small wooded hill, 179m high, lies about 5 miles SSE of Tomamae Saki and 1.75 miles inland; its round black summit forms

a good landmark, but from a distance, especially from the N, it

is difficult to distinguish it from the mountains behind.

1.8 Haboro Syo (Haporo Sho) lies with its least depth of 5.4m

about 3.5 miles N of Tomamae Saki, and about 2.5 miles offshore. The shoal extends about 1.3 miles in a N-S direction. 

1.9 Yangeshiri Shima (44°26'N., 141°25'E.) lies about

12 miles NW of Tomamae Saki and rises to an elevation of

93m at its W end. The island is bordered by rocks and reefs. A

light is shown from the SE end of the island. Kamoi Iwa, a

rock, 4.9m high and marked by a beacon, lies about 0.5 mile E

of the SE end of Yagishiri-jima; it is illuminated by an auxiliary light at the lighthouse. A reef, awash in any sea, extends

about 0.1 mile E of Kamai Iwa, and a rock, with a depth of

5.7m, lies about 91m farther E. Higano Se, with a depth of

4.8m at its outer end, extends about 0.3 mile W from the W end

of the island.

Teuri-jima (Teuri To) (Teure Shima), about 2 miles W of

Yagishiri-jima, rises to an elevation of 185m near its SW end.

Teuri-jima Light is shown about 0.4 mile SW of Gome Saki,

the N extremity of the island. Gome Iwa, a jagged rock 2.5m

high and marked by a light, lies on a reef extending nearly 0.5

mile N of Gome Saki; the reef is usually marked by breakers. A

light is shown from Akaiwa Saki, the SW end of Teuri-jima. A

light is shown from a white tower, 9m high, on the head of a

breakwater at Maehama Ko (44°25'N., 141°20'E.) on the E

side of the island. 

1.9 Nishino Se, a ridge with a depth of 4.5m at its outer end, extends nearly 0.5 mile E from the E extremity of Teuri-jima.

Nakano Se, a detached rock with a depth of 3.5m, lies about 1

mile ESE of the same extremity.

1.9 Musashi Suido (Musasi Suido), the channel between the islands, has a navigable width of 1 mile, with depths over 10.1m,

between Higano Se to the E, and Nishino Se and Na-kano Se to

the W. The N current in Musashi Suido is very weak with a

velocity of less than 0.5 knot. Strong N winds may cause a S

set in the passage.

1.9 Caution.—Vessels without radar should not attempt the

passage in low visibility, as it is difficult to determine the position by soundings.

Rumoi Ko (43°57'N., 141°38'E.)

World Port Index No. 61250

1.10 Rumoi Ko, an artificial harbor, lies E of Rumoi Saki

and W of the mouth of Rumoi Gawa. South Breakwater

extends N from Rumoi Saki, while North Breakwater extends

W from the training wall on the W side of the mouth of Rumoi

Gawa. West Breakwater, detached and lying in a NE-SW

direction, is situated about 0.3 mile W of the head of South

Breakwater. The harbor is divided into four areas,as follows:

 Rumoi Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

Kotanhanma Wharf

No. 1 Quay Southeast side of 

No. 3 Section

North side of wharf 185m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

Nos. 2-3 

Quays West side of wharf 270m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

North Quay Landing Place East side of No. 2 Section 264m 1.0-3.0m
10 Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

1. Area No. 4—The roadstead outside the breakwaters.

2. Area No. 3—Within the breakwaters.

3. Area No. 2 and Area No. 1—Within the jetties lying E

of Rumoi Saki.

1.10 Winds—Weather.—The sea around Rumoi Ko is usually

calm from late April to early August, becoming stormy from

late August to late March. The prevailing winds are from the

ESE. Rumoi Ko is noted for its strong winds, particularly in

winter when W to N winds sometimes accompany blizzards;

waves over 5.8m high batter the breakwaters, sometimes

penetrating the Inner Harbor. A fierce winter storm lasting 10

days has been recorded for this area. Rainfall is heaviest from

August to December. Snowfall in the area is also heavy.

1.10 Depths—Limitations.—The channel leading to the Inner

Harbor has been dredged to 8m; however, shoaling up to 3.5m

has been reported at the entrance 0.2 mile either side of the

North Breakwater. Vessels tend to remain seaward of the 10m

line in Area No. 4.

1.10 The principal berthing facilities are described in the table

titled Rumoi Ko—Berthing Facilities. 

1.10 Aspect.—The coast from Rumoi Ko to Tomamae Saki,

about 22 miles N, is a straight, sandy beach with low, rolling

hills inland. Rumoi Saki (43°57'N., 141°38'E.) is the N extremity of a plateau, about 20m high, which is conspicuous due

to the houses on it. A group of oil tanks about 0.4 mile S of Rumoi Saki is conspicuous. Rumoi Light is shown about 0.8 mile

NE of Rumoi Saki. Two white concrete masts, the highest 67m

high with triangular topmark, are conspicuous nearly 1.5 miles

N of Rumoi Light. Lights mark the SW end of the W

breakwater, and the head of the E breakwater, which extends

0.8 mile N from Rumoi Saki. A breakwater extends W from a

position on the shore about 0.9 mile N of Rumoi Light; a light

is shown from its head. 

1.10 Pilotage.—Pilotage is available, not compulsory, but recommended. Requests for pilotage should be sent 24 hours in advance. Pilots board in the quarantine anchorage in summer and

in Area No. 3 in winter.

1.10 Anchorage.—The quarantine anchorage, centered about 0.5

mile NNW of Rumoi Saki, has depths of 13 to 20.1m. There is

risk of dragging in strong W to N winds.

1.10 Area No. 3 has a sand bottom, with poor holding ground,

with risk of dragging in strong W to N winds. There are depths

of 5.2 to 10.4m in the W part of Area No. 3; obstructions, with

depths of 9.8m and 10.1m, lie in this part of the area.

Rumoi Ko to Ishikari Wan

1.11 The coast from Rumoi Ko to Notsuka Saki, about 7

North Quay Nos. 1-3 North side of No. 1 Section 430m 8.0 -

8.3m

7,000 dwt

South Quay

Nos. 1- 2

South side of inner port (in order from N)

295m 7.4-8.2m 7,000 dwt

Nos. 3-5 375m 5.0-7.5m 5,000 dwt

Landing Place 160m 4.0-5.5m

Sandomari No. 1 Quay Section 4 240m 12m 30,000 dwt

 Rumoi Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

Rumoi Ko

Aerial viewof Rumoi Ko 
Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 11

Pub. 159

miles SW, is bordered by cliffs about 40m high, with low hills

covered with grass inland. Notsuka Saki is the N extremity of a

relatively flat headland; the town of Mashike on the headland

and Mashike Ko Light on its E side are conspicuous from a

distance. 

1.11 Mashike Ko (43°51'N., 141°32'E.) lies E of the headland.

The harbor provides berths with a total length in excess of

600m, with depths of up to 5.6m alongside. Reclamation is in

progress in the S part of the harbor. 

1.11 Anchorage.—Local vessels generally anchor, in 8 to 11m,

gravel over soft bedrock, poor holding ground, with Mashike

Light bearing between 225° and 270°, distant about 0.5 mile.

The anchorage is exposed to winds from the N to E, but sheltered from W to NW winds. There is risk of dragging with

strong SE winds.

1.12 The coast from Notsuka Saki to Ofuyu Misaki, about

12 miles SW, consists of a low sandy beach on the shores of a

shallow bay for about 3 miles, then a high mountain range

backs the coast, descending abruptly seaward with cliffs, 100m

high. Futatsu Iwa, two rocks 1.4m high, lie about 0.5 mile

offshore, about 2.5 miles WSW of Notsuka Saki.

1.12 Ofuyu Misaki (Ohuyu Misaki) (43°43'N., 141°20'E.) is a

cliffy headland, 90m high. Ofuyu Misaki Light is shown from a

hill, 235m high, about 0.3 mile E, and is conspicuous day or

night; the light structure is difficult to distinguish when snow

accumulates. A waterfall on the N side of the headland is conspicuous when viewed from the W. Ofuyu Yama, 1,19m high,

about 2.5 miles ENE of Ofuyu Misaki, is conspicuous from a

distance, and Shokambetsu Dake (Syokambetu Take), 1,491m

high, about 5.3 miles farther ESE, is the highest mountain in the

vicinity and also conspicuous. The summits of both mountains

are often hidden in clouds or mist. Tengu Dake, a mountain

983m high, about 5 miles NW of Ofuyu Misaki, has a bare ridge

sloping NW, flanked by wooded slopes, and ending in a gray

cliff, 494m high, conspicuous from the NE or SW.

1.12 Okino Se, with a depth of 3.7m, lies about 1.5 miles offshore at

the outer end of foul ground extending NNW of Ofuyu Misaki.

Chino Se, with a least depth of 1.3m, and Todo Shima, a large

boulder 2m high, lie between Okino Se and the shore to its SE.

1.12 Tides—Currents.—The currents in the vicinity of Ofuyu

Misaki are generally weak. From late March to early May, a

strong current flows N with velocities of 2 to 6 knots; it is

believed this current is influenced by the discharge of spring

flood waters from Ishikari Gawa.

1.12 Caution.—Ofuyu Misaki should be given a berth of at least

3 miles to ensure clearing Okino Se, 2 miles NNW of Ofuyu

Misaki. This shoal is the outermost of several dangers, above

and below-water, which lie on foul ground NNW of Ofuyu

Misaki. 

Ofuyu Misaki to Otaru Ko

1.13 Aikappu Misaki (43°31'N., 141°22'E.), about 13

miles S of Ofuyu Misaki, is a cliffy headland; the elevated

outer tip of the headland appears like a detached island when

Ishikari Bay New Port
12 Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

viewed from the N or S. A flat-topped mountain, 486m high,

on top of the headland, is radar conspicuous. The coast recedes

between the two headlands to sand and gravel beaches. Kogane

Yama, a cone-shaped mountain, 740m high, is conspicuous

about 9 miles SE of Ofuyu Misaki.

1.13 An open bay lies between Aikappu Misaki and Takashima

Misaki, about 23 miles SW. Otaru Ko lies S of Takashima Misaki.

1.13 The coast between Aikappu Misaki and Atsuta, about 8

miles SSE, is bordered by cliffs and backed by a range of steep,

densely wooded mountains. From there to the mouth of Ishikari Gawa, the coast consists of gravel beachs backed by a

series of low treeless hills. Asoiwa Yama, 418m high, with a

dome at its summit, lies about 7 miles ENE of the mouth of

Ishikari Gawa, and is conspicuous as it is surrounded by low,

bare hills.

1.13 Ishikari Gawa, the largest river in Hokkaido, is accessible

only to boats. The small port of Ishikari Ko lies in the mouth of

the river. The bar at the river mouth is constantly changing, and

the river is tidal for about 8 miles upstream.

1.13 A submarine cable runs in a NW direction close N of Ishikari Gawa.

1.13 Depths—Limitations.—A T-shaped pier, East Wharf, lies

on the SW side of East Breakwater. There is a lumber quay on

the SW side of East Wharf, with an alongside depth of 10.1m.

The fairway to the lumber quay is being dredged to 10.1m. One

tug of 2,500 hp is available. Additional tugs are available from

Otaru, if required. 

1.13 Aspect.—The coast from the mouth of Ishikari Gawa to

Zenibako, about 12 miles SW, is a series of low sandy beaches.

The land W of Zenibako consists of plateau-type hills, the

coastline alternating between stretches of cliffs and gravel

beaches.

1.13 Anchorage.—Temporary exposed anchorage can be taken,

in 11 to 12.8m, mud bottom, about 1 mile off the mouth of the

river.

1.14 Ishikari Bay New Port (43°13'N., 141°17'E.), an

artificial harbor on reclaimed land about 4.5 miles SW of the

mouth of Ishikari Kawa, is a principal port. It was built to support the Sapporo area and Hokkaido as a whole.

1.14 Depths—Limitations.—The entrance channel, marked by

buoys, is dredged to 10m, and has a draft limitation of 9m. East

Wharf has three berths, one with a length of 185m and 10m

depth alongside, and the other two with a total length of 260m

and depths of 7.5m alongside. There is a dredged channel leading SSW from the entrance to West Wharf. West Wharf has

one berth, with a length of 280m and a depth of 14m alongside.

Central Wharf has six berths, with a total length of 865m and

depths of 7.5m alongside. This is a private wharf used for oil

and gas.

1.14 Bannaguro Wharf, situated 0.2 mile SW from East Wharf,

has five berths, two with a total length of 370m and a 10m

depth alongside. The other three have a total length of 390m

and a 7.5m depth alongside. There are plans for three more

berths at this wharf, with a total length of 510m and a depth of

10m alongside.

1.14 Tarukawa Wharf has five berths, two with a total length of

370m and a 10m depth alongside. The other three berths have a

total length of 390m and depths of 7.5m alongside. There are

Ishikari Bay New Port—East Wharf
Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 13

Pub. 159

Ishikari Bay New Port—Central Wharf

Ishikari Bay New Port—Tarukawa Wharf and Bannaguro Wharf
14 Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

plans for two more berths with a total length of 200m and a

5.5m depth alongside.

1.14 Aspect.—Range lights bearing 167.75° lead to Bannaguro

Wharf and Tarukawa Wharf. The harbor is protected by artificial breakwaters. The E breakwater extends 0.5 mile NW

from the shore, about 4.25 miles SW of the entrance to Ishikari

Kawa. A detached breakwater extends 0.75 mile WNW close

off the head of the E breakwater. The N breakwater, also detached, extends 2 miles SW from a position 0.3 mile NNW of

the W end of the detached breakwater.

1.14 A light is shown from each end of the N breakwater. Another

light is shown from the W head of the detached breakwater.

The harbor is the focal point for the distribution of commodities in the central region of Hokkaido. 

1.14 A light has been established 5.5 miles NE from the mouth of

Ishikari Kawa.

1.14 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory, but is recommended

for arrival. Pilots are available at the Otaru quarantine anchorage during daylight hours only. 

Ishikari Wan

1.15 Ishikari Wan (Isikari Wan), a large bay, is entered

between Ofuyu Misaki (43°43'N., 141°20'E.) and Shakotan

Misaki, about 43 miles WSW. The E side of the bay is backed

by mountains, and the S side of the bay is backed by the

volcanic plateau of Shakotan Hanto (Syakotan Hanto). Therefore, there are no significant coastal plains on the E and S sides

of the bay, which are almost entirely bordered by sea-eroded

cliffs.

1.16 At the head of the bay is a low sandy beach, behind

which is the Ishikari Plain, where Ishikari Gawa flows into the

sea.

1.16 At the head of the bay, depths of less than 20.1m extend from

2 to 3.5 miles offshore. The E and S sides of the bay are relatively steep-to, with depths of less than 20.1m no more than 1

mile offshore. There are no detached islands or dangerous reefs

farther offshore.

1.16 Landmarks visible from outside the bay are Ofuyu Yama

(previously described in paragraph 1.12), on the E side of the

bay, and, on the S side of the bay, Shakotan Dake (Syakotan

Take), 1,255m high, about 6 miles S of Shakotan Misaki, and

Yobetsu Dake, 1,299m high, about 1 mile farther SW.

1.16 The important port of Otaru Ko is situated on the S side of

the bay.

Shakotan Misaki to Benkei Misaki

1.17 Kamui Misaki (Kamoi Misaki) (43°20'N.,

140°21'E.), the NW extremity of Shakotan Hanto, lies about

5.5 miles WSW of Shakotan Misaki; it is a narrow gray treeless point, 83m high, and strewn with boulders. A light is

shown from the point from a round tower, 11m high. A rocky

ridge extends about 0.6 mile NW of Kamui Misaki. Several

pointed rocks lie on this ridge, and extend about 0.4 mile NW

of the point.

1.17 Kamui Iwa, 41m high, the middle rock, is easily recognized

by its sharply pointed top. Menoka Iwa, 9.2m high, the outermost rock, is low and flat. A sunken rock, at the outer edge of

the ridge, lies about 0.2 mile NW of Menoka Iwa.

1.17 Yobetsu Ko, a small fishing harbor, lies about 1.5 miles E of

Kamui Misaki.

1.17 Yobetsu Take (Yobetu Take), 1,299m high, about 6.5 miles

SE of Kamui Misaki, and Shakotan Dake (Syakotan Take),

1,260m high, about 1 mile NE of Yobetsu Take, are the two

highest mountains of Shakotan Hanto.

1.17 A rocky bank, with a least depth of 96m about 8 miles NW

of Kamui Misaki, might prove useful in determining a vessel’s

position in dense fogs or blizzards; that part of this bank with

depths of less than 120m is 1 mile wide.

1.17 The coast between Kamui Misaki and Kawashiri Misaki,

Ishikari Light

Kamui Misaki Light
Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 15

Pub. 159

about 7 miles S, consists of sandy beaches backed by hills

rising so steeply as to give the appearance of cliffs. It is comparatively steep-to, with no off-lying dangers, but there are

rocks within 0.4 mile of the coast.

1.17 A large bay is formed between Kawashiri Misaki and Benkei

Misaki, about 24 miles SSW. Iwanai Ko lies at the head of the bay;

Suttsu Wan, a smaller bay, lies on the S side of the bay.

1.17 The coast between Kawashira Misaki and the mouth of Horikappu Gawa, at the head of the bay, forms the SW side of

Shakotan Hanto. The coast is cliffy for about 4 miles SE of

Kawashira Misaki, then the terrain lowers gradually and becomes a series of pebbly beaches. The vicinity of Iwanai Ko, at

the head of the bay, consists of low, sandy beaches, backed by

low, flat country.

Kamuenai Ko, a small fishing harbor, lies about 6.5 miles SE

of Kawashira Misaki. Kabuto Misaki, a headland about 3.5

miles farther SE, is conspicuous from the NW. Tomari Ko, a

small fishing harbor, lies about 1.5 miles SE of Kabuto Misaki.

Takashima Misaki to Shakotan Misaki

1.18 The coast between Takashima Misaki (43°14'N.,

141°01'E.) and Shakotan Misaki, about 26 miles WNW, consists of precipitous cliffs, some over 150m high, rising from the

sea. The shoreline is irregular and deeply indented by many

bays and inlets, alternating with cliffy headlands. The heads of

the bays are generally shallow, but the coast in general is steepto, with deep water close offshore. There are no detached dangers, with depths of less than 10.1m, lying over 0.5 mile offshore.

1.18 Madoiwa Hana, about 4 miles W of Takashima Misaki, rises

to an elevation of 182m; its seaward side is a precipitous cliff

with a window-like cave in its lower part. Maru Yama, 629m

high, has a sharp grass-covered peak and is easily identified

about 2.8 miles farther S.

1.18 A peninsula, about 3 miles W of Madoiwa Hana, has a hill, 88m

high, covered with trees and grass on its E side. A helmet-shaped

rock, 38m high, lies at the NW extremity of the peninsula.

1.18 Yoichi Wan is entered between the above peninsula and

Shiriba Saki (43°13'N., 140°47'E.), about 3.5 miles to the W.

Shiriba Saki rises to a thickly-wooded and pointed summit,

296m high; it is faced by a steep cliff, and slopes gently on its

landward side. Daikoku Yama, 725m high, the W of twin

thickly-wooded peaks, lies about 7 miles S of Shiriba Saki; the

land slopes gently from these peaks to the head of Yoichi Wan.

Tengu Yama, 876m high, about 5.5 miles WSW of Shiribi

Saki, is the highest mountain in the vicinity.

1.18 Yoichi Wan has depths of 29m in the middle of its entrance,

and shoals gradually to the head of the bay. The bottom is sand

and free of obstructions. The bay is not suitable for anchorage

with winds from the NW through N to E, when swells penetrate the bay. Yoichi Ko, a fishing harbor, lies on the W side of

the bay. Anchorage can be taken, in about 14m, about 0.3 mile

SE of the head of the N breakwater at Yoichi Ko; the bottom is

sand, good holding ground, and the anchorage was reported

satisfactory even in winter in strong Northwest Monsoon

winds.

1.18 Shakotan Misaki (Syakotan Misaki) (43°22'N., 140°28'E.)

is faced by a cliff, 120m high. A light is shown at an elevation

of 143m on De Misaki. 

1.18 Maruyama Misaki (43°17'N., 140°39'E.), about 7 miles

WNW of Shiriba Saki, has a steep black cliff on its N side and

rises to a pointed summit, 195m high, covered with trees. The

headland is fringed with rocks; the outermost rock, with a

depth of 2.7m, lies about 0.2 mile N of the headland. Furubira

Ko, a small fishing harbor, lies SW of the headland.

1.18 Three fish havens lie within 1.5 miles of the coast between

Furubira Wan and Yochi Wan. 

1.18 Atsutoma Misaki, a black headland, 84m high, lies about 1

mile NW of Maruyama Misaki; a rock, 3.1m high, lies about

0.2 mile N of the headland.

Bikuni Wan lies between Atsutoma Misaki and Kogane

Misaki, about 1.3 miles farther WNW. Takara-jima, an island

104m high, lies about 0.2 mile N of Kogane Misaki.

1.18 Makka Misaki (Makkano Misaki), a cliffy headland, 166m

high and covered with grass, lies about 4.8 miles NW of Kogane Misaki; two pinnacle rocks, 105m and 80m high, respectively, close off the headland, are conspicuous from the SE or

NW.

1.18 De Misaki, the N extremity of Shakotan Hanto (Syakotan

Hanto), lies about 2.3 miles WNW of Makka Misaki; Shakotan

Misaki lies about 1 mile farther WSW.

Otaru Ko (43°12'N., 141°01'E.)

World Port Index No. 61230

1.19 Otaru Ko is entered between Kayashiba Misaki, about

1 mile S of Takashima Misaki (43°14'N., 141°01'E.), and

Haraiso Misaki, about 2.8 miles farther SSE. The harbor is

formed by a N breakwater and a S breakwater, with a detached

breakwater at the N end of the S breakwater. A small detached

breakwater extends about 0.2 mile seaward of the S end of the

N breakwater. A short detached breakwater extend from the N

end of the S breakwater.

Shakotan Misaki Light
16 Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

Lights are shown marking the harbor entrance. The harbor is

surrounded by hills on its N, W, and S sides, and is wellsheltered. The city of Otaru, W of the harbor, has many hilly

streets due to the mountainous terrain close to the shore.

Benten Shima, 17m high, about 0.5 mile SSW of Kayashiba

Misaki, has breakwaters extending N and S of it, forming a

fishing harbor.

Winds—Weather

1.19 At Otaru, SW to W winds predominate for most of the year,

though in June, E winds slightly exceed those from the SW,

and in July E winds roughly equal those from SW. Snowstorms

may delay cargo operations during the winter.

1.19 From November to March the sea is usually rough, but from

April to October, it is generally calm. When strong N winds

persist for 4 or 5 hours, swells tend to penetrate into the harbor.

1.19 Sea fog forms in the vicinity of Otaru Ko from early April to

late August. The peak season is June and July. Fogs usually

start to form about 1400, reach maximum density from 1600 to

1700, and dissipate by 1900. The incidence of fog is low, and

the moisture content is barely enough to dampen one’s clothes.

In winter, Otaru is sometimes covered with haze.

Depths—Limitations

1.19 Outside the breakwaters, the depths are generally over

14.9m. The fairway into the harbor has least depths of about

11.9m.

1.19 The principal berthing facilities are described in the table

titled Otaru Ko—Berthing Facilities. 

Aspect

Takashima Misaki (43°14'N., 141°01'E.) rises to Hiyori

Yama, a hill 44m high, from which a light is shown. A white

building, on the E slope of a hill, is conspicuous nearly 0.5

mile W of the light structure; the building, which is illuminated

by mercury lights at night (usually until midnight), and being

higher and brighter than Hiyori Yama Light, should not be

mistaken for the light. Todo Iwa, a black rock, 22m high, lies

about 0.4 mile NW of Takashima Misaki.

 Otaru Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

Minato Machi 

Wharf

Nos. 1-2 Quays

Sec. 1

South side 370m 7.5-12.0m 3,000 to 20,000 dwt

No. 3 Quay East side 280m 13.0m 35,000 dwt

Nos. 4-5 Quays North side 293m 9.0m 6,000 dwt

Sakai Machi Quay South of Nos. 1-2 

Quays 189m 7.5m 3,000 dwt

No. 2 Wharf

Root Quay (No. 6) North of root of No. 1 

Wharf 128m 4.0-7.0m 1,000 dwt

Nos. 7-8 Quays South side 293m 7.5-8.5m 6,000 dwt

No. 9 Quay East side 126m 7.5-8.5m 3,000 dwt

Nos. 10-11 Quays North side 293m 6.5-9.0m 6,000 dwt

No. 3 Wharf

Root Quay (No. 12) North of root of No. 2 

Wharf 128m 7.0m 1,000 dwt

Nos. 13-14 Quays South side 344m 9.0m 6,000 dwt

No. 15 Quay East side 127m 9.0m 3,000 dwt

Nos. 16-17 Quays North side 326m 9.0-10.0m 6,000 to 10,000 dwt

No. 18 Quay West of No. 17 Quay of 

No. 3 Wharf 128m 6.0m 1,000 dwt

Ironai Wharf Ironai Quay No. 2 East side of wharf 140m 6.5-9.0m

Ironai Quay No. 3 North side of wharf 245m 3.0-5.0m

Kitahama Quay North of root of Ironai 

Wharf 251m 5.5m 2,000 dwt

Temiya Quay

Sec. 1

Northeast of Kitahama 

Quay 140m 5.0m 1,000 dwt

Temiya Pier East of Temiya Quay 132m 5.0m 1,000 dwt

Umaya Cho Quays (Nos. 1-3) Southwest of root of 

North Breakwater 390m 7.5m 3,000 dwt
Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 17

Pub. 159

1.19 Akaiwa Yama, a hill, 371m high, with a conspicuous cliff on

its seaward side, lies about 1.5 miles WSW of Takashima

Misaki. 

1.19 Kayashiba Misaki is a useful landmark for vessels approaching from the N, as the headland is silhouetted against the city

lights in the background.

1.19 Haraiso Misaki, at the S end of the port, has a cliff at its outer

end, which is easy to identify even in poor visibility; a building

on the headland is conspicuous day or night.

1.19 Teine Yama, 1,024m high, with a TV relay station near its

summit, lies about 9.5 miles SE of Haraiso Misaki. The mercury lights of the station are visible from off Shakotan Misaki,

distant 40 miles. Six TV relay towers are conspicuous. Another

tower is reported conspicuous 2.5 miles W of the summit.

1.19 Tengu Yama, 533m high, and Maru Yama, 629m high, lie about

3 miles WSW and 5 miles W, respectively, of Haraiso Misaki, and

are excellent landmarks when approaching Otaru Ko.

1.19 The Combined Port Affairs Office Building, an eight-story

building with radio masts on the roof, is situated on the W side

of the area between Wharf No. 2 and Wharf No. 3, about 1

mile W of harbor entrance.

1.19 Ishi Yama, 145m high, with a cliffy, pointed summit and a

round glass-walled building, is conspicuous about 0.8 mile farther WNW.

1.19 Fish traps may be laid within 1 mile of the shore from

August to November. A fish haven lies 5 miles WNW of Ishikari Ko. 

Pilotage

1.19 Pilotage is not compulsory, but pilots are available and

usually board about 1 mile NE of the harbor entrance. In rough

weather, pilots board and disembark near the harbor entrance.

The harbormaster can be contacted by telegraph or VHF radio,

call sign “Otaru-ho-an,” on VHF channels 16 and 12.

Anchorage

1.19 Anchorage is available within the breakwaters, in 9.1 to

12.8m; the holding ground is generally poor. The bottom in the

N part of the harbor is sand and mud, while in the S part of the

harbor the bottom is often bare bedrock. A dangerous cargo

anchorage lies W of the S part of the detached breakwater.

1.19 A quarantine anchorage is established 1 mile SSE of Kayashiba Misaki, as indicated on the chart.

Caution

1.19 At night, the lights at the heads of the breakwaters are not

easily distinguished due to the city lights in the background.

1.19 Vessels should not approach the coast within 0.75 mile

between Takashima Misaki and Kayashiba Misaki from March

to November, due to the possible presence of fish traps, marked

by towers, 3.1m high, and red lights.

Iwanai Ko (42°59'N., 140°31'E.)

1.20 Iwanai Ko is a fishing harbor and small port at the

head of the bay. The harbor is sheltered by West Breakwater

extending N from Iwanai, and East Breakwater extending W

from the mainland. A detached breakwater extends 0.2 mile

Wakatake Chiku—10m mooring pillar

Sec. 2

North of log pond at S 

end of the inner port 301m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

Katsunai Wharf

Katsunai No. 1 

Quay

Northwest side of the 

log pond (in order from 

E)

260m 13.0m 30,000 dwt

Katsunai Nos. 2-3 

Quays 370m 10.0m 10,000 dwt

Katsunai Nos. 4-5 

Quays 436m 9.0-10.0m 10,000 to 17,000 dwt

Central Wharf

Central No. 1, 2 

Quays A central 

wharf W of 

Shimazutsumi Light

South 

side 312m 7.5-10.0m 3,000 to 10,000 dwt

Central No. 3 Quay East 

side 185m 10.0m 10,000 dwt

Central Nos. 4-5 

Quays

North 

side 377m 7.5-12.0m 3,000 to 20,000 dwt

 Otaru Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

Hiyori Yama Light
18 Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

NNE from a position 183m WNW of West Breakwater Light.

A light is shown at both ends. Both detached breakwaters are

being extended. An inner port for fishing vessels and sheltered

by breakwaters, occupies the S part of the harbor. Central

Wharf, extending NW, occupies the SE part of the harbor. A

boat basin, NE of Central Wharf and sheltered by a breakwater,

occupies the E side of the harbor. 

1.20 Winds—Weather.—Winds from the W and WNW predominate from November through February, and SSE winds predominate from March through October. Fog occurs about 2

days per month in June and July. Snow falls about 26 days per

month in December and February, 30 days in January, and 22

days in March.

1.20 Tides—Currents.—Weak tidal currents set SW on the flood

and NE on the ebb.

1.20 Depths—Limitations.—The NW section of the W side of

Central Wharf has depths of 4 to 7.5m and a length of 240m.

Fisheries Wharf, situated 183m SW of Central Wharf, has a

length of 275m, with an alongside depth of 3 to 5m on its N

side. East Wharf is 328m long, with 8m alongside.

1.20 Aspect.—Iwanai Take (Poronupuri Yama), 1,086m high, lies

about 3.5 miles S of Iwanai Ko. Shiribeshi Yama, 1,893m high,

lies about 16 miles SE of Iwanai Ko. Both are conspicuous in

the approach.

1.20 A white oil tank is conspicuous at the root of Central Wharf.

1.20 Anchorage.—Open anchorage can be taken, in 11.9m, about

0.4 mile NNE of the head of W breakwater; care should be

taken to avoid obstructing the fairway into the harbor. Small

vessels can anchor in the outer harbor with the head of W

breakwater bearing 340°, distant about 0.2 mile.

1.20 The bottom inside the harbor is sand, with relatively good

holding ground. The bottom in the harbor approach is fouled.

There is a risk of dragging with strong W winds.

1.20 Anchorage within the breakwater becomes impossible with

strong Northwest Monsoon winds, which cause waves to pass

over West Breakwater and combine with the seas entering from

the N. Small vessels may then seek shelter in Suttsu Wan.

1.20 Caution.—It is reported that a dangerous obstruction exist

approximately 940m W of West Breakwater Light. The inner

port is heavily congested with fishing vessels in the fishing

season (June to August).

1.21 Raiden Misaki (42°55'N., 140°24'E.), about 7 miles

SW of Iwanai Ko, is a headland flanked by a black cliff connecting it to another headland about 2.5 miles NE; steep cliffs

between the headlands are conspicuous from seaward. Several

buildings of a hot springs resort are conspicuous day or night,

E of Raiden Misaki.The mouth of Shiribetsu Gawa, about 3

miles SSW of Raiden Misaki, is bordered by low, sandy

beaches. A reef, with a depth of 1.5m, lies about 0.5 mile NW

of the river mouth.

1.21 A light is shown on the coast about 2 miles farther SSW; it

illuminates a white beacon about 0.3 mile W of it.

1.21 Biyano Misaki (Biyano Saki) lies about 2 miles farther SSW.

Suttsu Wan is entered between Biyano Misaki and Benkei

Misaki, about 5.3 miles W.

1.21 Benkei Misaki (42°49'N., 140°12'E.), a low black rocky

point, rises to a thickly-wooded summit and is marked at its N

end by a light. Horozuki Yama, 504m high, lies about 3 miles

SSE of the point. A drying reef extends about 0.2 mile N from

the W side of the point.

1.21 Suttsu Wan (Suttu Wan) (Sutsu Wan), open N, has shores

lined with fishing villages, except along the sandy beach at its

head. Shubuto Gawa (Shuputo Kawa) enters the SW corner of

the bay, near the W end of the beach. Daimaru Iso, a dangerous

reef about 2 miles SE of Benkei Misaki, is marked by a light.

1.22 Suttsu Ko (Sutsu) (42°47'N., 140°14'E.), a small

fishing harbor, lies about 1 mile farther SSE; the port is

congested with fishing boats during the fishing season (June to

September). 

1.22 The outer harbor is protected by the N breakwater which

extends about 400m in a generally ESE direction from the N

side of the harbor; a light is shown near the head of this breakwater.

1.22 The harbor entrance, which faces E, lies between the head of

the N breakwater and a detached breakwater extending NNE

from near the rocky side of Iwa Saki. A light is shown from the

detached breakwater. 

1.22 Wind—Weather.—Winter winds generally are out of the W

or NW, with S winds prevailing during the remainder of the

year. A local wind, the Dashi, blows out of the S from the

valley of Shubuto Gawa. Average maximum velocities range

from 25 to 32 knots, with gusts up to 38 knots. The Dashi is

particularly strong during May and June; it blows more during

the night than the day, and is strongest at 0600 and 2200. The

effects of this local wind are felt in the anchorage and up to 4

or 5 miles offshore. Its impact is greater on the W shore of

Suttsu Wan than on the E shore, and it is not felt W of Benkei

Misaki.

1.22 Fogs are infrequent in this vicinity.

1.22 Anchorage.—Fair anchorage can be taken, in 18.3m, about

1 mile N of the mouth of Shubuto Gawa.

1.22 Caution.—Fish traps extend 1 mile W of Biyano Misaki

from April to December. Fish traps extend about 1.4 miles NE

of Suttsu Ko, and up to 1 mile offshore in the inner part of the

bay from June to December. Mariculture farms for seaweed

and scallops are situated in the S part of the bay. Red flags and

lights mark the scallop farms E of Suttsu Ko.

Benkei Misaki to Hogoshi Misaki

1.23 The coast between Benkei Misaki and Shiraito

Misaki, about 17 miles SW, is mostly sandy beach, backed by

high land. Then to Motsuta Misaki, about 3.5 miles farther SE,

the coast consists of precipitous cliffs.

1.23 Honme Misaki, a low point marked by a light, lies about 6

miles SW of Benkei Misaki. Kimaki Misaki, about 9 miles

farther WSW, is also marked by a light.

1.23 Shiraito Misaki (42°40'N., 139°52'E.) is faced by a black

cliff, 46m high, and is thickly wooded above the cliff. A waterfall drops from the top of the cliff, E of the headland. The headland is difficult to identify from a distance.

1.23 Motsuta Misaki, a headland with a steep red cliff, is conspicuous from a distance. Its summit is a plateau, 200 to 300m

high. A light is shown on its N side. Kariba Yama, a wooded

mountain, 1,515m high, lies about 5 miles E of the headland.

Kasube Take, a pyramid-shaped mountain, 1,049m high, about

8 miles SE of Motsuta Misaki, is conspicuous from the SW.

1.23 Setana (Setanai), surmounted by a 95m hill, lies about 10

miles S of Motsuta Misaki. Rosuka Iwa, 28m high and con-
Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 19

Pub. 159

nected to the mainland by a causeway, is the largest of numerous rocks on the coastal bank abreast the town.

1.23 Three vertical rocks, the N and highest being 39m high, lie

close NE of Rosuka Iwa.

1.24 Setana Ko (Setanai Ko) (42°27.5'N., 139°50.5'E.), a

small harbor between Rosuka Iwa and the mainland, is

Benkei Misaki Light

Honme Misaki Light

Kimaki Misaki Light
20 Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

sheltered N by the causeway and entered S between breakwaters. Detached breakwaters lie 0.2 mile SW of the harbor

entrance. The detached breakwaters have been extended. 

1.24 A reef, with a depth of less than 1m, lies about 1.3 miles

SSW of Setana Ko, and about 0.5 mile offshore; it is the outermost reef in the vicinity.

1.24 A stretch of sandy beach, backed by low land, lies S of

Setana Ko.

1.24 Midare Misaki (Mitare Misaki), marked by a light, lies about

6.5 miles SSE of Setana Ko. Obana Misaki, about 3 miles

farther S, is a steep-to red cliffy headland; it is very conspicuous from the SW. Matsukura Yama, 805m high, about 2 miles

E of Obana Misaki, is densely wooded, with a sharp peak; its

summit is deep green in summer. Kenashi Yama, 816m high

and round-topped, lies about 2 miles S of Matsukura Yama; its

summit is light green in summer.

1.24 Hogoshi Misaki (Hokoshi Saki) (42°16'N., 139°47'E.),

about 2.5 miles S of Obana Misaki, is a low headland rising to

a cone-shaped hill, 318m high; it is steep-to and a good landmark from the N or S. Hogoshi Misaki is also known as Ota

Misaki. Ota Yama, 483m high, about 1 mile NE of Hogoshi

Misaki, has a red cliff near its summitthat is very conspicuous

from the SW.

Okushiri To

1.25 Okushiri To (Okushiri Shima) (Okusiri To) attains an

elevation of 584m at Kamui San (Kamui Yama) (42°09'N.,

139°27'E.), slightly W of the center of the island. Depths over

20m lie within 0.5 mile of the island, except for the shoal area

at the S end of the island.

1.25 Inaho Misaki (42°15'N., 139°34'E.), the N end of the island,

lies about 10 miles W of Hogoshi Misaki and is marked by a

light from which a ramark transmits. It rises to a round hill,

71m high, conspicuous from the NW or SE, about 137m S of

the light structure. A rock, 22m high, lies about 0.1 mile N of

the light structure. A steep-to reef, on which there are several

above-water rocks, extends about 0.4 mile N of the point. Anchorage, sheltered from S winds, can be taken on the W side of

Inaho Misaki, in a depth of about 17.1m, with the light structure bearing 068°, distant about 1 mile.

1.25 Okushiri Ko (42°11'N., 139°31'E.), a small port, lies about

5 miles SSE of Inaho Misaki. This small harbor is enclosed by

South Breakwater, which extends 150m E from the shore at the

S end of the harbor, and by East Breakwater, which extends

800m NNE from the outer end of South Breakwater.

1.25 A detached breakwater lies with its S extremity close SE of

the head of East Breakwater and extends about 0.2 mile NE. A

light is shown from this breakwater. 

1.25 A light is shown about 0.5 mile SE of Okishiri Ko, close off

Akaishi Misaki. 

Aonae Misaki (42°03'N., 139°27'E.), the S extremity of

Okushiri To, is a low spit with a monument, 17.1m high, at its

extremity. A light is shown from the point. A reef, with a depth

of 3.6m at its outer end, extends about 1 mile S of the point.

1.25 Murotsu Shima (Murotu Shima), about 2.3 miles S of Aonae

Misaki, is a group of large, black rocks, lying on a drying

ridge. Moriiso Shima, 7.9m high, adjoins the largest rock, 6.3m

high, close E, on which there are over a dozen houses. A light

is shown from the latter rock. A rock, 0.8m high, and a rock,

with a depth of 3.6m, lie nearly 1 mile ENE and about 0.3 mile

W, respectively, of Moriiso Shima.

1.25 The passage between Murotsu Shima and the reef extending

S of Aonai Misaki is about 0.8 mile wide with depths of about

14.9m, but it should not be attempted by large vessels.

1.25 Aonae Wan, a sandy bay, is entered between Aonae Misaki,

and a point about 1.8 miles NE. Aonae Ko, a fishing harbor,

lies on the W shore of the bay. It is enclosed by two breakwaters.

1.25 Anchorage.—Aonae Wan affords the best anchorage on Okushiri To in winds from the W to N. However, a heavy swell enters

the bay with winds from the NE to SW, making anchorage impossible. Good anchorage can be taken, in 15m, sand, with the S

extremity of the N breakwater at Aonae Ko bearing 255°, distant

about 0.5 mile. The holding ground is fair. 

1.25 Kuki Misaki (Gunrai Misaki), about 2 miles NW of Aonae

Misaki, is bordered by numerous rocks; Todo Shima, 8.1m

high, is a steep-to detached rock, about 0.7 mile W of Kuki

Misaki. Two rocks, each about 1.4m high, lie about 1 mile farther N and about 0.4 mile offshore.

1.25 Mui Shima, about 2.5 miles N of Kuki Misaki, is a conical

islet, 65m high, with a smaller islet close N; it is conspicuous

from the N or S.

1.25 Kamuiwaki Ko, a small fishing port, lies about 3.5 miles N

of Mui Shima.

1.25 A reef, with a rock, 4.2m high at its outer end, extends nearly

0.5 mile NNW of Isoya Misaki, the NW extremity of Okushiri To.

Midare Misaki Light
Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 21

Pub. 159

Okushiri Kaikyo

1.26 Okushiri Kaikyo (Okusiri Kaikyo), the deep strait

between Okushiri To and the W coast of Hokkaido, is the usual

route for passing up or down the coast. It is about 9.5 miles

wide at its narrow end between Inaho Misaki and Hogoshi

Misaki. Both sides of the strait are steep-to with no detached

dangers beyond 1 mile offshore, except for the reefs extending

S of Anoae Misaki.

1.26 Currents are erratic in the N part of Okushiri Kaikyo. During

the summer, the N current has velocities of 0.5 to 1.5 knots,

and the S current has velocities of 0.3 to 0.5 knot.

Hogoshi Misaki to Shirikami Saki

1.27 The coast between Hogoshi Misaki (42°16'N.,

139°47'E.) and Shirikami Misaki, about 55 miles SSE, consists

mainly of sand or gravel beaches interspersed with stretches of

low cliffs. The land inland consists of relatively high terrain,

with very little flat country. This coast, bordered by many rocks

and reefs, is relatively steep-to with depths of over 20m from

0.5 to 1 mile offshore, except in the vicinity of Esashi Ko.

1.27 Kouta Misaki, a low headland marked by a light, lies about 3

miles SE of Hogoshi Misaki. Kuda Ko, a small fishing harbor,

lies about 1 mile farther E.

1.27 A submarine cable from Aonai Ko is landed in the vicinity of

Kouta Misaki. 

1.27 Usubetsu Take, 1,236m high, and Yurabu Take (Yurappu

Take), 1,276m high, are very conspicuous about 8.5 miles E of

Kouto Misaki.

1.27 Kudo Wan is entered between Kouta Misaki and Yoriki

Misaki, about 3.5 miles SE. Anchorage, sheltered from N and

E winds, can be taken by large vessels, in 12.8 to 18.3m, sand,

off the beach at the head of the bay. It is not safe with W winds.

Care should be taken to avoid the submarine cable extending

from the NW end of the beach to Kouta Misaki at Okushiri To.

1.28 Pommoshiri Misaki (Ponmoshiri Saki) (42°08'N.,

139°55'E.), a low dark rocky headland marked by a light, is very

conspicuous nearly 7.5 miles SE of Kouta Misaki, and is the SE

entrance point of Okushiri Kaikyo. A white tower, 504m high, is

very conspicuous atop Anama Yama, about 2 miles N of Pommoshiri Misaki. A radio tower, 115m high, is conspicuous nearly 0.5

mile NE of the same point. Reefs and rocks extend about 0.3 mile

offshore in the vicinity of the point.

Kumaishi Ko, a small fishing harbor, lies about 2.5 miles E

of Pommoshiri Misaki. It consists of a camber with depths of 3

to 4m, within two breakwaters, each marked by a light. A light

is also shown from a round tower, 6m high. 

1.28 Between Kumaishi Ko and Ponmoshiri Misaki, numerous

houses stand on the coast. 

1.28 Otobe Ko (41°58'N., 140°08'E.), a small fishing harbor, lies

about 13.5 miles SE of Pommishori Misaki. It is close N of

Otobe Hana, a headland with a white cliff. Another headland,

Tateno Misaki, about 1.3 miles N of Otobe Hana, has a white

cliff, 60 to 100m high, on its N side; it is very conspicuous and

visible 15 miles from seaward, even when the surroundings are

snow-covered. Two television towers, with elevations of 175m

and marked by red lights, stand on a 157m hill about 1 mile SE

of Otobe Ko. They are visible 7 miles offshore by day and 25

miles offshore at night.

1.29 Esasi Ko (Esashi Ko) (41°52'N., 140°07'E.) (World

Port Index No. 61205), fronted by Kamome Shima, consists of

two parts connected by a low neck of land and appears as two

islands from W. The N part of the island is 26.8m high. The

island is connected to the mainland E by a breakwater, with

South Wharf on its N side.

1.29 Esasi Ko is formed by the W breakwater extending ENE from

the N end of Kamome Shima, and a breakwater extending W from

the mainland. A boat harbor lies on the S side of the harbor, E of

South Wharf. North Wharf, extending NNW, lies on the E side of

the breakwater which forms the E side of the harbor.

1.29 West Outer Breakwater extends 60m N from a position 60m

N of West Breakwater Light; a light is shown from its head. 

Depths—Limitations.—North Wharf has alongside depths

of 4.7 to 5.1m; North Quay has alongside depths of 3.6 to

5.4m. Central Wharf has alongside depths of 4.7 to 5.2m on its

E side and 3.1 to 4.8m on its W side. South Wharf has alongside depths of 1.4 to 4m.

1.29 Awabisori, with a depth of 2.4m, lies about 0.7 mile NE of

the harbor entrance and about 0.2 mile offshore.

1.29 Aspect.—Kamome Shima Light is shown from the N part of

the island. A shrine, with a red roof, lies about 0.1 mile farther

NNE. Moto Yama, a mountain 522m high, light green, and with a

bare summit, is very conspicuous about 3.5 miles E of Esasi Ko.

1.29 Anchorage.—Good anchorage can be taken, in 14.9 to

15.8m, fine sand, about 0.2 mile NW of the head of W breakwater. Strong winds from the SSW through W to N, set up a

heavy sea in the anchorage.

1.29 Fair anchorage, sheltered from the N and E, can be obtained

S of Kuzure Hana, the SW extremity of Kamome Shima, in

depths of about 14m, having regard to a fish haven which lies 1

mile SSW of Kuzure Hana. Another fish haven lies 1 mile W

of Kamome Shima.

1.29 Caution.—A wreck is reported to lie 2 miles WNW of

Esashi Ko West Breakwater Light. 

1.30 Sunego Misaki (Suneko Misaki) (O Saki) (41°48'N.,

140°05'E.), about 4.5 miles SSW of Kamome Shima, is a very

Pommoshiri Misaki Light
22 Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

conspicuous dark rocky headland, 33m high, and covered with

grass. Io Yama, 159m high, about 1.3 miles E of Sunego

Misaki, appears as a sharp peak from the N. 

1.30 Anchorage.—Temporary anchorage can be taken off Kaminokuni, a small village about 1.5 miles E of Sunego Misaki. It

is comparatively safe in all winds except those from the W and

N; with SW winds, strong squalls sometimes blow down from

the hills. The recommended anchorage, in 12.3 to 14.6m, sand,

lies about 0.5 mile NE of Omana Hana, a point about 1.3 miles

ENE of Sunego Misaki.

1.30 The coast between Sunego Misaki and the mouth of Ishizaki

Kawa, about 6 miles SSW, consists of sandy beach, then to

Eramachi, about 10 miles farther S, it is cliffy coast. Between

Eramachi and Shirikami Saki, about 13 miles SE, the coast is

mainly gravel beach. The terrain inland is mountainous. Rocks

and reefs extend 0.5 mile offshore along this coast, then the

water deepens abruptly.

1.30 Sankaku Yama, 652m high, with a pointed top, lies about

2.5 miles ENE of the river mouth, and is a good landmark from

the NW. 

1.30 Hatsukami Yama, a twin-peaked mountain, 567m high, lies

about 1.8 miles S of the river mouth; it is hard to distinguish from

the background, but is a good landmark for coasting vessels.

1.30 Hikatatomari Misaki (Higatatomari Misaki), a cliffy headland, 35m high and marked by a light, lies about 3.5 miles SSE

of Ishizaki Kawa; detached rocks lie close off the headland.

1.30 Sasa Yama, 583m high, with a bare round summit, appears

isolated and is fairly conspicuous about 7.5 miles SSE of Hikatatomari Misaki.

1.30 Yoshiga-jima (Yoshi Shima), about 12.5 miles S of Hikatatomari Misaki, is a rock, 6.1m high, and almost joined to the

coast by reefs; a light is shown from its summit. Yoshiga-jima

fronts Tatehama Ko, a small fishing harbor.

1.30 Orido Saki, about 2.3 miles SE of Yoshiga-jima, rises to a

conspicuous rock, 42m high, about 0.3 mile NE. A radio tower

stands about 0.2 mile NE of the headland, and another radio

tower, 130m high and marked by red lights, stands about 0.3

mile farther NE.

1.30 Mitsu Ishi, three rocks, 0.8m high, lie about 0.5 mile offshore, midway between Yoshiga-jima and Orido Saki.

1.31 Benten Shima (41°25'N., 140°06'E.), about 0.8 mile

WNW of Orido Saki, is a small island, 18.9m high, connected

to the mainland. Matsumae Light is shown from the island.

Two radio masts are conspicuous about 0.3 mile N of the light

structure. Reefs and foul ground extend about 0.3 mile S of

Benten Shima, and it should be given a wide berth. Benten

Shima and the surrounding rocks are reported difficult to detect

on radar except when the sea is calm. A light is shown on the

coast, 3.8 miles ESE of Benten Shima. 

Matsumae Wan (Fukuyama Wan) indents the coast between

Benten Shima and Shirikami Saki, about 5 miles ESE. The

depths in the bay are irregular, and reefs and shoals extend up

to 0.3 mile from the shores of the bay. Matsumae Ko, a small

port, lies on the W side of Matsumae Wan, close N of Benten

Shima. The town of Matsumae has many temples and shrines,

with Hokkeji, the most conspicuous temple, about 1.3 miles

ENE of Benten Shima; Matsumae Castle, with a tower, 45m

high, lies about 0.2 mile WNW of Hokkeji.

1.31 A small detached breakwater lies on a NW-SE axis in the

harbor entrance, 100m NW of the breakwater projecting from

Benten Shima. A light is shown from its SE end.

1.31 Anchorage.—Large vessels can obtain good anchorage,

sheltered from NW to NE winds, in about 22m, with Hokkeji

bearing 014°, and with Matsumae Light bearing 267°, distant 1

mile. The bottom consists of a layer of sand and shells over

rock, and there is danger of dragging in heavy seas. Anchorage

can also be taken, in about 27m, sand and shells, with Matsumae Light bearing 277°, distant about 0.5 mile.

1.31 Tidal currents are variable; in the anchorages there appears

to be a strong SW current.

1.31 Caution.—A wave meter is laid on the sea bed 0.5 mile SE

of Benten Shima, and is connected with the shore NW by a

submarine cable. 

1.32 Ko Shima (Ko-Jima) (41°22'N., 139°49'E.), a volcanic island, lies about 13 miles SW of Benten Shima, and is

commonly known as Matsumae-Ko Shima. It has three peaks

of almost identical height on the W, N, and E sides of a crater

in the middle of the island; the W peak, 306m high, is slightly

higher than the others. The coasts of the island are precipitous

and the only landing place is a gravel beach at the NE end of

the island. Depths of over 20m lie 0.5 mile offshore. A cylindrical rock, 152m high, lies about 0.4 mile WNW of the W end

of the island. Two above-water rocks, 46m and 34m high,

respectively, lie between the rock and the island.

1.32 Ko Shima Light is shown from a white tower, 24m high. The

light is shown from the NE end of the island. It is obscured

from the W and S of the island.

1.32 O Shima (41°31'N., 139°22'E.), a volcanic island, lies about

21 miles WNW of Ko Shima, and is commonly known as Matsumae Oshima. It has two peaks, about 0.5 mile apart on an EW axis, rising from the center of the island. The E peak is

755m high and cone-shaped. The W peak is 708m high and has

a crater fringed with brown lava and rocky outcrops; in summer, small amounts of white smoke may be emitted from the

crater.

1.32 The island is steep-to, with depths of over 200m close off the

N shore, and with depths of 200m lying 0.5 to 1 mile offshore

elsewhere.

1.32 The island is uninhabited, but sometimes visited by fisherman who land, in calm weather only, at places on the E, S, and

W sides.

Tsugaru Kaikyo

1.33 Tsugaru Kaikyo is the deep strait separating Hokkaido from Honshu, and joining the Pacific Ocean and the Sea

of Japan. The strait is considered a junction point in Pub. 151,

Distances Between Ports. It is entered from the E between

Shiriya Saki (41°26'N., 141°28'E.) and Esan Saki, about 26

miles NW, and from the W between Tappi Saki (41°15'N.,

140°21'E.) and Shirakami Saki, about 10 miles NW. The strait

is roughly about 50 miles long, and has a least width of about

10 miles at its W end, and between Oma Saki and Shiokubi

Saki.

1.33 The only ports which can be used by large vessels are

Hakodate Ko, on the N side of Tsugaru Kaikyo, and Aomori

Ko and Ominato Ko, both of which are situated in Mutsu Wan,

on the S side of the straits.
Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 23

Pub. 159

1.33 The N side of the strait is generally deep inshore, with no

dangers beyond 1 mile offshore, except where there are bays or

indentations. The S side is similar, but there are reefs in the

vicinities of Shiriya Saki and Oma Saki.

1.33 Winds—Weather.—Sea fog in Tsugaru Kaikyo is rare from

November through February, occasional between late spring

and summer, and most frequent in June and July. In July and

August, heavy fog may completely cover the entire strait, but is

generally localized. Fog occurrence is more frequent towards

the E rather than the W end, and along the N side rather than

the S side of the strait. Sea fogs usually form at sunrise and last

1 to 3 hours. Incisive fogs are often long-lasting; the longest

ones occur mostly in July and occasionally last for several

days, even during rainy days.

1.33 Tides—Currents.—The diurnal inequality of the tides in

Tsugaru Kaikyo are fairly marked. There is rarely only one tide

per day. Along the N side of the strait the inequalities of period

and range are roughly equal at both HW and LW. Higher HW

is directly followed by LLW, and HHW usually occurs in the

morning in the spring and summer, and in the afternoon in the

fall and winter.

1.33 The MHW interval is 4 to 4.5 hours, and the spring rise

ranges from about 0.6m in the W part to 1.3m in the E part.

1.33 A major branch of the Tsushima Current, which flows N

along the W coast of Honshu, flows in a NE and E direction

through Tsugaru Kaikyo. There are fairly strong tidal currents

in Tsugaru Kaikyo as the tides in the Sea of Japan and the

Pacific Ocean are different. The current in the strait is a combination of the ocean and tidal currents. However, since the

ocean current is normally stronger than the tidal current, the

general set of the ocean current governs, and the flow is always

E. The effect of the tides merely increases or decreases the

velocity of the ocean current. The mainstream of the ocean current flows through the center of the strait, creating counter-currents along the shores.

1.33 The width of the mainstream varies somewhat with the

strength of the current. The net current flow in the strait, since

the E ocean current is stronger overall than the tidal currents, it

is always E at velocities which may exceed 6 knots. The resultant E flow has one maximum and one minimum each day, except when the moon’s declination is low there are two maximums and two minimums. On rare occasions a reversal flow to

the W may occur for a short period. Strong, prolonged E winds

reduce the flow of the current, while strong W winds increase

the flow, but rarely more than 1 knot.

1.33 There are countercurrents on both sides of the strait, but

there are no clear boundaries between the main E current and

the countercurrents. The latter are greatly influenced by the

fluctuations in the velocity of the main current and secondary

tidal influences. Some of the principal countercurrents are:

1. Between Shirikami Saki and Yagoshi Saki, the countercurrent is not very strong when the main current is weak,

but has a substantial W set when the main current is strong.

2. Between Yagoshi Saki and Shiokubi Saki, when the

main current is weak, the countercurrent increases and a S

current develops off Yagoshi Saki; the flow is shoreward in

the remainder of the area. When the main current is strong

the countercurrent decreases and there is only a faint countercurrent. In winter there is a marked W flow along the

coast.

3. Between Shiokubi Saki and Esan Saki, two ocean

currents join and the countercurrent area is clearly defined.

The W flow along the coast increases and diminishes under

the influence of the Oyashio.

4. The countercurrents S of a line connecting Tappi Saki

and Oma Saki diminish when the main current is weak. It is

a weak but wide countercurrent that includes the W flow

hugging the shore from Takano Saki to Tappi Saki. When the

main current is strong, the countercurrent increases and there

are at least two countercurrents, one on each side of Takano

Saki. A S inshore current develops between Oma Saki and

Fukuura Saki. Tappi Saki-Tappano Saki, the W shore current, becomes especially strong, occasionally attaining a velocity of 3 knots. The set of the currents in the extensive central part of this area is indeterminate.

5. The currents between Oma Saki and Shiriya Saki is

extremely indeterminate. The currents in the vicinity of Shiriya Saki are extremely unstable.

1.33 Oyashio, a cool current, flows SW along the SE side of the

Kuril Islands, then continues along the SE side of Hokkaido

and the E coast of Honshu.

1.33 Near Shiokubi Saki, the main current approaches the shore

and frequently causes tide rips that extend S of Muino Shima,

and sometimes over 2 miles offshore.

1.33 The tidal currents between Shiokubi Saki and Esan Saki are

noticeable only near the shore, but near Esan Saki they extend

about 3 miles offshore. They set W at flood and E at ebb,

occasionally reaching a velocity of 2 knots.

1.33 Directions.—Westbound vessels, by keeping within the

countercurrent areas, are able to avoid the strong E main current,

but this is recommended only with good visibility. The N track

outside the main current leads about 3 miles offshore from Esan

Saki to Shiokubi Saki, then N of a line approximately joining

Shiokubi Saki and Yagoshi Saki to Shirakami Saki. A course

should then be steered midway between Benten Shima and Ko

Shima. 

1.33 Vessels running through the N side of the entrance, and

bound W through the S side of the strait, should proceed

through the N track described above until they are SE of Shiokubi Saki. They should then make good a course across the

strait until a position about 3 miles NW of Oma Saki is

reached, after which they should steer 230° for Tappi Saki, and

in a position 5 or 6 miles NE of that cape, a W course should be

shaped to clear the entrance.

1.33 Eastbound vessels, by keeping mid-channel, can take advantage of the E current setting through the strait. After passing Shirakami Saki at a distance of more than 3 miles, vessels

should steer for Shiokubi Saki, and when Oma Saki is abaft the

beam, course should be altered E and the N shore should not be

approached within 3 miles. 

1.33 Caution.—Passage through the strait presents no difficulties

by day or at night in clear weather. Vessels proceeding E

should keep in the main E current. Vessels proceeding W in

clear weather should take advantage of the eddies and countercurrents on either side of the main E current. However, there

are complex currents caused by the interaction of the ocean and

tidal currents, and considerable cross traffic as well as through

strait traffic. Cross traffic includes the Japan National Railways

Aomari-Hakodate rail, auto, and passenger ferries, with speeds
24 Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

of 15 to 21 knots, as well as numerous other vessels plying

between the N and S sides of the strait. Caution is especially

necessary in bad visibility during heavy summer fogs or winter

blizzards.

1.33 The vessel’s position should be accurately fixed before navigating the strait in low visibility. Varying depths in the strait,

and the configuration of the 200m curve facilitate navigation

by depth finder, and soundings can be combined with radar

bearings. Care must be taken to avoid collision with squid

fishing boats which fish at night off Hakodate and Esan Misaki

during the summer to winter squid fishing season, as well as

the fishing fleets that work by day all year round near Muina

Shima and Hiura Misaki. 

North Side of Tsugaru Kaikyo—Esan Saki to Hakodate Wan

1.34 Esan Saki (Esan Misaki) (41°49'N., 141°11'E.), the

NE entrance point of Tsugaru Kaikyo, is a steep headland,

260m high; Esan Misaki Light stands on a low flat ground on

the NE side of the promontory. 

1.34 E San, an active volcano, 618m high, lies about 1 mile SW of

Esan Saki; it constantly emits sulfurous fumes, and its summit

is occasionally enveloped in clouds. The E side of the summit

is covered with red boulders, and on the W side there are

patches of sulfur resembling clouds from a distance. Todo

Yama, a round-topped mountain, 570m high, lies about 1.5

miles WNW of E San; it is shaped like E San, but is entirely

green in color. There is flat terrain between E San and Todo

Yama.

1.34 The coast between Esan Saki and Shiokubi Saki, about 12

miles WSW, is mostly steep cliffs, with mountains near the

coast. Then it curves to Ohana Zaki, about 12 miles farther W,

and consists mainly of a sandy beach, except for the ends of the

curve. There are drying and sunken rocks near the shore, but no

dangers lie beyond 0.25 mile offshore. Depths over 20.1m lie

close off the capes and headlands.

1.34 Seven large rocks, the outermost 6.9m high, lie about 0.1

mile off Nanatsuiwa Hana, about 2 miles SW of Esan Saki.

1.34 Hiura Misaki, about 6 miles farther SW, is a bold headland,

rising to an elevation of 220m. Three pyramidal boulders, the

largest 20.1m high, stand on the extremity of the point.

1.34 Muino Shima, a cone-shaped islet, 57m high, lies about 1

mile WSW of Hiura Misaki; it is covered with guano, and is

conspicuous from the E or W. Toi Ko, a small fishing harbor,

lies close N of the islet.

1.34 Shiokubi Saki (Shiokubi Misaki) (41°43'N., 140°58'E.),

about 3 miles farther W, is a high, cliffy headland, with a light

on its summit. Two radio towers are conspicuous from a distance on a 292m hill, about 0.5 mile NNW of the light structure. Kinasi Yama rises to an elevation of 415m about 3 miles

N of Shiokubi Saki.

Hakodate Wan

1.35 Hakodate Wan is entered between Ohana Zaki

(41°44'N., 140°43'E.) and Kattoshi Misaki, about 4.5 miles W.

Ohana Zaki is the S extremity of Hakodate Hanto, which is

connected to the mainland by a low isthmus, on which stands

the city of Hakodate.

1.35 Aspect.—Four radio towers, painted white and showing

white obstruction lights, are situated about 0.5 mile NE of

Ohana Zaki. Hakodate Yama rises near the middle of Hakodate

Hanto; its highest part, known as Goten Yama, rises to an

elevation of 335m, about 1 mile N of Ohana Zaki. Three TV

relay towers, marked by red obstruction lights, stand on the

summit of Goten Yama. Two radio towers, with an elevation of

85m, are conspicuous about 1 mile E of Goten Yama.

1.35 Kattoshi Misaki, the W entrance point of Hakodate Wan, is

marked by a light. Maru Yama, a cone-shaped mountain, 482m

high and thickly wooded on its E side, lies about 2 miles W of

Kattoshi Misaki, and is a good landmark from the S.

1.35 Seven gray chimneys of the Nihon Cement Company stand

about 4.8 miles NNE of Kattoshi Misaki, and about 0.8 mile

WSW of the mouth of Ari Gawa; the constant smoke emissions

are visible from a distance, and the plant lights are excellent

landmarks at night.

1.35 The Nihon Cement Company Pier (Taiheiyosemento Sea

Berth), marked by a light at its extremity, extends about 1.1

miles from a point on the shore, 3.5 miles NNE of Moheji Ko

(41°46'N., 140°37'E.), and is connected to the plant NW by a

belt conveyor. 

1.35 Three aluminum-colored radio masts, the S mast marked by

a red light, are conspicuous about 1 mile ENE of the mouth of

Ari Gawa.

Esan Saki Light
Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 25

Pub. 159

1.35 Hakodate Wan has depths of 50 to 60m in the middle of the

bay entrance, gradually decreasing shoreward. Depths of over

10.1m lie about 0.5 mile offshore, except in its NW part, where

they lie about 1 mile offshore.

1.35 Anchorage.—When entry into Hakodate Ko is delayed, anchorage can be taken, in 18m, sand, about 0.8 mile SE of the

head of Nihon Cement Company Pier.

Hakodate Ko (41°47'N., 140°43'E.)

World Port Index No. 61190

1.36 Hakodate Ko occupies the E side of Hakodate Wan

and is composed of six sections. It is sheltered W by breakwaters, and is the best harbor in Hokkaido. It is used by ferries

of the Japan National Railways plying between Aomari Ko and

Hakodate Ko, car ferries, and very large numbers of fishing

vessels. Winds from the NW to N raise some sea in the harbor,

but this rarely interferes with harbor traffic. 

1.36 The Hakodate Port Authority may be contacted as follows: 

Hiura Misaki Light

Hakodate Port Authority

Telephone: +81(0)138213490

Fax: +81(0)138262656

Shiokubi Saki Light

Kattoshi Misaki Light
26 Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

Tides—Currents

1.36 The tidal rise at Hakodate Ko is 0.9m at MHHW, and 0.8m at

MLHW.

Winds—Weather

1.36 At Hakodate, WNW and W winds predominate from October to April, and S from May to September. The mean wind

speed is about 7.5 knots from November through April, and

about 6 knots from June through October. Winds of 19 knots

and above occur about 3 days per month in the summer

months, increasing to about 11 days per month in March and

April. There are about 23 days per month, with snow from

December to March.

Depths—Limitations

1.36 The greater part of the port area has depths of 10.1m or

more.

1.36 The principal berthing facilities are described in the table

titled Hakodate Ko—Berthing Facilities. 

Aspect

1.36 A tank farm, within the Asia Oil Company refinery, is conspicuous at the N end of the harbor, about 5 miles N of Ohana

Zaki. A chimney, 56m high, with red and white stripes, is very

conspicuous.

1.36 The Combined Port Affairs Building, an eight-story building, stands on Central Wharf, about 1.5 miles SE of the S entrance to the harbor; a signal mast and 4 radio towers stand on

the roof.

1.36 Two gantry cranes, 70m high, with red and white stripes, are

very conspicuous at Drydock No. 4; they are marked by red

lights on top on both ends and white lights below.

Pilotage

1.36 Pilotage is not compulsory. Pilots board 1.5 miles SW of the

S harbor entrance; in rough weather they board nearer the

entrance. Tankers berthing at the sea berth board a pilot at the

lighted buoy in position 41°48'17”N, 140°40'43”E. 

1.36 Vessels may communicate with the harbormaster by radio or

on VHF channel 12 and 16. The signal station is situated on the

roof of the Combined Port Affairs Building. Berths and anchorages are assigned by the harbormaster, and the signals

designating them are shown from the signal station. Vessels

should retain onboard the most recent edition of Japan Maritime Safety Laws and Regulations, obtainable through the

Japanese Coast Guard. This publication should be kept as a reference for signal station communiques and their meanings, appropriate answering signals, and other local or specific regulations.

Regulations

1.36 Vessels of 500 grt and over may not enter the harbor at night.

 Hakodate Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

West Wharf

Sec. D Quay

Section 1

West 

side

Southeast side of 

wharf 140m 3.0m 1,000 dwt

Sec. E Quay Northeast side of 

wharf 165m 9.0m 8,000 dwt

Sec. F Quay North side of wharf 105m 5.5m or less 3,000 dwt

Tuyokawa Wharf Quay East 

side

Southwest side of Wakamatsu Wharf 670m 4.0-5.0m 1,000 dwt

Central Wharf

N-1 Quay

Section 2 East 

side

North side of wharf (in 

order from S)

171m 7.5-8.0m 8,000 dwt

N-2 Quay 165m 7.5-8.0m 8,000 dwt

N-3 Quay 90m 2.5-8.0m 2,000 dwt

Front Quay West side of wharf 133m 6.0-7.0m 1,000 dwt

S Quay South side of wharf 133m 7.0-8.0m 6,000 dwt

Kaigan Machi Basin Quays South of root of Central Wharf 70m 4.0-5.0m 1,000 dwt

Bandai Wharf

S-1 Quay South side of wharf (in 

order from W)

130m 5.5-7.5m 5,000 dwt

S-2 Quay 90m 2.0-5.5m 2,000 dwt

Front Quay West side of wharf 180m 9.5-10m 10,000 dwt

N-1 Quay

Section 3 East 

side

North side of wharf (in 

order from W)

130m 5.5-7.5m 5,000 dwt

N-2 Quay 90m 3.0-5.5m 2,000 dwt

North Quay S Quay South side of N Wharf 88m 4.5m 2,000 dwt
Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 27

Pub. 159

1.36 Vessels of 500 grt and over intending to anchor inside the

harbor should request an assignment from the harbormaster

while still outside the breakwaters.

1.36 Vessels proceeding to an assigned anchorage or berth should

indicate their intention by the appropriate signals.

Anchorage

1.36 Depths inside and outside the harbor provide excellent anchorage. 

1.36 The quarantine anchorage lies W of the W brea-kwater; the

holding ground is reported good.

1.36 The mooring buoys in the S portion of the harbor provide

anchorage, in 6.1 to 12.2m, good holding ground.

1.36 A good berth for temporary anchorage, in a depth of 18m,

sand, lies 2.8 miles SSE of the mouth of Ari Kari (41°49'N.,

140°39'E.).

Caution

1.36 When a winter NW wind brings snow to the Kamiiso area,

vessels are occasionally caught in snowstorms when approaching the inner harbor. Careful attention should be paid to

weather conditions and entrance into the harbor should be delayed when the smoke or flames emitted by the Nihon Cement

Company chimneys cannot be seen.

1.36 Between September and December, stationery fish traps are

set up within 1 mile of the coast between Kattoshi Misaki and

the N shore of Hakodate Wan.

1.36 Departing Japan National Railway ferries and car ferries

frequently meet incoming vessels starboard-to-starboard so

that they can make a sharp turn to port as soon as they clear

Passage 1 to take up their prescribed course.

Hakodate Wan to Shirakami Saki

1.37 Saraki Misaki (41°42'N., 140°32'E.) is a sandy point

about 4 miles SW of Kattoshi Misaki. A reef, with a depth of

4.6m near its outer end, extends about 0.8 mile SE of Saraki

Misaki. A light is shown on the coast about 2 miles W of

Saraki Misaki. 

1.37 Kikonai Wan is entered between Saraki Misaki and Kitsunegoe Saki, a rocky headland 25.9m high, about 9.5 miles SW.

A rounded hill, 214m high, is conspicuous about 0.4 mile

WNW of Kitsunego Saki. Three above-water rocks, the outermost 17.1m high, extend about 0.2 mile off Takasu Misaki,

about 1.3 miles SW of Kitsunegoe Saki.

1.37 Yagoshi Saki (Yakoshi Zaki), about 1.5 miles farther SW, is a

cliffy steep-to point, with two thickly-wooded hills on its summit; the outer hill, 121m high, is marked by a light on its side.

Okumaru Yama (Maru Yama), a densely-wooded mountain,

826m high, lies about 2 miles NW of Yagoshi Saki, and is the

highest peak in the vicinity; its summit is frequently enveloped in clouds during the summer.

1.37 Anchorage.—Kikonai Wan provides anchorage for large vessels; the mountains behind the bay offer shelter from W to N

winds. Excellent anchorage can be taken E of Kikonai and S of

Satsukari, in 12.8 to 15.8m, sand, keeping clear of the submarine

cables extending E and SE from the mouth of Kikonai Kawa; this

anchorage is sheltered from strong currents.

1.37 Good anchorage can be taken off Wakimoto in deep water,

good holding ground. The high ground W of Kitsunegoe Saki

offers protection from SW to W winds. This is the best shelter

area in Tsugaru Kaikyo during strong W winds, when it is used

by numerous vessels.

1.38 The coast between Yagoshi Saki and Shirakami Saki,

about 12 miles SW, is backed by mountains forming cliffs and

rocky shores. The coast is comparatively steep-to, except in the

vicinity of Fukushima Ko (41°28'N., 140°16'E.), midway

along this stretch, where the depths are shallow enough to

provide anchorage for large vessels. Mo Yama, a cone-shaped

peak, 526m high and sparsely wooded, is conspicuous about 2

miles NNE of Fukushima. Maru Yama, a 308m peak, lies near

the coast, about 1.4 miles NE of Fuku-shima Ko. 

1.38 The best anchorage, in 12m, sand, lies about 0.5 mile offshore, with Maru Yama bearing 030°. This anchorage is sheltered from W to N winds, but is sometimes affected by large

swells coming from the W end of Tsugaru Kaikyo.

1.38 Shirakami Saki (Shirakami Misaki) (41°24'N., 140°12'E.),

the S extremity of Hokkaido, is faced with a high cliff, rising to

a hill, 179m high, about 0.4 mile N. Shirikami Take, a grasscovered mountain, 352m high, is conspicuous about 1.3 miles

NNE of Shirakami Saki. A light is shown on the point from a

white square structure, 17m high. 

1.38 Rocks and reefs extend up to about 0.3 mile for about 1 mile

on either side of Shirakami Saki. The currents in the vicinity

are very strong, and the point should be given a berth of at least

0.5 mile. Strong W winds raise a heavy sea off the point.

A Quay

Section 4

East 

side

North side of wharf (in 

order from N)

51m 3.5m 700 dwt

B Quay 330m 4.5-5.0m 2,000 dwt

N Quay South of B Quay 130m 5.0-7.0m 5,000 dwt

Minatomachi 

Wharf A Quay Southwest side of wharf 280m 14.0m 50,000 dwt

Pier for waste oil disposal facilitiesNorth 

side

About 500m ESE of 

No. 3 Breakwater 

Light

93m 5.0m 2,500 dwt 

 Hakodate Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size
28 Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

South Side of Tsugaru Kaikyo—Shiriya Saki to

Mutsu Wan

1.39 Shiriya Saki (Shiriya Zaki) (41°26'N., 141°28'E.),

the NE extremity of Honshu, is the SE entrance point of

Tsugaru Kaikyo. It is the termination of a promontory, which

for the first mile inland is level, then rises to Hitogata Yama,

166m high, with odd-shaped rocks on its summit, about 1.5

miles SW of the point, then to Kuwabata Yama, 400m high,

with twin peaks, about 1.3 miles farther S.

1.39 An orange observation buoy lies 58 miles E of Shiriya Saki. 

1.39 Todo Shima, a black islet, 15.8m high, is conspicuous about

0.3 mile NNE of Shiriya Saki, near the extremity of rocks and

reefs extending NNE of the point. O Ne, with a least depth of

0.3m, lies nearly 1 mile ENE of Shiriya Saki; it is covered with

seaweed and the sea in the vicinity sometimes appears reddish

in color. O Ne is marked by breakers in rough weather, but at

other times it is difficult to distinguish. A rock, with a depth of

1.8m, lies about 0.2 mile W of O Ne. Tide rips and whirlpools

are formed up to 2 miles NNE of Shiriya Saki.

1.39 Benten Shima, an islet, 21m high and joined to the coast by

an embankment, lies about 1.5 miles SW of Shiriya Saki.

Shiriyamisaki Ko is formed by a detached breakwater extending WSW from Benten Shima and a pier extending NW from

the coast S of the islet. A dolphin pier, on the inner side and

near the foot of the breakwater, has depths of 6 to 7.9m alongside. An elevated conveyor, which loads limestone, extends to

Benten Shima, then SE to the coast. There are depths of 6 to

10.1m inside the breakwater; the holding ground is reported

good.

1.39 Another breakwater extends NW from the shore, 0.3 mile S

of the root of Shiriyamisaki Ko.

1.39 The coast between Shiriya Saki and Iwaya, about 3.5 miles

SW, consists of steep cliffs terminating with sandy beaches,

and bordered by reefs. Continuing to Ohata Ko, a small fishing

port at the mouth of Ohata Kawa, about 11 miles farther W, the

coast consists of sandy beaches and earthen cliffs, backed by a

plain; many rivers, accessible only to boats, enter the sea along

the latter section of coast. Lights are shown from the breakwaters at Ohata Ko.

The coast from Ohata Ko to Oma Saki, about 14 miles NW,

is bordered by reefs and rocks. It is backed by densely-wooded

mountains, culminating in Hiuchi Dake, 781m high, and

Metakisawa Yama, 618m high, about 9 miles SE and 7 miles

SSE, respectively, of Oma Saki.

1.39 Kabuto Saki, about 4 miles NW of Ohata Ko, is faced by a

red cliff. Sankaku Yama, a pyramidal hill, rises to an elevation

of 292m, about 0.7 mile WSW of Kabuto Saki, and is conspicuous from the NW.

1.39 Oma Saki (Oma Zaki) (41°33'N., 140°55'E.), the N extremity of Honshu, is a low sandy spit on which stand some farm

buildings. Oma Saki Light is shown on the summit of Benten

Shima from a round tower. 

1.39 Oma Se, with a depth of 2.6m, and a rock, with a depth of

7.7m, lie about 1 mile N and 1.3 miles NNW of Benten Shima,

at the outer end of a rocky ridge, with depths of less than 20m

extending N of Oma Saki. The edges of the reef are steep-to,

and strong E currents flowing over the ridge may generate

whirlpools, tide rips, and overfalls. Wakazekara Se and Kaigara Se, with depths of 4.4m, lie on this ridge, about 0.8 mile

NE and NW, respectively, of Benten Shima.

1.39 Anchorage.—Temporary anchorage can be taken, in 18.3 to

36m, about 1 mile E of Oma Saki to avoid the ocean and tidal

currents, but the bottom is rocky.

1.39 Oma Ko, a small harbor sheltered by breakwaters, lies about

1 mile S of Oma Saki. Rocks, with depths of less than 9.2m, lie

within 0.5 mile of the coast in the approach to the harbor.

Anchorage can be taken about 1 mile W of the harbor by vessels awaiting favorable tides to enter Tsugaru Kaikyo.

1.40 The land in the vicinity of Oma Saki is low; farther S

the coast is backed by mountains which gradually approach the

coast. From Yagosi Saki to Yakeyama Zaki (Yakeyama Misaki) (41°15'N., 140°47'E.), the coast consists of steep cliffs,

backed by wooded mountains. The cliffs between Fukuura

Saki (41°19'N., 140°48'E.) and Yakeyama Zaki are especially

steep and reflect various colors of light. Many large and small

odd-shaped rocks lie along this coast.

1.40 A light stands on the head of a breakwater, protecting

Ushitaki Ko, a small harbor 2.5 miles N of Yakeyama Zaki. 

1.40 The coast between Oma Saki and Yakeyama Zaki is mostly

steep and deep except in the vicinity of Oma Saki. Oyo Shima

and Tate Ishi are the only off-lying dangers.

1.40 Tsubana Zaki (Zaimoku Hana) (41°28'N., 140°53'E.),

about 5 miles SSW of Oma Saki, consists of columnar rocks

and rises to Hatsumori Yama, a conspicuous hill, 67m high on

Shirakami Saki
Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 29

Pub. 159

its summit. Kuraiwa Hana, about 0.7 mile NE, has a black,

steep-to rock close off it.

1.40 Sai Ko, a small fishing harbor, lies about 2.3 miles SSW of

Tsubana Zaki.

1.40 Yagosi Saki (41°25'N., 140°51'E.), about 1.5 miles farther

SW, is a conspicuous cliffy point, with a small shrine on its

summit. Kankake Iwa, two odd-shaped rocks, lie off the point.

1.40 Oyo-jima, a black rock, 11.9m high, and marked by a light at

its summit, lies about 1.7 miles SW of Yagosi Saki. Tate Ishi, a

rock 0.6m high, on which the sea breaks, lies about 0.3 mile N

of Oyo-jima.

1.40 Ozukuri Yama (41°19'N., 140°52'E.), 776m high, lies about

3 miles E of Fukuura Saki, and is the highest peak in the

vicinity. Nuidoshi Yama, 628m high, about 1 mile SW of Ozukuri Yama, has a large rock on its summit.

1.40 Nii Yama, 483m high, pointed, and with a red cliff on its side,

is conspicuous about 1 mile NE of Yakeyama Zaki. A red clay

cliff, S of Yakeyama Zaki, is the most conspicuous in the area.

Mutsu Wan

1.41 Mutsu Wan (Mutsa Wan) is entered between Yakeyama Zaki and Takano Zaki (41°14'N., 140°33'E.), about 10.5

miles W, via Tairadate Kaikyo. The shores of the bay have

depths of 10.1m close offshore to within 1 mile offshore.

Depths in the middle of the bay are over 40m. A sharp peninsula projects into the center of the bay from the S side and divides the bay into E and W parts. Aomori Ko lies in the W part,

and Nobeji Ko and Ominato Ko lie in E part.

1.41 Scallop beds, seaweed beds, and fixed fishing nets are laid

up to 4 miles offshore in the bay throughout the year. Mariners

are also advised that shellfish culture equipment may be found

as far as 3 miles offshore along the coast of Muta Wan.

1.41 Tairadate Kaikyo, the deep entrance into Mutsu Wan, has

fairway depths of 50 to 90m in the fairway. It has a least width

of 5.5 miles, providing easy passage in general. However, thick

fog in summer and snow in the winter may render passage

somewhat difficult. Fog, especially frequent in June and July,

tends to envelop the mountains on the W side of the strait,

rather than those on the E side.

1.41 Tides—Currents.—Tidal currents in Tairadate Kaikyo seldom exceed velocities over 1 knot. The directions are not quite

regular, but in general the flood tidal current sets S and the ebb

tidal current sets N. The directions are particularly irregular in

the N part of the strait, where the strait meets the area of circular currents of Tsugaru Kaikyo. Off Takano Zaki, the N current, which may attain a velocity of 2.5 knots, ordinarily flows

longer and with greater strength than the S current, there

occasionally being no S flood for an entire day. In the vicinity

of Yakeyama Zaki the S current usually flows longer than the

N current and with greater velocity, a rate of 1.5 knots

sometimes being attained. At the inner end of the strait, the

velocity is somewhat greater on the E side than on the W.

1.41 The flood tidal current sets into the bay and the ebb tidal

current sets out of the bay, neither current attaining any great

rate. The tide turns soon after HW and LW.

Tairadate Kaikyo—East and West Sides

1.42 The E side of Tairadate Kaikyo is steep-to and consists mainly of steep cliffs backed by wooded mountains. From

Yakeyama Zaki the coast extends about 3.5 miles SSW to O

Saki, then 3 miles S to Kai Saki (Kai Zaki) (41°09'N.,

140°46'E.). Kai Saki, steep-to, is conspicuous from the N or S;

fishing nets are sometimes laid off this point.

1.42 Iboiwa Saki, about 1.3 miles SE of Kai Saki, has a nippleshaped rock at its extremity, which is conspicuous when

viewed from the W.

1.42 Ushikubi Saki, a low rocky point, lies about 1.4 miles E of

Kai Saki. Shiroiwa Saki, a steep-to rocky point, lies midway

between the latter two points.

1.42 Tai-jima (Benten-jima), about 0.5 mile S of Ushikubi Saki, is

27.1m high and marked by a light; it is precipitous on its N side

and has a small shrine on its summit. Another rocky islet, 31m

high, lies close by. Todo Shima, which dries 0.6m, lies about

0.2 mile S of Tai-jima. Asa Ne, with a depth of 0.6m, lies

midway between Ushikubi Saki and Tai-jima, and passage

between the islet and the point should not be attempted.

1.42 Takano Zaki (41°14'N., 140°34'E.), the W entrance point of

Tairadate Kaikyo, is a low, rocky point, marked by a light.

Bozu Dake (Boju Yama), 498m high, pointed and wooded, lies

about 2.5 miles S of Takano Zaki, and is conspicuous from a

distance. O Ne, a rock with a depth of 14.9m, lies about 0.7

mile NE of Takano Zaki, and is marked by tide rips at times.

1.42 The coast between Takano Zaki and Ishi Saki, about 4.5

miles ESE, slopes gently, is fringed with reefs and rocks, and is

backed by mountains.

1.42 Between Ishi Saki and Myojin Saki, about 1 mile SSE, the

coast is densely wooded by pine trees and backed by a flat rice

field. Tairadate Light is shown from Myojin Saki.Hakamagoshi

Take, a flat-topped mountain, 707m high, is very conspicuous

about 3 miles W of Myojin Saki. Maruyagata Take, 718m high,

the highest mountain in the vicinity, lies about 1 mile SSE of

Hakamagoshi Take.

1.42 Tairadate Ko, a small fishing harbor, lies nearly 1 mile S of

Myojin Saki. Anchorage, sheltered from W winds, can be taken

off the breakwaters at Tairadate Ko. It is reported that winds and

seas are less here than at other locations in the vicinity, even

when there is a NE wind, locally called the “yamase.”

Aomori Wan

1.43 Aomori Wan, in the W part of Mutsu Wan, is entered

between Kanita Gawa (Kanida Gawa) (41°03'N., 140°39'E.)

and O Shima, about 10.5 miles ESE. Aomori Ko is situated at

the head of the bay. Fishing nets are laid 1 to 2 miles off the W

shore of the bay during the summer.

1.43 The W shore of Aomori Wan consists of a pebble beach,

backed by well-cultivated land for 3 miles S of Kanita Gawa;

there are a number of villages and many small rivers.

1.43 A light is shown from the head of a breakwater at Kanita

Gawa. A port hand lighted buoy is moored 2.25 miles E of

Kanita Gawa.

1.43 A light is shown from a breakwater 7 miles S of Kanita

Gawa.

1.43 A light is shown from the head of a breakwater, protecting a

small harbor (Okunai Ko), 9.5 miles S of Kanita Gawa. 

1.43 A white building is conspicuous on the summit of a hill N of

the mouth of Kanita Gawa. Okura Dake (Okura Take), 678m
30 Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

high, lies about 6 miles SW of the mouth of Kanita Gawa, and

is the highest peak on the W side of Aomori Wan.

1.43 O Shima, the E entrance point of Aomori Wan, is 72m high

and marked by a light at its N end; it is joined to the peninsula

SE by a sandspit and rocks awash.

1.43 A light is shown from the head of a breakwater, protecting a

small harbor, 2 miles S of O Shima.

1.43 Futago Hana, about 4 miles SSW of O Shima, is the W extremity of a promontory, rising about 0.2 mile SE to a wooded

hill, 109m high. Futago Iwa (Futago Shima), 11m high, close

WNW of the point, is steep-to on its W side.

1.43 Mora-jima (Moura Shima), about 1.3 miles SE of Futago

Hana, is 106m high; it is cliffy on its W side, and has a shingle

spit on its E side.

1.43 Mora Ko (Moura Ko), NNE of Mora-jima, is sheltered from

N, E, and S winds. Large vessels can anchor, in 14.6 to 16.5m,

mud, in the central part of Mora Ko. Kamome-jima (Gomi

Shima), about 1.3 miles S of Mora-jima, is 106m high; its W

side is cliffy, and its E side consists of a shingle beach.

1.43 Yuno Shima, about 0.7 mile farther S, is 123m high to the

tops of the trees; its E side is cliffy, and it is almost joined to

the mainland E by a sandy spit. O Se, with a least depth of

8.2m, lies about 0.7 mile W of Yuno Shima.

Aomori Ko (40°50'N., 140°45'E.)

World Port Index No. 61270

1.44 Aomori Ko, at the S end of Aomori Wan, consists of

an outer harbor and an inner harbor. The inner harbor is sheltered by W breakwater extending NE from the coast, by N

breakwater, a detached breakwater E of the head of W breakwater, and another detached breakwater extending farther E.

Ferry Wharf lies on the E side of the root of West Breakwater.

Depths in the entrance channel are between 17 and 27m.

1.44 Aomori Ko is the gateway of traffic between Honshu and

Hokkaido, and ferries of Japan National Railways and car ferries, plying between Hakodate Ko and Aomori Ko, arrive and

depart from Ferry Wharf.

1.44 East Passage and West Passage, providing access to the harbor, are entered about 1.3 miles NNE, and 1 mile N, respectively, of North Breakwater.

Winds—Weather

1.44 Snow begins to fall in the latter part of November, and snow

storms may be encountered until the end of March. The severe

blizzards of December, January, and February may interrupt

shipping operations. In May and June during the prevailing SW

winds the visibility may be lowered by a thin haze. Dense fog

may be encountered between June and August, with port operations being suspended as a result. 

Tides—Currents

1.44 The tidal rise at Aomori Ko is 0.6m at MHWS, and 0.5m at

MHWN. Tidal currents are generally insignificant.

Depths—Limitations

1.44 There are depths in the entrance channel of 17 to 27m. The

principal berthing facilities are described in the table titled

Aomori Ko—Berthing Facilities. 

Aspect

1.44 Hanakuri Zaki (Hanaguri Zaki) (40°59'N., 140°57'E.) is an

odd-looking point about 3 miles ESE of O Shima. A sand spit,

thickly covered by pine trees, lies about 0.5 mile farther ESE.

1.44 Yasui Saki, about 2.5 miles farther SE, rises to a hill about

15m high, and is marked by a light.

1.44 Kominato Wan, entered S of Yasu Saki, dries out at its head.

1.44 The coast between Kominato Wan and Nobeji Ko is backed

by gently rising land.

1.44 Nobeji Ko (Noheji Ko), a small port, lies at the mouth of a

river, at the head of Noheji Wan; breakwaters project from the

mouth of the river, and lighted buoys mark the approach.

1.44 The E shore of Nobeji Wan from Nobeji Ko to Yokohama,

about 14 miles NNE, consists of sandy beach backed by grassy

land rising to low hills about 2 miles inland.

1.44 Fukikoshi Eboshi, 508m high, and Kanatsu Yama (Kanetsu

Yama), 520m high, are two peaks about 4 miles ESE and E,

respectively, of Mihokawajiri Misaki.

1.44 Nakanosawa Saki, the E entrance point of Ominato Ko, lies

about 2.8 miles NNE of Mihokawajiri Misaki. 

1.44 A light is shown from the head of a breakwater, protecting a

small harbor, 4.5 miles N of Nakanosawa Saki. 

1.44 A breakwater extends close NW of the head of Okidate East

Breakwater. A light is shown from the head of the breakwater.

1.44 Hanaguri Saki (40°52'N., 140°50'E.), about 1.5 miles SSW

of Yuno Shima, is 141m high to the tops of the trees, and has a

small shrine and pine trees on its summit; the harbor limit

extends W from Hanaguri Saki. A hill, 132m high, with an

Aomori Ko
Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 31

Pub. 159

odd-shaped peak (quarry site), lies about 0.5 mile SW of Hanaguri Saki. Bakkono Saki, about 0.5 mile farther SW, is 86m

high, and steep-sided. A sandy beach extends SW of Bakkono

Saki to the city of Aomori.

1.44 The city of Aomori extends from the root of West Breakwater to Tutsumi Kawa, about 1 mile E, and beyond.

1.44 Three radio towers, 60m high, lie about 1 mile WNW of the

head of West Breakwater.

1.44 A radio tower, marked by red lights, lies about 0.8 mile SSE

of North Breakwater. It was reported (1998) the tower may no

longer be conspicuous.

1.44 The Aomori Bay Bridge is situated S of Hachikoda Maru; its

E and W pillars are marked by flashing lights.

1.44 Lighted buoys mark the entrances to East Passage and West

Passage.

Pilotage

1.44 Pilotage is available. Pilots board at the quarantine anchorage. Pilots can be contacted on VHF channels 12 and 16.

Anchorage

1.44 Good anchorage for large vessels can be taken, in 18m, sand

and mud, good holding ground, NNW of W breakwater.

1.44 Anchorage can be taken in Nobeji Wan, in 9.2 to 15.8m,

shingle, about 0.8 mile offshore. The holding ground is moderate and the bay is open N.

1.44 A circular quarantine anchorage, with a radius of 0.25 mile, is

centered about 2 miles bearing 012° from the mouth of Tsutsumi

Kawa, and about 1 mile NNE of the entrance to East Passage.

Caution

1.44 East Passage and West Passage have been replaced by new

passages marked by lighted buoys. The breakwater lights,

being low, are reported difficult to distinguish from a distance

against the lights of the shore.

1.44 Vessels should approach Aomori Ko with the radio tower,

about 0.8 mile SSE of N breakwater, bearing 180°. Then alter

course left to approach the entrance to East Passage. Then a

course of about 200° is steered through the passage.

1.44 Some ferries enter through East Passage and depart via West

Passage.

1.44 Depths of up to 7m less than charted may exist S of Kita

Breakwater within Section I and Section II.

1.44 In order to prevent accidents vessels, other than tankers, are

prohibited from entering a sea area within 30m of any tanker

berthed at Bridgestone Liquid Gas Terminal or Aomori Plant

Private Jetty

Aomori Wan to Ominato Ko

1.45 Hanakuri Zaki (Hanaguri Zaki) (40°59'N., 140°57'E.)

is an odd-looking point, about 3 miles ESE of O Shima. A sand

spit, thickly covered by pine trees, lies about 0.5 mile farther

ESE.

1.45 Yasui Saki, about 2.5 miles farther SE, rises to a hill about

15.2m high, and is marked by a light.

 Aomori Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

Tsutsumi Wharf -10m Quay

Section 2

North part of wharf 185m 10.0m 12,000 dwt

-7.5m Quay South part of wharf 260m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

Hamamachi Wharf

-9m East Quay East part of wharf 180m 7.0-9.0m 10,000 dwt

-7.5m Quay North part of wharf 155m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

-9m West Quay West part of wharf 145m 4.0-10.0m 10,000 dwt

Hamamachi Quay West of -9m West Quay 290m 4.0-5.5m 2,000 dwt

Honko Chiku -6.5m Quay

Section 1

Northeast of Hakkoda 

Maru 100m 5.0m 3,000 dwt

Shin Chuo Wharf -10m Quay Southeast of North 

Breakwater Light 280m 10.0m 30,000 dwt

Okidate Wharf

-13m Quay

Section 2

Southsoutheast of 

Okidate West Breakwater Light270m 13.0m 40,000 dwt

-10m Quay South of Okidate West 

Breakwater Light 185m 10.0m 12,000 dwt

-7.5m Quay Northwest of Okidate 

Wharf -10m Quay 260m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

Ferry Wharf Nos. 1-4 Piers Northwest of Okidate Wharf 145m each 6.0m 3,500 dwt

Mokuzai-Ko -4.5m Quay Section 3 Northwest of Ferry 

Wharf Piers 220m 4.5m 500 dwt
32 Sector 1. Hokkaido—West Coast and Tsugaru Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

1.45 Kominato Wan, entered S of Yasu Saki, dries out at its head.

1.45 The coast between Kominato Wan and Nobeji Ko is backed

by gently rising land.

1.45 Nobeji Ko (Noheji Ko), a small port, lies at the mouth of a

river, at the head of Noheji Wan; breakwaters project from the

mouth of the river and lighted buoys mark the approach. Anchorage can be taken in Nobeji Wan, in 9.2 to 15.8m, shingle,

about 0.8 mile offshore. The holding ground is moderate and

the bay is open N.

1.45 The E shore of Nobeji Wan from Nobeji Ko to Yokohama,

about 14 miles NNE, consists of sandy beach backed by grassy

land rising to low hills about 2 miles inland.

1.45 Fukikoshi Eboshi, 508m high, and Kanatsu Yama (Kanetsu

Yama), 520m high, are two peaks about 4 miles ESE and E,

respectively, of Yokohama.

1.45 Nakanosawa Saki, the E entrance point of Ominato Ko, lies

about 2.8 miles NNE of Yokohama.

1.45 A light is shown from the head of a breakwater, protecting a

small harbor, 4.5 miles N of Nakanosawa Saki. 

Ominato Ko (41°15'N., 141°09'E.)

1.46 Ominato Ko is entered between Kuro Saki (41°11'N.,

141°05'E.) and Nakanosawa Saki, about 9.8 miles ESE. The E

shore of Ominato Ko consists of low sandy beaches, backed by

marshland or low wooded plains. 

The W side of the port is backed by high mountains. Tanabu

Kawa flows into the head of Ominato Ko, and a sand spit, with

Ashi Saki at its N extremity, extends about 2 miles NNE from

the W shore. An airfield is situated near the root of the sand

spit. A breakwater extends SW from the SE side of the mouth

of Tanabu Kawa.

1.46 The principal facilities are situated in the mouth of Tanabu

Kawa and in the inner bay formed by the sand spit.

1.46 Tides—Currents.—The tidal rise at Ominato Ko is 0.7m at

MHWS and 0.5m at MHWN.

1.46 Depths—Limitations.—A wharf on the SE side of the

mouth of Tanabu Kawa has a berth on its SW end, with a

length of 178m and depths of 6.9 to 7.9m alongside.

1.46 The inner bay has general depths of 7 to 8m, and its entrance

is about 0.2 mile wide. The SE side of the inner bay dries out

about 0.2 mile.

1.46 Jetty No. 5, on the NW side of the inner bay, has a berthing

length of 130m and depths of 4.9 to 7.9m alongside its NE

side.

1.46 A pier on the SE side of the inner bay has a dolphin off its

end and a depth of 5.5m alongside.

1.46 Aspect.—There are four mooring buoys in the inner bay.

1.46 A light is shown from Kuro Saki; a lighted buoy is moored

NW of Ashi Saki.

1.46 Kamafusa Yama, 878m high, with twin summits, is conspicuous about 6.5 miles NNE of Kuro Saki. It can be recognized

from any location in Mutsu Wan.

1.46 Anchorage.—Ominato Ko affords anchorage, in 7.3 to

9.2m, near its head. There are suitable anchorage depths

throughout the bay. The bottom is generally mud with shells. 

Ominato Ko to Benten Shima

1.47 Kawauchi Wan, with Kawauchi Ko at its head, lies

between Kuro Saki and Shukunobe Saki, about 5 miles W. The

latter point is a sandspit with pine trees, 26m high, near its

extremity. Asa Se, with a depth of 8.6m, lies about 0.5 mile SE

of Kuro Saki.

1.47 Tono Saki, a sandy projection, about 2.5 miles WSW of Shukunobe Saki, has two conspicuous clumps of pine trees on it,

one of which is on a small hill.

1.47 Wakinosawa Ko, a small port, lies about 1.5 miles NNE of

Benten Shima. It consists of a basin protected by three breakwaters. A light is shown from a square metal framework tower,

8m high, on the head of one breakwater. 

Takano Zaki to Tappi Saki

1.48 Minmaya Wan (Mimmaya Wan) is entered between

Takano Zaki (41°14'N., 140°33'E.) and Tappi Saki, about 9.5

miles WNW. Takano Zaki was previously described with

Mutsu Wan in paragraph 1.42.

1.48 Reefs lie along the shores of the bay; however, depths of

over 20.1m lie from 0.2 to 0.8 mile offshore.

1.48 Minmaya Wan is an area of countercurrents caused by the

ocean currents running through Tsugaru Kaikyo. The directions of the currents are unpredictable, but seldom exceed a

velocity of two knots.

1.48 Minmaya Ko (Mimmaya Ko), a small port sheltered by a

breakwater, lies about 5.5 miles WSW of Takano Zaki. The

black chimney of a saw mill in Masukawa is conspicuous about

0.8 mile SE of Minmaya Ko. Anchorage, sheltered from W

winds, can be taken, in 12m, about 0.5 mile offshore, off the

breakwater at Minmaya; the holding ground is poor with rocky

bottom in places.

1.48 Kabuto Iwa, a rock, 8.9m high, with a round reddish top, lies

about 135m offshore, about 0.3 mile N of Minmaya Ko.

1.48 Misago-jima, consisting of several dark, pointed rocks, the

highest of which is 11.9m, is conspicuous about 3 miles NW of

Minmaya Ko.

1.48 Tappi Saki (Tappi Zaki) (41°15'N., 140°21'E.), about 2.8

miles farther NW, lies on the S side of the W entrance to

Tsugaru Kaikyo. A light is shown on the summit of the point.

Obi Shima, a rocky islet, 35m high, is the outermost of two

islets extending about 0.2 mile NE of the point. Rocks, some

which dry, and some awash, extend up to 0.2 mile N of the

point.

1.48 There is a harbor for small craft, protected by breakwaters,

situated between Obi Shima and Tappi Saki.

1.48 Strong tide rips and eddies are formed in the vicinity of

Tappi Saki, which should be given a berth of at least 2 miles.
33

Pub. 159

2.

Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki (including off-lying islands)

2.0Additional chart coverage may be found in NGA/DLIS Catalog of Maps, Charts, and Related Products (Unlimited Distribution).

SECTOR 2 — CHART INFORMATION
35

Pub. 159

SECTOR 2 

HONSHU—NORTHWEST COAST—TAPPI SAKI TO ROKUGO SAKI (INCLUDING OFF-LYING 

ISLANDS)

2.0 Plan.—This sector describes the NE part of the NW coast of

Honshu, from Tappi Saki, at the W entrance of Tsugaru Kaikyo, to

Rokugo Saki, about 266 miles SW. The sector includes AkitaFunakawa Ko, Sakata Ko, Niigato Ko, Naoetsu Ko, FushikiToyama Ku, and Nanao Ko, which can accommodate large vessels. The islands of Kyuroku-jima, Tobi Shima, Awa Shima, and

Sado Shima, which lie off the coast, are also described. The arrangement of the sector is from NE to SW.

General Remarks

2.1 Winds—Weather.—The winds on the NW coast of

Honshu, from Roguko Zaki to Tappi Saki, are generally calm

from April to August, but from September to March, strong

winds and rough seas are common. During the good weather

season, clear days may be expected when the wind is between

the N and W, while rain or fog usually accompanies an extended period with the wind between NE and SE. During July

and August, E winds early in the morning followed by winds

from the N after 1000 indicate good weather. Around the end

of August, there may be a period of E winds which lasts for

several days.

2.1 Tides—Currents.—The mean tidal rise of the ports in this

sector is 0.3m at MHWS, and 0.2m at MHWN. The tidal currents are generally weak.

Tappi Saki to Henashi Saki

2.2 Tappi Saki (41°15'N., 140°21'E.) was previously

described with Tsugaru Kaikyo in paragraph 1.48.

2.2 The coast from Tappi Saki to Kodomari Misaki, about 8

miles SSW, is backed by high land. Kodomari Misaki is a bold

promontory, faced on its W side by a red cliff, and rising to a

densely-wooded hill, 230m high. Lights are shown from the

NW and SW extremities of the promontory.

2.2 A rock, with a depth of 8.5m, lies nearly 1 mile ENE of the

NW end of Kodomari Misaki, and about 0.3 mile offshore.

2.2 Kodomari Ko, open NW, is entered between Benten Saki,

about 1.3 miles E of Kodomari Misaki, and Nanatsuishi Saki,

about 1.3 miles farther ENE. Benten Saki is the extremity of a

peninsula, 52m high. Nanatsuishi Saki rises to a pointed hill,

79m high, close SE; rocky shoals, on which there are abovewater rocks, up to 1.2m high, extend about 0.5 mile W of the

point. 

2.2 A small fishing harbor lies on the SW corner of Kodomari

Ko and is protected by North Breakwater and No. 2 East

Breakwater. A light is shown from the head of each breakwater. An outer detached breakwater lies 0.15 mile E of No. 2

East Breakwater. There are depths of 11.9m in the harbor

entrance, shoaling gradually to 4.9m, about 0.3 mile offshore.

2.2 Anchorage.—The harbor affords temporary anchorage for

vessels which cannot proceed through Tsugaru Kaikyo due to

strong E winds. Temporary anchorage to avoid winds from the

E to S, can be taken about 1.5 miles N of Nanatsuishi Saki and

1 mile offshore.

2.2 The coast between Kominato Misaki and Otose Saki, about

24 miles SSW, forms an open bay with sandy beaches. Depths

of over 20m lie about 1 mile offshore. Jusan Ko, about 6 miles

SE of Kominato Misaki, lies at the entrance of a large shallow

lagoon. In severe winter weather, the lagoon freezes over completely. 

2.3 Otose Saki (40°46'N., 140°03'E.), bordered by sunken rocks, is marked by a light. A peak, 359m high, and Masugata Yama, 820m high, rise about 2 miles SE and 5.5 miles S,

respectively, of the point. A light is shown about 1.5 miles NE

of the 359m peak.

2.3 Ajigasawa Ko (Azigasawa Ko), a small fishing harbor, lies

about 7 miles ENE of Otose Saki. Iwaki Yama rises to an elevation of 1,624m, about 9 miles SSE of Ajigasawa Ko; its summit has three peaks, the center one is highest.

2.3 The coast between Otose Saki and Fukaura Ko, about 9.5

miles SW, is bordered by many rocks and dangers, and should

not be approached within 1 mile.

2.3 Torii Saki, about 2.8 miles WSW of Otose Saki, is 18m high

and conspicuous; two islets lie off the point. Torri Saki Light is

Otose Saki Light
36 Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 

Pub. 159

shown from a round tower, 10m high. An auxiliary light,

shown from the same position, illuminates reefs 0.15 mile

NNW.

2.3 Fukaura Ko (Hukaura Ko), a small port, is open NW and has

many dangerous rocks and shoals in its approach.

2.3 Henashi Saki (Henasi Saki) (40°37'N., 139°52'E.), about

3.5 miles farther WSW, is the W extremity of Fukaura Hanto

and is marked by a light. Tsubaki San, a 60m hill at the point,

appears as an islet from a distance and is very conspicuous

from N or S.

Caution.—Kyuroku-jima (Kyuroku Shima) (40°32'N.,

139°30'E.) consists of three above-water rocks, about 17 miles

WSW of Henashi Saki, with other awash or sunken rocks in the

vicinity. The W and largest rock, marked by a light, is about 57m

long and 12.8m wide; it has two knobs, 6m high, and resembles

a vessel from a distance. The other two above-water rocks lie

about 0.1 mile ENE of the largest rock, and are 2m and 4m high,

respectively.

2.3 A pinnacle rock, awash, and a rock with a depth of 1.8m, lie

about 0.2 mile SE and 0.3 mile NE, respectively, of the largest

rock. The sea breaks on the sunken rock.

2.3 A rock, with a depth of 5.2m, lies about 1 mile W of the

largest rock of Kyuroku-jima, and a rock, with a depth of 4.1m,

lies about 0.3 mile NE of the above 5.4m rock.

2.3 The bank, on which all of the above dangers lie, has irregular

depths and vessels should avoid the area. The edges of the bank

fall suddenly to depths of over 200m.

Henashi Saki to Nyudo Saki

2.4 Iwasaki Wan (40°34'N., 139°55'E.), on the S side of

Fukaura Hanto, is open SW. Okino Se, with a depth of 7.3m,

lies in the bay entrance. Iwasaki Ko, a fishing harbor, lies at the

head of the bay.

Torii Saki Light

Henashi Saki Light
Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 37

Pub. 159

2.4 Anchorage.—This bay affords the best temporary anchorage in the area, sheltered from N through E winds by the high

land on its N and E sides.

2.4 Sugo Saki (40°26'N., 139°56'E.) rises about 1.3 miles inland

to Ohachinagare Yama, a dark densely-wooded mountain,

638m high. A light is shown at Chigogi Saki, about 1 mile SSE

of Sugo Saki.

2.4 The fishing harbors of Iwadate Ko and Hachimori Ko lie

about 2.5 and 4.5 miles SW, respectively, of Sugo Saki.

2.4 O Shima, an islet, 10m high, lies near the coast about 0.8

mile SE of Hachimori Ko. The chimney of a steel plant is conspicuous on the coast close SE of O Shima.

2.5 Nosiro Ko (Noshiro Ko) (40°13'N., 140°01'E.), about

9.5 miles SSE of Sugo Saki, lies close S of the mouth of Yoneshiro Gawa (Yonesiro Kawa). The town of Nosiro (Noshiro) is

situated on the S side of the harbor. A light is shown from the S

side of the harbor, E of the harbor entrance. North and S breakwaters extend from the harbor entrance. Another light is shown

close SW of the E harbor entrance. 

2.5 The fairway to the harbor is marked by lighted buoys and is

dredged to a depth of 15m. 

2.5 Depths—Limitations.—The public wharf has a length of

185m, a depth of 10m, and a 15,000 dwt capacity. Nakajima

Pier No. 1 and Nakajima Pier No. 2 both have a length of

130m, a depth alongside of 7.5m, and a 5,000 dwt capacity. 

2.5 Aspect.—The sandy coast from Nosiro Ko to Kitaura Ko,

about 18.5 miles SSW, has depths of 20m between 1 and 2

miles offshore, shoaling gradually shoreward. The coast for

about 8 miles NNE of Kitaura Ko consists of crumbling black

cliffs not exceeding 61m in height. Then for about 4 miles

farther NNE a strip of level sand hills separates the reclaimed

N part of Hachiro Gato from the sea. Fixed fishing nets are laid

in depths of up to 20m.

2.5 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory, but strongly recommended. Pilots are available at position 40°11.5'N, 139°58.0'E.

Vessels should wait or take shelter off Funakawa (39°51'N.,

139°53'E.) anchorage if the weather is rough from the NW.

Berthing and unberthing during daylight hours only. Two tugs

are normally stationed at the port. 

2.5 Additional tugs will be brought from Akita when required,

or hired from a construction company when available at Noshiro. 

2.5 Anchorage.—Temporary anchorage can be taken off this

coast, over a bottom, generally composed of sand. Caution is

necessary to avoid the fishing nets.

2.5 Kitaura Ko (39°57'N., 139°47'E.) is a small fishing harbor.

The depths off the coast between Kitaura Ko and Nyudo Saki,

about 5 miles WNW, are irregular and the bottom is foul for

some distance offshore.

2.5 Temporary anchorage during winds between the S and E can

be obtained outside the line of the breakwater heads, in depths

of 4 to 11m, sand, taking care to avoid fishing nets.

Oga Hanto

2.6 Oga Hanto, with Nyudo Saki (40°00'N., 139°42'E.) at

its NW extremity, is a remarkable mountainous peninsula.

From a distance it appears as an island due to the low land and

Hachiro Gata to the E of it. Hachiro Gata was the second

largest lake in Japan, but 65 per cent of the original area has

been reclaimed for rice cultivation. Hon Zan (Hon San), the

highest and most conspicuous peak of the peninsula, attains an

elevation of 731m, about 6.5 miles SSE of Nyudo Saki, and 1

mile inland; two white domes stand on its summit. The W side

of Hon Zan is steep and appears copper-colored at a distance,

but its E slope is gradual. Kampu Zan, with an elevation of

355m, lies about 6 miles ENE of Hon Zan, at the E end of Oga

Hanto; it rises gradually from Hachiro Gata to three peaks, the

E peak being the highest.

2.6 Nyudo Saki rises to an elevation of 76m, about 0.5 mile S,

then rises gently to Bangoyanomori, a conspicuous pointed

peak, 149m high, about 1.5 miles farther S. A light is shown

from the point. 

Mizu Shima, a reef awash, on which there are rocks 3.7m

high, lies at the extremity of foul ground extending about 0.7

mile N of Nyudo Saki; a beacon on Mizu Shima is illuminated

by an auxiliary light on Nyudo Saki. The sea breaks heavily on

Mizu Shima during strong W winds; the current always sets N

in the vicinity, and the sea also breaks with prevailing N winds.

A boat channel, 7.9m deep, between Mizu Shima and Nyudo

Saki, should not be attempted without local knowledge.

2.6 From April to November, fixed fishing nets which extend

nearly 2 miles are laid off the E side of Mizu Shima.

2.6 Anchorage.—Small vessels can obtain temporary anchorage on the E side of Nyudo Saki, sheltered from winds between

the S and W, off the village of Hatake, which lies about 0.5

mile SSE of the point. A good anchorage, in 11 to 22m, mud

and sand, lies with Nyudo Saki bearing 298°, distant nearly 0.8

mile. The anchorage is difficult to reach due to fixed fishing

nets.

2.7 The W side of Oga Hanto is bordered by many abovewater rocks and is relatively steep-to, with depths of less than

30m no more than 0.5 mile offshore.

Iwasaki Ko Light
38 Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 

Pub. 159

2.7 Toga Ko, entered about 3 miles S of Nyudo Saki, provides

shelter for small vessels with local knowledge. Nebuto Shima,

31m high, lies about 0.5 mile WNW of the N entrance point,

and has the appearance of a peach from the N or S. Miya

Shima, about 0.2 mile NW of the S entrance point, is 12.8m

high and marked by a light; a flat rock, 7.3m high, lies close

NW of Miya Shima.

2.7 Kamoasa Wan, about 3 miles SSE of Toga Ko, provides

temporary shelter to small vessels from N to E winds; a rock,

5.2m high, lies about 0.2 mile offshore near the head of the

bay.

2.7 Shioga Misaki (Shiose Saki) (39°51'N., 139°45'E.), the SW

extremity of Oga Hanto, is flat-topped, conspicuous, and

marked by a light. Hokake Shima, a rocky islet, 30m high, lies

close E of Shioga Misaki; it resembles the sail of a local sailing

boat when viewed from the E or W.

2.7 Mikuri-jima consists of three rocks, about 1 mile E of Shioga

Misaki; the outermost rock is 1.8m high and marked by a

beacon, which is illuminated from a light on Tateyama Zaki,

about 0.5 mile NW. Tsubaki Ko, a small fishing harbor, lies

close NE of the latter point.

2.7 Uno Saki, flat-topped, cultivated, and 32m high, lies about 3

miles E of Shioga Misaki; rocks, some above-water, extend

about 0.2 mile SSE of the point.

2.7 Minami Hirasawa lies about 1 mile ENE of Uno Saki. Neno

Saki, a crumbling cliff, 40m high, lies 0.3 mile farther NE.

Akita-Funakawa Ko

World Port Index No. 61910

2.8 Akita-Funakawa Ko (39°50'N., 140°00'E.), SE of

Oga Hanto, consists of two districts, Funakawa Ku (formally

Funakawa Ko) (39°53'N., 139°51'E.) (World Port Index No.

61920) to the NW, and Akita Ku (formally Akita

Ko)(39°45'N., 140°04'E.) (World Port Index No. 61910) to the

SE. The port is frequented by large tankers and lumber vessels.

Funakawa Ku, open E to SW, affords the best shelter between

Sado Shima and Tsugaru Kaikyo, when the Northwest Monsoon prevails. The waters of the inner harbor of Akita Ku are

safe in winds from any direction, but entry is difficult for medium and large vessels in winter.

2.8 The inner harbor of Akita Ku lies inside the former mouth of

Omono Kawa. The latter river enters the sea through a channel,

about 4 miles S of Akita Ku, constructed to divert the flow of

the river. 

2.8 Winds—Weather.—Typhoons strike this area in summer

and fall, and winter monsoons are violent. Typhoons, however,

pass more rapidly and the strong winds are of short duration;

whereas, winter monsoons frequently prevail for 3 or 4 days. 

2.8 The prevailing winds are ESE and SE from April to December, and NW and WNW in January and February. The mean

wind velocity ranges from about 10 knots in January to about 6

knots in August.

2.8 Tides—Currents.—The tidal rise at Akita is 0.3m at

MHWS and 0.2m at MHWN.

2.8 The flood tidal current off Akita Ku sets NNW; the ebb tidal

current sets SSE. Under the strong influence of the diurnal tide,

the tide often changes only once a day, with a velocity of less

than 0.5 knot. 

2.8 After a heavy rain, an outgoing current, with a velocity of

about 2 knots, may occur at the entrance to the inner harbor at

Akita Ku. 

2.8 Depths—Limitations.—At Akita Ku, there are dredged

depths of 13m in the approach channel, from between the

heads of the N and S breakwaters to about 230m N of Old

South Breakwater. From this point to about 0.2 mile NE of the

root of Old South Breakwater, a depth of 10.6m can be carried. 

2.8 There are dredged depths of 12.8m alongside the S end of

the reclaimed land S of the N breakwater.

2.8 The channel leading to Nakashima Quay has a dredged depth

of 11m. 

2.8 There is a minimum depth of 19m in the channel to the

Funakawa dolphin berth (39°51'N., 139°52'E.) 

2.8 The principal bething facilities are described in the table

titled Akita-Funikawa Ko—Berthing Facilities. 

Nyudo Saki Light

 Akita-Funakawa Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

Akita Ku

Outer Harbor -13m Quays No. 1 Quay Northnortheast of the former South Breakwater Light

270m 13.0m 50,000 dwt

No. 2 Quay 260m 13.0m 40,000 dwt

Gaiko Pier 260m 12.0m
Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 39

Pub. 159

2.8 Aspect.—Aka Ne, a rock with a depth of 2.6m, lies nearly 1

mile S of Minami Hirasawa (39°52'N., 139°51'E.). Aka Ne

(39°51'N., 139°51'E.) is the S of several dangers which lie S of

the oil refinery. These dangers, over which the sea breaks

during SW winds, are covered by the red sector of Uno Saki

Light. Aka Ne Nampo Lighted Buoy is moored 0.3 mile S of

Aka Ne.

2.8 A power cable, with a vertical clearance of 9m, crosses

Akita-Funagawa Ko in position 39°52”N, 139°51”E. 

2.8 A lighted buoy is moored 0.2 mile NNE of Funakawa Breakwater Light, on the S side of shoal water. 

2.8 The tank farm at Funakawa is reported (2011) conspicuous.

A red and white chimney, 101m high, stands at the Akita paper

mill and is conspicuous from sea. 

2.8 Minawa-Hirasawa Breakwater extends 0.8 mile ESE and SE

from a position 1.1 miles SW from the head of Funakawa

Breakwater.

2.8 Akita Sea Berth Light, 31m high, is situated close E of

Minawa-Hirasawa Breakwater. A submersible oil boom is situated at the berth; the berth is connected to the reclaimed land

NW by a submarine oil pipeline. Lighted beacons are situated

183m NNW and 183m S of the Sea Berth Light. A fog signal is

sounded from the S lighted beacon.

2.8 A conspicuous tower, 143m in height, stands W of the harbor

office, in position 39°44'N., 149°04'E. 

2.8 A wave recorder lies about 0.5 mile S of the sea berth to

which it is connected by a submarine cable. 

2.8 Ne Shima, 0.3m high, lies between Aka Ne and the point.

Numerous other rocky patches lie between Aka Ne and the

breakwater at Funakawa Ku. 

2.8 A white five-story office block, situated 1.1 miles NW of

Funakawa Breakwater Light, is conspicuous. 

Ohana

-10m No. 1 Quay North side of the mouth of 

Shinjo Kawa 185m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

-4.5m No. 1 Quay

South side of the mouth of 

Shinjo Kawa (in order from 

N to S)

60m 3.0-8.0m 700 dwt

-4.5m No. 2 Quay 60m 8.0m 700 dwt

-10m No. 2 Quay 185m 9.5m 15,000 dwt

-10m No. 3 Quay 185m 9.0-10.0m 15,000 dwt

Nakashima

No. 3 Quay

About 0.8 mile E of the 

former South Breakwater 

Light (in order from N to S)

185m 9.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 2 Quay 185m 8.0-9.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 1 Quay 161m 8.0m 10,000 dwt

North Wharf A Quay 122m 7.0-8.0m 5,000 dwt

B Quay 155m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

South Wharf C Quay 155m 5.5m 2,000 dwt

D Quay 90m 3.5-4.0m 2,000 dwt

Shimohama -5m Quay Southeast of South Wharf—

D Quay 345m 5.0m 1,000 dwt

Terauchi Wharf Quay About0.5 mile SSE of Kowan Godo Chosha 200m 5.0-6.5m 5,000 dwt

Mukaihama

-7.5m No. 1 Quay Southwest opposite shore of 

the fish market 130m 7.0m 5,000 dwt

-7.5m No. 2 Quay Immediately NW of -7.5m 

No. 1 Quay 130m 7.0m 5,000 dwt

-10m No. 1 Quay West opposite shore of 

South Wharfë—D Quay (in 

order from S to N)

185m 8.5-9.0m 15,000 dwt

-10m No. 2 Quay 185m 8.5-9.0m 15,000 dwt

-10m No. 3 Quay 185m 8.5-9.0m 15,000 dwt

Funakawa Ku

5,000 dwt Quay

South side of Public Wharf (in order from W to 

E)

260m 6.0-7.0m 5,000 dwt

7,000 dwt Quay 155m 6.5-7.0m 7,000 dwt

15,000 dwt Quay 185m 8.0-10.0m 15,000 dwt

Akita Sea Berth 39°51.4'N, 139°51.6'E 19m 180,000 dwt

 Akita-Funakawa Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size
40 Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 

Pub. 159

2.8 A harbor for small vessels, having depths of 2 to 3m, and a

timber basin, lie farther N along the coast. 

Oibana Saki (39°54'N., 139°54'E.), about 2.5 miles NE of

the oil refinery, is faced with a remarkable white cliff, 40m

high, from which the land rises to Kampu Zan, about 2.3 miles

NNW.

2.8 The coast from Oibana Saki to Akita Ku, about 10 miles SE,

consists of sandy beach free from dangers. It is backed by sand

hills covered by grass and pine trees, inland of which arable

land stretches to the foothills of the distant mountains, where

Taihei San, the highest peak, reaches an altitude of 1,179m,

about 12.5 miles E of Akita Ku. 

2.8 Three chimneys, the E and highest, with an elevation of

185m, are painted red and white and are conspicuous about 1.3

miles NE of the harbor entrance of Akita Ku.

2.8 Three radio towers of the Harbor Office are conspicuous

about 1.3 miles ESE of the head of Old South Breakwater.

2.8 Omori Yama, 124m high, lies close to the coast, about 6

miles S of the entrance to Akita Ku, and is surmounted by four

TV towers, marked by red lights. 

2.8 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory, but is recommended.

Pilots for Akita Ku board in position 39°47.5'N, 139°58.3'E

and are available during daylight hours only. Pilots are stationed at Akita Ku and can be contacted on VHF channel 16. 

2.8 Pilotage for Funakawa Ku is not compulsory. The pilot

boards in position 39°50.8'N, 139°54.0'E. 

2.8 A vessel underway within the port will be instructed by the

pilot to display certain flags of the International Code of

signals to indicate the wharf to which it is proceeding.

2.8 Anchorage.—The quarantine anchorage for Akita

Funakawa Ko is situated about 1.5 miles SE of the head of the

breakwater at Funakawa Ku. 

2.8 Good anchorage can be taken in Funakawa Ku, in 8m, mud,

with the head of the breakwater bearing 177°, distant about 0.3

mile.

2.8 Large vessels can obtain anchorage off Akita Ku, in 12.8m,

fine sand, with the previously-described radio towers bearing

100°, distant about 1.8 miles. Anchorage in greater depths can

be taken farther offshore. Good anchorage for vessels under

1,000 grt can be taken, in 8m, with the head of Old South

Breakwater bearing 350°, distant about 0.2 mile. 

2.8 Anchorage for vessels with dangerous cargo will be designated in the outer harbor.

2.8 Directions.—Vessels bound for Funakawa Ku from the N

round Oga Hanto at a safe distance, then pass SE of the lighted

buoy moored S of Aka Ne, and E of the lighted buoy moored

SE of the breakwater head. 

2.8 Approaching Akita Ku from the N, from a position about 2

miles S of Shioga Misaki, steer a course of 100° for the three

chimneys of a power plant N of Akita. When a chimney, painted in red and white bands, and about 0.5 mile farther S, is

sighted, steer for it. 

2.8 Approaching Akita Ku from the S, steer for Kampu Zan,

bearing 000°, until a chimney of a power plant at Akitu Ku is

sighted. Alter course E when the chimney is abeam. 

2.8 Entry into Akita Ku is dangerous with prevailing NW winds.

The end of the breakwater is difficult to see until close to it. 

2.8 Caution.— An area prohibited to entry lies in the area S of

the reclaimed land to the S of the refinery, extending 0.5 mile

inside the harbor limit. Reference should be made to the appropriate chart.

2.8 Two large fish heaven lie 2.5 miles and 4.5 miles W of the

entrance to Akita Ku. 

2.8 A submerged pipeline extends about 1 mile offshore from a

position about 1.3 miles NW of Omori Yama; four framework

towers, marked by red lights, lie at the seaward end of the

pipeline.

Akita-Funakawa Ko to Sakata Ko

2.9 The coast between Akita-Funakawa Ko and Sakata

Ko, about 51 miles SSW, has depths of over 20m about 1.5

miles offshore.

2.9 Matsuga Saki Light (39°30'N., 140°03'E.) is shown about

15 miles S of Akita-Funakawa Ko.

2.9 Honjo Ko (Honzyo Ko), about 7 miles farther S, lies in the

mouth of Koyoshi Kawa; the river is only accessible to small

boats. Honjo Light is shown from a hexagonal tower, 11m

high, which stands 1 mile NNE of the river mouth. A light is

also shown on the head of a breakwater on the N entrance point

of the river. 

2.9 Sasamori Yama, surmounted by a clump of trees, rises to an

elevation of 550m about 7 miles E of Honjo Ko.

2.9 Hirasawa Ko, a small fishing harbor, sheltered by breakwaters, lies about 6.5 miles SSW of Honjo Ko. Lights are

shown on the heads of the E breakwater and of the jetty. 

2.9 Anchorage.—Temporary anchorage, sheltered from winds

between the NE and SSW, can be taken, in depths of 7.3 to

10.1m, sand, about 0.5 mile offshore, abreast Hirasawa Ko.

2.9 Konoura Ko, a small fishing harbor, lies about 3.3 miles SW

of Hirasawa Ko. Konoura Ko Light is shown from a square

tower, 11m high. 

Matsuga Saki Light
Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 41

Pub. 159

2.9 The town of Kisakata, about 3 miles farther S, lies on Shikoshi Hana, a low, sparsely wooded headland, rising to a hill,

11m high at its NW end. Kisikata Ko lies between the NW and

SW extremities of the headland, and consists of a N and S cove

for fishing vessels. A light is shown on the S end of the S

breakwater. 

2.9 Mi Saki (39°07'N., 139°52'E.), about 5.5 miles S of Shiokoshi Hana, is 106m high and densely wooded. Ugo Mi Saki

Light is shown from Mi Saki. It is the extremity of a spur exending from Chokai San, about 8.5 miles E.

2.9 Aspect.—Two radio towers, both fitted with parabolic antennae, stand 0.15 mile and 1.5 miles E, respectively, of Mi

Saki. The W tower is reported conspicuous. 

2.10 Chokai San (39°06'N., 140°04'E.), a conical mountain, 2,230m high, is snow-capped, except in August and September; its peak is often hidden by clouds. It can be seen for a

great distance, and appears to have two peaks when viewed

from the N and three peaks when viewed from S.

2.10 Tobi Shima (39°12'N., 139°33'E.), a relatively flat-topped

island, lies about 15 miles WNW of Mi Saki. There are three

hills of almost equal height; the S hill is 71m high to the tops of

the trees and Tobi Shima Light is shown from the N hill. The

shore of the island consists of beaches of sand and shingle,

fringed by drying rocks. The island is surrounded by rocky

shoals, except off its SE side.

Oshaku Shima, 76m high, is the N and largest of a group of

rocks and islets about 1 mile W of the S extremity of Tobi

Shima. The group is almost joined to Tobi Shima by rocky

shoals.

Honjo Ko Light

Ugo Mi Saki Light

Tobi Shima Light
42 Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 

Pub. 159

2.10 A reef, with a depth of 8.2m, lies at the N end of foul ground

extending about 0.8 mile N of Tobi Shima. Futamata Shima,

5.6m high, and Okami Shima, 6.3m high, lie on this foul

ground, about 0.4 mile NNE and N, respectively, of the N end

of Tobi Shima. A rock, with a depth of 2.1m, lies about 0.2

mile NE of Futamata Shima, and a rock, with a depth of 4.5m,

lies about 0.4 mile W of Okami Shima.

2.10 Tobishima Hakuchi, the open bay on the SE side of Tobi

Shima, has depths of over 20m about 0.2 to 0.25 mile offshore,

and is sheltered from S to NW winds. Ebisumaisaki Hanto, a

small peninsula, forms the SW part of the bay; a fishing harbor,

formed by breakwaters, lies close NNW of the peninsula.

2.10 Anchorage.—Good anchorage can be taken, in 35m, sand,

with the E extremity of Ebisumaisaki Hanto bearing 219°,

distant 0.35 mile. Small vessels with local knowledge can anchor closer in off the breakwaters of the fishing harbor.

2.10 Caution.—A large part of the bay consists of a rock bottom,

covered with sand, which is not suitable for anchorage.

2.11 Ara Saki (39°04'N., 139°52'E.), about 3 miles S of

Mi Saki, is the N entrance point of Fukura Kawa, and is 19.5m

high and grassy. A light is shown on the head of a small breakwater at the entrance point of the river.

2.11 The coast from the mouth of Fukura Kawa to Sakata Ko,

about 9 miles SSW, consists of a straight, sandy beach, backed

by extensive undulating plains, with mountains rising about 13

miles inland.

Sakata Ko (38°56'N., 139°49'E.)

World Port Index No. 61900

2.12 Sakata Ko, at the mouth of Mogami Gawa, is an important port for the distribution of rice, and the transshipment

of lumber. The downtown area of Sakata, a commercial and industrial city, lies E of the port; there are numerous chimneys in

and NW of the city.

2.12 The port consists of a S part, at the mouth of Mogami Gawa,

and a N part, about 2 miles NNE. The S, or main harbor, is

separated from the river by training walls; the head of this

harbor is connected to the river by a small lock. Breakwaters

shelter the entrance which is open NNW. The N part is a basin

sheltered by Kitako North Breakwater extending SW from

reclaimed land, and another breakwater extending WNW from

the coast. A dredged approach channel leads to a berth in its

NE part.

Winds—Weather

2.12 The winter monsoon frequently turns into a snow storm

blowing for days. There are 140 to 150 stormy days per year,

60 per cent of which occur from November through March.

2.12 When a growing low pressure system originating in the sea

of Japan moves to the Pacific Ocean across Honshu, the wind

may abruptly shift from the E through SE to W through NW,

causing a strong storm around Sakata Ko during the period

from March through May. Fog seldom forms, and even when it

does form, it usually lasts for only 4 or 5 hours.

Tides—Currents

2.12 The tidal rise at Sakata is 0.3m at MHWS and MHWN.

2.12 Tidal currents attain a maximum velocity of 1 knot. A noticeable N coastal current develops when SW winds prevail

from the end of April through May.

Depths—Limitations

2.12 The principal berthing facilities are described in the table

titled Sakata Ko—Berthing Facilities. )

Aspect

2.12 Sakata Ko Light (38°55'N., 139°49'E.) is shown about 1.3

miles NE of the entrance to Sakata Ko (S part). A radio tower,

60m high, with a parabolic antenna, is conspicuous about 2

miles SE of the above light.

2.12 A light is shown on the head of N breakwater. Near the head

of the S breakwater a light is shown from a tower. Hiwa San, a

hill 32m high with a monument on its W part, is conspicuous

about 1.5 miles ESE of the above-mentioned harbor entrance.

2.12 Lighted buoys mark the entrance to the dredged channel in

the N basin.

Sakata Ko Light
Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 43

Pub. 159

2.12 The port administration is increasing the facilities available

by constructing new berths and warehouses as part of the

public port development. The anchorage has been extended to

allow vessels over 7m draft to berth. 

Pilotage

2.12 Pilotage is not compulsory. Pilots are available and board at

the quarantine anchorage. It is recommended that large vessels

use a pilot when entering or leaving port.

Sakata Ko—Approaches

Sakata Ko—Old Port

 Sakata Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

Ohama 

Wharf

No. 1 Quay About 0.6 mile ESE of North Breakwater Light 330m 8.0m 10,000 dwt

No. 2 Quay Immediately NE of Ohama Wharf—No. 1 Quay 90m 1.7m 2,000 dwt

305m 1.7m 700 dwt

West Wharf

No. 1 Quay Southeast opposite shore of Ohama Wharf—No. 1 

Quay 185m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 2 Quay Immediately NE of West Wharf—No. 1 Quay 53m 6.0m 700 dwt

-5.5m Quay Immediately W of West Wharf—No. 2 Quay 180m 3.5-4.0m 2,000 dwt

East Wharf

Shin Machi 

Quay Frontal area of the W part of Hiwa Yama 260m 7.0m 5,000 dwt

No. 1 Funaba Cho Quay Immediately SE of Shin Machi Quay (in order from N 

to S)

360m 5.5m 2,000 dwt

No. 2 Funaba Cho Quay 195m 4.0m 700 dwt

Suisan 

Quay

No. 1 Quay Immediately SE of East Wharf 140m 4.0m

No. 2 Quay Southwest opposite shore of Suisan Quay—No. 1 

Quay

211m 5.5m

165m 4.5m

Sodeoka Wharf Quay Immediately NW of Suisan Quay—No. 2 Quay 390m 6.0-7.5m 5,000 dwt

Takasago No. 2 Quay

Sakata-Kita Ko

About 0.3 mile NNE of Sakata 

Light 280m 13.0m 40,000 dwt

Kominato 

Wharf

No. 1 Quay

South side shore of the head of the 

port (in order from W to E)

270m 13.0m 50,000 dwt

No. 2 Quay 185m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 3 Quay 185m 9.5m 15,000 dwt

Kominato Mooring Pillar East side of Kominato Wharf 9.5m 15,000 dwt

Miyaumi 

Wharf

No. 3 Quay

East side shore of the head of the 

port (in order from S to N) 130m

7.5m

No. 4 Quay 7.5m 5,000 dwt

No. 5 Quay 5.0m
44 Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 

Pub. 159

2.12 Pilots are available at the quarantine anchorage from sunrise

to sunset, for vessels requiring pilot services and can be contacted on VHF channels 12 and 16 (call sign: Sakata-ho-an)

The Combined Port Affairs Building is situated close S of

Hiwa San.

Anchorage

2.12 The quarantine anchorage, with a radius of 0.27 mile, is centered about 1 mile NW of the head of North Breakwater at

Sakata Ko (S part). This is a poor anchorage due to the continuous swell.

2.12 Vessels usually berth, but when the sea is calm, good anchorage, sand bottom, can be obtained by 1,500 dwt vessels with

drafts up to 4.6m inside the N breakwater of the S harbor.

2.12 In bad weather, shelter can be taken in Tobishima Hakuchi,

about 20 miles NW.

Caution

2.12 Entry into the S harbor is difficult with large swells caused

by prevailing W through NW winds. 

2.12 A sizeable area, specified for the setting of fish havens, has

been established.

Sakata Ko to Niigata Ko

2.13 The coast from Sakata Ko to Kamo Ko (38°46'N.,

139°44'E.), about 10.5 miles SSW, consists of a straight, sandy

beach, backed by extensive undulating plains, with mountains

rising about 13 miles inland. Kamo Ko is a small inlet sheltered by breakwaters. Ara Saki, 22m high, the W entrance

point of Kamo Ko, is marked by a light. Three radio towers,

marked by red lights, are conspicuous on the summit of a hill,

about 1 mile E of Ara Saki.

2.13 An aero light is shown between 0800 and 1930, at an elevation of 52m, from a position 5 miles NE of Kamo Ko. A fish

haven is reported about 2 miles SW of the aero light. 

2.13 A hill, 307m high, is conspicuous about 0.5 mile inland,

midway between Kamo Ko and Yura Ko, about 3.5 miles SW.

Aneji Guri, a rock awash and steep-to, lies about 0.4 mile offshore, about 1.3 miles SW of Ara Saki. It is easily identified as

the sea usually breaks on it.

2.13 Yura Ko (38°43'N., 139°41'E.), 3.5 miles NE of Hato Saki,

is a small fishing harbor protected by a breakwater, on the head

of which a light is shown. Hakusan To, an islet rising to a conical hill, is 70m high, and connected to the coast SE by a

bridge. Kuraizumi Iwa, a rock, 4.6m high, lies nearly 0.5 mile

W of Hakusan To, off the harbor entrance.

2.13 Obato Wan, about 3 miles SW of Yura Ko, provides temporary anchorage, sheltered from E through S winds, to vessels

with local knowledge. Hato Saki, the W entrance point of the

bay, is marked by a light and bordered by shoals. Ryutoan

Shima, 3.7m high and marked by a light, lies nearly 0.5 mile W

of Hato Saki. The channel between the islet and the coast has

depths over 11m and is used by small local vessels.

2.14 The coast from Obato Wan to the mouth of Miomote

Kawa (38°14'N., 139°27'E.), about 28 miles SSW, is backed

by mountains and mainly rocky and steep-to, with some abovewater rocks lying close inshore. A railway runs along this coast

at a short distance inland.

2.14 Two radio towers, marked by red obstruction lights, stand

about 4.5 miles SSW of Obato Wan. Atumi Take, 736m high

and pointed, is conspicuous about 2 miles E of the N radio

tower.

2.14 Nezugaseki, a small artificial harbor, lies about 8.5 miles

SSW of Obato Wan. Benton Shima, a dark rocky islet connected to the SW side of the harbor by reclaimed land, is 45m

high to the top of a radio tower on its summit, and shows up

Hato Saki Light

Ryutoan Shima Light
Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 45

Pub. 159

well from the N or S. The islet is connected to the coast ESE by

a breakwater; a light is shown from its SW end. A reef, with a

rock, 1.5m high, at its W end, extends about 0.1 mile W of

Benton Shima.

2.14 The harbor is sheltered N by a W breakwater and rocks extending N from Benten Shima, and by an E breakwater extending SW from reclaimed land in the NE part of the harbor. The

navigable channel between the heads of the breakwaters is

about 45m wide and open N. In winter, heavy seas penetrate

the harbor and make entry difficult.

2.14 A detached breakwater protects the harbor entrance. The

general depths in the harbor are about 4.9m, with sandy bottom, providing good anchorage. A pier, on the NE side of the

harbor, has a berth 145m long, with depths of 2.6 to 3.6m

alongside.

Gas San rises to an elevation of 1,980m, about 22 miles E of

Nezugaseki Ko.

2.14 Hokotate Iwa, a steep-sided rock, 68m high, lies about 4.5

miles SSW of Nezugaseki Ko.

2.15 Oshima Saki (38°23'N., 139°27'E.), about 6 miles

farther SSW, rises to a steep hillock. O Shima, a brown, rocky

islet, 11.9m high, lies off the point.

2.15 Budo Yama, 795m high, and Shimbo Dake, 852m high, are

conspicuous about 4 miles E and 3.5 miles SE, respectively, of

Oshima Saki.

2.15 O-Asahi Dake (38°15'N., 139°56'E.) rises to an elevation of

1,870m, about 22 miles E of the mouth of Miomote Kawa.

2.15 The coast from the mouth of Miomote Kawa (38°14'N.,

139°27'E.) to Niigata Ko (East Harbor), about 18 miles SW,

consists of sandy beach, broken by rivers, and backed by hills

about 5 miles inland.

2.15 Senami Hakuchi, off the entrance to Miomote Kawa, provides

good anchorage, in 5.5 to 9m, mud, within 0.5 mile offshore.

2.15 Iwafune Ko, a small port, lies about 3 miles farther SSW.

Iwafune Ko Light is shown about 0.4 mile N of the port, and a

round hill, 74m high, is conspicuous nearly 0.5 mile N of the port. 

2.15 The harbor consists of a basin protected by the West Breakwater, which extends 0.5 mile SW from the W side of the entrance to Ishi Kawa. A light is shown from East Groyne, which

extends WNW from the shore 0.2 mile S of Ishi Kawa entrance. 

2.15 A detached No. 2 West Breakwater extends 0.2 mile SW

from a position 183m SW of West Breakwater and No. 2 East

Groyne extends 0.25 mile WNW from the shore, 0.25 mile S of

East Groyne. A light is shown from its head. Other lights are

also shown from the head of West Breakwater and from both

ends of No. 2 West Breakwater. 

2.15 Gagyu San, a round densely-wooded hill, 135m high and

isolated, lies about 3 miles NE of Iwafune Ko, and is conspicuous from the SW.

2.15 Kosagi San, 966m high, rises about 10 miles ESE of Iwafune

Ko. Washigasu Yama, 1,093m high, about 5 miles NNE of Kosagi

San, has twin summits, one pointed and the other round.

2.15 Ninoji Dake (Ninozi Take) (37°54'N., 139°30'E.) rises to an

elevation of 1,421m, about 15 miles ESE of Niigata Ko (East

Harbor).

2.16 Awa Shima (38°27'N., 139°15'E.) lies about 10 miles

WNW of Oshima Saki. Koshiba Yama, 265m high, the summit

of the island, rises a little S of the center of the island; a light is

shown from Koshiba Yama. Detached reefs lie within 0.4 mile

of the W coast, but the E coast is almost clear of dangers.

2.16 Tori Saki, the NE end of the island, is 58m high. A reef, with

a depth of 6.7m, lies about 0.5 mile N of Tori Saki, and Tode

Guri, with a depth of 1.8m, lies about 0.2 mile WSW of the

reef. Engaiyama, a rock 0.5m high, lies about 0.4 mile NW of

the N end of the island. Many rocks lie within 0.5 mile of the N

end of the island.

2.16 Hachiman Hana, the SW extremity of Awa Shima, is 75m

high. It is bordered by foul ground; the outermost danger is a

reef, with a depth of 5.8m, about 0.4 mile SSW of the point.

2.16 Awashima Hakuchi is an open roadstead in the N part of the

E side of Awa Shima; it is sheltered from W winds and is a

better anchorage than Tobishima Hakuchi. Okinohata Saki, an

islet, 12.8m high, lies close offshore, about 1 mile SSW of Tori

Saki. Uchiura, about 0.5 mile farther SSW, is fronted by a fishing harbor, sheltered by breakwaters, in the SW part of Awashima Hakuchi.

2.16 Anchorage.—Good anchorage can be taken, in 14 to 21m,

with Okinohata Saki bearing 354°, and with the N end of the

outer breakwater at Uchiura bearing about 255°. Small vessels

with local knowledge can anchor inside the line between the E

end of Tori Saki and Okinohata Saki.

Niigata Ko (37°55'N., 139°03'E.)

World Port Index No. 61870

2.17 Niigata Ko consists of two sections. Nishi Ku is

located at the mouth of Shinano Gawa (Sinano Kawa) and

Higashi Ku, an artificial inlet, lies about 8 miles ESE.

Breakwaters shelter the entrances to both harbors. The city of

Nezugaseki Light
46 Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 

Pub. 159

Niigata is built on either side of the mouth of Shinano Gawa;

many factories are situated on the E side of the river, and

government and business offices are situated on the W side.

Agano Gawa enters the sea about 3 miles E of Nishi Ku. A

light is shown from a round tower, 15.8m high, on the E side of

the entrance to Agano Kawa. An area in which fishing nets are

set is situated 1.75 miles NE of the mouth of Agano Kawa. 

2.17 Shinano Gawa is the largest river in Japan, and its basin is

mostly flat plain, which has flooded regularly in the past. Nishi

Ku is subject to silting. Depths at the mouth of the river are

subject to silting, due to the Northwest Monsoon and the flood

period. 

2.17 Several small breakwaters are constructed near the mouth of

Shinano Gawa. 

Winds—Weather

2.17 Northwesterly winds prevail during the winter in the vicinity

of Niigata. From April through October, S winds are frequent,

gradually shifting to W in November. The mean maximum

velocity is about 10.5 knots in January, and the mean minimum

velocity is about 6 knots in July.

2.17 Winter is cloudy and snowy, with monsoons. The monsoons

occur in 3 to 6 day cycles. From late winter to early spring,

there are strong SW to W winds caused by a low originating in

the South China Sea and developing in the Sea of Japan. The

period from May to October is relatively calm, although a

typhoon may occur from July through December.

Tides—Currents

2.17 The tidal rise at Niigata is 0.3m at MHWS, and 0.2m at

MHWN.

2.17 The tidal currents at Niigata set NE-SW at a velocity of less

than 0.5 knot. The velocity is generally higher near the river

mouth, attaining a velocity of 1 knot; it attains a velocity of

1.75 knots at the surface, and 0.2 knot at 4 to 6m below the

surface.

2.17 A current sets E from the end of the East Breakwater.

Depths—Limitations

2.17 The channel to Niigata Ko inner harbor is maintained to a

least depth of 10.5m for a distance of about 2.5 miles from the

outer harbor. 

2.17 The principal bething facilities are described in the table

titled Niigata Ko—Berthing Facilities. 

Niigata Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

Nishi Ku and vicinity

Niigata LNG Jetty 460m 14.0m 65,000 dwt

Yamanoshita Wharf

North side About 0.5 mile SSW of Rinko 

Light

330m 8.5m 10,000 dwt

South side 260m 7.0-8.5m 5,000 dwt

Tsusen Kawa Right Bank Quay Right bank of the mouth of 

Tsusen Kawa 90m 5.5m 2,000 dwt

Tsusan Kawa Left Bank Quay Left bank of the mouth of Tsusen Kawa 95m 4.5m 700 dwt

North Wharf Southwest side (from N to S) 330m 9.0-10.0m 10,000 dwt

97m 6.0-10.0m 5,000 dwt

Oil Wharf Northwest side of North 

Wharf 10.0m 15,000 dwt

East Wharf

South side of North Wharf (in 

this order from N to S)

231m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

Central 

Wharf

North side 294m 7.0-10.0m 10,000 dwt

Face 137m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

South side 307m 7.0-8.0m 5,000 dwt

South Wharf 288m 4.0-7.0m 5,000 dwt

Bandaijima

Wharf Quay East shore of Bandaijima 

(from S to N)

391m 5.5-7.0m 3,000 dwt

Oil Pier 30m 7.0m 2,000 dwt

Right bank of 

Shinano Kawa

No. 1 Berth Quay

West shore of Bandaijima 

(from N to S)

193m 7.0m 6,000 dwt

No. 2 Berth Quay 193m 5.0m 6,000 dwt

No. 3 Berth Quay 136m 5.5m 2,000 dwt
Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 47

Pub. 159

Aspect

2.17 An oil production platform lies 14 miles NE from Agano

Kawa and is connected by a pipeline to the shore close WSW

of Higashi Ku. 

2.17 A chimney, painted in red and white bands and marked by

red obstruction lights, is conspicuous at an elevation of 208m,

about 0.8 mile ESE of the head of East Breakwater. A similar

chimney, with an elevation of 165m, lies about 0.2 mile farther

SW.

2.17 Oil tanks are conspicuous on either side of the outer basin.

2.17 An oil drilling platform, marked by lights, lies about 6.5

miles WNW of the entrance to East Harbor.

2.17 An aviation light at Niigata Airport, about 1 mile WSW of

the mouth of Agano Gawa (37°58'N., 139°08'E.), is visible for

a great distance.

2.17 Agano Gawa Light and Matsuga Sakihama Light are shown

on the E side of the mouth of Agano Gawa.

2.17 West Breakwater No. 1 projects 2 miles NNE from the N

corner of reclaimed land. A light is shown near the breakwater

head. A detached breakwater lies close-to and parallel to the

coast SW. East Breakwater No. 2 extends 0.4 mile NW from a

position 0.75 mile NE of the root of East Breakwater No. 1.

Pilotage

Pilotage is not compulsory, but is advisable for vessels

berthing. Pilots are available between sunrise and sunset and

board in the following positions:

1. Niigata —37°58.4'N, 139°02.5'E.

2. Niigata East —38°00.7'N, 139°11.7'E.

2.17 A berthing master boards vessels berthing at the offshore

pipeline berth NE; the pilot remains on board during the

vessel’s stay. 

Signals

2.17 Vessel movements in Niigata Ko are controlled by signals

shown from the signal station. The light signals are shown day

and night; by day, the alternative signal may be used. 

2.17 The signal station, near the root of West Breakwater, disHigashi Ku and vicinity

East No. 3 Pier Near the root of East Breakwater No. 1 13.0m 50,000 dwt

East No. 1 Pier About 0.35 mile S of the root 

of East Breakwater No. 1 13.0m 100,000 dwt

Central Wharf East Quay SSW of East No. 1 Pier 260m 13.0m 40,000 dwt

East Wharf No. 1 Quay East shore of the head of the 

port 280m 13.0m 40,000 dwt

South Wharf Log No. 1 Quay South of East Wharf 185m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 2 Quay 185m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

West Wharf

No. 1 Quay

West shore of the head of the 

port

130m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

No. 2 Quay 185m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 3 Quay 350m 12.0m 30,000 dwt

Central Wharf Center of the W shore 232m 12.0m 40,000 dwt

West No. 3 Pier Southeast of the root of West 

Breakwater (in this order from 

S to N)

118m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

West No. 2 Pier 135m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

West No. 1 Pier 135m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

Niigata Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

Niigata Ko
48 Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 

Pub. 159

plays navigation, anchoring, berthing, and weather signals.

Vessels should retain onboard the most recent edition of Japan

Maritime Safety Laws and Regulations, obtainable through the

Japanese Coast Guard. This publication should be kept as a reference for signal station communiques and their meanings,

appropriate signals, and other local or specific regulations. 

2.17 The Combined Port Affairs Building is situated near the foot

of Central Wharf.

2.17 No movements of vessels are permitted in the harbor between sunset and sunrise without special authorization from

the Captain of the Port.

Anchorage

2.17 The Quarantine Anchorage lies NW of West Breakwater

(West Harbor).

2.17 Anchorage can be taken, in about 30m, about 1 mile N of the

entrance to Higashi Ku. 

2.17 Vessels waiting to enter port in a heavy sea should be careful

not to drag their anchors, and should keep their engines on

standby. In bad weather, it is recommended that vessels seek

shelter at Sado Shima.

Directions

2.17 Entry and departure routes at Nishi Ku are one way; vessels

must enter quickly. Vessels should weigh anchor for immediate

entry as soon as the pilot boat is seen. 

2.17 A vessel entering Nishi Ku in winter should approach from

the NNW of West Breakwater, remaining clear of the detached

breakwater. With an approach from the NNE of West

Breakwater, strong NW winds and the river current may set the

vessel toward East Breakwater and the shoal water on the E

side of the entrance. 

Caution

2.17 The harbor is subject to silting, and constant dredging is

necessary. The fairway has been dredged, but the depth is liable

to change, and a pilot should be taken. 

Sado Shima

2.18 Sado Shima (Sado Shima) (38°00'N., 138°25'E.) lies

W of Niigata Ko and is separated from the mainland by Sado

Kaikyo, a deep strait, with a least width of about 17 miles. The

S and E sides of the island are comparatively steep-to and there

are no dangers beyond about 0.5 mile offshore. The W side is

backed by eroded cliffs, and fringed by reefs extending up to 1

mile offshore in places.

2.18 Two ranges of mountains run parallel with and a short distance from the SE and NW coasts of the island, respectively,

with a cultivated valley between them. Viewed at a distance

from the NE or SW, Sado Shima appears to be two islands.

Sado Shima is reported to be a good radar target at 18 miles.

Kimpoku San (Kinpoku San) (38°06'N., 138°21'E.), 1,173m

high, lies about 16 miles SSW of Haziki Saki (Hajiki Sake), the

N extremity of the island, and is the highest peak in the NW

range. Ochi Yama, 646m high, about 2.5 miles NNW of Konose Hana (37°55'N., 138°30'E.), is the highest peak in the SE

range.

2.18 Ryotu Wan, in the NE part of the island, and Mano Wan, in

the SW part of the island, provide good shelter.

Sado Shima—East Side

2.19 Haziki Saki (38°20'N., 138°31'E.), the N extremity of

Sado Shima, is marked by a light; foul ground extends about

0.5 mile N of the point. Washizaki Ko, a small fishing harbor,

lies close S of the point.

2.19 A light is shown from Miyano Saki, about 7 miles farther S.

Niigata Ko—Signals

Designation Day signal Night signal Meaning

Entering signal One white flash every 2 seconds or

one black cone (point up)

One white flashing every 2

seconds

Inbound vessels may enter. Outbound vessels of 500 grt or more

(in the case of oil tankers, 300 grt

or more) shall not leave but wait.

Leaving signal One red flash every 2 seconds or

one black square

One red flash every 2 secondsOutbound vessels may leave. Inbound vessels of 500 grt or more

(in the case of oil tankers, 300 grt

or more) shall wait outside Nishi

Ku.

Free signal One red flash and one white flash

every 3 seconds or two black cones,

points together.

One red flash and one white

flash every 3 seconds

Inbound vessels of 500 grt or more

(in the case of oil tankers, 300 grt

or more) shall wait outside Nishi

Ku. Outbound vessels of the same

shall not move but wait.

Prohibition signal Three red flashes and three white

flashes every 6 sec ondsor the combination of two black cones (points

together) and one red flag

Three red flashes and three

white flashes every 6 seconds

The traffic is prohibited except for

vessels permitted by the Captain of

the Port
Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 49

Pub. 159

Ryotu Wan

2.20 Ryotu Wan (Ryotsu Wan) is entered between Hime

Saki (38°05'N., 138°34'E.) and Wakino Misaki, about 6.5

miles NW. Hime Saki, marked by a light, is bordered by abovewater and sunken rocks extending about 0.2 mile offshore;

Ryuo Shima, 21m high, lies about 0.5 mile E of the point. The

shores of the bay are obstructed by a large number of fish traps

and fish farm installations extending up to 1 mile offshore;

these are unlit at night, poorly marked by day, and afford only

weak radar responses.

2.20 Ryotu Ko (38°05'N., 138°34'E.) (World Port Index No.

61890) lies at the head of Ryotsu Wan, at the entrance to Kamo

Ko, a saltwater lagoon. 

2.20 Ryotu Ko is protected by North Breakwater, which extends

0.35 mile SE from a position nearly 0.6 mile N of the entrance

to Kamo Ko, and by South Breakwater, which extends 0.8 mile

SE from near the head of North Breakwater and from a white

tower, 9m high, at the head of South Breakwater. A short

detached breakwater lies 100m E of the head of North Breakwater; a light is shown from each.

2.20 During strong NE winds, the swell penetrates the harbor.

2.20 Depths—Limitations.—Most of the harbor installations lie

on each side of the entrance to Kamo Ko, which is spanned by

three bridges.

2.20 Berths in the harbor are, as follows:

1. North Wharf, close N of the entrance to Kamo Ko,

comprises Berth No. 1 and Berth No. 2, with depths from 3.6

to 5.4m alongside.

2. South Wharf, the principal commercial wharf, close S

of the entrance to Kamo Ko, comprises Berth No. 2 to Berth

No. 8, 49m to 200m in length, with depths of 4.2 to 7.5m. 

2.20 Aspect.—The reclamation extends NE from the shore to

within 0.1 mile of South Breakwater. A light is shown on a

short breakwater at the NE corner.

2.20 A tower, which marks the intake of a water pipeline, stands

0.2 mile S of the S end of South Breakwater; a light is shown

from the tower. 

2.20 Conspicuous at the wharf off the S side of the entrance to

Kamo Ko is a four-story yellow building, 21m high. 

2.20 A pier for tankers and several buoys lie about 2 miles N of

the harbor.

2.20 Anchorage.—Ryotu Ko provides safe anchorage, sheltered

from all winds except those between the N and E. Anchorage

can be taken, in about 20m, fine sand, in the area NNE to E of

the head of the breakwater, distant about 0.5 mile. Large vessels can anchor, in depths of 25 to 45m, sand and shell, with the

head of the breakwater bearing between 220° and 260°, distant between 1 and 1.5 miles. Approaching the anchorage between these bearings will ensure clearing the fishing nets and

other obstructions.

2.20 Vessels of medium size can anchor within 0.5 mile of the detached breakwater light, between the bearings of 195° and

270°, in depths of 14 to 27m, fine sand, good holding ground.

2.20 Lights are shown from Joga Hana and Konose Bana, about 4

and 10 miles SSW, respectively, of Hime Saki. A radio tower,

painted silver, with an altitude of 605m, stands on the summit

of Ogami Yama, about 2 miles WNW of Konose Bana.

2.20 Akadomori Ko, a small port, protected by breakwaters, lies

about 5 miles SW of Konose Bana. Good anchorage, sheltered

from NNW winds, can be taken, in 7m, fine sand, good holding

ground, about 0.2 mile offshore. A fish haven is reported close

NE of the port.

2.20 Ogi Ko, about 7 miles farther WSW, is divided into two parts

by a peninsula surmounted by Shiro Yama, a small hill. A

breakwater extends SE from the peninsula; rocky reefs lie E of

the breakwater. The W part of the harbor is a fishing zone, and

the E part is only available to small vessels with local knowledge.

Sado Shima—West Side

2.21 Sawazaki Bana (Sawa Saki) (37°49'N., 138°13'E.),

the SW extremity of Sado Shima, is marked by a light. The

coast for about 2.5 miles NE of Sawazaki Bana is bordered by

rocks extending up to 0.4 mile offshore.

2.21 Mano Wan is entered between Tagirisu Bana, about 6 miles

NE of Sawazaki Bana, and Daiga Hana, about 3.8 miles farther

NNW. Depths in the entrance to the bay are 40m, shoaling

towards its head. The bottom is mostly sand. Mano Wan provides good anchorage in NE winds; during SW winds, heavy

seas run into the bay.

2.21 Daiga Hana (37°58'N., 138°15'E.), the NW entrance point

of Mano Wan, is marked by a light. Okinoe Guri, a pinnacle

rock, with a depth of 2.5m, lies at the outer end of foul ground

extending about 0.5 mile SSW of the point. Futamata Iwa, two

rocks, the highest 17.1m high, lies on this foul ground, about

0.3 mile SW of Daiga Hana.

2.21 Futami Ko (Hutami Ko), about 0.8 mile NNE of Daiga Hana,

is sheltered by a breakwater extending E, and marked by a

light.

2.21 Sawane Ko, situated in the NW corner of Mano Wan, 1.75

miles N of Futami Ko, is a small harbor protected by a breakwater. A light is shown from the breakwater head.

2.21 A light is shown from the head of a breakwater, on the E side

of Mano Wan, 4 miles E of Daiga Hana. 

2.21 Gakeno Hana, a white cliff, 33m high, is conspicuous about

1 mile farther N. A bank, with depths of less than 4.9m, extends up to 0.8 mile W of Gakeno Hana. A detached breakwater, marked by a light at its E end, extends to about 0.7 mile

E of Gakeno Hana.

Daijoji Se, with a depth of 2.2m and marked by a beacon,

lies on the N part of the above bank, about 0.8 mile NE of

Gakeno Hana. 

2.22 The village of Sawane (38°00'N., 138°17'E.) lies near

the shore farther N. 

2.22 The village of Kawaharada, about 4 miles NE of Daiga

Hana, has a white monument, a large factory, and a white

chimney in the area.

2.22 A chimney and the red roof of a factory lie in the village of

Shimmachi, about 4 miles E of Daiga Hana. Shioyano Se, with

a least depth of 1.3m near its outer edge, extends about 0.8

mile W of a point lying close SW of the village.

2.22 Anchorage.—Anchorage can be taken in the following

places:

1. Off Futami Ko, in 10.1m, sand, E of the breakwater

head.

2. Off Sawane, in 9.2m, sand, with the beacon on Daijoji

Se bearing 305°, distant about 0.6 mile.
50 Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 

Pub. 159

3. Off Kawarada, in 14 to 15m, sand, with the monument at Kawaharada bearing 035°, distant about 0.8 mile.

4. Off Shimmachi and N of Shioyani Se, in 11 to 11.9m,

sand, with the chimney at Shimmachi bearing 115°, distant

about 0.7 mile.

2.23 Ao Shima, 10.1m high, lies about 0.7 mile WNW of

Daiga Hana. Inakuziro Ko lies about 0.5 mile farther NW.

2.23 Nagate Misaki, about 1.8 miles NW of Daiga Hana, is

marked by a light. The coast between Nagate Misaki and Kasuga Saki, about 2.5 miles N, is bordered by dangers extending up to 0.5 mile offshore. Shiro Shima, 11.9m high, lies

about 0.5 mile N of Nagate Misaki.

2.23 Aikawa Wan, entered between Kasuga Saki and a point

about 1.5 miles NNW, is open W, has bad holding ground, and

is suited only for small vessels. Ichiri Shima, a black rock,

2.6m high and marked by a light, lies on the N side of the entrance, about 1 mile N of Kasuga Saki. Gasa Guri, a rock with

less than 2m, lies nearly 0.5 mile N of Ichiri Shima.

2.23 O Saki, about 4.5 miles NNE of Kasuga Saki, is marked by a

light; O Shima, an islet, 11m high, lies about 0.2 mile off the

point. Himezu Ko lies about 1 mile SSW of O Saki.

2.23 Nyu Saki (38°12'N., 138°20'E.), about 7 miles NNE of O

Saki, is marked by a light about 0.3 mile SE of the point. Takati

Ko lies about 0.7 mile E of the point. A fish haven is reported

to lie about 1 mile N of the point. 

Seki Misaki, about 5 miles NE of Nyu Saki, rises to an elevation of 137m; a light is shown on its summit.

2.23 Ono-Kame Hana (38°19'N., 138°28'E.), about 5 miles

farther NE, rises precipitously to an elevation of 167m; from a

distance NE or SW, it appears as a detached rock.

2.23 Foul ground extends up to 0.7 mile offshore between OnoKame Hana and Haziki Saki, about 2.5 miles ENE. Futatsugame, an islet 67m high, lies close offshore, midway between the points. Todo Shima, 4.6m high, lies about 0.8 mile

NE of the islet.

Niigata Ko to Naoetsu Ko

2.24 The coast between Niigata Ko and Kakuda Misaki

(37°47'N., 138°49'E.), about 15 miles SW, consists of sandy

beach, backed by hills, about 30m high and covered with pine

trees. Four Loran towers are conspicuous about 4 miles SW of

the entrance to Niigata Ko. A light is shown about 5.5 miles

SW of these towers. A submarine cable projecting NNE lies

about 1 mile SW of the light. 

2.24 Kakuda Misaki, marked by a light, is a spur of Kakuda

Yama, 482m high and conical, about 1 mile ESE. The coast

between Kakuda Misaki and the mouth of Shin-Shinano Gawa,

about 8 miles SSW, is backed by mountains. Due to the large

quantities of silt which are brought down, the sea is discolored

in the vicinity of the mouth of Shin-Shinano Gawa, and depths

are liable to change, especially in winter and when the river is

in spate. Yahiko Yama, 586m high, lies about 5 miles SSW of

Kakuda Yama; it has two conical peaks, which appear as one

from the N. Mizo Ko, a fishing harbor, lies about 3 miles SSW

of Kakuda Saki.

2.24 Teradomari Ko, a small harbor, lies about 1.5 miles S of the

mouth of Shin-Shinano Gawa. A channel dredged to 4.9m

leads from the harbor entrance to a cargo pier.

2.24 The coast from Teradomari Ko to Shiiya Hana, about 11.5

miles SW, is mostly sand and shingle beach, and is foul up to

nearly 0.5 mile offshore. Izumosaki Ko, a small fishing harbor,

lies about 7 miles SW of Teradomari Ko; a light is shown about

0.4 mile NW. A fish haven lies 2 miles NW of Izumosaski Ko. 

Siiya Hana (Shiiya Hana) (37°29'N., 138°37'E.) is faced

with a reddish cliff, and has a wooded summit; a light is shown

from the point. A wooded summit, 357m high, is conspicuous

about 5 miles E of Siiya Hana, in a range of hills, which lie

parallel to the coast. Reefs extend about 0.4 mile off Siiya

Hana. A tower, 87m high, painted in red and white bands and

marked by red obstruction lights, lies about 3 miles S of Siiya

Hana.

2.24 The coast between Siiya Hana and Kashiwazaki Ko, about 8

miles SSE, consists of sand and shingle beach, backed by

wooded hills, 120 to 150m high.

2.25 Kashiwazaki Ko (37°22'N., 138°32'E.) is protected

by West Breakwater extending NE then NNE, and by a groin

extending NNW from the E side of the harbor. Kashiwazaki is

a mining and industrial city.

2.25 The fairway from the harbor entrance to the N side of Nakahama Wharf has been dredged to 10.1m, although depths in the

fairway may be unreliable. Depths of 5.6 to 11.1m lie alongside Nakahama Wharf. East Wharf, West Wharf, and Central

Wharf have alongside depths of 6 to 8m, 3 to 5.5m, and 4.3m,

respectively.

2.25 The coast between Kashiwazaki Ko and Yoneyama Saki,

about 5 miles WSW, consists of steep cliffs of red clay; reefs

extend up to 0.3 mile offshore.

2.25 Yoneyama Saki (37°19'N., 138°26'E.) is conspicuous with

its dark, black, rocky cliff contrasting with the red cliffs NE. It

is a spur of Yone Yama, about 3 miles SE, which rises to an

elevation of 993m, and is the highest peak in the vicinity.

Yoneyama Saki is a good radar target at 20 miles. 

2.25 The coast from Yoneyama Saki to Naoetsu Ko, about 12

miles SW, consists mainly of sandy beach, backed by sand

dunes about 30m high, with pine woods behind them in places.

From seaward, this stretch of coast, which is steep-to except at

either end, appears green in its upper part, and gray in its lower

part; the mountains in the background appear light blue.

Naoetsu Ko (37°11'N., 138°15'E.)

World Port Index No. 61865

2.26 Naoetsu Ko (Naoetu Ko) is a specified port situated

close E of the mouth of Seki Kawa (Ara Kawa). Naoetu Ko is

protected by two breakwaters. West Breakwater extends 0.3

mile NNW from the E side of the mouth of the Seki Kawa,

then 1.5 miles NNE. A light is shown from close to its head. A

training wall extends a short distance NNW from the W entrance point of the river. Another training wall extends 0.15

mile NNW from a position 91m SW of the W entrance point of

the river; a light is shown from its head. West Breakwater has

been extended 0.3 mile NNW. 

2.26 East Breakwater, which is detached, extends 0.4 mile NE

from a position 0.6 mile S of the head of West Breakwater; it is

marked by a light at each end.

2.26 A detached breakwater extends 0.25 mile seaward from near
Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 51

Pub. 159

the shore 1 mile ENE of the harbor entrance; a light is shown

from its head. 

2.26 A LNG thermal power station is under constuction on the

reclaimed land at the E section of the port. LNG vessels of up

to 70,000 dwt will be accommodated at the new terminal

scheduled for completion in 2010. 

2.26 The harbor consists of two outer basins and an inner basin.

West Wharf, at the root of West Breakwater, forms the SW side

of the W basin. Central Wharf, farther NE, separates the W

basin from the E basin. East Wharf lies farther NE.

2.26 A light is shown on a short spur at the SW end of Central

Wharf. 

Tides—Currents

2.26 The tidal rise at Naoetu Ko is 0.3m at MHWS and 0.2m at

MHWN.

Depths—Limitations

2.26 The principal berthing facilities are described in the table

titled Naoetsu Ko—Berthing Facilities.

Aspect

2.26 Five tanks stand near the root of West Breakwater. Six

aluminum silos, close S of West Wharf, at the root of W breakwater, are conspicuous from a distance. An unloader is conspicuous on the wharf.

2.26 There are numerous chimneys standing SE of the harbor.

The highest chimney stands close E of the port and is 156m

high. Another chimney, with an elevation of 123m and painted

in red and white bands, lies about 1 mile ESE of West Wharf. 

2.26 A power plant chimney, with an elevation of 35m, lies about

0.8 mile ENE of West Wharf; the power plant burns waste gas

and sometimes emits flames.

2.26 A radio tower, 71m high and painted red and white, stands

on the roof of a building, 2 miles SSW of West Breakwater

Light. The tower is marked by a red light. 

2.26 Beacons, showing blue, white, and yellow lights, about 1.3

miles SW of the mouth of Seki Kawa, mark a submarine cable

landing; the lights can be seen from 8 miles offshore. 

 Naoetsu Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

Kikenbutsu No. 3 Quay Southeast opposite shore of East Breakwater 130m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

East Wharf No. 5 Quay Southwest of Kikenbutsu No. 3 Quay 130m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

Dangerous Cargo No. 2 Quay

Southeast opposite shore of East Breakwater (downward from NE to SW)

130m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

Dangerous Cargo No. 1 Quay 130m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

East Wharf

No. 4 Quay 130m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

No. 3 Quay 185m 9.5-10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 2 Quay South of East Wharf No. 3 Quay 240m 8.0-10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 1 Quay South of East Wharf No. 2 Quay 130m 9.5-10.0m 5,000 dwt

Central Wharf

Mokuzai Quay Opposite shore of East Wharf No. 1 Quay 185m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

Kosanhin Quay North of Lumber Quay 270m 13.0m 50,000 dwt

No. 2 Quay North end of SW side of Central Wharf 185m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 1 Quay South of Central Wharf No. 2 Quay 130m 6.0m 5,000 dwt

Uchibo Wharf North 

Quay

No. 2 SE side of Central Wharf No. 1 Quay 60m 4.0m 700 dwt

No. 3 Northeast of Uchibo Wharf North Quay 

No. 2 120m 2.5m 700 dwt

Uchibo Wharf South 

Quay

No. 5

South opposite shore of Central Wharf No. 

1 Quay (downward from E to W)

60m 2.5m 700 dwt

No. 4 120m 3.0-3.5m 700 dwt

No. 3 72m 4.5m 700 dwt

No. 1 170m 7.5-10.0m 6,000 dwt

West Wharf

No. 1 Northwest of Uchibo Wharf South Quay 

No. 1 174m 9.0-10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 2 North of West Wharf No. 1 185m 9.0-10.0m 15,000 dwt
52 Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 

Pub. 159

Pilotage

2.26 Pilotage is not compulsory but is available. the pilot boards

near the quarantine anchorage and can be contacted on VHF

channel 16. A tugboat or work boat is used as a pilot boat.

Pilotage is available during daylight hours only. 

2.26 The harbor office is situated on the S side of the inner harbor.

Anchorage

2.26 Large vessels anchor outside of West Breakwater. The quarantine anchorage, with a radius of about 0.4 mile, is cen-tered

about 1.3 miles NW of the mouth of Seki Kawa; it has depths of

15.7 to 25m, sand, good holding ground. Small vessels can

anchor, in a depth of about 9.2m, on the inner side of East Breakwater. A fish haven lies 1 mile N of West Breakwater Light. 

Directions

2.26 Naoetu Ko is entered between West Breakwater and the W

end of East Breakwater. The head of West Bbreakwater should

be given a wide berth.

Naoetsu Ko to Yama Wan

2.27 The coast between Naoetsu Ko and the mouth of

Hime Kawa, about 22 miles WSW, is low and backed by

densely-wooded mountains. Rocks lie up to 0.5 mile offshore

along this coast.

2.27 Mushiu Hana, about 2.8 miles WSW of Naoetu Ko, is bordered by reefs, the outermost danger being Fufu Iwa, consisting of two rocks, the N rock, 1.9m high, about 0.5 mile.

2.27 A radio tower, with an elevation of 300m and silver-colored,

lies about 3.5 miles WSW of Naoetsu Ko.

2.27 Torigakubi Saki (37°10'N., 138°06'E.), about 7.5 miles W

of Naoetu Ko, is marked by a light and rises to a hill, 314m

high, about 1 mile SE. Nadachi, a small fishing harbor, lies on

the W side of the point. Me Guri, a rock with a depth of 1.5m,

lies about 0.2 mile N of Torigakubi Saki.

2.27 The mountains backing this coast are densely wooded and of

a uniform color. Clouds and fog occasionally cover parts of the

mountains in May and June, and white clouds hide the peaks in

summer; however, clouds and fog usually dissipate towards

sunset. Hiuchi Yama (Hiuti Yama), 2,462m high, lying about

15 miles S of Torigakubi Saki, with Myoko San and Yake

Yama, are the highest mountains in the area.

2.27 Caution is necessary to avoid fishing nets which are laid up

to 2 and 3 miles offshore between Torigakubi Saki and Ikuji

Hana, the E entrance point of Toyama Wan.

2.27 Tsutsuishi Ko and Nou Ko (No Ko) are small fishing

harbors, about 3 and 6 miles SW, respectively, of Torigakubi

Saki.

2.28 Himekawa Ko (37°02'N., 137°51'E.) (World Port

Index No. 61862), protected by breakwaters, lies about 0.4

mile E of the mouth of Hime Kawa, and is a local port. A

shingle bar obstructs the mouth of Hime Kawa and can only be

crossed by small vessels in good weather. The depth in the

channel is 9m; the draft limitation is 8.2m. 

2.28 Depths—Limitations.—The principal berthing facilities are

described in the table titled Himekawa Ko—Berthing Facilities. 

2.28 Pilotage.—Pilots are available from Naoetsu and Niigata

Naoetsu Ko from SE

 Himekawa Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

East Wharf Quay About 100m SSE of the root of East Breakwater 60m 3.0-4.5m 700 dwt

South Wharf South side of the basin 90m 5.5m 2,000 dwt

Central 

Wharf

No. 5 Quay East side of the basin (numbered from N to S) 165m 9.0m 10,000 dwt

No. 4 Quay 130m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

No. 3 Quay

West side of the basin (numbered from N to S)

130m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

No. 2 Quay 130m 5,000 dwt

No. 1 Quay 130m 5,000 dwt

West Wharf No. 2 Quay Northwest of Central Wharf No. 1 Quay 130m 10.0m 5,000 dwt

No. 1 Quay West of West Wharf No. 2 Quay 90m 10.0m 2,000 dwt

North Wharf No. 1 Pier North opposite shore of West Wharf No. 2 Quay 7.5m 5,000 dwt
Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 53

Pub. 159

upon request. The pilot will board at the harbor entrance. Vessels may berth during daylight hours only. No tugs are stationed at the port.

2.28 Anchorage.—Anchorage may be taken about 0.5 mile NNE

of the E breakwater light, in depths of 22 to 23.8m.

2.29 The coast between the mouth of Hime Kawa and

Miyazaki, about 12 miles WSW, is low, steep-to, and backed

by mountains. Kurohime Yama, conical and rising to an elevation of 1,222m, is somewhat conspicuous about 4.5 miles SW

of the mouth of Hime Kawa.

2.29 Miyazaki Hana (36°58'N., 137°35'E.) is easily recognized,

as the land rises gradually from it to the mountains inland, and

it lies at the E end of the delta of Kurobe Kawa. A light is

shown from the point and from the head of a breakwater close

NW. An illuminated radio tower, with an elevation of 310m,

stands about 0.8 mile SSW of the point.

2.29 Okino Shima, 0.8m high, is the outermost of three rocks extending nearly 0.5 mile N of Miyazaki Hana; a rock, drying

0.3m, lies about 0.1 mile NNE of Okino Shima, and a depth of

5.5m lies about 137m farther NNE.

2.29 The coast between Miyazaki Hana and Ikuji Hana, about 10

miles WSW, is the delta of Kurobe Kawa. It is fringed with

beaches of shingle and scattered boulders, backed by villages

and pine woods, with cultivated land behind. Kurobe Kawa has

a shifting bar, on which the sea breaks with onshore winds; it is

accessible to boats only in good weather.

Toyama Wan

2.30 Toyama Wan is entered between Ikuji Hana (Ikuzi

Hana) (36°54'N., 137°25'E.) and Otomari Hana, about 17.5

miles WNW. The bay lies SE of Noto Hanto, a large peninsula.

Fushiki-Toyama Ku occupies most of the S shore of the bay.

2.30 The coast of the bay east of Fushiki (Husiki) (36°47'N.,

137°04'E.) consists of sand and pebble beach, deepening rapidly to depths of 100 to 200m, about 1 mile to 2 miles offshore.

Several rapid rivers flow into the bay along this coast. There

are sand bars at the mouths of these rivers, but in their approaches there are deep submarine gullies. The positions of

these gullies can be identified by the deep blue color of the sea,

except when the rivers are in flood, when the sea becomes

muddy; the muddy water extends up to 8 miles offshore when

the rivers are in flood and the deeps may not be easily detected.

There are suitable depths for anchoring on both sides of the

deep gullies.

2.30 Many fixed fishing nets lie within depths of 200m in the bay.

Vessels planning to stop at various ports in the bay should first

proceed out beyond the area of fishing nets and turn toward

shore only after arriving directly off the next port. The water

may turn yellow in spring during the thaw and make it difficult

to see the fishing net buoys.

2.30 East of Fushiki there are numerous towns and villages separated by stretches of pine forests; there are also many small

fishing ports. The coast is backed by fertile land extending some

distance inland. From the middle of the bay entrance, undulating

mountain ranges appear to border the bay entrance.

2.30 A light is shown on Ikuji Hana.

Four chimneys of a power plant are conspicuous nearly 0.5

mile WSW of the mouth of Jinzu Gawa (36°45'N.,

137°13'E.); the chimneys are 162m high, painted in red and

white horizontal bands, and marked by red lights. A chimney,

102m high, also painted in red and white horizontal bands and

marked by red lights, is conspicuous about 0.2 mile farther

WSW. A chimney, 75m high, painted in red and white bands

and marked by red lights, is conspicuous about 1 mile ESE of

the entrance to Toyama Ku.

2.30 Shiro Yama (Siro Yama), a hill, 145m high, is conspicuous

nearly 5 miles SW of the mouth of Jinzu Gawa.

2.30 Numerous chimneys surround Shimminato Ku, some exhibiting red obstruction lights. The highest are two chimneys of

a power plant, about 1.3 miles SSE of the head of E breakwater; the chimneys have elevations of 223 and 163m.

2.30 The chimney of a steel plant is conspicuous about 0.5 mile

SSW of the entrance to Fushiki Ku; the chimney is 25m high,

and belches white and black smoke.

2.30 Numerous oil tanks stand on the reclaimed land between the

mouth of Oyabe Gawa and the root of the E breakwater at

Kokubu Ko, about 0.5 mile NW.

Hachibuse Yama, 211m high and surmounted by a Buddhist

shrine, lies about 1.5 miles W of Fushiki. Futagami Yama

(Hutagami Yama), 273m high, lies about 0.5 mile farther SW.

2.30 Iwasakino Hana, a conspicuous headland, is located on the

coast NE of Hachibuse Yama; a light is shown nearly 0.5 mile

SE of the headland.

2.30 Sekido San, 565m high and cone-shaped, is very conspicuous about 4 miles W of Otomari Hanto, and is the highest

mountain on the W side of Toyama Wan.

2.30 Lighted buoys mark Kokubo Passage, Fushiki Passage,

Shimminato Passage, and the W side of Toyama Passage.

2.30 Kurobe Ko, a small fishing harbor, lies about 0.5 mile SE of

Ikuji Hana. Kyoden Ko, another small fishing harbor, lies

about 2.5 miles farther S.

2.30 Uozo Ko, a small local port, lies about 2 miles SSW of

Koyden Ko; its auxiliary port lies about 0.5 mile farther S.

2.30 Namerikawa Ko and Mizuhashi Ko, small fishing harbors,

lie about 3.5 and 6 miles SW, respectively, of Uozu Ko.

Fushiki-Toyama Ku (36°46'N., 137°08'E.)

World Port Index No. 61850

2.31 Fushiki-Toyama Ku, one of the most important trading and industrial ports on the NW side of Honshu, consists of

an outer harbor and an inner harbor. Four passages (Toyama,

Shimminato, Fushiki, and Kokubo) lead through the outer

harbor. The inner harbor consists of Toyama Ku, close E of the

mouth of Jinzu Gawa (Zinzu Kawa); Shinminato Ku, about 5

miles W; Fushiku Ku, about 2.5 miles farther WNW, in the

mouth of Oyabe Kawa; and the fishing harbors of Shimminato,

and Kokubu Ku, lying E and W, respectively, of Fushiki Ku.

The harbor fronts the cities of Toyama, Shimminato (Sinminato), and Takaoka. The town of Higashi-Iwase lies on the E

side of Toyama Ku, and is connected by a barge canal to the

city of Toyama. 

Winds—Weather

2.31 The weather is typical of the NW side of Honshu, with 25

rainy days per month from December through February. The
54 Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 

Pub. 159

winter monsoons are somewhat weakened by the protection of

Noto Hanto.

2.31 At Fushiki, the prevailing winds are SW from October to

March; they diminish somewhat in April and May. In June,

winds between the N and NE prevail. From July to September,

SW winds are dominant, with a lesser number from the NE.

The average wind speed is about 5.3 knots. Land and sea

breezes are prominent, especially in the summer.

Tides—Currents

2.31 The tidal rise at Fushiki is 0.3m at MHWS, and 0.2m at

MHWN.

2.31 Heavy swells penetrate Fushiki-Toyama with strong N and

NE winds; it is very calm with winds from other directions.

2.31 In winter on a fairly calm day, a sudden onset of high waves,

with heights of 3.1 to 4.9m and intervals of 10 to 12 seconds,

has occurred, and continuing for over a half day, caused

damage along the coast at the head of Toyama Wan. These

waves often appear after a low pressure system passes from W

to E in the N part of the Sea of Japan (or S of Sakhalin), or

moves N along the S coast of the Japanese islands. The phenomenon takes place because even after a low pressure system

passes through and Toyama Wan is no longer in the area of

strong winds, it is affected by the aftermath in the form of

storm swells, which are amplified as they near the head of the

bay, due to the topography of the bay bottom and by the currents in the area.

 Fushiki-Toyama Ku—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

Fushiki Ku

Left Bank 

No. 1-2 Quays

Left bank of Oyabe Kawa (numerical order from 

the mouth to upstream)

310m 8.5-10.0m 10,000 dwt

No. 3-4 Quays 370m 8.0-9.5m 15,000 dwt

No. 5 Quay 90m 5.0m 1,000 dwt

Right Bank No. 1-2 Quays

Right bank of Oyabe Kawa (numerical order from 

the mouth to upstream)

440m 3.0-7.0m 5,000 dwt

No. 3-4 Quays 370m 8.0-10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 5 Quay 130m 7.0-7.5m 5,000 dwt

Manyo No. 1 Quay Southwest opposite shore of North Breakwater 130m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

No. 2 Quay West of Manyo No. 1 Quay 190m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

Shinminato Ko

Public Wharf

No. 1 Quay

South side of the Nishi-Suiro (numbered from E 

to W)

280m 14.0m 50,000 dwt

No. 2-4 Quays 555m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 5-6 Quays 260m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

No. 7-8 Quays 120m 4.0m 700 dwt

North No. 1 Quay North opposite shore of Public Wharf No. 6 Quay 

(numbered from E to W)

280m 12.0m 30,000 dwt

185m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

North Wharf 60m 4.5m 7,000 dwt

Minami-Suiro Pier South side of the E end of No. 1 Quay 36m 6.0m 3,000 dwt

East No. 1-2 Quays South shore of the dead end of Higashi-Suiro 370m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

Kaio Quay The opposite shore of Kaiwomaru Park 220m 7.5m 15,000 dwt

Toyama Ko

No. 10 Quay

East side

From the root of East Breakwater (No. 10 Quay is 

the northernmost; the others are numbered from N 

to S)

130m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

No. 1 Quay 185m 9.5-10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 2 Quay 185m 9.5-10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 3 Quay 185m 9.0-10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 4 Quay 160m 9.0m 10,000 dwt

No. 5 Quay 180m 5.5m 5,000 dwt
Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 55

Pub. 159

Depths—Limitations

2.31 Banks, with depths of less than 10m, separated by a deep

submarine gully, lie on each side of the harbor entrance.

2.31 An offshore pipeline berth, consisting of a large lighted

mooring buoy, painted in red and white stripes, is moored

about 1.5 miles N of the entrance to Toyama Ku; it can accommodate tankers up to 200,000 dwt in a depth of 27.1m.

2.31 Shinminato Ku (Sinminato Ku), the entrance channel, sheltered by breakwaters, has dredged depths of 11.9 to 12.8m. The

port is used principally by large timber ships. 

2.31 A bridge, having a vertical clearance of 45m, crosses the

channel inside the breakwaters, leading to Fushiki-Toyama Ko

and Shinminato Ku. 

2.31 The largest drydock at Toyama Ku has a length of 192m, a

width of 34.1m, and a depth of 7.9m; it can accommodate vessels up to 48,000 dwt.

2.31 Continuous dredging is necessary to maintain depths in the

harbor due to silting and the sediment discharged by the pulp

mill. Depths of up to 3m less than charted are reported (2007).

Depths should be obtained from the port authorities prior to

arrival.

2.31 The principal berthing facilities are din the table titled Fushiki-Toyama Ku—Berthing Facilities. 

Aspect

2.31 The harbor consists of four interconnecting basins. Lights

are shown from octagonal towers, 10m high, at the head of

West Breakwater, and at each end of East Breakwater. A light,

0.35 mile E of East Breakwater, marks the W end of a breakwater and complex of jetties and quays extending from Shimanto Ku. 

2.31 A light is shown from the end of a spur which extends 91m

W from the root of East Breakwater. 

2.31 Numerous chimneys, some marked by obstruction lights,

stand in the vicinity of the harbor. 

Pilotage

2.31 Pilotage is not compulsory. Pilots are available and should be

used by vessels without local knowledge.

2.31 Pilots for Toyama Ku board approximately 1 mile NNE of

Toyama Ku East Breakwater Light. Pilots for Shimminato Ku

and Fushiki Ku board about 2.5 miles NE of Manyo North

Detached Breakwater Light. 

Anchorage

2.31 Anchorage can be taken in suitable depths, mud bottom, off

Toyama Ku, with offshore winds; however, caution is required

when anchoring to avoid the fishing nets and the submarine

gullies. The quarantine anchorage lies about 0.5 mile NE of the

harbor entrance.

2.31 North winds raise a heavy swell in the outer harbor.

2.31 Good anchorage can be taken N of the front range light at

Fushiki Ku, and W of Fushiki Passage, in 7.9 to 11.9m, fine

sand, from 0.5 to 1 mile off the coast, near the quarantine anchorage. The area E of Fushiki Passage does not afford anchorage due to fishing nets and the deep submarine gully.

Directions

2.31 In the approach to Fushiku Ku, Hachibuse Yama and Futagama Yama are good marks until the range lights can be made

out, when they should be kept in line bearing 201° through

Fushiki Passage, to clear the fishing nets. When about 0.5 mile

from the front range light, course should be altered as appropriate to enter the harbor. Currents in the inner harbor may

attain velocities of 3 to 4 knots when the river is flooded or

during the spring thaw.

2.31 Fixed fishing nets lie on both sides of all passages.

2.31 Toyama Ku is entered on a heading of 180°, steering for the

center of E and W breakwaters, care being taken to avoid being

set by the river current.

2.32 Fushiku Ku is situated in the mouth of Oyabe Kawa.

Short breakwaters extend from each side of the entrance; lights

are shown from the head of the W breakwater and from the E

head of the E breakwater, which is T-shaped. 

2.32 A detached breakwater, 0.15 mile long, lies on a NW-SE

axis, 0.6 mile NNE of the W breakwater; a light is shown from

each end. 

2.32 Himi Ko (36°52'N., 137°00'E.), a small fishing harbor, lies

about 5.5 miles NW of Fushiki Ku. Kara Shima, an islet,

11.9m high and marked by a light, lies about 0.2 mile E of the

No. 6 Quay

West side

The area projecting to the E (numbered from S to 

N)

90m 5.0-5.5m 3,000 dwt

No. 7 Quay 130m 5.0-6.5m 5,000 dwt

No. 8 Quay 185m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 9 Quay 90m <5.0m 1,000 dwt

No. 1 Dolphin North of No. 9 Quay 21m 4.5m 1,000 dwt

No. 2 Dolphin About 0.15 mile N of No. 1 Dolphin 12m 8.0m 3,000 dwt

No. 3 Dolphin The root of West Breakwater 21m 5.0m 1,000 dwt

Nihonkai Sekiyu SBM 340m 27m 268,893 

dwt

 Fushiki-Toyama Ku—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size
56 Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 

Pub. 159

head of the N breakwater at Himi Ko; rocks, awash and sunken, extend about 0.2 mile NE and SE of the islet.

2.32 Fixed fishing nets are in the vicinity of Kara Shima, and

extend up to 2.8 miles E of the islet.

2.32 Yabuto Ko, Ettyu Tomari Ko, and Unami Ko, small fishing

harbors, lie about 1.5, 2, and 3 miles NNE, respectively, of

Kara Shima.

2.32 Mera Ko, a small fishing harbor marked by a light, lies about

1 mile SW of Otomari Hana. About 2 miles SSW, another light

is shown at the point. Abu Shima, an islet, 12.8m high, lies

about 0.5 mile offshore, about 1 mile S of Mera Ko.

Toyama Wan to Nanao Wan

2.33 Sasanami Saki (36°59'N., 137°03'E.), on which

stands the village of Kurosaki, lies about 1.5 miles N of Otomari Hana. A spit, with depths of 4.8m, extends from the

coastal bank, about 1.3 miles N of Sasanami Hana.

2.33 The small harbors of Iori Ko and Enotomari Ko lie about 2.5

and 4.5 miles N, respectively, of Sasanami Hana.

2.33 The dangers E and SE of Kannon Zaki (37°06'N.,

137°04'E.) will be described with Nanao Wan beginning in

paragraph 2.34.

Nanao Wan

2.34 Nanao Wan, on the E side of Noto Hanto, is entered

between Kannon Zaki and Ebisu Zaki (Okinami Hana)

(37°11'N., 137°01'E.), about 6 miles N. Noto-jima, occupying

the center of the large bay, divides it into three parts, Nanaohoku Wan (Kita Wan), Nanao-nan Wan (Minami Wan), and

Nanao-sei Wan (Nishi Wan), on the N, S, and SW sides, respectively, of the island. Nanao-hoku Wan provides good anchorage for large vessels. Nanao Ko lies in the S part of Nanaonan Wan; its harbor occupies the major part of it. Nanao-sei

Wan provides safe anchorage for small vessels; however, there

are fish havens in the bay, and Nisi Guri, a reef with a depth of

2.6m, lies in the SE part of Nanao-sei Wan.

2.34 Aspect.—Kannon Zaki, the S entrance point, is wooded,

rises to an elevation of 28m, and is marked by a light.

2.34 Futago Yama, 182m high, is very conspicuous about 3 miles

NW of Ebisu Zaki; from the E, one summit is visible, but from

the S, two summits are visible.

2.34 Maru Yama, a rounded hill, 67m high, surmounts a peninsula, nearly 1.5 miles SW of Ebisu Zaki.

2.34 Besshoga Take (Beesho Take) (37°11'N., 136°51'E.), 358m

high, is conspicuous about 2 miles W of the head of Nanaohoku Wan. Mushaga Mine, 304m high, is conspicuous about 4

miles farther SW.

Nanao-Nan Wan

2.35 Ko-Guchi Seto (Koguchi Seto), the entrance to

Nanao-nan Wan, is entered between Kannon Zaki and Matsu

Hana, about 1 mile NNW. A directional light showing a white

sector stands 1.5 miles WSW of Matsu Hana. Lighted buoys

mark the entrance channel. Three television towers are conspicuous near the summit of Yomurazuka Yama, about 1.3

miles N of Miya Saki.

2.35 Kannon Zaki is bordered by foul ground. Me Guri, lying in a

N-S direction, has a least depth of 1.3m at its N end, about 0.8

mile E of the point. A detached 4.3m patch lies about 1.3 miles

SE of the point. Depths of 8.7m lie about 1 mile ESE of Kannon Zaki.

2.35 Sohama Dashi, with a least depth of 3.8m, extends to about

0.5 mile NNW of Kannon Zaki. Morita Guri, with a least depth

of 1.1m, lies on the S side of the fairway, about 0.8 mile farther

W, and about 0.4 mile offshore.

2.35 O Guri, with a least depth of 3.7m, lies about 0.7 mile ENE

of Matsu Hana, and is the outermost danger on the N side of

the entrance. Naga Guri, with a least depth of 4.2m, lies about

0.3 mile E of Matsu Hana. Shichiko Sho fringes the N shore of

Ko-Guchi Seto, and extends up to 0.1 mile offshore, with a

depth of 3.6m at the shallowest outer end.

Shinminato Ku 
Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 57

Pub. 159

2.35 Suzuki Sho (Suzuki Guri), with depths of less than 4.9m,

extends about 0.4 mile SW of Koizumi Saki; a lighted buoy

marks its SW side. Depths of less than 10.1m extend nearly 0.5

mile SW of Koizumi Saki.

2.35 Shin Saki lies about 0.5 mile SE of Koizumi Saki, and has

depths of less than 5.5m extending about 0.2 mile N and W of

the point.

2.35 Tera-jima, an islet 29m high, lies about 1.5 miles WSW of

Koizumi Saki. Kamiya Dashi, with a depth of 5.2m, lies about

0.5 mile S of Tera Shima.

2.35 Asa Guri, with a least depth of 3.7m and marked N by a

lighted buoy, lies on the S side of the fairway, about 1 mile SE

of Miya Saki.

2.35 O Se, with a least depth of 3.7m, lies about 0.7 mile S of Miya

Saki; a lighted buoy is moored about 0.3 mile W of the shoal.

2.35 Waka Dashi, with a least depth of 4.9m, lies about 1 mile S

of Miya Saki, and is marked W by a lighted buoy.

2.35 Is Saki, the S entrance point of Nanao-se Wan, lies about 1.8

miles WSW of Miya Saki.

2.35 Me Shima, an islet 3.4m high, lies in the SE part of Nanaonan Wan, about 2 miles S of Tera Shima; it lies near the W end

of a bank with depths of less than 4.9m.

Nanao Ko (37°03'N., 136°59'E.)

World Port Index No. 61840

2.36 Nanao Ko occupies the major part of Nanaonan Wan;

although there are a number of reefs, it provides good anchorage for large vessels. Extensive reclamation have been undertaken about 0.7 mile NE of Ota Wharf. The port is divided into

three sections. 

2.36 Winds—Weather.—There are few clear days throughout

the year, and in January and February it rains or snows almost

every day. The air temperature seldom drops below -5°C, even

during the winter. The winter monsoons have little effect on the

port, which is sheltered by Noto Hanto and Noto-jima. Fog

tends to form in spring and fall when there is no wind, but it

dissipates quickly.

2.36 Tides—Currents.—The tidal rise at Nanao is 0.3m at

MHWS, and 0.2m at MHWN.

2.36 The flood tidal current sets W and the ebb tidal current sets E

in Ko-Guchi Seto, with maximum velocities of 0.3 knot about

3 hours after lower HW.

2.36 Depths—Limitations.—The draft limitation in the channel

is 9.8m.

2.36 Bridgestone Company Liquefied Gas Pier, a T-head pier with

dolphins, lies about 0.4 mile SW of Shin Saki and can accommodate 60,000 grt vessels in a depth of 14m. Small tankers are

accommodated at Kyoritsy Jetty, with a depth alongside of

6.2m.

2.36 The principal berthing facilities are described in the table

titled Nanao Ko—Berthing Facilities. 

2.36 Pilotage.—Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 10,000

grt; send a request for pilots via agent. Vessels can contact the

pilot 1 hour before berthing on VHF channel 16. Pilots board 2

miles from Harbor Entrance Lighted Buoy No. 1 on a line

bearing about 259° from Kojin Hang Directional Light. The

Combined Port Affairs Building is situated near the root of

Wharf No. 1.

2.36 Anchorage.—The quarantine anchorage, centered about 0.5

mile E of Miya Saki, has a depth of about 17.1m, sand, and is

sheltered from NW winds.

2.36 Good anchorage can be taken, in a depth of about 7.9m,

sand, good holding ground, between Waka Dashi and Wharf

No. 1.

2.36 Directions.—Vessels should approach Ko Guchi Seto, remaining at least 3 miles off the E coast of Noto Hanto to avoid

fixed fishing nets.

2.36 Vessels bound W of Wharf No. 1 enter Ko-Guchi Seto on the

entrance range. When the W extremity of Shin Saki bears 200°,

alter course to 233°, passing SE of Suzuki Sho. When the

summit of Tera Shima bears 336°, the N extremity of Is Saki

should be steered for, bearing 259°, passing between Kamiya

Dashi and Asa Guri. After rounding the lighted buoy moored

W of O Se, alter course S, passing W of the lighted buoy

marking Waka Dashi, then proceed to the anchorage.

2.36 Vessels bound for Bussein Wharf proceed as directed above,

and after passing between Kamiya Dashi and Asa Guri, alter

course SSE, passing well W of Asa Guri and E of Me Shima,

then proceed to Bussein Wharf.

Nanao-Hoku Wan

2.37 O-Guchi Seto (Okuchi Seto), the entrance to Nanaohoku Wan, has its least width between Bagaura Saki

(37°10'N., 137°02'E.) and Hiuchi Saki (Hechiwa Saki), about

1.3 miles NNW. Maru Yama lies about 0.5 mile NE off Hiuchi

Saki. Ebisu Zaki lies about 1.5 miles farther NE. The fishing

harbors of Enome Ko and Bagaura Ko lie about 1 mile SE and

close W, respectively, of Bagaura Saki.

2.37 Anchorage.—Nanao-hoku Wan affords anchorage to large

vessels, in 20 to 40m, as convenient. Small vessels, with local

knowledge, can obtain sheltered anchorage in the coves and

inlets of the bay according to the direction of the wind.

2.37 Anamizu Iri affords anchorage to small vessels, in depths of

 Nanao Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

Ota Wharf East part of the S shore of Section 1 370m 9.5-10.0m 15,000 dwt

Ota Mooring Post Northeast side of Ota Wharf 200m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 2 Wharf (E side of quay) Middle of the S shore of Section 1 165m 9.0m 10,000 dwt

No. 1 Wharf E side of pier 222m 4.0-5.0m 2,000 dwt

W side of pier 135m 6.5m 5,000 dwt
58 Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 

Pub. 159

11 or 12.8m, mud. Nakai Iri also affords anchorage, but difficulty may be experienced in its entrance.

2.37 Fixed fishing nets are set in the entrance to Nanao-hoku

Wan, and within the entrance off the N shore, from October to

July.

2.37 Directions.—From well outside the dangers at the E end of

O-Guchi Seto, steer for Sode Saki on a bearing of 272°. When

Enomo Ko Breakwater Light is abeam, bearing 182°, alter

course to 253°, steering for the N extremity of O Shima. When

Bagaura Ko E Breakwater Light is abeam, bearing 163°, alter

course to 270°. After passing Futo Se and Bando Se, course

may be altered as requisite to an anchorage in the bay. 

2.37 Vessels bound for Animizu Ko continue steering course 270°

until O Shima is abeam, bearing 180°, when course is altered

to 309°, steering for the harbor entrance, with Animizu Light

on the starboard bow. Steer a mid-channel course NE of Okinu

Guri.

2.37 There are two navigable channels into Nanao-hoku Wan,

each about 0.4 mile wide, with depths of over 10.1m. The N

channel lies between Maeno Se and the N shore. The S

channel, the recommended passage, passes S of Okino Se. 

2.37 Caution.—A bank, with depths of less than 10.1m, extends

up to about 1 mile NE of Bagaura Saki. Toda Guri, with a

depth of less than 1.8m, and Kasagi Guri, with a least depth of

4m, lie near the NE ends of the bank.

2.37 Maeno Se, with a depth of 4.9m, lies nearly 1 mile S of

Ebisu Zaki. Nakano Se, with a depth of 6.4m, lies about 0.4

mile farther SE. Okino Se, with a depth of 10.5m, lies about

0.3 mile ESE of Nakano Se.

2.37 Sode Zaki and Kagata Hana lie about 0.8 and 1 mile WSW,

respectively, of Hiuchi Saki. Futo Se, with a depth of 3.1m, lies

about 0.2 mile S of Kagata Hana, at the outer end of foul

ground extending off the points.

2.37 Man Zaki lies about 2.3 miles SSW of Kagata Hana. Bando

Se, with a least depth of 5.8m, is the outermost of the reefs

extending about 1.8 miles NE of Man Zaki. O Shima, 6.4m

high, about 0.8 mile N of Man Zaki, is the northernmost of a

group of islets lying off the point. A light is shown on the

point, about 3.3 miles SW of O Shima. 

2.37 Okino Guri, with a least depth of 8.2m, lies about 1 mile

ESE of Kaimochi Hana (37°12'N., 136°55'E.), the W entrance

point of the common approach to Anamizu Iri and Nakai Iri,

two coves at the N end of Nanao-hoku Wan.

2.37 Fishing nets are set in the area extending 0.5 mile S of Ebisu

Zaki. Additional fishing nets are set along the N shore of the

bay and near the bay entrance from October to July.

Nanao Wan to Rokugo Saki

2.38 Ukawa Ko (37°15'N., 137°05'E.), a small fishing harbor, lies about 3 miles NNE of Ebisu Zaki.

2.38 During certain seasons, fishing nets are laid along the E

coast of Noto Hanto and along the shores of Toyama Wan;

since some extend 2 to 3 miles from shore, they are considered

obstructions to navigation. The fish trap is situated farthest

offshore, and its net is set at right angles to the coast. During

the day, location of the nets are easily identified due to the

wooden and other floats used; however, at night, special

caution is necessary as there are nets not equipped with lights.

At night, the coast should be given a berth of at least 4 miles.

2.38 Caution.—Fishing traps are set near the entrances to

harbors; these make navigation difficult. From the beginning of

August through the middle of October, there are fewer nets;

however, since this is the season for dolphin, dolphin traps can

be seen in the entrances to the harbors and in the offing.

2.39 Usetsu Ko (37°18'N., 137°09'E.) lies about 4.3 miles

NE of Ukawa Ko; a light is shown from the W entrance point

of the harbor. The port is protected by breakwaters, and sheltered from all but S winds. It is most frequented by fishing vessels.

2.39 Ikari Shima (Benten-jima), about 2.8 miles E of Usetso Ko,

is marked by a light.

2.39 Ogi Ko, about 1 mile farther E, is entered N of Inuyama,

which is marked by a light. A breakwater extends E of Inuyama; a fisheries dock, with depths of 3.5m alongside, lies on

the NW side of the breakwater. Myogi Guri, marked by a light,

lies in the middle of the entrance to the harbor. Two TV towers,

marked by red and white lights, lie nearly 1.5 miles NNW of

Inuyama. A small boat harbor lies close SW of Inuyama.

2.39 Tsukumo Wan is entered close NE of Ogi Ko, between

Hiyoriyama Hana and Joga Hana, about 0.2 mile NE. Reefs

extend from both entrance points, on which breakwaters have

been built. Joga Hana Light stands on rocks close to the breakwaters. Another light marks the breakwater on the W side of

the entrance. Anchorage can be taken by vessels of less than

1,000 dwt, in 23m, about 0.2 mile NNE of Hiyoriyama Hana.

Small craft can anchor, in depths of 11 to 15.8m, in the W arm

of Tsukumo Wan.

2.39 During bad weather, Tsukumo Wan is liable to be crowded

with local fishing craft, and better anchorage can be obtained in

either Tsuruga Wan, 110 miles SSW, or Nanao Wan, 15 miles

SW.

2.39 Aka Saki (37°21'N., 137°16'E.), marked by a light, lies

about 3.5 miles NNE of Joga Hana. Kawajiri Wan, about 1

mile S of the point, provides shelter for small craft with local

knowledge from W winds.

Iidai Wan

2.40 Iidai Wan, an open bay, is entered between Aka Saki

and Nagate Saki (37°27'N., 137°22'E.), about 7 miles NE. The

fishing harbors of Matsunami Ko, Ukai Ko, Iida Ko, and Takojima Ko, each sheltered by breakwaters, border the shores of

the bay. The bay is bordered by sandy beaches, with many

shoal areas of less than 4.9m extending up to 0.5 mile offshore.

2.40 The bay provides good protection from W to N winds. However, in winter there are times when low pressure frontal systems pass E over the Sea of Japan producing NW winds N of

Noto Hanto, while at the same time generating S and SW

winds in the bay; these winds are strong and may blow continuously for half a day according to local reports.

2.40 Nagate Saki is a low headland marked by a light; a pinecovered hill, 63m high, lies about 0.8 mile W of the point.

2.40 In addition to the lights of the fishing ports, the Buddhist

temple, with an elevation of 42m, W of Matsunami Ko; Mitsuko Shima, an islet, 28m high, about 0.5 mile S of Ukai Ko;

and a white cliff, 252m high, about 2.3 miles W of Iida Ko, are

conspicuous.
Sector 2. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Tappi Saki to Rokugo Saki 59

Pub. 159

2.40 Caution.—Tempo Guri, a reef with depths of 11.5 to 14.9m,

lies about 1 mile E of Mitsuko Shima. Foul ground extends

about 0.4 mile E of the islet.

2.40 A reef, with depths of 3.3 and 4.2m, lies about 0.6 mile

offshore, about 1.4 miles NNE of Mitsuko Shima. Other shoal

reefs lie close SW.

2.41 Iida Ko (37°26'N., 137°16'E.) has a berth that is

149m long and has an alongside depth of 4.6m. 

2.41 Anchorage.—With offshore winds, good anchorage can be

taken in suitable depths, mud, E of Ukai Ko, and E of Sogen,

farther S.

2.41 Caution.—There are a large number of fishing nets in the

bay, particularly in the period from autumn to spring. Some

nets extend 3 miles from shore.

2.42 Ai Saki (37°30'N., 137°21'E.), about 3 miles N of

Nagate Saki, has a conspicuous reddish cliff S of it, near Jike; a

light on Ai Saki illuminates Gyozya Guri, a rock, about 0.3

mile E. Himeshima Guri, parts of which are above water, extends about 0.8 mile NE of Ai Saki, to which it is almost connected by rocky ridges; a light is shown on the reef.

2.42 Kurisaba Guri, a rocky bank, with a least depth of 14.9m,

lies about 1.8 miles SE of Himeshima Guri.

2.42 Kongo Saki, about 0.8 mile NNW of Ai Saki, rises to Yamabushi Yama, a well-defined conical hill, 201m high, about 0.8

mile W.

2.42 Rokugo Saki, about 1.3 miles farther NW, and its off-lying

dangers will be described in paragraph 3.2. Norosi Ko (Norochi Ko), a small fishing harbor, lies close S of Rokugo Saki.

The NE end of Noto Hanto, between Rokugo Saki and Ai Saki,

is generally called Suzo Misaki. 
Pub. 159

3.Honshu—Northwest Coast—Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana (including off-lying islands)

3.0Additional chart coverage may be found in NGA/DLIS Catalog of Maps, Charts, and Related Products (Unlimited Distribution).

SECTOR 3 — CHART INFORMATION
63

Pub. 159

SECTOR 3 

HONSHU—NORTHWEST COAST—ROKUGO SAKI TO MURASAKI BANA (INCLUDING OFFLYING ISLANDS)

3.0 Plan.—This sector describes the SW part of the NW coast of

Honshu from Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana. The coast in this

area extends in a SW direction for a distance of about 400

miles. It forms the S shore of the Sea of Japan.

3.0 Oki Gunto and Take Shima, along with other off-lying islands, are also described in this sector. 

General Remarks

3.1 Winds—Weather.—The highest development of the

winter Northwest Monsoon for Japan’s land area is on the NW

coast, against much of which the wind strikes freely from the

open Sea of Japan to the N of Tsushima Kaikyo. South winds,

nevertheless, may be expected. Only in a few of the bays like

Toyama, sheltered by the Noto Hanto and in the Niigata region,

where the island of Sado acts as a wind shield, is the coast

particularly protected. In summer, SE to SW winds are mostly

prevalent, but local conditions may cause much change.

3.1 On the part of the coast dominated by Tsushima Kaikyo, W

winds are in the majority in December and January at Hamada,

but thereafter, N to E winds are most common even in summer,

due to local conditions in the strait where the lay of the channel

and the land and sea breezes combine to back the Southeast

Monsoon to the N and to the E. Nevertheless, SW winds occur

in summer, though SE winds are very rare. The average annual

wind speed is 7 knots, with means of 9 knots in December and

January and 5 knots in June.

3.1 In the vicinity of Miho Wan, the winds are comparatively

steady, sometimes blowing from one direction for two or three

weeks at a time. Northwest winds are strongest and most frequent in winter, but cease in April. Light S winds prevail in

summer, gradually changing to E in late August, then backing

toward the N with the coming of bad weather in October.

3.1 At Tsuruga, N winds predominate in autumn and winter and

S winds in spring and summer. East winds are noticeably absent. Winter gales in the bay, owing to the land configuration,

are N or S.

3.1 At Mikuni, December to February is the period of strong

NW winds and rough seas. North winds continue until June,

but are interrupted by S to W winds in spring. Light S winds

prevail in summer, with some squally weather.

3.1 South of the Nanto Hanto, at Kanazawa, while strong winds

may be expected in winter, the mean December velocity is only

6 knots, the average for the year is 5 knots, and from July to

September, 4 knots. On the E side of the peninsula, at Ogi, N

and W winds are strong in winter, through the harbor, protected

by the land, is seldom rough. 

3.1 Tides—Currents.—The Tsushima Current flows in a NW

direction off the NW coast of Honshu. In summer, after entering the Sea of Japan, its general velocity is 0.5 to 1 knot. In

winter, the current is weaker, through near the islands and

headlands it may attain a velocity exceeding 1 knot, especially

after NW gales.

3.1 The Tsushima Current often influences the weak tidal currents off the NW coast of Honshu. The resultant set may attain

considerable strength in the direction of the ocean current, with

one tidal current nearly obliterated and the other greatly

augmented in both velocity and length of flow.

3.1 Tides in the Sea of Japan are largely the effect of the indraft

of the tidal wave which passes through Tsushima Kaikyo, the

large strait at the W end of Honshu. On the NW coast of Honshu, the tides have an extremely pronounced diurnal inequality,

and diurnal tides occur. The two successive low waters show

the greatest difference in height. Lower low water follows

higher high water. The springs rise is small, the mean varying

to a maximum of 1.2m. 

3.1 Off this coast the tidal currents are generally weak. Irregular

sets may result from winds and other influences. Complications are also caused by the Tsushima Current, stated to be a

branch of the warm Kuroshio Current, which flows along the

coast in a NE direction. Though the Tsushima Current does not

attain great strength, resultant sets of ocean and tidal currents

may flow with considerable velocity, the augmented tidal current running nearly throughout the 12-hour period. 

Rokugo Saki to Wa-jima Ko

3.2 Rokugo Saki (37°32'N., 137°20'E.) is the NE point of

Noto Hanto. A light is shown from a round white tower on the

point. A rocky spit, with depths of less than 9.2m, extends NE

from the point for about 0.5 mile.

3.2 From Rokugo Saki the coast trends WSW for a distance of 21.5

miles to Wa-jima Ko. The coast is fringed with reefs and shoals,

extending as much as 0.5 mile offshore in places. Toro Guri, the

outermost reef, has a depth of 2.7m and lies about 0.9 mile offshore, midway between Rokugo Saki and Kashima Zaki.

3.2 Kura Saki (37°30'N., 137°09'E.) is located about 8.5 miles

WSW of Rokugo Saki. A light is shown from the point. Kurataubo Dake, 366m high, lies 2 miles SE of the point.

3.2 Shira Saki, about 5 miles SW of Kura Saki, is faced with a

red cliff. Iwakura Yama rises near the coast, about 2 miles further E, to an elevation of 356m; it has a red cliff on its N side

and is a good landmark.

3.2 Koshu Zan (Takasu Yama) (37°23'N., 136°57'E.), located 6

miles SW of Shira Saki, attains an elevation of 567m, 1.25

miles inland. It is easy to identify as it is the highest mountain

in the vicinity. Two green domes, showing lights, are situated

on the summit.

3.3 Wa-jima Ko (37°24'N., 136°54'E.) is a small port

situated on the E side of Tatsuga Saki, which has a remarkable

white cliff on its seaward face. A light is shown near the

summit of Tatsuga Saki. 

3.3 Wa-jima Ko is the only sheltered port on the N shore of Noto

Hanto. The port is protected by three breakwaters, from each

head of which a light isshown. No. 1 Breakwater protects an
64 Sector 3. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana 

Pub. 159

outer basin. No. 2 Breakwater and No. 3 Breakwater enclose an

inner basin. A spur projecting NE from No. 3 Breakwater protects a second inner basin. The harbor has charted depths of 0.6

to 4.6m. 

3.3 Vessels in the 500 grt class can anchor in the harbor. Larger

vessels should anchor E of the breakwater, in a depth of 11.9m,

sand. The harbor affords good shelter from winds blowing out

of the S and W. Anchorage is difficult and dangerous with NW

winds.

3.3 Caution.—Daija Guri is the general name for the several

reefs lying within 0.4 mile NNE of Tatsuga Saki. The 20m

curve is about 0.3 mile N of Daija Guri. In bad weather, the sea

breaks over the reefs and rocks of Daija Guri. Stationary fishing nets are set from the S shore of the harbor up to 0.2 mile

offshore. Tawara Se, a shoal, with a least depth of 7m, lies 1.75

miles E of Tatsuga Saki.

Off-lying Dangers

3.4 Nanatu Shima (Nanatsu Shima) (37°36'N.,

136°53'E.), two small groups of rocky islets, lie from 11 to 13

miles N of Tatsuga Saki. The deep passage separating the two

groups is over 1 mile wide, with a single rocky depth of less

than 18.2m in mid-channel.

3.4 O Shima, 62m high, is the largest and highest islet in the N

group. A light is shown from the islet.

3.4 Mikuriya Shima, 39m high, is the westernmost of the S

group; Aramiko Shima, 43m high, is the easternmost of the S

group. A detached shoal of 5.2m lies 0.5 mile E of Aramiko

Shima.

3.4 Hegura Shima (Hekura-jima) (37°51'N., 136°55'E.), lying

14 miles N of Nanatu Shima, is a low flat island, 11.9m high.

Rocks fringe the island to a distance of 0.3 mile, and depths of

less than 5.4m extend S for more than 1 mile. A light is shown

from the island.

3.4 Yome Guri (37°40'N., 137°12'E.) is a shoal area about 1

mile in diameter, with depths of less than 18.2m, the least

depth being 3.4m. Breakers usually mark the drying and sunken rocks during heavy weather. A light is shown from the E

side of the shoal.

Tatsuga Saki to Kanazawa Ko

3.5 Kouire Se and Daruma Se are rocks with depths of

2.7m and 6.1m, respectively, lying within a 0.5 mile of the

coast, about 3 and 1.5 miles W of Tatsuga Saki. The coast inshore of the latter rock, and E of it, is foul.

3.5 Saruyama Zaki (37°20'N., 136°44'E.) is the NW extremity

of Noto Hanto. A light equipped with a ramark is shown from

the point.

3.5 Annyomon Guri (37°11'N., 136°38'E.), a rocky depth of

9.4m, is the outermost of a number of dangers lying within a 5

mile radius NW of Ama Saki, located 11 miles SSW of Saruyama Zaki.

3.5 Matsugashita Byochi is a small open bay lying 2 miles SE of

Ama Saki. Togi Ko, a small artificial harbor, is located in the

NW part of the bay. The harbor is protected by breakwaters.

There are depths in the harbor of 2.7 to 4.3m. Exposed anchorage, open from the W to S, is available in 12.8m, poor holding

ground. The best berth is reported to be with Takaiwa Saki

bearing about 275°, distant 1 mile.

3.5 Fukuura Ko (37°05'N., 136°44'E.), a small port situated 4

miles S of Togi Ko, serves as a base for a large fishing fleet

from September through May. The harbor is divided into N and

S bays and affords anchorage for small vessels. A light is

shown from the S end of the port. Range lights on a bearing of

090° lead into the harbor. Rocky reefs fringe the nearby coast.

3.5 Takahama Ko, a small fishing village, is situated about 5

miles SSE of Fukuura Ko. The village is protected by a breakwater from which a light is shown.

3.5 Abuia Gyoko, 1.25 miles WNW of Takahama Gyoko, is a

small fishing harbor; a light is shown on the head of the breakwater. A tower stands at an elevation of 186m, 2.5 miles NNW

of Abuia Gyoko.

3.5 A fish haven lies 2 miles WSW of Abuia Gyoko. A light is

shown from a white tower, 6m high, at the head of a breakwater 2.5 miles NNW of Abuia Gyoko. 

3.5 Taki Saki (Taki Zaki) (36°55'N., 136°45'E.) is a rounded

point at the N end of a long stretch of sandy beach. Taki Ko, a

small artificial harbor, is situated on the S side of the point. The

harbor is protected by inner and outer breakwaters, marked by

lights. According to reports, the harbor tends to be shallow due

to drifting sands.

3.5 Inner breakwaters protect an inner harbor with two cambers.

A lighted beacon, 7m high, stands at the root of the inner E

breakwater; another light is shown from the head of this breakwater. 

3.6 Kanazawa Ko (36°37'N., 136°36'E.) (World Port

Index No. 61822) is a newer harbor that replaces Kanaiwa Ko

as the port for Kanazawa. The port lies at the mouth of Ono

Gawa, about 1.3 miles NNE of Kaniwa Ko.

3.6 Depths—Limitations.—The approach to the basin, and the

basin itself, have been dredged to 9.7 and 10m.

3.6 Oil Quay, on the NE side of the basin close within its entrance, is 620m long, with depths of 5.4 to 7.1m alongside. It is

used by tankers and is divided into six berths, numbered from

the SE to NW. 

3.6 Goro Shima Wharf, immediately SE of Oil Quay, is 240m in

length, with a depth of 9m alongside.

3.6 Gokuden Wharf, Tomizu Wharf, and Muryogi Wharf, which

are separated by Tomizu Basin, occupy the head of the harbor.

3.6 Gokuden Wharf, the E wharf, is about 540m in length, with a

minimum depth alongside of 8.8m. 

3.6 Tomizu Wharf is 370m long, with depths of 8.6 to 9m alongside.

3.6 Muryogi Wharf is 390m long, with depths of 5.5 to 7.5m

alongside.

3.6 Muryoji Pier projects N from the W end of Muryoji Wharf.

Its E side is 270m in length and has a permissible depth of 5m

alongside. The head of the pier and the basin on its W side are

used mainly by fishing vessels.

3.6 Aspect.—The harbor is entered between the E and W

breakwaters.; a light is shown near the head of the W

breakwater. 

3.6 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory. Pilots are available

only during the daytime and normally board vessels in position

36°37'53"N, 136°35'10"E.

3.6 Anchorage.—Except in winter, open anchorage can be obtained 1 mile W of the mouth of Sai Kawa, in depths of 11 to
Sector 3. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana 65

Pub. 159

15.8m, but NW winds raise a heavy sea. The bottom is mainly

fine sand, and depths decrease regularly to the shore.

3.6 The quarantine anchorage is a circle of 500m radius centered

1.5 miles NW of Ono Kawa Light; there are depths of 17.1 to

26m, mud and fine sand, but in strong NW winds vessels may

experience difficulty in anchoring.

3.6 Caution.—Depths of 2 to 4m less than charted exist in the

entrance to the harbor.

Kanazawa Ko to Echizen Misaki

3.7 From Kanazawa Ko to Anto Saki, 32 miles SW, the

coast is unbroken by sandy beaches. The 9.2m curve lies from

0.6 to 0.7 mile offshore. Gales raise a heavy sea along this

coast, which offers no shelter to shipping.

3.7 Between Anto Saki and Echizen Misaki, 18 miles distant, the S

half is cliffs backed by mountains with rocks up to 0.5 mile

offshore. Sandy beaches with pine trees comprise the N section.

3.7 Mikawa (36°29'N., 136°29'E.) is a small port situated at the

mouth of Tetori Kawa. A light is shown from the NE side of

the mouth of the river. There is suitable anchorage for small

boats 1 mile offshore, with good holding ground.

3.7 Hasitate Ko (Hashitate Ko) is a small fishing harbor situated

11 miles SW of Mikawa. The harbor is protected by three

breakwaters. Because of the reefs in the area of the harbor, it

should not be approached without local knowledge.

3.7 Shioya Ko is a small village on the N bank of Daishoji Kawa,

near its mouth. A red hill, 61m high and surmounted by a clump of

pine trees, is located near the coast, SW of the village. 

3.7 Kasano Misaki (36°21'N., 136°18'E.) is a rocky denselywooded point, which is conspicuous from the SW. The point is

entirely surrounded by foul ground. A detached 14.9m depth

lies nearly 1 mile N of the point; another similar depth lies 1.5

miles NE of the point.

3.7 The harbor entrance is protected by East Breakwater, West

Breakwater, and the detached North Breakwater. Old Breakwater protects the inner basin. Lights are shown on the breakwater heads. There is good holding ground, in depths of 14.9m,

outside the harbor.

3.7 Anto Saki (36°15'N., 136°07'E.), a wooded point, lies 6.5

miles SW of Shioya Ko. A bridge connects the close-lying islet

O Shima to the mainland. Numerous dwellings are situated on

the point; a light is shown from the islet.

3.7 Gentatu Se (Gentatsu Se) (36°13'N., 135°45'E.), a shoal

area, with a least depth of about 10.4m, lies 19 miles offshore

W of Mikuni Ko.

3.7 Fujiutsushiga Take, 942m high, located 11 miles E of Mikuni Ko, appears to have three sharp peaks when seen from the W

and a single peak when viewed from the N.

Fukui Ko (36°11'N., 136°06'E.)

World Port Index No. 61820

3.8 Fukui Ko is comprised of two sections. Mikuni Ku

(formerly Mikuni Ko) is located at the mouth of Kuzuryu

Kawa while Kukui Ku lies S of Mikuni Ku.

3.8 The port is being developed as the core of Fukui Industrial

Zone and is a major oil importing and storage center. There are

large numbers of oil storage tanks, which constitute the Fukui

Oil Stockpiling Base, situated on reclaimed land SW of the

root of South Breakwater.

3.8 Winds—Weather.—From April to June, the wind is from

the N; July to November finds winds from the S but very

changable. December to March has strong NW winds and

rough seas.

3.8 Depths—Limitations.—The draft limit in the fairway of

Fukui Ku is 9m. Mikuni Ku can be entered by vessels with a

draft of 4.6m or less.

Kanazawa Ko
66 Sector 3. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana 

Pub. 159

3.8 When entering Mikuni Ku under conditions of strong NW

winds, the triangular waves around the river mouth badly affect

the steerage of vessels. Deep-draft vessels bound for Fukui Ku

are advised to navigate closer to South Breakwater as far as

possible due to the depths near the end of North Breakwater

being possibly shallower than charted.

3.8 Incoming vessels from the W, when passing off Maizuru Ko,

are recommended to contack Nihonkai-Seibu Communications

Center (VHF channel16) and inquire about weather conditions

in Kukui Ko. If the port is not practical for entry, then shelter

can be taken in Miyazu, located in the W part of Wakasa Wan.

3.8 The principal berths are described in the table titled Kukui

Ko—Berthing Facilities.

3.8 A sea berth for the Fukui Oil Stockpile Base is located about

2.2 miles SW of Fukui South Breakwater Light. An area within

a circle of about 350m centered at the sea berth is allocated for

a floating hose. Caution must be paid to the hose as it is always

swinging due to the wind and waves.

3.8 Aspect.—Fukui Ku, the S harbor of Fukui Ko, is protected

by two breakwaters. The N breakwater extends 0.15 mile

WSW from a position on the shore 1.25 miles SSW of the

mouth of Kuzuryu Kawa. A light stands at the head of the

breakwater. The S breakwater extends 0.75 mile NNW from a

position 0.6 mile SSW of the root of the N breakwater. A light

stands at the head of the breakwater.

3.8 Mikuni Ko, the N harbor of Fukui Ko, is situated at the

mouth of Kuzuryu Kawa and is protected by a low breakwater

which extends 0.4 mile WSW from the N side of the mouth of

Kuzuryu Kawa. A light stands at the head of the breakwater. 

3.8 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory, but pilots are available.

3.8 Anchorage.—Anchorage is available off Fukui Ko, in 12 to

17m, sand, about 0.8 mile WNW of the mouth of Kuzuryu

Kawa. Smaller vessels may anchor, in 8m, about 0.15 mile

NNW of the head of Mikuni Ko Breakwater. The small bay

close N of Mikuni Ko Breakwater should be avoided as the

bottom is sand and rock, bad holding ground. 

3.8 Kame Shima (36°07'N., 136°03'E.), a flat wooded islet,

45m high, lies close offshore with a rocky depth of 4m close N.

3.8 Echizen Misaki (35°59'N., 135°58'E.) is a cliff faced point,

fringed by rocks, extending close offshore. From the point to

Oka Zaki, 16 miles SSE, the coast is mainly rocky cliffs

fringed with reefs and backed by ranges of wooded hills. A

light is shown from Echizen Misaki.

Tsuruga Wan

3.9 Tsuruga Wan (Tsuruga Wan) is a large protected bay

entered between Oka Zaki and Tateisi Saki. From the entrance,

the inlet extends S about 6 miles, with a general width of about

2 miles. High hills protect the bay on all sides, except the N,

which is open and exposed to winter gales from that quarter.

During this weather, a heavy swell sets into the bay. The bay is

divided into five sections, which are clearly marked on the

charts. There is good anchorage in the bay, particularly in Section 3 and Section 5. Several charted fish havens lie in Tsuruga

Wan.

Tsuruga Ko (35°39'N., 136°04'E.)

World Port Index No. 61810

3.10 Tsuruga Ko, a port of entry, is one of the principal

ports on the NW coast of Honshu and lies at the head of

Tsuruga Wan. The harbor is protected by a breakwater with a

length of 1,105m.

3.10 Winds—Weather.—During winter and autumn, the prevailing winds are N; in spring and summer, the S wind predominates. Storms occur mostly in winter.

3.10 Owing to the topography in the vicinity of the bay, the winds

blow strongest from the N and S. 

3.10 Depths—Limitations.—The approach to the port is via a 6

mile long passage from the entrance to Wakasa Bay. The maximum depth of water in Outer Harbor is 22m and 10m in the

inner harbor.

3.10 The maximum permissible draft in the channel is 15m. 

 Kukui Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

Public Dolphin About 0.7 mile SE of Fukui South Breakwater Light 188m 7.5m 6,000 dwt

North Wharf

No. 1 Quay

About 0.5 mile SE of Fukui North Breakwater Light (Numerical order from S to N)

185m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 2 Quay 185m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 3 Quay 185m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 4 Quay 130m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

No. 5 Quay 130m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

No. 6 Quay 130m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

No. 7 Quay 130m 6.0-7.0m 5,000 dwt

No. 8 Quay 130m 6.0-7.0m 5,000 dwt

No. 9 Quay 130m 6.0-7.0m 5,000 dwt
Sector 3. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana 67

Pub. 159

3.10 The principal berths are described in the table titled Tsuruga

Ko—Berthing Facilities. 

3.10 Aspect.—A breakwater extends 0.35 mile W from Tayu

Saki, a headland 1.5 miles S of Matsuga Saki (35°40'N.,

136°05'E.). A light stands at the head of the breakwater. The

breakwater have been extended. The area between the root of

the above breakwater and a position close E of Kanega Saki

has been reclaimed and quayed. 

3.10 Pilotage.—Pilots are available, but pilotage is not compulsory. Pilots board by arrangement at the quarantine anchorage during daylight hours only.

3.10 Anchorage.—A circular quarantine anchorage, 0.25 mile in

radius, with a depth of 20.1m, mud, is situated in Jogu Wan, on the

W shore of Tsuruga Wan. Care must be used to avoid fishing nets

in the bay.

3.10 Anchorage, in 20m, mud, is available for large vessels NW

of the end of the breakwater. There are two mooring buoys for

vessels up to 10,000 grt on the W side of the quarantine anchorage. Vessels carrying dangerous cargo should not anchor

in Area No. 1 or Area No. 5.

3.10 Two buoys, with depths alongside of 17 and 20m, exist for

vessels of 10,000 grt and 20,000 grt. 

3.10 Caution.—Depths at Horai Wharf (Berth H and Berth I) are

up to 1.5m shallower than charted. Depths at Kawasaki Matsui

Wharf (Berth A through Berth D) are up to 1.6m shallower

than charted.

3.10 Pearl rafts are set from April through December on the W

side of Nago Saki. There are numerous fish nets and pearl rafts

on both sides of Urazoko Wan.

3.10 During strong NW winds, a swell sometimes sets into the

inner harbor making it necessary for vessels lying alongside to

breast-off to avoid damage.

Tateisi Saki to Bakuchi Misaki

3.11 Tateisi Saki (Tateishi Saki) (35°46'N., 136°01'E.), the

N end of Tateisi Hanto, is the W entrance point to Tsuruga

Wan. The reddish headland is 161m high. A light is shown

from the point.

3.11 A breakwater extends about 0.4 mile SW from the shore,

about 1.5 miles SW of Tateisi Saki. 

3.11 Nyu Ura, a small cove in the lee of a hook-shaped peninsula,

is located 5 miles SSW of Tateisi Saki. Depths in the cove,

which opens to the S and is narrow, range from 2 to 4m at the

entrance. Depths inside the cove range from 7 to 13m. The

entrance is spanned by a bridge, with a vertical clearance of

14.9m and a fairway width of 79m.

3.11 Funatoshi Saki Light is shown on the W extremity of the

point; an auxiliary light, shown from the same position, illuminates a drying reef 0.2 mile W. A light is shown about 0.7 mile

SSE of Funatoshi Saki Light. 

3.11 Kabutoga Saki (35°38'N., 135°54'E.), a headland, lies 5

miles SW of Nyu Ura. A rocky depth of 4.6m lies 0.6 mile NW

of the point. Four lagoons lie within 4 miles S of the point. Two

of the lagoons are deep, but the entrances of all of them are narrow and only small craft can safely enter them.

3.12 Tunekami Saki (Tsunekami Saki) (35°38'N.,

135°49'E.) is about 239m high and lies about 5 miles WNW of

Kabutoga Saki. The NW side of the point is surrounded by

rocks and reefs. South of the point, the irregular shoreline is

broken by Yashiro Wan and Sekumi Wan; these two small bays

are separated by Kuro Zaki, a promontory extending 2 miles

NW from the middle of an open bight. These open bays are too

exposed for anchorage.

3.12 Ogami Shima, a conspicuous high islet with a thicklywooded summit, lies 0.25 mile W of Tunekami Saki. There is a

sharp peak, 196m high at its N end, that is prominent. The deep

channel between the islet and the mainland is reduced to a

width of about 0.1 mile by reefs that should not be attempted

without local knowledge.

3.12 Okino Ishi (35°35'N., 135°47'E.), 6.4m high, lies in the ap-

 Tsuruga Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

Mariyama North 

Wharf

Berth A

S side of Mariyama Breakwater (alphabetical order from N to S)

130m 5,000 dwt

Berth B 240m

7.8-12.0m 30,000 dwt

Berth C 260m 30,000 dwt

Berth D 240m 20,000 dwt

Kanega Saki Wharf Berth C The root of Kanaga Saki Wharf 170m 10.0m 10,000 dwt

Sakura Wharf Berth E

Alphabetical order from Koyano Kawa 

toward the W

190m 3.0-6.5m 2,000 dwt Berth F

Horai Wharf Berth G

Berth H 405m 3.5-6.5m 6,000 dwt

Berth I

Kawasaki-Matsuei 

Wharf

Berth A E side of the wharf 235m 8.0m 10,000 dwt

Berth B N side of the wharf (alphabetical order 

from E to W) 440m 7.0-10.0m 15,000 dwt Berth C
68 Sector 3. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana 

Pub. 159

proach to Yashiro Wan, about 1.3 miles WNW of Kuro Saki.

Foul ground extends 0.5 mile NE of the islet.

3.12 Chi Shima, 36.9m high, lies in the approach to Sekumi Wan,

about 1.5 mile NNE of Okino Ishi. Shoal banks extend about

0.3 mile N and S of the islet.

3.12 Kusuyaga Take (35°33'N., 135°44'E.), 619m high, rises

2.75 miles WSW of Okino Ishi. The E slope gradually descends to the isthmus of a peninsula. The N side is a sharplydeclining cliff, with several waterfalls. The mountain is prominent as a landmark for identifying Obama Wan. In clear

weather, the mountain is visible over 25 miles.

3.12 Matsuga Saki, the NE entrance point of Obama Wan, is a

cliffy point with a high, rocky projection extending from its N

side. Reefs fringe the point up to 0.1 mile.

3.12 Obama Wan is entered between Matsuga Saki and Nokogiri

Zaki, about 1.3 miles W. Obama Ko is located on the SE shore

of the bay. The bay affords good anchorage to vessels with

local knowledge.

3.13 Obama Ko (35°30'N., 135°45'E.) is a fishing harbor

located on the SE shore of the bay at the mouths of Minami

Gawa and Kita Gawa. Two break-waters, situated on the N and

S side of the entrance, protect the harbor. 

3.13 Depths—Limitations.—The fairway depths in the entrance

to the bay are not less than 25.6m, and there are general depths

of more than 9.2m throughout most of the bay. Depths in the E

and W arms shoal gradually to 3.6m and 5.4m. There is a channel depth of 2.5m at the river entrance and 2m inside the basin.

3.13 Depths in the harbor and vicinity are subject to change due

to silting.

3.13 Anchorage.—Vessels anchor off Obama Ko, in 6.4m, mud

and sand. Larger vessels are advised to anchor in the W end of

the bay, according to draft, keeping clear of the cable area.

Temporary anchorage may be taken in Katsumi Ura.

3.14 Nokogiri Zaki (35°33'N., 135°40'E.), the E entrance

point to Takahama Wan, is also the W entrance point to Obama

Wan. Sunken and above-water rocks extend 0.15 mile from the

point. The ruins of a fort stand at the foot of a conical hill near

the point. A light is shown from the point.

3.14 Takahama Wan, a relatively large open bay, lies between

Nokogiri Zaki and Imado Hana. The shores of the bay are

fringed with islets and sunken rocks to a distance of 0.5 mile in

places. Fuku Guri, an isolated, rocky depth of 6.2m, lying 0.8

mile off the SW shore of the bay, is the only off-lying danger.

During N gales, a heavy swell sets into the bay making it unsuitable as an anchorage. Takahama, a fishing harbor, is located

near the center of the head of the bay. Takate Guri, a rocky

depth of 10.7m, lies 3 miles offshore in the approach to Takahama Wan.

3.15 Uchiura Wan (35°33'N., 135°29'E.), an inlet with six

coves, is entered between Kabuto Zaki and Oshimawari Saki.

The depths in this inlet decrease from about 42.1m in the

entrance; the bottom is mostly mud or fine sand.

3.15 Uchiura KoTsuruga, a local port, occupies the central and E

coves at the head of Uchiura Wan.

3.15 Depths—Limitations.—A short breakwater is situated on

the SW side of the S cove of Uchiura Ko; it protects a quay,

80m long.

3.15 A large factory is situated on the E side of the head of the

harbor. It is served by quays, 160m long, with a reported depth

of 10m alongside, and 140m long, with a depth of 4.5m alongside. 

3.15 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory. If required, a pilot

will come from Maizuru, 10 miles WSW, and will board at the

quarantine anchorage between sunrise and sunset.

3.15 Anchorage.—Anchorage is very secure, in depths of 14.9 to

25m. During strong onshore winds, the likelihood of dragging

is remote.

3.16 Ke Shima, faced with cliffs, has a conspicuous high,

sharp summit near the S end. Above-water rocks extend N for

0.15 mile off the N end of the island. From October to March

and during June and July, large fishnets are laid in the vicinity

of the island.

Naryu Zaki (35°36'N., 135°28'E.) is a cliffy steep-to headland with close-lying, unusual rock formations. Two grass covered hills on the cape are prominent from a distance. Between

this headland and Bakuchi Misaki, 6.75 miles SW, the rugged

coast is fringed with dangers which extend in places more than

1 mile offshore. Naryu Saki Light is shown on the headland

from a tower, 9.2m high.

3.16 Oki-Kazura Shima is the N islet in a group lying on a spit of

foul ground which extends over 1 mile N from the coast,

midway between Naryu Zaki and Bakuchi Misaki.

3.16 Bakuchi Misaki (35°33'N., 135°21'E.), the E entrance point

to Maizuru Wan, is a densely-wooded headland faced with

reddish cliffs on the N side. Kabura Guri, a rock 1m high, lies

0.1 mile N of the point, and the 18.2m curve lies 90m N of the

rock. A light is shown from the point.

3.16 Maizuru Wan (35°22'N., 135°20'E.) is entered between

Bakuchi Misaki and Kanega Saki. The inlet extends SSE for 2

miles, with a least width of 0.2 mile between the two 18.2m

curves and then divides into two branches. The W branch continues 3 miles SSW and the other branch extends 3 miles to the

E. The fairways are marked by buoys and lights.

Maizuru Ko (35°31'N., 135°20'E.)

World Port Index No. 61800

3.17 Maizuru Ko, a port of entry, includes all of Maizuru

W and inshore of a line extending N from Kanega Saki to the

intersection of a line extending W from Bakuchi Misaki. It is

divided into three sections. Section I, known as West Harbor, is

the commercial port and comprises that area lying S of a line

extending W from Nio Saki to the opposite shore. Section II,

known as East Harbor, formerly a military harbor, is used

mainly as a port for government vessels. This section comprises that area S of a line W from Matsuga Saki to Sii Saki on

the opposite shore. Section III includes all areas within the harbor limits not included in Section I and II.

3.17 In Section I, the berths are situated in the S and SE area

where Takano Gawa and Isatu Kawa flow into the bay. Facilities of the commercial port are concentrated along the S shore;

fishing harbor facilities are along the E shore.

3.17 Timber storage areas are situated in Section I at Kita and at

Okimi, Yoshida and Katsura in Section III.

3.17 Depths—Limitations.—Section I has a dredged channel
Sector 3. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana 69

Pub. 159

leading to the berths; the outer portion is dredged to 12m,

while the inner portion is dredged to 10m.

3.17 The principal berthing facilities are described in the table

titled Maizuru Ko—Berthing Facilities. 

3.17 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory, but pilots are available and will meet incoming vessels by arrangement. Pilots

will board only during daylight hours, near the harbor limit off

the entrance. During bad weather, pilots board in the vicinity of

Matsuga Saki. Vessels awaiting pilots anchor 1 mile NW of

Kanega Saki.

3.17 However, pilotage is compulsory for all vessels berthing and

unberthing at Taira Buoy No. 2. 

3.17 Regulations.—Vessels over 100 grt shall display the following signals from the foremast from the time passing Bakuchi

Misaki until secured:

1. Answering pennant over International Code flag W—

When bound for Section I (West Harbor).

2. Answering pennant over International Code flag E—

When bound for Section II (East Harbor).

3.17 Vessels desiring to shift berth in the harbor will display, at

the foremast, the following signals when underway:

1. First Repeater Pennant over International Code flag

E—When shifting from Section I (West Harbor) to Section II

(East Harbor).

2. First Repeater Pennant over International Code flag

W—When shifting from Section II (East Harbor) to Section

I (West Harbor).

3.17 Anchorage.—Sheltered anchorage, protected from all

winds, is available throughout Maizuru Wan. Vessels anchor as

convenient, mostly mud bottom.

3.17 Quarantine anchorages are situated NNW of Ushikuso Hana

and S of To Shima.

Kanega Saki to Miyazu Ko

3.18 Kanega Saki (35°31'N., 135°20'E.), situated about 1.8

miles NE of the mouth of the Yura Gawa, is the SW en-trance

point of Maizuru Wan. A prominent hill, 215m high, rises 0.3

mile SW of the point.

3.18 Yura Gawa flows into Wakasa Wan, between Kunda Wan

and Maizuru Wan. A shallow, shifting bar, less than 1m deep,

encumbers the river mouth, which is less than 90m wide; a

bridge spans the channel 0.3 mile within the entrance.

3.18 Mamo Shima (35°32'N., 135°16'E.) is a small, wooded,

rocky islet, 24m high, lying close off a small point, located 2.5

miles WNW of Kanega Saki. A rocky, shoal spit extends 0.15

mile NE of the point, and an isolated rocky patch, 12.2m deep,

lies 0.25 mile NW of the islet.

3.18 Kunda Wan lies between Musoga Hana and Mamo Shima

(35°32'N., 135°16'E.). The bay is about 1.5 miles in width and

indentation. The bay shoals from 30m at its entrance to 10.1m

within 0.17 mile of the shore in the S end of the bay. The NE

shore of the bay is cliffy and fringed with rocks. 

3.18 A small harbor, protected from the E by an angled breakwater, lies at the head of the bay. 

3.18 Aspect.—Shiro Yama, 1.25 miles W of Musoga Hana, is

78m high, the prominent wooded summit of a small peninsula. 

3.18 Two berths, with depths from 6 to 8m alongside, have been

 Maizuru Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

Nishi Ko—Section 1

No. 2 Wharf

No. 1 Berth East side of the wharf 130m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

No. 2 Berth Northwest side of the wharf 185m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 3 Berth West side of the wharf 165m 8.0-9.0m 10,000 dwt

No. 4 Berth South side of the wharf 165m 9.0m 10,000 dwt

No. 3 Wharf No. 1 Berth East side of the wharf 185m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 2 Berth West side of the wharf 185m 9.5m 15,000 dwt

No. 4 Wharf No. 1 Berth East side of the wharf 185m 9.5m 15,000 dwt

-5.5m Berth North side of the wharf 300m 5.5m 1,000 dwt

North Wharf

No. 1 Berth North of North Wharf Breakwater 

Light (from S to N)

130m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

No. 2 Berth 240m 12.5m 30,000 dwt

Okimi Dolphin North of Toishi Hana 10.0m 15,000 dwt

Taira Dolphin East of Miyo Saki 10.0m 15,000 dwt

Higashi Ko—Section 2

Maejima Wharf

No. 1 Berth South part of E side of the wharf 130m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

No. 2 Berth North part of E side of the wharf 230m 8.0m 8,000 dwt

No. 3 Berth North side of the wharf 180m 5.5m 2,000 dwt
70 Sector 3. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana 

Pub. 159

constructed on reclaimed land on the N side of an inlet,

situated 1 mile WSW of Musoga Hana. A chimney, with an

elevation of 198m, and four tanks stand close N of these berths.

Two mooring buoys lie close together, 0.2 mile S of these

berths. 

3.18 Anchorage.—Vessels anchor as convenient in the bay, mud

bottom, good holding ground. A cove in the lee of the peninsula affords sheltered anchorage, in 14.6m, protected from all

but S winds.

3.18 Musoga Hana separates Shimakage Wan on the N from

Kunda Wan on the S. Rocks and reefs extend seaward, almost

0.3 mile off the point. A fish haven lies 0.4 mile N of Musoga

Hana. 

3.18 Caution.—An underwater obstruction lies 0.6 mile SW of

Shiro Yama; a fish haven, with a depth of 17.2m, lies 0.6 mile

SSE of the same summit. A wave meter, marked by a lighted

buoy, lies about 0.9 mile ENE of Momo Shima. 

3.19 Shimakage Wan (Shimakage Wan) (35°34'N.,

135°16'E.), a bight between Kuro Saki and Musoga Hana, is open

to the N. The shoreline is mostly cliffs, fringed with rocky reefs,

and stationary fish nets are set at various places within 0.75 mile

offshore.

Miyazu Wan is an inlet entered between Hami Saki and Kuro

Saki, about 1.3 miles SSE. A light is shown from Kuro Saki. Its

W side is mostly sandy beach, fringed by a shallow bank,

extending as much as 0.3 mile offshore in places. The E side is

indented, most of the points terminating in cliffs. The bay is

about 1.4 miles wide and 5 miles long. The port of Miyazu Ko

covers most of the S end of the bay.

3.19 Aso Kai, a lagoon off the W shore of the bay, is separated

from the bay by Amano Hashidate, a narrow pine covered spit

of white sand almost 2 miles long. Monju Suido, the channel

which connects the bay and lagoon, is located at the S end of

the spit. This passage is about 840m long, 27m wide, and from

2 to 3m deep.

3.19 Tides—Currents.—The tidal currents in the bay move

parallel to the shore. Rising and falling tides move SW and NE,

respectively, with a maximum rate of 0.75 knot.

3.19 Depths—Limitations.—Depths in the bay decrease gradually from 27.4m in the entrance; the 9.2m curve lies close to

shore in most places. The middle part of the bay, generally

used by traffic, has depths exceeding 14.9m. Dangers in the

bay are best located by chart observation.

3.19 Aspect.—A conspicuous cable railway runs up the slope of a

hill at the NE end of Aso Kai. A light is shown from the top.

3.19 A conspicuous white chimney, 41m high, is situated about

350m E of the railway station; a radio tower, 74m high, stands

600m NE of the station.

3.19 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory, however, harbor

pilots are available at Kurosaki Anchorage. Berthing is done

during daylight hours only; unberthing may be done any time

subject to adequate notice and approval from the pilot.

3.20 Miyazu Ko (35°32'N., 135°12'E.) (World Port Index

No. 61790), a port of entry, is situated at the mouth of Ote

Kawa, which flows into the head of Miyazu Wan. It is divided

into four sections, the limits of which are shown on the chart. 

3.20 Depths—Limitations.—The principal berthing facilities are

described in the table titled Miyazu Ko—Berthing Facilities.

3.20 The largest vessel accommodated was reported to be 23,515

dwt, with a draft of 11.4m. 

3.20 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory. Harbor pilots are

available at Kurosaki Anchorage. Berthing is performed during

daylight hours only; unberthing can be done at any time subject

to adequate notice and approval from the pilot. 

3.20 Anchorage.—Vessels anchor as convenient inside the harbor limits, except during strong N winds. The most sheltered

anchorage is S of the parallel of Shishi Zaki in 14m, mud.

Large vessels anchor about 0.5 mile off the dock area; small

vessels anchor closer inshore. During strong N winds, some

sea and swell sets into the bay.

3.20 Vessels carrying dangerous cargo must anchor in Section 1.

Hami Saki to Kyoga Saki

3.21 Hami Saki (35°37'N., 135°15'E.), the N entrance

point to Miyazu Wan, is fringed by reefs for 0.1 mile offshore.

A clump of pines on the point makes a good target from the N

or S.

3.21 Ine Ko is a small cove, 3.5 miles NNE of Hami Saki, that

affords sheltered anchorage to small vessels, in 23m, mud and

sand. The main channel into the cove is 0.1 mile wide between

the 18.2m curves. Lights mark the entrance to the cove.

3.21 Wasi Saki (Washi Zaki) (35°40'N., 135°18'E.), a cliffy headland, is marked by a rock, 2m high, lying close off the SE end

of the point. The currents in the vicinity of Wasi Saki are gen-

 Miyazu Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Length Depth Vessel size

Tsuruga No. 1 Wharf 148m 5.0m 1,000 dwt

Tsuruga No. 2 Wharf 242m 4.0m 1,000 dwt

Municipal floating pier 25m 450 dwt

Hami Saki Light
Sector 3. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana 71

Pub. 159

erally weak, but during N winds, a SE set with a velocity of 1

knot has been experienced 3 miles ENE of the point. Fishing

nets may be encountered up to 0.75 mile offshore in this

vicinity.

3.21 Nii Saki is a low, rocky point located 2 miles N of Wasi Saki.

Vessels should steer clear of the point during strong winter

gales from the NW, because of heavy seas off the point. There

is a cove at Odomari, about 1 mile NW of the point, but due to

rocks at the entrance, is only available to small boats.

3.21 Between Nii Saki and Kyoga Saki, the coast is steep-to and

faced with cliffs. Taitsuri Shima, a conspicuous pointed rock,

17.9m high, lies 2.75 miles NNW of Nii Saki. Kabuto Saki is a

densely wooded, cliffy headland about 2 miles SE of Kyoga

Saki. A fish haven lies about 1 mile offshore ENE of Kabuto

Saki. Honjo Ko is situated in a small bay close to the S of

Kabuto Saki. A light is shown from the breakwater protecting

Honjo Ko.

3.21 Kyoga Saki (35°46'N., 135°14'E.) is a rounded headland

fringed with rocks for a short distance seaward. The point is the

W entrance point of Wakasa Wan. There are no harbors of any

consequences and no dangers more than 0.25 mile offshore

between Kyoga Saki and Taiza Kaku. There is an isolated rock,

3.1m high, about 2 miles W of the point.

3.21 Kyoga Misaki Light is shown from a round tower, 11.9m

high, standing on the NE slope. 

3.21 Two radio towers and a radar dome stand on a summit, 1

mile S of Kyoga Misaki; from the E, the towers are obscured

by the dome.

Wakasa Wan

3.22 Wakasa Wan is a large open bay lying between Kyoga

Saki and Echizen Misaki, a distance of 38 miles. The harbors

are Miyazu Ko (previously described in paragraph 3.20) and

Maizuru Ko (previously described in paragraph 3.17), located

in the W part of the bay; Obama Ko (previously described in

paragraph 3.13), located in the central part of the bay; and

Tsuruga Ko (previously described in paragraph 3.10), located

in the E part of the bay.

3.22 On a line from Kyoga Saki to Tateishi Saki, on the E side of

the bay, depths range from 36.5m to 183m. Depths decrease

toward the head of the bay, but in general the headlands along

the S shore are steep-to.

3.22 Caution.—Fishing buoys, made of bundles of bamboo, may

be encountered in the approaches to Wakasa Wan as far as 20

miles NE of Kyoga Saki from July through October.

3.22 A group of islets and rocks, some 3 miles long, N and S, are

centered 5.5 miles E of Nii Zaki. Kammuri-jima, the largest

and southernmost, is cliffy with a thickly-wooded summit,

170m high. Reefs and breaking rocks extend 137m SSE from

the islet. Kutsu-jima, the N islet, consists of two rocky, closelying islets. The S and largest is sparsely wooded and cliffy on

the E side, with a sharp summit, 74m high, at the N end. The N

islet is a bare cylindrical rock with a blunt summit, 92m high.

Reefs extend S for 0.2 mile from the S islet, and O Guri, an

isolated, steep-to, and rocky depth, lies 0.6 mile N of the N

islet. The sea breaks over the patch from heavy swells. A number of fish havens lie up to 4.5 miles W of the islets.

3.22 Asa Guri (35°37'N., 135°35'E.), an isolated group of rocks

5.75 miles E of Naryu Saki, has a least depth of 5.2m. Takate

Guri, a rocky depth of 10.6m, lies about 2 miles SSE of Asa

Guri.

Kyoga Saki to Kasumi Ko

3.23 Nishi Saki (35°45'N., 135°11'E.), about 2.5 miles WSW

of Kyoga Saki, has the fishing village of Nakahama Ko close on

its E shore. The approach to the village is difficult because of the

many rocks and shoals. There is a small dock in the port, protected

by a breakwater. The port is mainly used by small craft with local

knowledge. A light is shown from the breakwater.

3.23 Inu Zaki (Inuga Zaki), about 2 miles W of Nishi Saki, has a

remarkable rounded summit, 260m high. A conspicuous, upright, and pointed rock lies close off the point.

3.23 Taiza Ko (35°44'N., 135°05'E.) is located on a cliffy headland, fringed with foul ground up to 0.3 mile. Shiro Shima, an

islet, lies close off the point. The small port is protected by a

breakwater.

3.23 Ana Saki, a bold headland faced with cliffs on its W side, is

84m high, and is located about 6 miles SW of Taiza Ko. Ashiura Yama, about 9 miles SSE of Ana Saki, is a prominent barren plateau, 661m high.

3.23 A shoal, with a depth of 6.3m, was reported (1998) in position 35°44'.7N, 135°06'.0E close off Taiza Ko.

3.23 Kumihama Wan (35°38'N., 134°55'E.) is a rather extensive

saltwater lagoon, separated from the sea by a sandy spit. The

approach to the lagoon is encumbered with sunken and abovewater rocks, and a heavy sea runs in on the coast, particularly

in winter.

3.23 Two artificial channels lead into the lagoon. Currents in the

channels reach a velocity of 3 knots. An overhead cable, with a

vertical clearance of 24m, spans the main channel. The town of

Kumihama is situated at the head of the lagoon. Kumihama Wan

provides safe anchorage for small craft, in depths of up to 18m. 

3.23 Takeno Guri is a rocky depth of 3.1m, located 1.75 miles

NNW of Kumihana Wan entrance. It is the outermost danger

on this part of the coast.

3.24 Tsuiyama Ko (35°39'N., 134°51'E.), located 3 miles

W of Kumihama Wan, is 0.5 mile wide and indents the coast

for about 1 mile. Maruyama Kawa flows into the SW corner of

the harbor and affords good shelter for small craft. Tsuiyama

Shima, separated from the coast by a narrow shallow channel,

only used by small craft with local knowledge, lies on the W

side of the entrance to Tsuiyama Ko. Lights are shown from

the NE point of the island and the N side of the entrance to

Tsuiyama Ko. 

3.24 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory. Pilots are available at

Maizuru, 26 miles ESE. Entry and departure are permitted

during daylight hours only.

3.24 Anchorage.—Anchorage is available W of the harbor breakwater, in 4 to 4.9m, mud. Vessels of 500 grt anchor outside the

basin, in 7 to 15m, sand. With winds from the W through N,

the swell makes the bay untenable, except inside the basin.

3.24 Oto Guri, a rocky depth of 4.6m, lies 0.5 mile offshore in the

center of the approach.

3.24 Neko Saki (35°40'N., 134°46'E.), a narrow thickly-wooded

peninsula, is located 4 miles WNW of Tsuiyama Ko. The summit attains an elevation of 141m and is connected to the coast

by a sandy isthmus. From a distance the peninsula appears as
72 Sector 3. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana 

Pub. 159

an island. A detached rocky patch, with a depth of 12.3m, lies

about 0.4 mile N of the point. A light is shown from the point.

3.24 Shibayama Ko, located about 4.5 miles W of Neko Saki, is a

narrow inlet, with depths ranging from 20.1m in the entrance to

3.6m at the S end. Several villages are situated around the

shores of the bay, which affords anchorage only to small vessels. The bay is open to the N and when a swell sets in, the

whole bay becomes untenable.

3.25 Kasumi Ko (35°39'N., 134°38'E.) is a fishing port

situated 2.5 miles SW of Shiba-yama Ko. The bay, about 2

miles wide at the entrance, is divided into two parts by a

peninsula. Nishi Hama lies to the W and Higashi Hama to the

E. Commercially, the basin on the W side of the peninsula is

the most important, while the E side serves as a fishing harbor.

The harbor is protected by breakwaters. 

3.25 Anchorage.—Vessels anchor in the middle of the inlet, in a

depth of 9.2m, sand. Small vessels anchor inside the breakwaters, in depths of 3.1 to 4.9m.

3.25 Shiraishi Shima, a wooded islet, and Kuro Shima, with a

pointed summit, lie in the E approach to Kasumi Ko. Numerous rocks fringe the islets and a depth of about 1m lies midway

between Shiraishi Shima and the peninsula.

3.25 Caution.—Depths of 1 to 3m less than charted may be

found in Kasumi Ko. 

Amarube Saki to Sakai Ko

3.26 Amarube Saki (35°40'N., 134°32'E.) is a steep-to

prominent headland located 4.5 miles WNW of Kasumi Ko.

The point is densely wooded and faced by cliffs that rise to a

height of 270m. A bare, rounded hill, 551m high, stands 1.5

miles SSW of the point. When seen from the N, the hill appears

to have two summits. Two miles SE of the point, the triangular

white cliff at Matsuga Saki is conspicuous, especially from the

NE.

3.26 Amarube Saki Light is shown on the middle slopes of the

headland, 0.25 mile SSE of the extremity. A second light is

shown on the point from a framework structure, 6m high. 

3.26 Moroyose Ko (35°37'N., 134°26'E.), a small cove at the

head of a larger bay, is located about 6 miles WSW of

Amarube Saki. The port is considered the best natural fishing

harbor on this part of the coast. A light is shown from the SE

corner of the port. West of the fishing harbor is a marina, with

depths of less than 3.1m, protected by breakwaters. Anchorage

depths in the bay range from 4.9 to 10.1m. Taziri Ko, a fishing

harbor protected by breakwaters, lies 1.25 miles ENE of Ajiro

Saki.

3.26 Ajiro Saki is a reddish-colored rocky point, located about 1

mile W of a thickly-wooded summit, 203m high. Ajiro Ko is a

fishing harbor, protected by breakwaters, on the S side of Ajiro

Saki. The depths in the harbor are less than 3.1m. Drifting

sands from the Kamo Kawa make the narrow harbor entrance

shallower at times.

Shibayama Ko Light

Kasumi Ko Light
Sector 3. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana 73

Pub. 159

3.27 Shichiyama Saki (35°34'N., 134°17'E.) is a steep

grassy point which rises at the summit of Shichiyama to a

height of 314m, and lies about 1.5 miles SW of Ajiro Saki. 

3.27 Shichiyama Saki marks the boundary between sandy

beaches and low dunes to the W, and the steep and rugged

coastline, backed by mountains, to the E. 

3.27 Amo Shima, an islet 21m high, lies 0.75 mile offshore, about

2 miles W of Shichiyama Saki.

3.27 Tottori Ko (35°32'N., 134°11'E.), a small harbor at the

mouth of Sendai Kawa, is located about 5 miles WSW of Shichiyama Saki. The harbor is a fishing port, protected by

breakwaters. North winds raise a heavy sea at the harbor

entrance, making entry dangerous. The channel from the

harbor entrance to the main pier has a depth of 5.5m during

good weather. Toriga Shima, an islet 27m high, lies close N of

the river entrance. 

3.27 Nagao Hana (35°32'N., 134°00'E.), a rugged wooded cape,

81m high, lies 8.5 miles W of Karo Ko. About 7 miles SSE of

the cape stands Jubo San, 921m high. The summit of this

mountain forms a prominent landmark.

3.27 Tomari Ko, a small fishing harbor, lies 3.5 miles WSW of

Nagao Hana. The harbor, with depths of 1 to 3m, is protected

by three breakwaters. During strong W winds, heavy seas enter

the harbor. The coast W of this area is mainly sandy beaches

and alternating high cliffs. A number of small fishing harbors

lie between Tomari Ko and Mi Saki, 17 miles farther W.

3.27 Mikuriya Saki (35°30'N., 133°30'E.), a low, shingle-fringed

point, is located 4.75 miles WSW of Mi Saki. The point marks

the E entrance side of Miho Wan.

Miho Wan, a bight open to the NE, is entered between Jizo

Saki and Mikuriya Saki. Depths in the bay decrease gradually

from 31m at the entrance, to the sandy beaches of the shore.

Several charted fish havens exist throughout Miho Wan. The

bottom in most parts of the bay is mud and sand. The Hino

Gawa flows into the head of Miho Wan on its S shore. Sakai

Ko, a port of entry, lies on the NW shore of the bay.

3.27 Naka Umi (35°28'N., 133°12'E.) is a large saltwater lagoon

W of Miho Wan. The central part of the lagoon has a flat

bottom with depths of 5.8 to 8.9m. Two islands, Daikon Shima

and E Shima, lie in the N end of the lagoon. Nakaeno Seto, the

narrow passage from Miho Wan into Naka Umi, is marked by

buoys and lighted ranges.

3.27 Sinzi Ko (Shinji Ko) is a large freshwater lake W of Naka

Umi, to which it is connected by the Okyo Gawa. The lake is 9

miles long and 3 miles wide. Depths in its center range from

4.9 to 5.8m.

Sakai Ko (35°33'N., 133°15'E.)

World Port Index No. 61750

3.28 Sakai Ko is a port of entry, located in the NW part of

Miho Wan, on the S side of the E end of Nakaeno Seto. Sakai

Ko is entered S of Sakai breakwater (35°32'N., 133°16'E.). The

port consists of Section 2, Section 1, and Section 3 in order

from the port entrance to the N part of Naka Umi. 

Amarube Saki Light

 Sakai Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size

Showa-Kita 

No. 1 Quay About 0.45 mile W of the Sakai Ko Breakwater Light (No. 1 Quay lies E of No. 2 

Quay)

140m

3.0-4.0m

700 dwt

No. 2 Quay 220m 2,000 dwt

Showa-Minami 

No. 1 Quay

About 1.2 miles SW of Sakai Ko Breakwater 

Light (numbered from E to W)

270m 13.0m 40,000 dwt

No. 2 Quay 185m 10.0m 15,000 dwt

No. 3 Quay 130m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

No. 4 Quay 280m 13.0m 50,000 dwt

Outer Harbor 

Wharf

No. 1 Quay West of Showa-Kita Quays (No. 1 lies E of 

No. 2)

370m 9.0m 10,000 dwt

No. 2 Quay 260m 7.5m 5,000 dwt
74 Sector 3. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana 

Pub. 159

3.28 Winds—Weather.—Strong NW winds prevail during the

winter months. The E wind predominates in March. Light S

winds are common in summer and by October, bad weather

sets in again. Fog accompanies E winds in early summer, but

usually dissipates within 2 to 3 hours. Winds will frequently

blow from one direction for extended periods, sometimes as

long as 20 days.

3.28 Tides—Currents.—The rising tide sets into Nakano Seto

from 3 hours after LW until 3 hours after HW; the falling tide

sets seaward for the remainder of the cycle. Tidal currents are

weak inside the harbor.

3.28 Depths—Limitations.—The draft limitation in North Passage is 14m; a maximum draft of 10.1m is permitted in South

Passage. 

3.28 Nakaura Suido, dredged to a depth of 7m (2007), leads to

Section 3. A bridge, with a vertical clearance of 33m, crosses

the channel close N of Nakaura Suimon pier. 

3.28 The principal berthing facilities are described in the table

titled Sakai Ko—Berthing Facilities. 

3.28 Piers No. 1-4 are established in front of a petroleum terminal

located about 0.5 mile SW of Sakai Ko breakwater light. Four

mooring buoys are laid W of the root of Sakai-Suido O Hashi;

another mooring buoy is located near Eshima Quay. 

3.28 Pilotage.—Pilots are available but are not compulsory. Pilots

are available during daylight hours only and board 1.5 miles E

of Sakai Ko Breakwater Light.

3.28 Anchorage.—Good anchorage is available outside the harbor breakwater, in 10.9 to 14.6m, sand and mud, good holding

ground.

3.28 A circular quarantine anchorage, about 0.5 mile in diameter,

is centered about 1 mile SSE of the end of the breakwater

entrance. However, the quarantine anchorage is not suitable for

large vessels, which should anchor 2 miles ESE of Sakai

Breakwater Light.

Zizo Saki (Jizo Saki) to Hinomi Saki

3.29 From Zizo Saki, the coast trends WSW for 36 miles to

Hinomi Saki. The coast is rocky and generally steep-to, with

no dangers more than a mile offshore. The W half of this

section of coast is comparatively regular, but the E part is

broken by numerous small inlets. A range of hills backs the

entire length of this section of coast.

3.29 Oki Gunto, a group of islands, lies 25 miles N of the coast.

The E current between the islands and the mainland runs strong

during periods of SW winds. The islands are described in

paragraph 3.32.

3.29 Zizo Saki (35°34'N., 133°20'E.) is the E end of a rugged

peninsula that forms the N side of Miho Wan. Chinogozenjima, a group of four above-water rocks, lie 0.15 mile NE of

the point.

3.29 Okinogosen-jima, a rock 6m high, lies 1.75 miles NE of Zizo

Saki. Jiura Guri, a rocky depth of 0.9m, lies close NE of Okinogosen-jima.

3.29 Takao Yama (35°33'N., 133°14'E.), 332m high, is located 4

miles W of Zizo Saki. The summit is marked by a conspicuous,

green-domed radar station.

3.29 Chikumi Wan (Kasa Ura), a small bay, located 4.5 miles W

of Takao Yama, affords shelter to small vessels from all but the

E winds. The small village of Chikumi lies at the head of the

bay.

Mooring Quay About 0.1 mile W of the S end of Sakai-Suido O Hashi 980m 3.0-4.0m

Used by patrol ships, service boats, 

and ferries

Inner Wharf

No. 1 Quay

Southern opposite shore of Yokoyama Hana 

(numbered from E to W)

200m 4.5-6.0m 3,000 dwt

No. 2 Quay 90m 4.5m 1,000 dwt

No. 3 Quay 163m 5.7m 3,000 dwt

No. 4 Quay 130m 6.5m 3,000 dwt

Takeuchi No. 1 Quay

Southsoutheast of Nakano East Breakwater

100m 5.5m 2,000 dwt

No. 2 Quay 100m 5.5m 2,000 dwt

No. 3 Quay 100m 5.5m 2,000 dwt

Moriyama Quay Northwest opposite shore of Inner Wharf 300m 3.0-4.5m 700 dwt

Tonoe No. 1 Quay Southwest of Inner Wharf 300m 4.0m

700 dwt

No. 2 Quay West of Tonoe No. 1 Quay 300m 700 dwt

E Shima Quay North shore of E Shima 165m 9.0m 10,000 dwt

Nakano Quay West of Nakano East Breakwater 550m 4.0m 700 dwt

E Shima No. 1 Quay North of E Shima Quay 165m 9.0m 10,000 dwt

No. 2 Quay 130m 7.5m 5,000 dwt

 Sakai Ko—Berthing Facilities

Name Position Length Depth Vessel size
Sector 3. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana 75

Pub. 159

3.30 Uomi Hana (35°36'N., 133°06'E.), the N headland

between Hinomi Saki and Jizo Saki, is a barren reddish promontory fringed with reefs. Saza Guri, a steep-to rocky depth of

9.2m, lies 0.75 mile N of Tako Hana, the N point of Uomi

Hana. A light is shown from Tako Hana.

3.30 Etomo Ko (35°31'N., 132°58'E.) is a fishing harbor located

at the head of the bay on the mouth of the Sada Kawa. Small

vessels can navigate the river which is connected to Sinzi Ko.

3.30 The harbor of Etomo Ko is enclosed by two breakwaters.

The entrance between them is partially protected by a third

detached breakwater. The harbor is used mainly by fishing

boats.

3.30 Lights are shown at the head of the S breakwater, and at the

SW end of the detached breakwater.

3.30 An overhead cable, with a vertical clearance of 8.2m, extends between the N breakwater head and the detached breakwater. Anchorage is available, in depths of 6 to 7m, S of the

offshore breakwater. Depths in the anchorage inside the breakwater range from 3.1 to 4m.

3.30 Between Etomo Ko and Uppurui Wan, 12 miles W, the coast

is rocky and should not be approached closer than 0.5 mile. A

number of small villages lie on this stretch of the coast.

Uppurui Wan (35°28'N., 132°45'E.) lies on the S side of the

promontory which terminates in Uppurui Hana. Uppurai Hana

Light is shown from a round tower, 5.8m high. The bay is 2

miles wide at its mouth and runs E and W for 2 miles. The bay

affords good shelter from all winds except from those in the W

to N.

3.30 Anchorage.—Anchorage is obtainable by small vessels in

Uppurui Wan on sand or rock, good holding ground, but is not

recommended as the bay is completely open W and N, and due

to the funneling effect of the hinterland, E winds raise a sea.

3.31 Hinomi Saki, a high, cliffy point fringed by foul ground,

lies 5 miles WSW of Uppurui Hana. The point forms the NW

extremity of a promontory of which Oishi Bana is the SW

extremity. Hino Misaki Light is shown from a round stone tower,

44m high. An auxiliary light, shown from a round concrete tower

13.1m high, is situated close NE of the main light.

3.31 Caution.—Large fishing buoys made of bamboo or logs are

set 10 to 50 miles off this coast from spring through autumn.

From November through February, large fish nets are set N of

Hinomi Saki; the N and W ends of the nets may be marked

with lights.

Off-lying Islands

3.32 Oki Gunto (36°10'N., 133°10'E.), an island group

con2sisting of Dogo, the NE island, and Dozen, three smaller

islands with numerous rocks and islets to the SW, is located 25

miles N of Uomi Hana. Dogo and Dozen are separated by a

channel almost 6 miles wide. The islands are comparatively

high and rugged; the land used mostly for farming. Tidal currents in the area are weak and irregular.

3.32 Dozen consists of three main islands, so disposed that they

nearly enclose a water area that can be approached by any one

of the three channels leading between them. Ciburi Shima is

the S island; Nisino Shima, the largest, is the NW island; and

Nakano Shima is the NE island.

3.32 Nisino Shima consists of two sections joined by a narrow

isthmus. Takuhi Yama, the highest peak in Dozen, 452m high,

rises near the S end of the NE section which places it nearly in

the center of the group.

3.32 Nakai Kuchi, the passage separating Nishino Shima and

Nakano Shima, has a navigable width of 0.25 mile. A depth of

20.1m can be carried through the middle. Two small islets, 1

mile offshore, obstruct the N approach, and a rocky depth of

17m lies in mid-channel just inside the N entrance. Tidal

currents in the passage set S with a rising tide at a maximum of

0.75 knot and N with falling tide at 1.5 knots.

Nakano Shima is indented by several coves which afford

shelter to small vessels. Atodo Yama, the island’s highest peak,

is 246m high.

3.32 O Guchi (Kiro Kuchi), the channel between Nakano Shima

and Chiburi Shima, has depths in excess of 36.5m for a width

of over 1 mile, except for a rocky depth of 32.9m near midchannel, close W of the entrance.

3.32 Chiburi Shima is the S island of the group. Chibu Wan, on

the S shore, affords shelter for small vessels. Kurii Ko is a

small harbor, protected by breakwaters, on the NE side of the

island. Akahage Yama, 325m high, is the highest peak.

3.32 Meguri, a rock lying in the W approach to the cove W of

Chiburi Wan, is illuminated at night by a light shown on

Mikoshi Hana, the W entrance point to this cove. Another light

stands close N of the one on Mikoshi Hana. 

3.32 Akanadano Seto (Akanada Kuchi) separates the NW end of

Chiburi Shima from the S point of Nishino Shima. An overhead cable, with vertical clearance of 40m, spans the fairwa,y

which has a depth of 34.7m and a channel width of 0.25 mile. 

3.32 Tidal currents of up to 1 knot set E with the rising tide and W

with the falling tide. Because of the E ocean current, the rising

tide is usually stronger and longer lasting. During rough

weather, the current may set W all day.

3.32 Urago Wan, an inlet on the S side of Nishino Shima, affords

anchorage, in 20.1m to 32.9m, mud and sand, good holding

ground. A submarine cable is laid from the point of the small

peninsula, located due W of Takuhi Yama, SSE to a point on

the N shore of Chibura Shima. Urago village is situated at the

head of the bay.

3.32 Directions.—Vessels proceeding to the Urago Wan anchorage by way of O Guchi should approach the passage with Kuroshima Bana in line bearing 283° with Tawara Shima. When

abeam of Kiroga Saki, alter course to 307° to steer for the

258m hill near the head of the SW cove. When abeam of Okatsura Shima, distant 0.7 mile, alter course to 326° to steer for

the 85m hill on Shimane Saki. Then proceed to the anchorage. 

3.32 Dogo Suido, the channel separating Dozen and Dogo, is 6

miles wide; however, rocks and reefs reduce the fairway to

about 2.5 miles between Omori Shima and Onbe Shima. It has

a least depth of 31m in mid-channel.

3.32 Omori Shima is a steep, grassy islet with a sharp conspicuous

peak, 155m high, near the NE end. A number of dangers lie

within the area, 0.5 mile SE of the islet. Sakai Guri, a group of

four low above-water rocks, lies on the outer end of a bank

which extends about 4 miles S from Omori Shima.

3.32 Onbe Shima, a group of four rocks, the highest being 23m

high, lie 2.5 miles NNE of Omori Shima. The rocks are the

outermost danger fringing the SW coast of Dogo.
76 Sector 3. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana 

Pub. 159

3.33 Dogo (36°15'N., 133°17'E.), the largest of the islands,

is about 10 miles in diameter. The island is cliffy and fringed

with numerous islets and rocks that extend up to 0.5 mile offshore. Daimanji Yama, 608m high, the highest peak, is a good

landmark.

3.33 Saigo Ko (36°12'N., 133°20'E.), the capital and principal

town in Oki Gunto, lies on the SE coast of Dogo. Within the

entrance, the harbor branches off to the N and W, forming two

coves. The entrance to the harbor is narrow, but free of danger

except for a rock, 1m high, on the E side of the entrance.

Vessels of up to 1,000 grt, drawing 4m, berth alongside. Pilots

are not available. 

3.33 Anchorage.—Vessels generally anchor in the N cove. The

W cove has a narrow shoaled entrance making it unsuitable as

an anchorage. The N cove anchorage has depths of 18.2 to

32.9m, mud. A small rocky area, 12.8m deep, lies near the center of the cove.

Taisha Ko to Hamada Ko

3.34 From Taisha Ko, the coast trends SW for 44 miles to

Hamada Ko, a port of entry. The coast is rocky and generally

steep-to with no dangers more than 1 mile offshore. A range of

hills backs the entire length of coast in this vicinity and numerous small coves indent the shore.

3.34 Taisha Ko (35°24'N., 132°40'E.) is a small artificial fishing

harbor located 2.5 miles SE of Hinomi Saki. Sheltered anchorage is available off the port, in 9.2m, sand. The anchorage is

protected from N and E winds. The harbor is protected by two

breakwaters and a breakwater in ruins (2007). A wave meter

lies 1.3 miles SSW of the entrance to Taisha Ko. 

3.34 Oura Hana, thickly wooded with pine trees, is prominent

from the N and W. Several rocks fringe the NE side of the

headland. The harbor of Oura is protected by breakwaters.

3.34 Nima Ko (35°09'N., 132°25'E.) is a small fishing harbor

located about 2 miles SSW of Oura Hana. Maetaka Guri, a

rocky depth of 8.7m, lies 0.75 mile NW of the harbor entrance.

3.34 Yunotsu Ko, a small harbor, opened to the NW, lies 4.5 miles

SSW of Nima Ko. The town of Yunotsu is situated on the N

side of the harbor. Oetaka Yama, a conspicuous peak 808m

high, lies 4.5 miles ESE of the town.

3.34 Gotsu Ko (35°01'N., 132°14'E.) is a small harbor at the

mouth of the Go Kawa. There is usually a heavy sea off the entrance to the port. When in freshlets, the river current is reported to reach a rate of 10 knots. Vessels of less than 100 grt

frequent the harbor.

3.34 Aka Hana, about 8 miles SW of Gotsu Ko, is a red cliff

fringed with a rocky shoal. There is a large sandhill about 2.5

miles NE of the cliff which is very prominent from the SW and

W.

Hamada Ko (34°53'N., 132°04'E.)

World Port Index No. 61730

3.35 Hamada Ko, a port of entry, is divided into two sectors; commercial trade is handled in the S sector, while the the

N sector is used as the fishing port. Both the N and S sectors

are protected by breakwaters. A number of islands, scattered

along the N edge of the harbor, also provide good shelter to the

port.

3.35 Depths—Limitations.—Nagahama Ko, the commercial

center of the port, is protected by reclaimed land and the W

breakwater. The draft limitations in the channel are 9m at Nagahama Wharf No. 2 and 7m at Nagahama Wharf No. 1. 

3.35 The principal berthing facilities are described in the

following table .

3.35 Larger vessels handle cargo offshore according to their draft. 

3.35 Isaki Se, a rocky shoal having a least depth of 12.2m, lies in

the approach to the port, about 0.8 mile W of the breakwater.

3.35 Hamada Ko, the fishing center of the port, is protected by

breakwaters. Depths in the harbor range up to 4m. Vessels of

up to 300 grt can enter the fishing port.

3.35 Matsuhara Ura, in which the depths are less than 5.5m, is

situated in the NE corner of the harbor. Hamada Kawa flows

into the S side of the inlet.

3.35 Pilotage.—Pilots are available at the quarantine anchorage

during daylight hours only. 

3.35 Anchorage.—The best anchorage available is off the fishing

harbor, in 12.8m, mud bottom. With strong W winds, vessels

anchor, in 12.8m, off the commercial harbor, 0.25 mile SE of O

Shima. A lighted buoy marks shoal water about 0.5 mile ENE

of O Shima.

3.35 A rectangular quarantine anchorage, 430m by 795m, lying

NE-SW, is centered 0.67 mile E of Shakkuri. Pilots board at the

quarantine anchorage.

3.35 Small vessels anchor E of Setoga Shima or in Tono Ura, in

3.1 to 4.6m, mud.

Hamada Ko to Koyama Misaki

3.36 From Hamada Ko the coast, generally steep-to, trends

SW for about 24 miles to Koyama Misaki. Except for Esaki Ko,

the shoreline is regular and with the exception of Taka Shima all

inlets and known dangers lie within 1 mile of the coast. Several

small fishing villages lie on this section of the coast.

3.36 Taima Yama (34°49'N., 132°01'E.), a prominent peak with

an elevation of 609m, is located 4 miles SSW of Hamada Ko.

Taima Yama is surmounted by five radio towers marked by

obstruction lights.

3.36 Kannon Saki is a cliffy headland located about 5.5 miles SW

of Taima San. The small port of Sutsu lies 1 mile E of the

point.

3.36 Taka Shima (34°50'N., 131°50'E.), a high steep-to island,

lies almost 5 miles NW of Kannon Saki. It is 0.5 mile in length

and 117m high. The island provides a good landmark for shipping along the coast. Taka Shima Light is shown from a concrete tower, 14.9m high, standing on the summit of the island.

Maeno Se, an isolated depth of 15.8m, is located 1 mile E of

the island.

3.36 Esaki Ko (34°39'N., 131°39'E.) is a narrow L-shaped inlet

with a minimum navigable width of 0.1 mile and a depth of

5.5m. The port is used mainly by fishing vessels. At the

entrance to the port, flood current sets onshore and the ebb current sets offshore.

3.36 Aspect.—The port is best identified by Ko Yama (34°39'N.,

131°37'E.), a mountain 533m high, located 0.75 mile S of Koy-
Sector 3. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana 77

Pub. 159

ama Misaki. A second peak, close E, is 478m high. From the

W they appear as one rounded summit.

3.36 Shiritaka Yama, 0.25 mile SE of Ryujin Saki, is 174m high.

3.36 Saidoji, a hexagonal temple, is a prominent mark at the head

of the harbor.

3.36 Directions.—From a position 1 mile off the harbor mouth,

the approach is indicated by the alignment (202°) of leading

lights.The front light (34°39'N., 131°39'E.) is shown from a

round concrete tower, 4.9m high, with an arrowhead daymark.The rear light is shown from a similar daymark, situated

120m SSW of the front light. These towers show up well and

lead through the harbor entrance, with rocks on the W side and

deep water close inshore on the E side.

3.36 About 1.5 miles within the entrance, two breakwaters afford

protection to the anchorage and port.

3.36 Anchorage.—Anchorage, in depths of 4.9 to 7m, in Esaki

Ko is only suitable for vessels up to 1,000 dwt. It is wellsheltered, but the mud bottom is reported to be very soft.

3.36 Koyama Misaki, a conspicuous and salient headland, is the

termination of the N slope of Ko Yama. Shiro Se, a chain of

rocks, some above-water, extends NW for 0.4 mile from the

NW side of Koyama Misaki. A light is shown from the point.

Nanatsu Shima is a group of rocky islets lying 1 mile to the

NW of Koyama Misaki.

Susa Ko to Hagi Ko

3.37 Susa Ko (34°38'N., 131°36'E.) is entered between

Kotohirage Hana and Kamega Kubi. The entrance is encumbered by a group of islets and rocks lying almost in mid-channel, and by foul ground extending N for 0.15 mile from Kotohirage Hana. Breakwaters protect the fishing harbor at the head

of the inlet. A light is shown from Tenjin Shima.

3.37 The preferred channel to Susa Ko is between Tenjin Shima,

the largest islet, and Kuro Shima. Depths shoal gradually from

31m in the entrance, with general depths of 9 to 18.2m in the

central part of the harbor.

3.37 Tidal currents at the entrance to Susa Ko are weak,with the

NE current reaching a maximum about 1 to 2 hours before

local HW and the SW current reaching its maximum at about

the same interval before local LW.

3.37 Anchorage is available, in 14m, mud, 0.1 mile S of Benten

Shima, a small islet marked by a shrine, lying off the N shore

of the harbor. Limited swinging room restricts the two N coves

to vessels of less than 100 grt.

3.37 Uta Shima (34°34'N., 131°29'E.), a flat-topped pine-covered islet, lies 2.5 miles offshore, 6 miles SW of Susa Ko.

Futajima Guri, with a depth of 11.6m, lies 2 miles NW of Uta

Shima. Hime Shima, 92m high, lies 2 miles ESE of Uta Shima.

The channel between these two islets is deep and free of dangers.

3.37 Modoro Misaki (34°32'N., 131°28'E.), a high point faced

with rounded cliffs, lies about 3 miles SSW of Uta Shima. The

point rises to Todake Yame, thickly wooded and 416m high. It

is prominent, especially when viewed from N. A light is shown

on the SW side of the cape.

3.37 O Shima (34°30'N., 131°25'E.), 90m high, lies about 3 miles

SW of Modoro Misaki. A village is situated on the S shore. A

light is shown from the SE corner of the island.

3.37 A submarine cable lies about 0.8 mile SW of the light and

proceeds in a NW direction to the island, about 20 miles distant. 

Hagi Ko (34°25'N., 131°24'E.)

World Port Index No. 61720

3.38 Hagi Ko is a port of entry and a fishing center. Hagi,

the principal city of Yamaguti, is an important industrial center.

A group of six islands lies up to 5 miles offshore on the

approach to the harbor. The islands are mostly flat-topped and

marked by steep cliffs. The city of Hagi is situated in the delta

area between the two branches of Abu Kawa. The port is

entered between Ose Hana and the SW side of Koshigahama

Hanto.

3.38 Winds—Weather.—During the winter months, the prevailing winds are from the W. From March through November, NE

winds are the most frequent; SE winds are rare. Fog seldom

occurs in this vicinity.

3.38 Tides—Currents.—Tidal currents are weak and the slight

ocean current off the harbor sets NE. The current sets NE with

a rising tide, attaining maximum strength at HW. With a falling

tide, the current sets SW and is strongest at LW.

3.38 Depths—Limitations.—Depths in the harbor shoal gradually from 23.7m in the entrance. Kata Ko, the commercial port

at the head of the N cove, has depths of 7m at the dock. According to reports, vessels of up to 2,700 grt, with maximum

drafts of 6.7m, can be accommodated.

3.38 Pilotage.—A pilot is available, but arrangements must be

made well in advance. The pilot boards 1.1 miles SW of Kasa

Yama, where quarantine clearance is conducted.

3.38 Anchorage.—Anchorage is available, in 18.2m, mud and

fine sand, S of Kasa Yama. The roadstead is open to the NW

and vessels frequently drag anchor when winds from that quarter exceed 15 knots.

3.38 Caution.—Fish havens have been set in the harbor and its

approaches.

Hagi Ko to Tsuno Shima and Mi Shima

3.39 From Hagi Ko, the coast trends W for 21 miles to

Kawashiri Misaki, then SW for 9 miles to Tsuno Shima. The

mountains in this vicinity rise abruptly from the coast, which is

broken by numerous bays and inlets. Mi Shima is located 22

miles N of the mainland.

Ai Shima (34°30'N., 131°17'E.), 157m high, is located 7

miles NW of Hagi Ko. It is the largest and outermost island in

the approach to Senzaki Wan. A light is shown from the NW

side of the island.

3.39 O Shima (34°25'N., 131°16'E.), 115m high, located 5.5

miles S of Ai Shima, lies in the entrance to Senzaki Wan. Foul

ground fringes the entire E side from N to S, extending out to 1

mile. A light is shown from the N tip of the island.

3.39 Kabe Iwa, 33m high, is located 1.5 miles NE of O Shima, the

outlying danger on the E side of the main approach channel to

Senzaki Wan. Shojin Guri, a rocky depth of 4.9m, lies 0.6 mile

ENE of Kabe Iwa.

3.39 Senzaki Wan, about 4 miles long and 2 miles wide, is located

7 miles W of Hogi Ko. Numerous islets and dangers lie in the

approach and entrance to the bay, but the bay and harbor are
78 Sector 3. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana 

Pub. 159

relatively unencumbered. Depths shoal from 36.5m in the

entrance of the bay to 18.2m off the entrance to Senzaki Ko.

3.40 Senzaki Ko (34°23'N., 131°12'E.), a fishing harbor in

the SW part of Senzaki Wan, is sheltered from all winds;

breakwaters protect the harbor basin. Depths within the basin

range from 2 to 6m. A shoal, less than 4.9m deep, extends for

about 0.5 mile on the E side of the fishing port breakwater. 

3.40 Depths—Limitations.—A pier at the cement factory, S of

the fishing harbor, has a depth of 8.9m alongside. It has been

reported that vessels up to 8,500 grt use the berth.

3.40 Anchorage.—Vessels anchor, in depths of 8 to 14.9m, mud

and sand. Vessels of 10,000 grt anchor here. Weather and tidal

conditions are similar to those at Hagi Ko.

3.40 Senzaki Seto is a narrow channel, used by small vessels

drawing up to 3.1m, that connects Senzaki Wan to Fukawa

Wan. It is free of dangers, but the shoals in the W approach are

dangerous in a heavy sea. An overhead cable, with a vertical

clearance of 22.9m, and a bridge, with a vertical clearance of

12.9m, span the passage.

3.40 The E tidal current flows through Senzaki Seto from 4 hours

before until 2 hours after high tide at Odomari, with a maximum velocity of 2 knots. The W current may run at a rate of 1

knot. At the turn the currents may be irregular for 1 or 2 hours,

sometimes with a slack period of 15 minutes.

3.41 Omi Shima (34°25'N., 131°12'E.) consists of two

parts connected by a narrow isthmus, 200m wide. The W side

of the island forms the E shore of Fukawa Wan;the S side

forms the N shore of Senzaki Wan. Taka Yama, a conspicuous,

conical mountain, 320m high, rises near the NW end of the

island. The N and E coasts of Omi Shima are fringed with foul

ground to a distance of 0.2 mile.

3.41 Fukawa Wan, a bay, entered between Ima Misaki and

Takenoko Bana, is located 3.5 miles W of Senzaki Wan. The

bay affords sheltered anchorage from all winds except from the

N, good holding ground with a sandy bottom. Depths recede

gradually from 40m at the entrance to foul ground at the head

of the bay. A light is shown from Ima Misaki.

3.41 Mi Shima (34°46'N., 131°09'E.) appears long and undulating from the NW. The island is 2.75 miles in length and 1.75

miles wide. The highest point is 182m and located near the

middle of the W side of the island. There are no dangers other

than rocks scattered along the coast. Local fishermen anchor

off Utsu Ko, a small fishing village at the head of a bight on the

E side of the island, in 7.3 to 20.1m, rock and gravel. 

3.41 The current in the vicinity of the island sets E with a velocity

sometimes as high as 2.5 knots. It is particularly strong off the

N side of the island.

3.42 Kawashiri Misaki (34°26'N., 130°59'E.), a cliffy and

thickly-wooded projection, 60m high, is located 7.5 miles W of

Ima Misaki. The ocean current flows close off the point and

causes tide rips which are very heavy during the summer

months. A light is shown from the point.

3.42 Yuya Wan is entered between Orikama Hana and the SW

extremity of Yuya Hanto, about 2.25 miles to the NE. Depths

range from 45.7m in the middle of the entrance approach to

9.2m less than 1 mile from the head of the bay. The N shore is

relatively steep-to, but the E end of the S shore is fringed with

shoal water and sunken rocks up to 0.5 mile offshore. The bay

is considered a good harbor of refuge.

3.42 Oura Byochi is the most sheltered cove in Yuya Wan and

affords good anchorage, in 14.6 to 23.7m, mud, good holding

ground. The cove gives good protection during the Northwest

Monsoons.

3.42 Caution.—A large number of fishing boats operate within

Yuya Wan and several fish havens lie in the approaches and

entrance to Yuya Wan. 

3.43 Tsuno Shima (34°21'N., 130°51'E.), about 2.3 miles

long, is separated from the mainland by Amaga Seto, a shallow

and dangerous passage, which has a least width of 0.75 mile.

The buoyed channel through Amaga Seto has been dredged to

3.1m and is 50m wide. Vessels up to 200 grt use the channel. A

bridge, with a vertical clearance of about 18m, is under construction across Amaga Seto close NE of Hato Shima.

3.43 Shoals and drying rocks fringe the E and W ends of the

island and extend to the 20m curve, which lies up to 0.75 mile

offshore.

3.43 Anchorage, sheltered from W winds, is available off Oyama,

on the SE side of the island.

3.43 Shiomaki (34°25'N., 130°48'E.), located 5 miles NW of

Tsuno Shima, is a detached reef, 11m deep; it is marked by tide

rips which are heaviest in summer. Strong NW winds raise a

sea over the reef.

3.43 Tidal currents in the vicinity of Shiomaki are greatly altered

by the Tsushima Current. The flood current sets SSW for about

1 hour at the maximum rate of 0.75 knot; the ebb current sets

NNE for 11 hours at a maximum rate of 2.25 knots.

Kottoi Light
Sector 3. Honshu—Northwest Coast—Rokugo Saki to Murasaki Bana 79

Pub. 159

Tsuno Shima to Murasaki Bana

3.44 From Tsuno Shima, the coast trends S for 20 miles to

Murasaki Bana. The coast from Tsuno Shima to Kannon Zaki

is rocky and steep. From Kannon Zaki to Murasaki Bana, the

coast is mostly sandy beach backed by low hills. In general, the

20m curve lies less than 1 mile offshore. Numerous fish havens

exist along this part of the coast.

Futago Shima (34°20'N., 130°53'E.) consists of two rocky

islets surrounded by a reef and located 1.5 miles SE of Tsuno

Shima. The N islet is the higher, reaching a height of 42m. The

summits of the islets are thickly wooded. The passage between

the islets and the mainland is mostly foul.

3.44 Kottoi Ko, a small harbor located about 1.3 miles SE of

Futago Shima, lies in a small inlet. The SW side of the entrance is encumbered by reefs and foul ground. The inlet affords good anchorage, in 7m, mud, good holding ground.

Small vessels take shelter here during bad weather. A light is

shown from the N entrance point.

3.44 Kanda Misaki is a low wooded point located about 2 miles

SSW of Kottoi Ko. The point is fringed by sunken and drying

rocks. Nezumi Shima, a small islet fringed with foul ground,

lies 1 mile N of Kanda Misaki.

3.44 Osaki Bana (34°13'N., 130°55'E.), fringed with reefs, rises

to Sabatsuri Yama, 190m high, and surmounted by a clump of

pine trees. Ryugu Iwa, 18.9m high, lies 0.5 mile NW of the

point.

3.44 Atsu Shima consists of two large islands in a group of islets

and rocks, lying 1 mile offshore, located 2.5 miles SSE of

Osaki Bana. The N island is Me Shima and the S island, the

larger, is O Shima. Both the islands are thickly wooded. Kabe

Shima, a rock 10.1m high, is the northernmost danger in the

group. Maru Se, a rock awash, reduces the fairway to less than

0.2 mile.

3.45 Futaoi-jima (34°06'N., 130°47'E.) lies about 7 miles

SW of Atsu Shima and 3 miles off the mainland. The shoreline

of the island is steep and cliffy, especially on its W side. The

NW part of the island consists of three peaks, the highest with

an elevation of 250m. A light is shown from Kanega Saki,

located on the SW side of the island. Mizu Shima, a rock 3.7m

high, lies 1 mile SE of Futaoi-jima. A buoy marks the E side of

the foul ground off the rock.

3.45 Murasaki Bana (34°01'N., 130°54'E.) is a low, flat, salient

point covered with pine trees. The town of Yasuokamachi lies

close E of the point.

3.45 Kurumi Se, a gravel bank, lies near the NW end of the shoal

area extending 1.5 miles NW from the point. A light is shown

from Kurumi Se. 
81

Pub. 159

4. 

Tsushima

4.0Additional chart coverage may be found in NGA/DLIS Catalog of Maps, Charts, and Related Products (Unlimited Distribution).

SECTOR 4 — CHART INFORMATION
83

Pub. 159

SECTOR 4 

TSUSHIMA

4.0 Plan.—The front of this sector contains general information

regarding Shimono Shima and Kamino Shima, the two main

islands that comprise Tsushima. The S and W sides of Shimono Shima, Aso Wan, and the W and N sides of Kamino

Shima are then described in that order from S to N. Finally, the

E side of Shimono Shima and the E side of Kamino Shima are

described in that order from S to N. 

General Remarks

4.1 Tsushima consists of two large islands and several

smaller ones lying in Korea Strait between the NW coast of

Kyushu and the S end of Korea. The two large islands are

separated by a narrow channel, the E entrance of which is only

available to small craft. Tsushima is mainly known for its fishing industry.

4.1 Shimono Shima and Kamino Shima, the two main islands of

Tsushima, are both mountainous. Shimono Shima, the S island,

attains an elevation of 662m at Yatate Yama, a wooded

mountain with a flat summit, about 5.8 miles from the S extremity of the island. Kamino Shima, the N island, is lower in

height and appears comparatively level. The islands are separated by Aso Wan, which is very shallow at its E end. The

coastline of both islands is indented with many coves and bays.

4.1 Winds—Weather.—Strong NW winds prevail during the

winter and raise heavy seas off the W coast of Tsushima. In

some parts of Tsushima, a peculiar cold wind known as “Kankeburi” blows seaward from inland and causes thick fog on the

sea. The temperature within the fog is usually 6 degrees lower

than outside. 

4.1 North or NE winds prevail during September and October; in

the former month their strong velocity may hinder navigation

near the E coast of Tsushima. It is usually sunny, the exception

being a few rainfalls.

4.1 Southwesterly winds generally prevail during the summer.

Land and sea breezes are prevalent during the summer, resulting in the temperature being lower than along the NW coast of

Kyushu.

4.1 Tides—Currents.—The tidal currents set W along the S

coast of Tsushima, with the rising tide at a rate of from 2 to 3

knots.

4.1 Along the W coast, the tidal currents set in a S direction,

with the rising tide at a rate of 1.5 knots, and in a N direction,

with the falling tide at a rate of 2 to 3 knots. During N winds,

there are tide rips on the ebb current. The N tidal current along

the W coast is stronger than the S current, as the general N set

increases the former but decreases the latter.

4.1 Along the E coast, the tidal current sets S during the rising

tide at a rate of 0.5 to 2 knots, and N during the falling tide at a

rate of 0.75 to 1.75 knots.

4.1 The tidal currents are not felt beyond a distance of 5 miles

offshore; outside this distance the set is always N. 

4.1 Caution.—There is considerable diurnal inequality in the

tidal range during summer and winter; the resulting variation in

strength of successive tidal currents may also be considered.

Shimono Shima—South and West Coasts

4.2 Ko Saki (34°05'N., 129°13'E.), the S extremity of

Shimono Shima, is also the S extremity of a small peninsula

which rises to Ko Yama, a prominent pointed thickly-wooded

summit, 233m high. Hoshinoko Shima, a peculiar shaped

rocky islet, 47m high, lies about 0.5 mile NE of Ko Saki. A

lighthouse, which is prominent from a distance, stands on Ko

Saki. On the point, there is a signal station, with which vessels

can communicate during daylight hours. A light is shown about

1.5 miles N of the lighthouse. 

4.2 Tsutsu Wan (Tutu Wan) is an open bay entered between Ko

Saki and Tsutsu Saki, 2.5 miles to the WNW. The shores of the

bay are mostly rocky. The village of Tsutsu is situated at the

head of the bay. Anchorage for vessels up to 3,000 grt is afforded, in depths of over 10m, in a position close S of the

breakwaters during N winds. Winds from the S cause a heavy

sea and the anchorage cannot be used. Vessels anchor, in 12.8

to 16.5m, about 0.5 mile off the W side of the bay, S of Tsutsu.

4.2 Kono Se is a drying reef extending 0.75 mile in a SSW direction from Tsutsu Zaki. The reef is 4.6m high and prominent

from the E and W. A light marks the S end of the reef. 

4.2 Komatsu Se (34°05'N., 129°09'E.), a rocky patch with a

depth of 7.8m, is located 0.75 mile SE of Kono Se Light.

4.2 From Tsutsu Zaki to Go Sake, 14 miles to the N, the coastline runs S to N in a fairly straight line. Outside the 20m curve,

0.5 mile offshore, the coast is free of dangers. The shore is indented by coves and small bays on which a few small villages

stand. A light is shown 0.5 mile W of the village of Komoda.

Aso Wan

4.3 Aso Wan (34°20'N., 129°18'E.) is entered between

Go Saki to the S and Karasu Saki, 2 miles to the NNE. Both

entrance points are fringed by foul ground, shoals, and rocks,

leaving a fairway of about 1 mile in width. Depths in the fairway range from 20.1 to 86m. The shores of Aso Wan are indented by many bays, some of which penetrate nearly to the E

coast. The most important bays are Nii Byochi and Nobu Wan,

on the N side, and Takeshiki Ko, on the S side 

4.3 Imo Saki, about 3 miles E of Go Saki, is the N termination of

a long, narrow, and sparsely-wooded peninsula, 90m high.

From the W, it has the appearance of a reddish cliff.

4.3 Osaki Wan (34°19'N., 129°15'E.) is entered between Imo

Saki and Utsuno Saki, 2.25 miles to the E. Anchorage is afforded to small vessels with local knowledge on the W side of the

bay off Osaki village, about 1.3 miles S of Utsuno Saki, in a

depth of 25.6m. Strong winds from the N cause a considerable

sea in this area.

4.3 Small vessels can also anchor in Mikata Ura or Kurose Wan,

but not without local knowledge. Vessels entering these an-
84 Sector 4. Tsushima 

Pub. 159

chorages should pass NE of Okino Shima (Myoban-jima).

Kurose Wan is sheltered from winds from any direction.

4.3 Takeshiki Ko (34°18'N., 129°19'E.), the SE branch of Aso

Wan, is entered through Jyogo Guchi (Rotono Kuchi), which is

located 1 mile E of Imo Saki. There is a well-sheltered anchorage for ships up to 2,000 grt, in a depth of 30m, off the harbor.

A submarine cable has been laid in the middle of the interior of

the anchorage. The town of Takeshiki, where there is a naval

station, stands on the W side of Takeshiki Ko.

4.3 Ujigami Bana consists of conspicuous low cliffs covered

with giant pine trees, and is located about 1 mile N of Takeshiki Ko. A hill, 72m high, about 0.4 mile NNE of the cape, is a

good landmark. Yojaku Yama, about 0.4 mile E of Ujigami

Bana, is also a good landmark for the approach to Takeshiki

Ko.

4.3 Anchorage.—Small vessels can take anchorage, in a depth

of about 30m, SW of Nezumi Shima, which is located almost

0.8 mile W of Ujigami Bana.

4.3 Vessels can also anchor, in a depth of about 30m, S of Ujigami Bana; however, caution is necessary because of traffic

bound for the E coast of Tsushima through the E arm of Takeshiki Ko.

4.3 The N side of Aso Wan Nii Byochi, entered between Hitoe

Saki, about 3.3 miles ESE of Karasu Saki (34°22'N.,

129°14'E.), and Kaifuna Saki, about 1 mile farther E, extends

about 2.3 miles N and then divides into two arms, each about 1

mile long. The inlet is mostly deep, and the best anchorage for

small vessels with local knowledge is near the middle of the

inlet, 0.5 mile NW of Uki Se, a gray rock, awash, marked by a

lighted beacon, in depths of 29.3 to 31.1m. Several villages lie

on the shores of the inlet.

4.4 Uki Se (34°21'N., 129°18'E.), a low dark gray rock

that covers during higher HW, lies in mid-channel about 1.3

miles NNE of Hitoe Saki. Vessels entering or leaving Nii

Byochi can pass E or W of Uki Se; however, the channel W of

this danger is recommended.

4.4 Nobu Wan (34°21'N., 129°20'E.) is entered between Kaifuna Saki and a promontory about 0.4 mile to the S. The inlet is

indented with many small coves and bays. Nobu Wan is only

suitable as an anchorage for small vessels with local knowledge, because of the numerous islets and shoals. The anchorage areas are sheltered by the surrounding hills.

Kamino Shima—West Side

4.5 Tsuna Shima (34°25'N., 129°16'E.) consists of six

thickly-wooded islands, connected to each other by a rocky

reef, and lying about 0.3 mile offshore. Enoki Shima, the S

island, lies about 4 miles NNE of Karasu Saki and is 48m high.

Its S side has steep cliffs; from its S end, a reef with two islets

extends about 0.2 mile SW. The middle and smallest of these

islands is Nakano Shima, 51m high. Ko Shima, the N and largest island, is 64m high and is easily identified.

4.5 Tsuna Wan, entered by a channel E of Tsuna Shima, with

depths of 5 to 32.9m, is used mainly by small vessels with local

knowledge. The inlet is used as a fishing base during the summer. The S entrance point is fringed by a reef extending about

135m NW, the fairway of Tsuna Wan is free of dangers.

4.5 Anchorage.—Tsuna Wan affords anchorage to small vessels, in 7 to 20m, mud and sand. Heavy seas run into the inlet

during strong W winds.

4.6 Mine Wan (34°27'N., 129°17'E.) is located about 1.5

miles NNE of Tsuna Shima and is entered between Kurumagono Hana and Shin Zaki. From the entrance, the inlet runs E

for about 0.5 mile and then divides into two arms, one extending about 1.8 miles to the NE and the other about 0.8 mile

SSE. Maru Shima, 40m high, on the S side of the inlet about

0.4 mile inside the entrance, is densely wooded, round-topped,

and easily identified. Yo Se, located at the entrance to the NE

arm, is conspicuous by its reddish brown color. Mine Wan

affords good anchorage, in depths of 31 to 42m, sand and mud.

4.6 Tono Saki (34°31'N., 129°19'E.), located 5 miles NNE of

Mine Wan, has a prominent cliff on its W side and forms the S

entrance point to Nita Wan. Meyano Dan, 0.5 mile S of Tono

Saki, 207m high, is a prominent landmark.

4.6 Nita Wan (34°32'N., 129°19'E.) is entered between Tono

Saki and Ina Saki, which is about 2 miles SSE. Inside of the

bay there are several inlets. The middle of the interior of the

bay generally has soundings of over 30m, however, there are

several dangers and the bay is completely exposed to the W. A

number of villages are situated along the shore of the bay,

which is indented by small coves and inlets. Shishimi Ko,

located on the S shore of the bay, affords good anchorage for

small vessels in moderate depths. A light is shown from Ina

Saki.

4.6 Between Ina Saki and So Zaki, about 5.8 miles to the N, the

coast trends in a NNE direction. The coast in this vicinity is

free from dangers close offshore. A light is shown from So

Zaki.

Sago Wan (34°39'N., 129°20'E.), located about 1 mile E of

So Zaki, extends in a S direction for about 0.5 mile to the

mouth of Sago Gawa, the largest river in Tsushima. The village

of Minato is situated at the entrance to the river.

4.6 Anchorage.—Sago Wan affords good anchorage to vessels

with local knowledge, in depths of 5 to 14m, except during

strong N winds which cause a heavy sea. When anchoring, vessels should use caution to avoid the submarine cable indicated

on the chart. A shrine at the mouth of the river is a good landmark for entering Sago Wan.

4.6 Senbyomaki Yaka (34°39'N., 129°21'E.), a grassy hill,

290m high, is located close E of Sago Wan. A radio tower,

marked by lights, stands about 265m SSW of Senbyomaki

Yama. The tower is a conspicuous landmark during the day or

night.

4.7 Sasuna Ko (34°38'N., 129°23'E.) is located about 2

miles E of Sago Wan and is entered between Toroku Zaki

(Toroku Saki) and Tateba Zaki (Tachibu Saki). Sasuna, a small

port, is situated at the head of Sasuna Ko. 

There is a landing quay, with a total length of 897m and

alongside depths of 2.5 to 3m, along the whole of the inner end

of the harbor. The S shore landing quay is for shipping timber

and the N shore landing quay is for berthing fishing boats.

Ships of 300 grt can berth at the quay in the central part. The

length of the quay is 60m.

On the S shore of the inner end of the harbor there are private
Sector 4. Tsushima 85

Pub. 159

company berthing dolphins, with a reported alongside depth of

7.5m. Ships of 500 grt can berth alongside the dolphins.

There is a breakwater about 250m S of the harbor entrance

lighted buoy.

Sasuna Ko affords anchorage for small vessels, in depths of

14 to 18m, sand and mud, good shelter except from NW winds.

4.7 Aspect.—Tateba Zaki, the E arm of the harbor entrance, and

Mitsuse Yama, a sharp peak which is about 0.3 mile to its E,

are both conspicuous. Toroku Saki, the W arm of the harbor,

has a cliff on its W side.

4.7 Okawachi Wan is located about 2.5 miles NNE of Sasuna Ko

and is entered between Saba Saki (Saman Saki) and Shirahama

Saki. The villages of Oura and Kawachi are located at the head

of the inlet. Korei San, a hill 193m high, and located about 1.3

miles ESE of Shirahama Saki, is prominent as a landmark for

entering Okawachi Wan. The inlet affords good anchorage in

moderate depths, good shelter and mud bottom. When

anchoring, caution should be taken to avoid the submarine

cable indicated on the chart. Except for the fairway leading to

the inner end of the bay, there are facilities for fish and pearls

along the shore.

4.7 The tidal current at the entrance to Okawachi Wan is S with the

rising tide and N with the falling tide. The spring rate is 1 knot. 

Kamino Shima—North Side

4.8 Wani Ura (34°42'N., 129°26'E.) is located about 1.5

miles NNE of Okawaci Wan, and is entered between Oni Saki

and the SW extremity of Uni Shima. The shores of Wani Ura are

fringed with rocks and shoals that extend as far as 0.15 mile

offshore. The charted depths in the entrance are from 20 to 49m.

Within the bay the depths are from 10.1 to 38m. During the

summer, a large number of fishnets are laid across Wani Ura.

4.8 Korei San (34°41'N., 129°26'E.) rises close S of Wani Ura;

it is the only good landmark at the N end of Tsushima and is

very conspicuous from the N.

4.8 Uni Shima, 50m high and wooded, is only inhabited during the

fishing season. A number of metal pylons stand on the island.

Kotaro Shima and Hadaka Shima, each 14m high, lie on a reef

about 90m N and 230m NE, respectively, of the NE extremity of

Uni Shima. The reef extends about 0.4 mile N from Hadaka

Shima. Okinoebi Shima, 17.1m high, and Jinoebi Shima, 32m

high, are two islets connected with each other by drying reefs that

lie between the E end of Uni Shima and Kunoshita Zaki, the N

extremity of Tsushima, nearly 0.5 mile E.

4.8 The channels between Okinoebi Shima and the E extremity of

Uni Shima, and between Jinoebi Shima and Kunoshita Zaki, are

very narrow and tortuous, and the tidal currents run strongly

through them; they should not be attempted. An overhead cable

spans the channel between Uni Shima and the shore.

4.8 A submarine cable leads from about the middle of the S side

of Uni Shima to a position on the E side of the bay, N of the

village of Waniura.

4.8 The village of Waniura is situated at the head of a cove on

the E side of Wani Ura, about 1 mile SSW of Kunoshita Zaki.

The village is difficult to identify from the entrance of the bay.

4.8 Vessels with local knowledge can obtain anchorage in Wani

Ura. During NW winds, vessels should anchor off the S side of

Uni Shima, careful to avoid the submarine cable in the vicinity.

A vessel approaching from the NW should give a wide berth to

Haennoba Se. A light is shown from Waniura Ko.

4.9 Kunoshita Zaki (33°43'N., 129°27'E.), the N extremity of Tsushima, attains an elevation of 39m. Igai Se, which

dries 0.9m, lies 0.3 mile NNW of Kunoshita Zaki; there are

numerous rocks above and below-water in this vicinity, and it

should be avoided.

4.9 Otedo Ura, an inlet on the E side of Kunoshita Zaki, is approached from the E because of the previously-mentioned

dangers; it indents the coast for about 0.6 mile. This inlet is

badly restricted by reefs and detached rocks, and at its head are

two coves, divided by a small peninsula. The village of Otedo

is situated at the head of the W cove.

Saichose Saki, about 0.5 mile ESE of Kunoshita Zaki, is a

low, flat, wooded point and is the extremity of the peninsula on

the E side of Otedo Ura. A reef extends about 0.4 mile N from

the N side of Saichose Saki, and on the reef about 140m offshore are two treeless islets; the W, Tera Shima, 14m high, and

the E, Moto Shima, 14.9m high.

4.10 Torazu Yama (34°42'N., 129°28'E.), thickly wooded

and very conspicuous, is 18.9m high and lies close off the E

side of the entrance of Toyo Ura, about 0.3 mile E of Saichose

Saki; at LW it is connected with the peninsula by a chain of

rocks.

4.10 Okinoshine Shima, a bare round-topped islet, 11m high, and

Jinoshine Shima, a similar islet, 14.9m high, lie on a reef

extending N for nearly 0.8 mile from the E side of the entrance

of Toyo Ura. A light is shown from Okinoshine Shima. A

shoal, with depths of from 3.1 to 4.9m, lies about 0.2 mile N of

Okinoshine Shima. Mi Se, a detached rocky patch with a depth

of 4.9m, lies about 0.5 mile E of Okinoshine Shima. A reef,

with depths of less than 10m, extends about 500m NE of Mi Se

(34°42'N., 129°29'E.). A rock, with a depth of 5.8m, lies on

this reef. These dangers should be given a wide berth by

vessels approaching Toyo Ura from the E.

4.10 Toyo Ura, an inlet less restricted than Otedo Ura, indents the

coast for about 0.5 mile and is backed by low wooded hills. Ko

Shima, 29m high, wooded and conspicuous, lies close off the

W shore of Toyo Ura, about 0.3 mile SSW of Saichose Saki. A

shrine, situated at the head of the inlet, is a good landmark.

4.10 Toyo Ura affords anchorage to small vessels with local

knowledge, in 9 to 14m, mud, good holding ground, but strong

N winds cause a heavy sea. Vessels up to 500 tons can use the

harbor. 

4.11 Mitsu Shima (34°43'N., 129°27'E.), lying about 1

mile NNW of the N extremity of Uni Shima, consists of three

islets lying close together and joined by drying reefs. O Shima,

the SW islet, is the largest at 13.1m high. Naka Shima, the

middle islet, is 14m high; Taka Shima, the NE islet, is 17.1m

high.

4.11 Between Uni Shima and Mitsu Shima are numerous rocks,

above and below-water. During heavy weather, the sea breaks

over the whole of this area. During N or NE winds, there is a

confused sea which makes the area dangerous, even to vessels

with local knowledge. Large vessels must navigate around the

outside of the islets, however, smaller ships of up to 100 grt can

sail E-W through the narrow channel on the S side of Mitsu
86 Sector 4. Tsushima 

Pub. 159

Shima. The tidal currents here may attain a rate of 3.25 knots.

A light is shown from the S side of Mitsu Shima.

4.11 Haenoha Se, a reef with several above-water rocks, lies with

O Shima, the highest rock, 9.8m high, about 0.8 mile WSW of

Mitsu Shima Light. The reef extends about 0.4 mile SW and

0.3 mile NE from O Shima. A shoal, with a depth of less than

1.8m, lies midway between Mitsu Shima and Shirodo Se, a

rock 1.2m high, on the NE end of Haenoha Se. The channels

through this area have irregular depths of less than 5m, and

should be used with caution even by small vessels with local

knowledge.

4.11 Kita Se is a group of above-water rocks lying about 0.3 mile

NNE of Taka Shima. The rocks are from 1.2 to 2.1m high and

difficult to identify from a distance.

4.11 Karasaki Se (34°44'N., 129°28'E.), lying about 0.8 mile

ENE of Mitsu Shima Light, is a group of several above-water

rocks, the highest of which attains an elevation of 3.1m. Foul

ground lies between Mitsa Shima and Karasaki Se. 

4.11 Caution.—Vessels rounding Mitsu Shima Light should give

a wide berth to both Kita Se and Karasaki Se.

Shimono Shima—East Side

4.12 Naiin Wan (34°06'N., 129°14'E.) is located about 1.5

miles NE of Ko Saki. The inlet runs in a N and S direction for a

distance of about 1 mile. The village of Tsutsu Naiin (Tsutsunain) lies at the head of the inlet. Naiin Shima (Nain-jima),

close S of the E entrance point of Naiin Wan, to which it is

connected by a drying reef, is a densely-wooded islet, 162m

high.

4.12 Naiin Wan affords anchorage to small vessels with local

knowledge during N or NW winds, in 12 to 18m, sand, in the

middle of the inlet. Anchoring during S or E winds is not advisable.

4.12 Tatsuno Zaki (34°08'N., 129°17'E.) is 135m high and located about 2.8 miles NE of Naiin Shima. The point is densely

wooded, black in appearance, and very conspicuous from the

SW or NE.

4.12 Kuwa Ura and Agami Ura, close SW and N of Tatsuno Zaki,

afford anchorage to small vessels with local knowledge only

during W winds. Kuwa Ura is the larger and better sheltered of

the two bays.

Izuhara (34°12'N., 129°18'E.)

World Port Index No. 62440

4.13 Izuhara is a port of entry and the largest port in Tsushima. It is situated about 7.5 miles NNE of Ko Saki. The port

occupies an important position as the main entrance to Tsushima, an island which is at the international boundary. There

are car ferries operating between this harbor and mainland

Japan. It consists of a small natural harbor with anchorage and

berthing facilities for small vessels. A detached breakwater

was reported to be under construction about 0.2 mile SE of

Yari Sake. The harbor extends 70m ENE from Yari Sake, then

550m SSE, then 560m SW to the shore.

4.13 Winds—Weather.—North winds prevail throughout most

of the year, but the harbor remains relatively calm because of

the high hills surrounding it. Strong winds blow down from the

hills during the winter season. Anchorage in the harbor is poor

during strong E winds.

4.13 Depths—Limitations.—The charted depths in the entrance

of Izuhara Ko are from 14.6 to 25.6m; in the anchorage area in

the central part of the harbor the charted depths are from 11 to

14.6m. The quarantine anchorage has charted depths of 11.9 to

18.3m.

4.13 Depths—Limitations.—There are eight quays for berthing.

Nakayaki Landing Quay, on the N side, has a berthing length

of 135m, with an alongside depth of 1.5 to 2.5m. On the E side,

No. 2 Quay is the largest quay, with a berthing length of 210m

and an alongside depth of 5m. On the S side the largest quay is

Kuta Quay, with a berthing length of 180m and with an

alongside depth of 5.5m. The largest quay is Kuta 4M Landing

Quay, on the E side of Kuta Ura, with a berthing length of

320m and alongside depths of 2.5 to 4.5m.

4.13 Aspect.—Marukuma Yama, a hill with a wooded summit,

rises to a height of 276m about 1.8 miles WNW of Tora Saki.

Two radio masts stand on the summit of Gongen Yama, 419m

high, located about 1 mile NNW of Yara Zaki. Both masts

show lights and are conspicuous by day and night. Six radio

towers on the NE side of the harbor are also conspicuous.

4.13 Four beacons are situated on the NE side of the harbor from

about 0.2 to 0.3 mile NW of Yara Zaki. A light is shown from

Yara Zaki.

4.13 Anchorage.—Vessels can obtain good anchorage, sheltered

from all but E winds, in the middle of the harbor, in 11.5m,

with the light on Yara Zaki bearing 082°, and a distance of

about 595m.

4.13 A quarantine anchorage, in a circular area about 0.2 mile in

diameter, with charted depths of 11.9 to 18.3m, lies with its

center about 0.3 mile NNW of Tora Saki.

4.13 Anchorage is prohibited in the vicinity of the submarine

cables, and an area between the E side of the Nakayaki Landing Quay, at the inner end of the N part of the bay, and the coast

opposite to its E side.

4.13 Caution.—When the winds blow from the S at a rate of

more than 40 knots, it is very dangerous to enter or leave the

harbor. When a typhoon passes along the E coast of Tsushima,

strong winds and heavy swells enter the harbor and cause considerable damage to the port. At such times, vessels seek shelter in Aso Wan or Miura Wan.

4.14 Azu Ko (34°13'N., 129°18'E.) is a small harbor, the

entrance of which lies between Tsurumo Saki, about 1 mile N

of Yara Saki, and Magari Saki, about 0.4 mile farther N.

4.14 The navigable width of the channel into the harbor between

charted dangers is about 0.1 mile. The charted depths in its

entrance are from 20 to 29m; there are depths of 12.8 to 18.3m

in the middle part of the harbor.

4.14 Good anchorage can be obtained in the middle of the harbor,

in 12.8 to 18.3m, but it is only sheltered from winds blowing

from the SW through N, to NE.

4.14 Small vessels can obtain shelter, even when it is blowing

from the SE, between Magari village and Namuro Shima, in

10.1 to 12.8m, sand.

4.14 Okaji Zaki (Okaji Saki) (34°13'N., 129°20'E.), cliffy and

steep-to on its E side, rises to Okaji Dake, 146m high. The

village of Yabusame lies in a small cove, about 0.3 mile W of
Sector 4. Tsushima 87

Pub. 159

Okaji Zake. There are strong tidal currents in the vicinity of

Okaji Zake and tide rips occur in strong NE winds.

4.14 Kechi Wan is entered between Okaji Zake and Tsunakake

Zaki, about 3.3 miles to the NNE. The shores of the bay are

mostly cliffy and are slightly indented. The interior of the bay

has depths of 8 to 45m. East or S winds cause a heavy sea in

the bay, which is otherwise generally calm.

4.14 Ofunakoshi Seto has its S entrance about 0.5 mile NNW of

Tsunakake Zaki. The channel is 0.15 mile long, 15m wide, and

reported to be dredged to 1.5m.

4.14 A breakwater, with a lighted tower at its end, is situated on

the W side of the S entrance to the channel. A detached breakwater lies 91m S of the above; a lighted tower stands at its E

end.

4.15 Kamabuta Se (34°14'N., 129°20'E.) is a small rock

which dries 1.8m, and is located about 0.2 mile NNE of Okaji

Zaki. Aka Saki is a reddish, cliffy point lying about 0.5 mile

NNW of Okaji Zaki. Shimo Neo-jima is a wooded, cliffy islet,

reddish in color, and lies about 0.8 mile N of Aka Saki. Gono

Shima consists of two small islets lying close together and is

located about 0.5 mile N of Shimo Neo-jima.

4.15 Takahama Ko is entered between a point about 0.4 mile N of

Gono Shima, and Neso Saki, about 0.3 mile to the NNE. Small

vessels entering the harbor can clear the dangers by keeping

range lights shown from a wharf at the head of the bay and the

rear light on a hill NW of the wharf in line bearing 305°. A

light is shown near the S entrance point to Takahama Ko.

4.15 Anchorage.—Okaji Ura affords anchorage to small vessels,

except during E winds, in about 9.2m.

4.15 Takahama Ko is sheltered from all winds, except E or SE,

and affords anchorage to small vessels with local knowledge,

in 3.7 to 16.5m.

4.15 Ota Ura, located about 1 mile N of Takahama Ko, affords

sheltered from all winds except those from the S, and offers anchorage to small vessels with local knowledge, in 6.4 to 10.5m.

Vessels must use caution to avoid a submarine cable.

4.15 There is shelter from N winds between Ota Saki and Tsunakake Zaki, about 0.1 mile offshore, in 8.2 to 18.3m.

4.16 Miura Wan is located about 3 miles NE of Kechi Wan

and is entered between Orise Hana (34°18'N., 129°24'E.) and

Kuroshima Saki, a very conspicuous headland, 1.5 miles to the

NE. Lights are shown from both entrance points. Miura Wan is

divided into two arms, one extending to the W and then SW,

and the other arm extends to the N.

4.16 The SW arm leads into Kusubo Ura, which is about 1 mile

W of Orise Hana. Ogata Ura extends to the SSE. The N arm

leads into Kamoise Hakuchi, with depths from 18 to 33m in the

fairway. Two oil tanks standing on a wharf at Kamoise Gyoko

are prominent. Niyo Shima, an islet with steep cliffs on its SE

side, lies in the middle of Kamoise Hakuchi. The village of

Kamoise lies at the head of this arm.

4.16 Anchorage.—Miura Wan affords anchorage to large vessels

in the entrance area, with shelter from all but E and SE winds.

The anchorage is known to have good holding ground.

4.16 Kusubo Ura affords anchorage to small vessels, in about

20m, in its central part. Ogata Ura has anchorage for small vessels, in depths of 12 to 16m, in its middle part.

4.16 Kamoise Hakuchi affords anchorage, in about 20.1m, mud.

The recommended position lies with the SW extremity of Niyo

Shima bearing 299°, and a conspicuous oil tank at Kamoise

bearing 357°.

Kamino Shima—East Side

4.17 From Kuro Shima to Naga Saki, about 5.5 miles to the

N, the coast is indented and affronted by several islands.

Kanon Yama (34°24'N., 129°23'E.) is a rocky rounded summit, 140m high, grass covered and conspicuous from the N and

S.

4.17 Naga Saki (34°25'N., 129°24'E.) is the NE extremity of a

peninsula. A rocky ledge, 4.6m high, extends about 230m NE

from the point. Depths of 14.6m extend about 0.5 mile ENE

from the rocky ledge. A light is shown from Naga Saki.

4.17 Oroshika Wan is located about 6 miles N of Kuro Shima and

is entered between Naga Saki and Zeni Shima, an islet 11.9m

high, lying close off the promontory about 1 mile to the NW.

Oroshika Wan has two arms, the fairways of both are deep.

Yoko Ura, the SW arm, is open to the NE; Kushi Wan is the

NW arm. The fairway leading into Oroshika Wan is narrowed

to about 0.4 mile by shoals on either side.

4.17 Nanahiro Se, on the N side of the entrance of Oroshika Wan,

about 0.6 mile E of Zeni Shima, has a depth of 8.6m. Manaita

Se, about 0.4 mile E of the same islet, has a depth of 1.3m.

Between Manaita Se and Zeni Shima is a reef with depths of

less than 1.8m. A rock, with a depth of 5.9m, lies about 500m

SE of Zeni Shima. Fuka Se, on the S side of the entrance of

Oroshika Wan, about 0.2 mile WNW of Naga Saki, has a depth

of less than 1.8m.

4.17 An islet, 5.2m high, lies close off the NW side of Yoko Ura,

about 1 mile WSW of Naga Saki. Sazal Sho, awash, lies about

0.1 mile from the NW side, about 0.4 mile SW of the 5.2m

islet. An islet, 37m high, lies close N of Tateishi Saki, on the

SE side of Yoko Ura, about 1.3 miles SW of Naga Saki. Okino

Shima, an islet 17.1m high, lies at the head of Yoko Ura. A

vessel proceeding to the anchorage at the head of Yoko Ura

should favor the SE side of the fairway.

4.17 The W side of the entrance of Kushi Wan is fringed by a bank,

with depths of 0.9 to 5.5m. A 10.1m patch lies about 0.2 mile

NE of Senbon Saki, the SW entrance point of Kushi Wan. Small

vessels berth at a pier at the head of this arm.

4.17 Anchorage.—Vessels up to 500 grt can anchor, in a depth of

20m, mud, in the inner part of Oroshika Wan. The head of the

bay is narrow, but serves as a well-sheltered anchorage.

4.18 Saka Ura (34°27'N., 129°23'E.) is located about 2.5

miles NNW of Naga Saki and is entered between Chi Saki (Ti

Saki) and Okaigo Hana, about 1 mile to the N. Kamabuta Se,

about 0.5 mile NE of Chi Saki, is a black rock, 1.5m high, and

marked by a light. Kai Se, about 0.2 mile N of Chi Saki,

appears as two heads, of which the one to the N dries. This area

is mostly foul ground. Vessels entering Saka Ura should keep a

good lookout for Kamabuta Se and Kai Se, and keep on the N

side of the entrance to the inlet.

4.18 The town of Saka lies at the head of the inlet. Large numbers

of fishing vessels use the town during autumn and winter. The

town is protected by a breakwater from which a light is shown.
88 Sector 4. Tsushima 

Pub. 159

4.18 Anchorage.—Saka Ura is suitable only for small vessels

with local knowledge, which anchor at the head of the bay off

the breakwater. There are depths of 7 to 24m in Saka Ura, but

there are several dangers which restrict the anchorage, and E

winds cause a heavy sea. 

4.19 From Okaigo Hana, the coast trends in a NNE direction for about 7.5 miles to the S entrance point of Kin Wan.

Numerous islets lie close off the coast. Hills, about 152m high,

slope down to the shoreline and are thickly wooded. A detached shoal, with a depth of 1.8m, lies about 0.8 mile NE of

Okaigo Hana and 0.25 mile offshore.

4.19 Shitaka Ura (34°29'N., 129°24'E.) is a small shallow cove

lying about 1 mile NE of Okaigo Hana. The NE entrance point of

the cove is fringed by rocks, awash, and vessels approaching from

the N should be careful to give it a wide berth. A lighted buoy is

moored close to the S of the NE entrance point of Shitaka Ura.

4.19 Hadaka-jima (34°30'N., 129°25'E.), an islet 18.6m high, is

located about 1.5 miles NE of Shitaka Ura. The islet is coneshaped and rocky. Kuro Shima, close NE, is a small rocky islet

with a clump of trees on its summit.

4.19 Oshika Wan is located about 1.3 miles NE of Kuro Shima

and entered between Matsuno Saki and Koya Saki. The shores

are high, steep, and generally wooded. The village of Oshika

stands at the head of the bay. Matsu Shima, a wooded islet, lies

about 90m SE of Koya Saki. Manaita Se, awash, lies in the

middle of Oshika Wan. Vessels entering the bay should pass

NE of Manaita Se.

4.19 Anchorage.—Oshika Wan affords anchorage to vessels with

local knowledge, in depths of 5.5 to 12.8m, but the anchorage

is restricted by the shoals lying in the middle of the bay.

Vessels should pass NE of Manaita Se, awash, located about

0.2 mile SW of Koya Saki. 

4.20 Kin Wan (34°33'N., 129°28'E.), located about 2.5

miles NE of Oshika Wan, is entered between Asagi Saki and

Eboshi Saki, about 0.5 mile to the NE. The shores of the bay

are mostly high, with dense dark woods, especially on its NE

side. Fishing vessels anchor here during the autumn and winter.

Kin, a village protected by breakwaters, stands at the head of

the bay.

4.20 Eboshi Saki is rocky and rises abruptly to Eboshi Yama, a

densely-wooded hill. Eboshi Iwa, a black rock 5.5m high, lies

on the reef that extends SSE from Eboshi Saki. A light is

shown from the breakwater in Kin and also from Eboshi Saki.

4.20 Anchorage.—The bay affords anchorage to small vessels

with local knowledge, except during E winds, in depths of 5.5

to 20.1m.

4.20 Between Kin Wan and Shushi Wan, about 4 miles to the N,

the coast is indented and fringed by a reef, which extends in

places about 0.3 mile offshore.

4.21 Shushi Wan (34°37'N., 129°28'E.) is entered between

Usu Saki and Saginokubi Saki, about 1.5 miles to the N.

Hamakusu Ura and Shushi Ura are the N and S arms of Shushi

Wan. The village of Shushi is situated at the head of Shushi Ura,

and the village of Hamakusu at the head of Hamakusu Ura. Shushi

Wan is about 0.5 mile wide at its entrance, but reefs which extend

on either side of the entrance reduce the width of the navigable

channel to about 600m abreast Aka Saki, a salient point on the S

side of Shushi Wan. A lighted beacon stands on the N edge of the

fringing reef, 183m N of Aka Saki. 

4.21 Anchorage.—Vessels of about 3,000 grt anchor NW of Aka

Saki, in depths of 28 to 36m, except during E winds. Small

vessels anchor in Hamakusu Ura and Shushi Ura, in depths of

11 to 31m, good holding ground and well-sheltered.

4.21 Tsuwa Ura, a small bay, close N of the entrance to Shushi

Wan, affords temporary anchorage to small vessels with local

knowledge, except during E winds, in depths of 6.4 to 10.5m.

4.22 Nishidomari Wan (34°39'N., 129°29'E.), located

about 3 miles N of Shushi Wan, is entered between Tono Saki

and Jodo Saki, on which stands a lighted tower, 1.5 miles SSW.

The bay is free of dangers in the fairway and affords good and

safe anchorage in its inner part. Tono Saki should not be

approached within a distance of about 0.8 mile.

4.22 Gongen Yama, about 1.3 miles WSW of Toni Sake, and

Tomi Yama, about 0.2 mile NE of Gongen Yama, are both

good landmarks for entering the inlet. Tomi Yama can be identified by a radio tower on its SW slope. Range lights are shown

from a slope of a hill at the head of inlet.

4.22 Ikazuchi Zaki (Ikatsuti Saki) is a salient point on the N side

of Nishidomari Wan, about 1.3 miles SW of Tono Saki. A light

is shown from the point. Ko-jima lies on the same side of the

inlet, about 410m ENE of Ikazuchi Zaki. A beacon stands near

the outer end of the reef.

4.22 Furusato Ura and Hitakatsu Ura are two coves lying on the N

and W sides of the head of Nishidomari Wan. The town of

Hitakatsu lies at the head of Hitakatsu Ura. Hitakatsu Ko is the

trading center of Kami Shima and has ferry service to Japan

and Korea.

4.22 Anchorage.—The best anchorage in Nishidomari Wan is

about 0.3 mile WNW of Ikazuchi Zake, in depths of 16 to

18.3m, mud. The anchorage is well-sheltered from all winds.

4.23 Miuda Ura (34°40'N., 129°30'E.), about 1.3 miles N of

Nishidomari Wan, is entered between Tono Saki and Ko Shima,

about 0.5 mile N. This small open bay is unsuitable as an anchorage on account of the many reefs that fringe its shores.

4.23 Izumi Wan lies about 1 mile NW of Miuda Ura and is

entered between Shita Zaki and Atsu Zaki, nearly 1 mile to the

NW. Shiko-jima, in the middle of the bay, is flat and wooded,

and appears to be part of the mainland because of the high hills

behind it. Numerous rocks fringe the shore of the bay and vessels should not use the channel E of Shiko-jima because of

reefs. The harbor is protected by a breakwater a light is shown

from the head of the breakwater.

4.23 Anchorage.—Small vessels may obtain anchorage off Izumi

village, in depths of 10.1 to 15.5m, mud, and good shelter from

all winds.
Pub. 159

5.Kyushu—Northwest Coast (including off-lying islands)

5.0Additional chart coverage may be found in NGA/DLIS Catalog of Maps, Charts, and Related Products (Unlimited Distribution).

SECTOR 5 — CHART INFORMATION
91

Pub. 159

SECTOR 5 

KYUSHU—NORTHWEST COAST (INCLUDING OFF-LYING ISLANDS)

5.0 Plan.—This sector describes the NW coast of Kyushu from

Tomino Hana (Myoken Saki), on the S side of the W approach

to Kanmon Kaikyo, then SW to Ushigakubi; then S to Nomo

Saki and the off-lying islands of Okino Shima, Iki Shima, Goto

Retto, and Danjo Gunto. 

General Remarks

5.1 The NW coast of Kyushu extends SW from Tomino

Hana (Myoken Saki) for about 66 miles to Ushigakubi, on the

E side of Hirado Seto, and then S for 51 miles to Nomo Saki. A

number of islands and islets lie within 30 miles of its N part

and within 85 miles of its S part. The coast line is mountainous

and indented with many bays and inlets. The two major ports

of Sasebo and Nagasaki are described in this sector.

Tomino Hana to Nishiura Saki

5.2 Tomino Hana (Myoken Saki) (33°56'N., 130°41'E.),

on the S side of the approach to Kanmon Kaikyo, lies about 2

miles NE of Kario Hana. It is 25.3m high, and its upper part

consists of a conspicuous brown cliff. Manako Sone, with a

depth of 1.8m, lies about 0.5 mile NW of Tomino Hana. A

lighted tower is situated on the NE side of the headland.

5.2 Ashiya Ura is located at the mouth of the Onga Kawa, about

3 miles SW of Tomino Hana. The bay is protected on its N side

by a chain of reefs that extends about 1 mile to the NW. Two

small islets lie on the S side of the reefs. The town of Ashiya

lies on the SW side of the Onga Kawa, near its mouth.

5.2 Hatsu Saki (33°53'N., 130°34'E.) lies about 6.5 miles SW of

Tomino Hana and consists of high cliffs of volcanic rock.

Hatsushiro Se (Hatu Siro Se) is a detached rocky shoal with a

depth of 1.2m, and lies 2.25 miles N of Hatsu Saki. A light is

shown from the point.

5.2 Kaneno Misaki is a prominent point lying 2 miles E of Hatsu

Saki. An isolated rounded hill, 51.5m high and thickly wooded,

is located on the point. Kanesaki Ko, a small fishing harbor

protected by breakwaters, is located about 0.8 mile S of the

point. A light is shown from the head of the N breakwater. Two

lighted buoys are moored 0.25 mile and 0.15 mile NNE, respectively, of the head of the breakwater.

5.3 Konominato Ura (33°52'N., 130°30'E.) is entered

between Kaneno Misaki and Ku Saki, 3 miles to the SW. The

bay is protected from the N by the island of Jino Shima and

from the NW by O Shima. The holding ground in the bay is

considered poor, and because of the dangers in its approach, it

should be avoided except in an emergency. A submarine cable

is laid from the coast, close E of the entrance to Turi Gawa, to

O Sima. 

5.3 Jino Shima is located with its SE extremity about 1 mile NW

of Kaneno Misaki. A very shoal spit of gravel extends SSE

from the SE extremity of the island, almost to the mainland,

and is usually marked by breakers. Submarine cables are laid at

Jimo Shima, from Oshima and the mainland, as indicated on

the chart. Foul ground off the NW side of the island is marked

by navigational aids. Several fish havens lie within a radius of 2

miles from NNW to ESE of the N point of Jino Shima. 

5.3 O Shima (33°54'N., 130°26'E.), the summit of which attains

an elevation of 217m, is located about 3 miles W of Jino Shima.

The island is a good landmark for vessels approaching Kanmon

Kaikyo from the W. When wind and tidal currents are in opposition, there are heavy seas off the NW extremity of the island.

The entrances to the harbor are protected by detached breakwaters. A fishing village is situated in a cove on the E side of the

island. A light is shown from the NW side of the island.

5.3 Kurara Seto, the channel between O Shima and the mainland, is encumbered with shoals and should not be used except

by vessels with local knowledge entering Konominato Ura. A

number of underwater cables cross Kurara Seto. Buoys mark

only a part of the foul ground in the channel.

5.3 Caution.—A dangerous wreck has been reported in position

33°52'48"N, 130°26'24"E.

5.4 Tsuyasaki Hana (33°48'N., 130°27'E.) and Tate

Saki, about 2 miles N, are the SW and NW extremities, respectively, of a small conspicuous peninsula, located about 5

miles SSW of Konominato Ura. A light is shown from Tsuyasaki Hana. The town of Tsuyasaki lies close NE from the point. 

5.4 Aino Shima, 76m high and flat, lies about 4.5 miles WSW of

Tsuyasaki Hana. The island is wooded and its NW side consists of steep cliffs. There are two islets which are connected to

it by a rock ledge at LW. It has been reported to be a good radar

mark. A submarine cable is laid between the SE side of the

island and the mainland. Hanguri Se, a rock, 22m high, lies

close off the E extremity of the island. Temporary anchorage

can be obtained by vessels with local knowledge in a bight on

the S side of the island. Lights are shown from the NW and SE

sides of Aino Shima.

5.4 Fish havens are situated within 1.75 miles NW and NE of the

N side of Shika Shima, and within about 4 miles of Aino Shima.

5.4 Numerous fish havens lie up to 2 miles offshore between

Shika Shima and Tsuyasaki Hana, 9.5 miles NE.

5.4 A small harbor, which is protected by breakwaters, is situated 5 miles ENE of the summit of Shika Shima. 

5.4 Kurinokami Sho (33°48'N., 130°16'E.), about 5.5 miles

NW of the summit of Aino Shima, is a group of rocks, some of

which dry from 0.5 to 1.7m. There is a lighted beacon in the

middle of the reef. It has been reported that there are wrecks

about 3 miles SE, 4.75 miles S, and 5 miles W of Kurinokami

Sho Lighted Beacon. 

Fukuoka Wan

5.5 Fukuoka Wan is entered between Nishiura Saki

(33°40'N., 130°13'E.) and Myojin Hana, the NW extremity of

Shikano Shima. The entrance is divided into three channels by
92 Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 

Pub. 159

a number of islands and dangers, but only the easternmost is

recommended for ocean-going vessels.

5.5 Aspect.—Genkai-jima lies about 1.5 miles NE of Nishiura

Saki. Lights are shown from its NE side and from a breakwater

standing on its S coast. The coastline of the island is mostly

cliffy. Hashira-jima, a pointed pillar-shaped rock, lies about 0.4

mile NW of Genkai-jima, with shoal water between the two.

Ino Se, a detached shoal, with a depth of 9.8m, lies about 1

mile N of Hashira-jima. Kuro Se consists of three above-water

rocks which lie in close proximity N of Genkai-jima. The

depth of water within the bay is deep to the W of Noko-noShima and it is suitable as an anchorage for large vessels; however, the majority of the area within Hakata Ko to the E is shallower than 10m.

5.5 Ko-tsukue Shima (33°40'N., 130°13'E.) and O-tsukue,

close N, lie about 0.8 mile SW of Genkai-jima. The islets lie on

the NW edge of a shoal, which is located in the NW entrance to

Fukuoka Wan. A buoy marks the S end of the shoal.

5.5 Shikano Shima lies about 3 miles ESE of Genkai-jima, on the

E side of the main entrance to Fukuoka Wan. The SE extremity

of the island is connected to a narrow sandy isthmus forming the

N side of Hakata Ko. Shoal water extending out 1.25 miles from

the NW coast of the island is marked by a buoy. 

5.5 There is a small harbor, protected by breakwaters, on the W

side of Shika Shima. A light is shown from the head of each

breakwater. A detached breakwater lies close S of the harbor

entrance; a light is shown at each end. 

Hakata (33°36'N., 130°24'E.)

World Port Index No. 62430

5.6 The Port of Hakata, a major specified port of entry, is

located in the E part of Fukuoka Wan. It consists of a natural

outer harbor and an artificial inner harbor, with berthing for

large vessels. The harbor area occupies the greater part of

Fukuoka Wan. The harbor is further divided into Harbor District No. 1 to Harbor District No. 4 and a fairway. 

5.6 The entrances to the harbor are on the N and S sides of Nokono-Shima. The entrance on the N side is the main one and has

soundings of 14 to 20m. The depths are shallower closer in. In the

center part of the harbor there are many depths of 7m. The largest

ship to have entered the harbor was 46,445 grt.

Winds—Weather

5.6 The W part of Fukuoka Wan is protected from W winds, but

N winds send in a heavy sea. When cold fronts pass during the

winter, strong NW winds develop.

5.6 Local storm signals are shown at the meteorological observatory, about 0.8 mile S of the mouth of the Naka Gawa, also on

the E side of the entrance of the boat basin.

5.6 Weather signals, by flashing light, are displayed from the roof

of the Port Authorities Building, at the root of Middle Wharf.

Tides—Currents

5.6 The MHW interval in Hakata Ko is 9 hours 40 minutes.

Spring tides rise 1.9m; neap tides rise 1.4m.

5.6 The flood current sets SE in the entrance of Fukuoka Wan

and in the vicinity of Nokono Shima; the ebb current sets

nearly in the opposite direction. The tidal current turns 1 hour

before HW and LW, and both currents attain a rate of about 1

knot. Within the harbor the tidal currents are weak and the rate

does not exceed 0.5 knot.

 Hakata—Berthing Information

Wharf Name Berth No. Berth 

length

Berth 

depth

Hakata Pier

2 105m 5.5m

3 147m 7.5m

Hakozaki Wharf

1-3 390m 7.5m

4 185m 10.0m

5 270m 12.0m

6-10 650m 7.5m

11 230m 7.5m

12-13 480m 12.0m

Timber 360m 10.0m

Timber (dolphin) 280m 10.0m

Higashihama Wharf

1 200m 4.5m

2 80m 5.5m

3 430m 5.5m

4 390m 7.5m

5 310m 7.5m

Middle Wharf

3 130m 7.5m

4-6 556m 10.0m

7-8 360m 5.5m

9-11 390m 7.5m

12 161m 6.5m

Suzaki Wharf

1 130m 7.5m

2-4 553m 11.0m

5-6 260m 7.5m

7-10 450m 5.5m

Nagahama No. 1 360m 5.5m

Nagahama No. 2 360m 5.5m

Island City 

International 

Container Terminal

5 190m 11.0m

6 (C1) 330m 14.0m

7(C2) 350m 15.0m
Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 93

Pub. 159

Depths—Limitations

5.6 Central Passage, the channel leading to the entrance at the

breakwaters and continuing N to Hakozaki Wharf has been

dredged to 14m. 

5.6 The Middle Wharf projects NW from the shore on the W

side of the mouth of Mikasa Kawa and functions as an international passenger terminal. Hakozaki Wharf lies on reclaimed

land in the N part of the inner harbor and functions as an international trade hub. Higashihima Wharf lies close S of the S

side of Hakozaki Wharf and is used for the transfer of LNG

and construction materials. Suzaki Wharf projects NW from

the shore on the W side of the mouth of Naka Kawa and is used

mainly for grain distribution.

5.6 Hakata Pier serves as a domestic services and ferry terminal.

Two berths at Kashii Park Port, along with one berth at Hakozaki Wharf, serve as the main container terminals. The two

berths at Kashii Park Port have a total length of 600m and

depths of 12.8 to 13m alongside. The Hakozaki berth is 270m

long, with a 12m depth alongside. The Aratsu Oil Center has

ten berths, each having a depth of at least 5.5m, and one berth

with depths less than 5.5m. 

5.6 Island City terminal has two container vessel berths with

alongside depths of 11 to 14m; a third berth extends the length

of this wharf with an alongside depth of 15m. 

5.6 A bridge, with a vertical clearance of about 3.8m and marked

by lights, connects Suzaki Wharf and Aratsu Oil Center, and

spans the entrance to Hakata Fishing Harbor. 

Aspect

5.6 Abura Yama (33°30'N., 130°22'E.), a good landmark, rising

about 7 miles SSE of the summit of Nokono Shima, is located

in Fukuoka Wan, 1 mile S of Shikano Shima.

5.6 Bishamon Yama, a conspicuous wooded hill with a sharp

summit, rises in a position about 2 miles WSW of the summit

Hakata—Hakata Pier

Hakata—Hakozaki Wharf

Hakata—Higashihama Wharf

Hakata—Middle Wharf
94 Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 

Pub. 159

of Nokono Shima; it is a useful mark for vessels entering Imazu Wan. 

5.6 A tower, 102m high, stands close NE of the bridge spanning

Susaki and Hakata Wharves. Four white chimneys on the E

side of Hakata Ko, on the N side of the mouth of the Tatara

Gawa, are conspicuous. 

5.6 Ha Shima, about 1.8 miles ENE of the E extremity of Nokono Shima, forms a good landmark.

Pilotage

5.6 Pilots are not compulsory, but recommended and can be contacted on VHF channels 12 and 16 (call sign: Hakata-ho-an).

Pilots are available from 0500 to 2400, and board 0.5 mile N of

Nokonoshima Light; pilots are also available 24 hours for full

container ships. 

Regulations

5.6 A pier for the sole use of vessels discharging liquefied petroleum gas is situated on the S side of Saito Saki, situated

about 1 mile E of Ha Shima. When such a vessel is moored or

mooring alongside the pier, no other vessel may approach

within a distance of 45.7m. In addition, a red flag will be displayed at the pier. Three lighted buoys, each exhibiting a red

light, mark the restricted area.

5.6 Any vessel without a funnel net to prevent fire or one with

insufficient fire control should not enter the area.

Anchorage

5.6 Anchorage, sheltered from N winds, can be obtained in

Fukuoka Wan off the S side of Shikano Shima; protection from

the W winds can be obtained in the lee of the peninsula that

forms the W side of Fukuoka Wan.

5.6 Anchorage, limited by draft, can be had practically anywhere

in Hakata Ko, but a position SW of Saito Saki is recommended

during strong N winds, and off the E side of Nokono Shima

when W winds prevail.

5.6 An area of prohibited anchorage, as delineated on the chart,

lies in the SW section of the harbor.

5.6 The quarantine anchorage is situated on the NE side of

Nokono Shima. The anchorage is marked by a buoy.

The Hakata Bridge

Hakata—Suzaki Wharf
Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 95

Pub. 159

5.7 The coast between Nishiura Saki and Hotoke Saki,

about 8 miles SW, is backed by a number of conspicuous detached pointed hills, the summits of which are thickly wooded.

Kaya San (33°34'N., 130°10'E.), the most conspicuous of

these hills, is 379m high. From the N, this hill appears flattopped, but from the E or W, it appears pointed.

5.7 Nishiura Saki (33°40'N., 130°13'E.) is a well-defined point

rising to an elevation of 156m close within the headland. A

light is shown from the point. Nagama Se dries 0.6m and lies

about 4 miles NW of Nishiura Saki.

5.7 Nogita-Todai Se (33°39'N., 130°07'E.) is a group of rocks

located 4.5 miles W of Nishiura Saki. The highest rock reaches

an elevation of 1.9m and forms a good radar target up to 5

miles. A light is shown from the N side of the rocks. A wreck

lies about 1.5 miles E of the light. A fish haven is also situated

about 0.7 mile SSW of Nogita-Todi Se.

5.7 Oto Saki, a precipitous headland consisting of black rocks in

the form of square columns, is located about 6.5 miles SW of

Nishiura Saki.

5.7 Hotoke Saki (33°34'N., 130°05'E.) is the E entrance point of

Karatsu Wan. The point is cliffy and located about 1 mile SW

of Oto Saki, and is dominated by Tateishi Yama, a prominent

brown hill, 208m high. A light is shown from No Se, about 0.8

mile S of Hotoke Saki, marking the edge of foul ground.

Karatsu Wan

5.8 Karatsu Wan is entered between Hotoke Saki and

Kawaraki Saki, located about 8 miles to the WSW of Hotoke

Saki. The bay extends for about 6 miles N and S, and about 11

miles E and W. The shores of the bay are generally sandy

beaches; rocky headlands jut out and the mountains to the S of

the bay are extremely steep. The bay is capable of providing

sheltered anchorage to ocean-going vessels. Kashiwa Shima

Hakata—Kashii Park Port

Hakata—Aratsu Oil Center
96 Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 

Pub. 159

and Hime Shima lie in the entrance of the bay, dividing it into

three channels, the middle being better. The port of Karatsu, in

the SW part of the bay, is a busy coal port.

Karatsu (33°29'N., 129°58'E.)

World Port Index No. 62420

5.9 The Port of Karatsu is approached between Oka Saki

and Kushi Saki and stands in the extreme SW corner of

Karatsu Wan. The harbor is divided into Nishi Ko (West

Harbor) and Higashi Ko (East Harbor). The harbors are separated by O Shima, which has a lighthouse on its N side and is

connected to the mainland at its SW end by an area of reclaimed land. 

5.9 The W sector is more active commercially. Depths range

from 7 to 11.9m. Anchorage exists for over 100 vessels, including those of 30 to 5,000 grt capacity. Approximately 40

vessels use the port annually. 

5.9 Winds—Weather.—During the summer, SE winds predominate; during the winter, NW or SW are prevalent.

5.9 Conditions are usually calm within the harbor throughout the

year; however, since the harbor is open to the NE, large waves

enter during strong N winds, which occur mostly during the

winter months.

5.9 Tides—Currents.—The MHW interval is 9 hours 26 minutes; spring tides rise 2m and neap tides rise 1.5m.

5.9 The tidal currents flow ENE during the flood and WSW during the ebb. The rate seldom exceeds 1 knot.

5.9 Depths—Limitations.—A depth of 7.6m is maintained in

the approach channel to the main pier in Nishi Ko (West Harbor). There is a least depth of 5.8m in the approach channel to

the main pier in Higashi Ko (East Harbor).

5.9 The depths in Higashi Ko (East Harbor) are inclined to decrease because of the outflow of mud from the Matsuura Gawa.

5.9 Extensive berthage for vessels up to 3,000 grt is available for

handling general and bulk cargo, such as coal in Nishi Ko

(West Harbor) and Higashi Ko (East Harbor). Liquefied gas is

handled at the Bridgestone Dolphin Jetty by vessels up to

60,000 dwt.

5.9 The following berths are available:

5.9 There are two embankments for loading coal, their depth

alongside being 5.5m. Three mooring buoys also exist, two to

take one vessel each of 1,000 to 2,000 grt, and one to take one

vessel of 3,000 to 4,000 grt.

5.9 A broad area of reclaimed land extends 0.5 mile NNW from

Myoken to form Myoken Wharf, 600m long. There are three

berths on the E side, with depths of 8 to 12m alongside. 

5.9 A gas terminal is available for vessels up to 60,000 dwt at the

Bridgestone Dolphin Jetty; maximum draft is 11.7m. 

5.9 Aspect.—Ukidake Yama is very conspicuous among the

mountains at the head of Karatsu Wan; it rises 805m, about 3

miles ESE of Kushi Saki.

5.9 Taka Shima, at the NE end of Karatsu Ko, is surmounted by a

170m conical hill; it is a good landmark for entering the harbor.

5.9 There is a conspicuous white building at the quarantine

station at Myoken (33°28'N., 129°57'E.) which is situated on

the mainland SW of O Shima. 

5.9 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory. Pilot boards off

Kashiwa Shima, if required.

5.9 Anchorage.—It is possible to avoid the N winds to some

extent by the shelter afforded by Oka Saki in a position where

the depths within Nishi Ko are about 7m. Depths within the

anchorage on the W side of O Shima are from 7 to 10.1m. It

has been reported that Higashi Ko is a better anchorage than

Nishi Ko during NW winds, in a position between O Shima

and Tori-jima, where the depths are from 7 to 9m.

5.9 The quarantine anchorage is situated about 0.8 mile NNW of

O Shima.

5.9 Caution.—Caution is necessary as a foul area and a fish

haven are situated in the N corner of the anchorage.

Kashiwa Shima to Hado Misaki

5.10 Kashiwa Shima (33°32'N., 129°58'E.) is located 1.25

miles N of Oka Saki. On the W side of the island, there is a

cove formed by a narrow spit of sand and gravel, but the depths

in it are shoal. The channel between the island and the mainland is about 0.3 mile wide, with depths of less than 7.3m, and

is only available to small craft with local knowledge. A light is

shown from the W end of the island.

5.10 Nanatsugama lies about 2 miles WNW of Kashiwa Shima

and is a natural monument. It consists of angular pillars of

eroded basalt with seven caves below the pillars.

5.10 Tomo Saki (33°33'N., 129°55'E.), a precipitous headland,

from which a shoal extends about 0.2 mile N, is located 1.25

miles W of Nanatsugama. The town of Komoto lies on the W

side of the point. Submarine cables are landed in the bays on

either side of the point.

5.10 Taka Shima is a rocky densely-wooded islet, 48m high,

located about 0.8 mile NNW of Tomo Saki. The N side of the

island forms a steep cliff, and a light is shown from its summit.

A small boat harbor, protected by a breakwater on which

stands a light, lies on the SW extremity of the island. 

5.10 A tower 70m high stands 183m N of the breakwater light. A

small harbor protected by two breakwaters lies close E of the

small harbor on the S side of Taka Shima.

5.10 Submarine cables are laid from Taka Shima and Tori Shima,

S to the coast. A submarine cable is laid between Taka Shima

and O Shima. 

Karatsu—Berthing Information

Berth Length Depth

Pier No. 1 49m 5.1m

Pier No. 2 89m 4.5m

Pier No. 3 164m 4.5m

Pier No. 4 109m 7.0m

Pier No. 5 54m 3.9m

Oshima Pier 220m 7.4m

Oshima S Pier 342m 5.4m

Commerce/Industry Pier 199m 4.5m

Dolphin Pier 364m 7.4m

Bridgestone LNG 

Terminal

60,000 dwt 11.6m
Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 97

Pub. 159

5.10 Usu Shima (33°34'N., 129°54'E.), lying on detached shoals

in the main approach to Yobuko Ko, is located 0.5 mile NW of

Taka Shima. The islet is flat and marked by a conspicuous

stone wall, 7.9m high. A light is shown from the islet. A fish

haven is situated close N.

5.10 Maru Sone, a detached 8.2m rocky patch, lies about 0.3 mile

SE of Taka Shima. It is sometimes marked by tide rips.

5.11 Kabe Shima (33°33'N., 129°53'E.) lies on the NW

side of Yobuko Ko and about 1 mile W of Taka Shima. The S

and SW extremities of the island are fringed with shoal banks

extending about 0.2 mile offshore. Benten Seto is a narrow

channel between the S end of Kabe Shima and the mainland,

and used only by local small craft. A light is shown from the N

extremity of Kabe Shima.

5.11 Yobuko Ko is located off the SE side of Kabe Shima and

about 0.8 mile W of Tomo Saki. The inlet is open to the NE,

but is protected by the islets off its entrance. Anchorage can be

taken, in 20.1 to 23.8m, gravel. Two breakwaters protect the

NE entrance to the inlet. The town of Yobuko lies in the SE

corner of Yobuko Ko.

5.11 Nagoya Ura (33°32'N., 129°53'E.) lies off the S coast of

Kabe Shima, about 0.8 mile SW of Yobuko Ko. There is good

anchorage, in 22m, gravel, with the lighthouse on Taka Shima

in line with the NW islet of Futako Shima bearing 048.5°. The

town of Nagoya lies on the W side of the inlet. Nagoya Gyoko,

protected by two breakwaters, lies close within the W entrance

point of the inlet; a light stands on the N breakwater. These

breakwaters were extended. 

5.11 Hado Misaki (33°33'N., 129°51'E.), lying about 1.8 miles

W of Kabe Shima, is a rocky peninsula, and from the SW or W

appears as a low islet. The peninsula should not be approached

within 0.5 mile as it is fringed with reefs on all sides. A light is

shown from the point and a lighted buoy marks the reef on the

W side of Hado Misaki.

Off-lying Islands

5.12 Futagami Shima (33°36'N., 129°33'E.) is located

about 15 miles WNW of Hado Misaki. The islet is 98m high

and lies on the W end of Iki Suido. It is saddle shaped and there

are no dangers more than 0.2 mile from its coasts. A light is

shown from the SW side of the islet. Ko Futagami Shima is

57m high and lies about 1.8 miles WNW of Futagami Shima.

Karato Sho, a steep-to rock, 3.3m high, lies about 0.6 mile NE

of Ko Futagami. Breakwaters protect the outer part of Yobuko

Ko from the N.

5.12 Madara Shima lies on the S side of the main fairway through

Iki Suido, and is located about 4 miles WNW of Hado Misaki.

The island rises to a round flat-topped hill on its E side, but on

the W side there is a row of sharp peaks dominated by Banshono Tsuju, 238m high. Northwest of this peak and connected

with it by a ridge is O Yama, a wooded peak that rises abruptly

from the cliffy NW extremity of the island. Both peaks are

conspicuous and can be seen a good distance. A light is shown

from the SSE corner of the island.

5.12 Matsu Shima (33°35'N., 129°50'E.), 138m high, lies about

2 miles N of Hado Misaki. The SW end of the island is foul for

about 0.2 mile offshore; on this foul ground are several abovewater rocks, the largest of which are Take Se and Komatsu

Shima, which are 16.5m and 26m high, respectively. Open

anchorage can be obtained off the E side of the island.

5.12 Kakara Shima, which rises to a height of 123m, lies about

0.5 mile NE of Matsu Shima. The islands are separated by a

channel 0.3 mile wide. Futame Se dries 2.7m and lies on the

NE part of a small shoal, about 0.3 mile off the S extremity of

the island. Kuro Se, a flat rock 7.3m high, lies close off the SE

coast of the island. Lights are shown from the N and S ends of

Kakara Shima.

5.13 Ogawa Shima (33°36'N., 129°54'E.) lies about 1.3

miles E of Kakara Shima; at its S end are two prominent hills.

Me Se, close off the SW extremity of Ogawa Shima, is 7.3m

high, and in its vicinity are a number of rocks that dry. Submarine cables run from the S coast of Ogawa Shima to Kakara

Shima and to the coast of Kyushu. They also run from Madara

Shima to Kyushu.

5.13 Amashiri Se lies about 1 mile SSE of the SE extremity of

Ogawa Shima and has a depth of 6.7m. From N to S between

Amashiri Se and Ogawa Shima lie Hira Se, from which a light

is shown; Yakata Se, a black rock, 7m high; and Ori Se, a rock

that dries 0.9m.

5.13 Iki Suido is the W entrance channel of Genkai Nada, and lies

between the NW coast of Kyushu and Iki Shima. It is about 11

miles wide; in it there are a number of islets and shoals with

deep navigable channels between them.

Iki Shima

5.14 Iki Shima (33°47'N., 129°43'E.) lies on the NW side

of Iki Suido and is located about 10 miles NNE of Futagami

Shima. It consists mostly of sand, rock, or lava, and its surface

is mainly tableland. Takeno Tsuji, the summit of the island, is

in the S part, and rises to a height of 212m. On Take is near the

NE extremity of the island and is 156m high. The summit of

Tsunokami Yama, 134m high, lies about 2.3 miles NNW of

Takeno Tsuji. These three peaks are all good landmarks for

approaching the island.

5.14 On the SE side of Iki Shima, Iruka Saki, the S extremity of

the island, is low, flat, barren, and easily identified. A light

stands on the point.

5.14 Kagamidake Hana, about 0.5 mile NE of Iruka Saki, is a

steep, wooded point, with a pointed summit, 85m high, which

is a prominent feature.

5.14 Indoji Ura is a cove located about 3 miles NE of Iruka Saki,

and affords anchorage, sheltered from the N winds, to small

vessels with local knowledge. 

5.14 Kanajairo Iwa, 11.6m high and white with guano, lies about

1 mile ENE of Gongen Hana (33°46'N., 129°48'E.).

5.14 On the NE side of Iki Shima, Ashibe Ura (33°48'N.,

129°46'E.) is a shallow inlet with the village of Ashibe on its S

side and the village of Seto on its N side. A light is shown from

the S entrance of the inlet. Ashibe Ura affords anchorage to

small craft with local knowledge.

5.15 Uotsuri Sake (33°51'N., 129°46'E.) is located about 2

miles N of Ashibe Ura. A light is shown from the point.

5.15 On the SW side of Iki Shima, Hozo Saki (33°44'N.,

129°41'E.), the E entrance point of Gonoura Ko, lies about 2.5
98 Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 

Pub. 159

miles NW of Iruka Saki. The point is wooded and makes a

good landmark.

5.15 Kanajiro Iwa, a black rock, 9.8m high, lies on the W side of

the approach to Gonoura Ko, about 1.5 miles SW of Hozo Saki.

5.15 Sora Sone and Mottaro Se, with depths of 5.8 and 7.6m, rock,

lie about 0.5 and 0.75 mile NNE, respectively of Kanajiro Iwa.

5.15 Hira Shima (33°42'N., 129°38'E.) lies on the W side of the

approach to Gonoura Ko, and about 1.8 miles WSW of Kanajiro Iwa. Its summit is bare and its sides consist of steep black

cliffs. Tsuri Sone, a detached rocky shoal with a depth of 2.1m,

lies about 0.5 mile SE of Hira Shima.

Haru Shima and Naga Shima, both of which are flat and

thickly wooded, lie about 1.75 miles NE and 1.5 miles N, respectively, of Hira Shima.

5.15 O Shima (33°44'N., 129°38'E.), close N of Naga Shima, is

separated from Iki Shima by Oshima Seto, a narrow channel,

encumbered by shoals, and only used by small craft with local

knowledge. A light is shown from the E side of O Shima.

5.15 Eboshi Saki lies about 0.8 mile ESE of the NE extremity of

O Shima. Hie Sone, with a depth of 3.1m, lies within 0.3 mile

S of Eboshi Saki.

5.16 Gonoura Ko (33°44'N., 129°41'E.), the principal port

on Iki Shima, is entered between Eboshi Saki and Hozo Saki.

The port is opened to the S, but affords anchorage sheltered from

all other directions. A moderate-size vessel can anchor, in a

depth of 22m, with the NW side of Hira Shima bearing 228°,

and the summit of O Shima bearing 265°. Gono Se is black and

7m high, upon which stands a light. It is situated 1.25 miles W of

Iruka Saki. 

5.16 The inner harbor is narrow and suitable only for small vessels. A vessel of 600 grt is the largest that can be accommodated alongside in the inner harbor. Submarine cables are

landed in Gonoura Ko, W of Eboshi Saki.

5.16 On the NW side of Iki Shima, Hansei Ura, located about 2.5

miles NE of O Shima, is exposed to the NW and cannot be

recommended as an anchorage. The inlet has a number of

shoals, with depths of less than 9.2m, and at times is exposed

to heavy swells.

5.16 Yunomoto Wan (33°50'N., 129°40'E.) lies about 2.5 miles

N of Hansei Ura and is only suitable for small vessels with

local knowledge. Tenaga Shima, the W entrance point of the

inlet, shows a light. The inlet is exposed to heavy swells when

NE gales sweep around the NW end of Iki Shima.

5.16 Katsumoto Ko lies between the NW end of Iki Shima and

several islets close offshore. The largest of the islets is Wakamiya Shima, which shows a light. The islets afford very little

shelter to Katsumoto Ko, but on its S side is a cove, protected

by breakwaters, which allows shelter to small vessels. The

town of Katsumoto lies in this cove. In good weather, vessels

anchor outside the breakwaters, in 5.8 to 18m, good holding

ground.

Outer Islands

5.17 Na Shima (33°44'N., 129°52'E.) is a group of islets

lying on a rocky shoal, on which are numerous above-water and

submerged rocks lying about 8 miles N of Kakara Shima, about

3.5 miles ESE of Gongen Hana on the E side of Iki Shima. The

largest islet is Mae Shima, flat-topped and 17.7m high. A

number of rocks and foul patches lie up to 2.5 miles off the E

and S sides of Na Shima. A light is shown from the S islet.

5.17 A small harbor, which is protected by two breakwaters, is

situated on the NE side of Haru Shima.

5.17 Eboshi-jima (33°41'N., 129°59'E.), lying 7 miles ESE of Na

Shima, is 43m high and is steep-to on all sides. From the NW

and N, it has a rugged appearance and from the E, it presents a

pointed summit. A light is shown from the summit of the islet.

5.17 Orono Shima (33°52'N., 130°02'E.), an island with two

peaks, the S one of which is 109m high, lies 11 miles NNE of

Eboshi-jima. Close off its N extremity are two above-water

rocks, but the island can be approached to within 0.75 mile on

all sides. Two fish havens are situated within 0.75 mile W of

the W side of Orono Shima. There is a small settlement and a

breakwater on the S end of the island. A light is shown from

the S end of Orono Shima.

5.17 Okino Shima (34°14'N., 130°06'E.), steep-sided and densely-wooded,lies about 23 miles NNE of Orono Shima. Its

summit is 244m high and lies almost in the center of the island.

Shoal water with above-water rocks extend out 0.75 mile from

the S side of the island. A light is shown from the summit of

Okino Shima. A small settlement is situated on the S side of

the island.

5.17 Nada Saki is a rocky point located about 0.8 mile S of Hado

Misaki. Close S of the point is a cove, of which both entrance

points are foul. Kuro Se, a rock 3.4m high, is joined to the S

entrance point of the cove by a shoal that dries.

5.18 Kushino Ura (33°31'N., 129°51'E.), a narrow inlet on

the NE side of the peninsula that terminates in Kushi Saki, is

located about 1 mile S of Nada Saki. The inlet is sheltered,

except from the NW, but its head is shoal and only available to

small vessels with local knowledge.

5.18 Hokawazu Ura. a narrow inlet that is entered between Chika

Saki and Kushi Saki, is located about 0.5 mile S of Kushino

Ura. The inlet is free of dangers, but only used by small vessels

with local knowledge. A bridge, with a vertical clearance of

19m, spans the channel at its narrowest part. The town of

Hokasu lies midway in the inlet on the W side.

5.18 Chika Saki (33°31'N., 129°50'E.) is a low, flat, rocky cape,

about 0.5 mile W of the mouth of Hokawazu Ura. The cape is

green and very conspicuous from a distance. A submerged

rock, with a depth of 4.1m, extends for about 0.4 mile NW

from the end of the point. A light is shown from Chika Saki.

5.18 Wakudo Se (33°29'N., 129°50'E.), 11.6m high, lies on the S

end of a patch of foul ground, about 2 miles S of Chika Saki.

The N end of the foul patch is marked by Hira Se, an abovewater rock. A light is shown from Wakudo Se.

5.18 Kariya Wan is entered between Miya Saki and Takaiwa

Hana, about 0.8 mile S of Wakudo Se. The inlet affords almost

landlocked anchorage, in depths of 9.2 to 21.9m, soft mud.

There is good anchorage for small vessels in most parts of the

inlet. Several small towns lie within the bay. A light is shown

from Takaiwa Hana.

5.18 O Saki (33°29'N., 129°49'E.) is a steep point surmounted by

a grassy hill, 86.6m high, and located about 1.3 miles W of

Wakudo Se. A reef extends from the point in a NW direction

for a distance of about 0.4 mile. Osakino Se, a 4m rocky patch,

forms the offshore extremity of the reef.
Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 99

Pub. 159

O Saki to TsuSakino Hana

5.19 Muku Shima (33°29'N., 129°47'E.) lies in the approach to Hibi Suido, and about 1.5 miles W of O Saki. The

summit of the island is partly wooded and lies on its S end. The

island is surrounded by foul ground and above-water rocks.

Aka Se, a reddish brown islet, 11m high, lies about 0.8 mile

SSE of Muku Shima. A detached rock, with a depth of 1.8m,

lies 0.1 mile ENE of Aka Se.

5.19 Ki Se, about 0.3m high, lies about 0.5 mile ENE of Aka Se

and is usually marked by breakers. The rock is marked on its W

side by a lighted buoy. A light is also shown from the summit

of Muku Shima. Submarine cables are landed on the SE side of

Muku Shima.

5.19 Hibi Suido lies between the NE side of Taka Shima and the

mainland, and is approached between Ao Saki and O Saki,

about 2 miles to the NE. Several points on either side of the

channel are fringed with reefs that dry out. Owing to the dangers between Muku Shima and the mainland, vessels using this

channel should pass between Muku Shima and Taka Shima.

Daziku Ura, on the E side of the N end of Hibi Suido, is

entered S of Kondomari Hana, a point about 1 mile S of O

Saki. Mo Se, a rocky spit on which lies a rock, awash, extends

about 0.3 mile SW from Kondomari Hana. A bridge, with a

vertical clearance of 27m, crosses Hibi Suido; bridge lights are

exhibited. 

5.19 Daziku Ura affords anchorage, sheltered from all except NW

winds, in depths of 10.1 to 18.3m, mud.

5.19 The depths in Hibi Suido are sufficient to accommodate

deep-draft vessels, but passage should not be attempted without local knowledge.

5.20 Taka Shima (33°26'N., 129°45'E.) is the largest of

the islands in the entrance of Imari Wan; Ao Saki, its N

extremity, is located about 1.5 miles SW of the light on Muku

Shima. The island is fringed by shoals and foul ground, and is

indented with a number of bays and inlets.

5.20 Kuro Shima lies about 1.5 miles WSW of Ao Saki. The isand is flat-topped, its summit is 95m high, and wooded. The

island is fringed with foul ground, close offshore, except from

the N to E, which is clear of danger. Hitotsu Se, marking the E

extremity of the island, is a rock that dries 2.7m. Kuroshima

Seto, the channel between Kuro Shima and Taka Shima, is

mostly foul and not recommended without local knowledge.

5.20 Submarine cables are laid from Taka Shima to Kuro Shima.

Special lighted buoys are located 0.75 mile E and 0.75 mile SE

of the S extremity of the island. 

Uokono Shima (33°25'N., 129°43'E.), lying close off the

SW corner of Taka Shima, is fringed by a shoal bank extending

about 0.1 mile offshore. A light is shown from its summit.

5.20 Izu Shima, 31m high and wooded, lies about 1 mile NW of

Uokono Shima. The islet is fringed by a shoal bank and spit,

with a depth of 3.1m over its extremity, and extends about 0.2

mile E from its E end.

5.20 Ao Shima (33°25'N., 129°41'E.), the W island in the approach

to Imari Wan, is located about 0.5 mile S of Izu Shima. Its

summit, 58m high, is at its S end. The island is rugged, thickly

wooded, and foul on its W side for 0.15 mile offshore. The NE

side of the island is foul offshore for almost 0.5 mile.

5.20 TsuSakino Hana, the N extremity of the Hoshika peninsula,

lies on the S side of TsuSaki Suido, and about 1 mile SW of the

summit on Ao Shima. A light is shown from the point.

Imari Wan

5.21 Imari Gaiwan (33°23'N., 129°44'E.) is the outer and

larger part of Imari Wan. The safest channels to enter the bay

are Ao Shima Suido and TsuSaki Suido. The bay is indented

with a number of inlets and coves. Small towns and villages

situated throughout the shores of Imari Gaiwan. The bay is

deep and fairly free of dangers.

5.21 Futa Shima, the W islet, is in two parts, connected by a bank

of gravel and sand that dries. Both parts are thickly covered with

trees and lie about 1.3 miles SE from the S end of Taka Shima.

5.21 Tobi Shima (33°24'N., 129°47'E.) is the E and largest of the

islets, and lies about 1 mile E of Futa Shima. It has two

summits, the higher, with an elevation of 84m, stands on the SE

side of the islet.

5.21 Two submarine cables and a submarine water pipeline cross

the fairway between Tobi Shima and the mainland S. 

5.21 Ko-Tobi Shima is the S islet of the group and lies close S of

Tobi Shima. The channel between the two islets is shoal.

5.21 Yama Shima (33°24'N., 129°47'E.) is the N islet and lies

almost 0.5 mile NNW of Tobi Shima. Rocky shoals extend

about 230m to the N and SE of the islet.

Fuku Shima, a large island, separated from the mainland by a

tortuous channel on its E side, lies about 1 mile E of Tobi

Shima. The coves on the NE and SE sides of the island are obstructed by islets, reefs, and shoals, and are only used by small

craft with local knowledge.

5.21 Imari Ko is entered between Kanai Hana, on the mainland,

and the W side of Fuku Shima, and lies in the S part of Imari

Wan. A shoal bank extends, in places, about 0.3 mile from the

W side of the harbor, and on the E side of the central part of the

harbor there are a number of islets and rocks. The head of the

harbor is shoal.

5.22 Imari (33°17'N., 129°53'E.) (World Port Index No.

62400) contains three offshore mooring buoy berths, with

depths of 10.1 to 14m; the greatest capacity is at Buoy No. 3.

Depths—Limitations.—The controlling depth in the

channel is 14m. 

Vessels with a draft of 12m and up to 60,000 dwt have

moored in Imari Ko. 

5.22 Kubara North Quay, on the SE side of reclaimed land S of

the basin, has depths of 7.1 to 10.1m alongside.

5.22 A small basin lies between Kubara North Quay and Kubara

South Quay. There are three berths, with depths of 5.5 to 10m

alongside, at Kubara South Quay. 

5.22 The Kyushu LPG Terminal has a depth alongside of 14m;

vessels of up to 70,000 dwt can be accommodated. 

5.22 An overhead power cable, with a vertical clearance of about

52m, spans the water W of the reclaimed area.

5.22 Pilotage.—Pilots are available in position 33°25.4'N,

129°42.7'E and at the quarantine position. Pilots can be contacted on VHF channel 16. 

5.22 Anchorage.—Imari Wan affords good anchorage to a large

number of vessels, in depths of 14.6 to 36.6m, as convenient.

The bottom is mostly mud, and the tidal currents do not exceed

0.5 knot.
100 Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 

Pub. 159

5.22 The quarantine anchorage lies on the W side of Imari Ko. The

harbor affords good anchorage, in depths of 9.2 to 18.3m, mud.

5.22 Caution.—A wreck lies about 0.5 mile S of Siraiwa Hana.

TsuSakino Hana to Ushigakubi

5.23 Nagato Saki (33°22'N., 129°37'E.) is located 3 miles

SW of TsuSakino Hana and forms the W entrance point to

Kamada Ura. The point is steep-to and backed by high hills; its

shores are fringed by shoal water, close offshore.

5.23 Kamada Ura is entered between Nagato Saki and Magari

Saki, the SE extremity of Yoko Shima, about 0.8 mile WNW.

Shoal spits, with depths of less than 5.5m, extend about 0.2

mile SE from Magari Saki and ENE from Nagato Saki.

5.23 Kamada Ura affords good anchorage, sheltered from all

winds, in depths of 9.2 to 12.8m. A vessel entering must keep

in mid-channel between Magari Saki and the shore SE of it to

avoid the shoal spits extending offshore on either side of the

entrance. This anchorage is suitable for vessels awaiting the

tide in Hirado Seto, or arriving from N too late to complete the

passage of that strait in daylight hours.

Yoko Shima (33°22'N., 129°36'E.), a flat islet, 19m high,

lies about 1 mile WSW of Nagato Saki. The channel between

the islet and the mainland is very shoal.

5.23 Ose Saki is a prominent hill located about 1 mile WSW of

Yoko Shima. The bay on its E side is foul and unsuitable as an

anchorage.

5.23 Ushigakubi (33°22'N., 129°34'E.) is 42m high, wooded, and

lies about 0.5 mile WSW of Ose Saki. The point is fringed by

foul ground close to shore. A lighted buoy marks the W side of

the foul ground. During the S tidal current, tide rips are usually

formed close N of the point. Kamo Se, marked by a lighted

buoy, dries 1.2m, and lies on a shoal spit that extends about

320m NE from Ushigakubi.

5.23 Hiro Se (33°23'N., 129°34'E.), a rocky islet, 7.6m high, lies

about 0.2 mile N of Ushigakubi. A training wall extends for

about 160m from the SW point of the islet and is marked by a

light. A light is also shown from the center of Hiro Se.

5.23 Caution.—A restricted area 0.7 mile WNW of Hiro Se

Light extends about 3 miles NNW; its exact boundary may best

be seen on the chart.

Hirado Seto

5.24 Hirado Seto lies between the island of Hirado Shima,

on the W side, and the coast of Kyushu, on the E side. It is

recommended that vessels without local knowledge navigate

the straits during daylight hours. The N end of the straits is

very narrow, only 0.1 mile wide near Hiro Se. The tidal currents in this area are very strong and reach up to 6 knots or

more at times.

5.24 Pilotage.—A number of unlicensed pilots, who have a good

knowledge of the tidal currents, are based at Hinoura

(33°21.5'N., 129°34.8'E.), situated on the E side of the strait

near its narrowest part.

5.24 On the N part of Hirado Seto, Kuroko Shima (33°22'N.,

129°34'E.), a dark wooded islet, 47m high, lies in the middle of

the strait, close off the entrance to the port of Hirado. Manaita

Se, with depths of 3.7 to 5.5m, extends about 0.1 mile NE from

the islet.

5.24 Hirado Ko is a small cove on the W side of the strait and

entered between Kanae Saki and Zyotono Hana (Jotono Hana),

about 320m to the N. A wharf, which extends about 90m NW

from the shore, with depths of 2.1 to 3m alongside its outer

face, is situated on the S shore of the cove. There is a small

harbor protected by N and S breakwaters S of Kanae Saki. Reclamation was being carried out inshore of these breakwaters.

Two small piers project from the N side of the cove. The town

of Hirado is situated at the head of the harbor.

Nanryu Saki (33°21'N., 129°34'E.) lies on the W side of the

strait, about 1 mile SE of Hirado Ko. Two overhead cables,

with a vertical clearance of 33m, cross the straits from the

point. A bridge, with a vertical clearance of 30m, spans the

strait close S of the cable crossings.

5.24 Asama, a sand bank with a depth of 2.1m, lies in mid-channel, about 0.8 mile SSW of Nanryu Saki. There is a deep channel on either side of Asama. A lighted buoy marks the N end of

the bank.

5.24 Caution.—A rocky reef, with a least charted depth of 9m,

lies near the middle of Hirado Seto, approximately 0.2 miles N

of Nanryu Saki. 

5.25 Osaki Hana (33°20'N., 129°33'E.) lies on the W side

of the strait, about 2 miles SSW of Nanryu Saki. The point

rises to a hill, 53m high, the summit of which is denselycovered with trees and is very prominent.

5.25 Aosa Saki lies on the mainland and is 0.5 mile directly E of

Osaki Hana. The point rises to a plateau and is marked by a

light. The village of Hokahira lies close S of the light.

5.25 Kawachi Wan (33°19'N., 129°32'E.) lies on the W side of

the strait and is entered between Osaki Hana and Magari Saki,

about 0.5 mile SSW. The bay affords anchorage, in 12.3 to

27.4m. This anchorage is specially suited to vessels waiting for

the tide in the N narrows or seeking temporary shelter.

5.25 A breakwater, on which there is a light, is situated in the NW

part of Kawachi Wan. 

5.25 On the S part of Hirado Seto, Hoki Ura and Kigatsu Ura, 1

mile to the S, are two bays on the W side. Kantori Hana, 118m

high, separates the two bays. Two islets, No Shima and Kuro

Shima, lie close S and E, respectively, from Kantori Hana.

Small vessels with local knowledge can obtain anchorage, in

depths of 7.8 to 10.1m, mud, near the head of Kigatsu Ura.

5.25 Emukae Wan (33°18'N., 129°36'E.) lies on the mainland

about 3 miles E of Hoki Wan. The bay affords anchorage to

vessels with local knowledge, in depths of 10.1 to 18.3m, mud,

good holding ground. The anchorage is sheltered from all

winds except those from the W.

5.25 Between Emukae Wan and Taka Shima, about 8 miles to the

S, the E shore of Hirado Seto is fringed with a large number of

islets, off and between which are numerous dangerous rocky

patches. The whole area should be avoided while navigating

the strait.

5.25 Between Kigatsu Ura and Shijiki Saki, about 10 miles to the

SW, the W shore of Hirado Seto is fairly free of dangers. There

are a number of small coves, but none are suitable as anchorages.

5.26 Otona Se (33°13'N., 129°31'E.), a rock, awash, lies

about 3 miles SSE of Kigatsu Ura in the middle of Hirado Seto.

A lighted buoy marks the N end of Otona Se. Kami Kareki
Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 101

Pub. 159

Shima, an islet, lies about 0.5 mile S of Otona Se. Shimo

Kareki Shima, a larger islet, lies 0.5 mile SSW of Kami Kareki

Shima. Both islets are fringed by shoals and rocks. Passage

between the two islets should be avoided. A light is shown

from the S end of Shimo Kareki Shima.

5.26 Kome Se (33°11'N., 129°29'E.) lies about 1.3 miles SW of

the light on Shimo Kareki Shima and has a depth of less than

0.3m. Kome Se is marked by a lighted buoy moored close S. A

10.6m rocky shoal lies about 0.3 mile WSW of Kome Se;

depths of as little as 7.5m extend 0.5 mile NE of Kome Se.

5.26 Hoageno Se (33°07'N., 129°25'E.), a detached rock, which

from a distance resembles a boat under sail, is 25.9m high and

lies about 3.5 miles SE of Shijiki Zake. It is steep-to, except on

its NW and SW sides, where a shoal bank extends out from the

rock for about 0.1 mile.

5.26 Kuro Shima lies about 2.3 miles SW of the S end of Taka

Shima. Mezeno Hana is a prominent bluff that is connected

with the W end of the island. I Shima lies 2 miles NNE of

Mezeno Hana. A number of rocks and shoals lie between the

two places. Konoko-jima lies about 0.5 mile E of I Shima, with

shoal water between the two islets. A light is shown from the

NW side of Kuro Shima.

5.26 Ogami Shima, Taka Shima, Nakano Shima, and Kashiraga

Shima are a chain of islets lying close offshore from the SW

coast of Hirado Shima. At times, heavy rip tides are formed in

the vicinity of the islets. A light is shown from Ogami Shima.

5.26 Shijiki Wan (33°12'N., 129°23'E.) is entered between

Meshika Saki and Aiba Saki, and lies 1 mile SE of Kashiraga

Shima. The bay affords good shelter, except from winds between the WNW and NW; in winter the bay is unsuitable as an

anchorage. Vessels with local knowledge can obtain fairly

good anchorage, in a depth of 7.3m, sand, at the head of the

bay.

5.26 Shimo-Ajika-jima and Kami-Ajika-jima are two prominent,

rocky islets lying off the approach to Shijiki Wan. A rock,

22.9m high, lies close off the W side of Shimo-Ajika-jima.

There are no known dangers more than 0.1 mile off either islet.

5.27 Hayafuku Se (33°14'N., 129°23'E.), a group of

above-water and sunken rocks, the highest above-water rocks

being 2.4m high, lies on a shoal about 1.8 miles ESE of ShimoAjika-jima.

5.27 Tateba-jima, a comparatively steep-to islet, 67m high, lies

about 4.5 miles NE of Kami-Ajika-jima. Betto Se, in the approach to Neshiko Wan, is a steep-to rock, with a depth of

8.5m, and lies about 1 mile NW of Tateba-jima.

5.27 Neshiko Wan (33°18'N., 129°26'E.) lies about 1 mile ENE

from Tateba-jima, and is exposed to the W, but with offshore

winds it affords anchorage, in depths of 9.2 to 18.3m.

5.27 Along the NW side of Hirado Shima lies Yobu Saki, located

about 3.3 miles NE of Betto Se. The point is dominated by

Yasuman Dake, a densely-wooded hill with a black appearance.

5.27 Tatsuno Seto (Ikitsuki Seto) (33°21'N., 129°26'E.) is frequently used in preference to Hirado Seto. Yobu Saki, on the E

side of the channel, is comparatively steep-to, but the shoal

water extending from Shiomi Saki, on the W side of the channel, reduces the navigable width of the channel to about 0.3

mile. A bridge, with a vertical clearance of 29m, crosses the

narrowest part of Ikitsuki Seto.

5.27 Juga Zone, with a depth of 9.2m, rocks, lies 0.5 mile offshore, about 2 miles ENE of Yobu Saki. Zuda Sone, with a

depth of 11.6, lies about 0.3 mile NE of Juga Zone.

5.27 Hira Se (33°22'N., 129°30'E.), 1m high, is the outermost of

a chain of rocks that extends about 0.3 mile NW from the coast

to a position about 0.5 mile SW of Kaise Saki. A submarine

water pipeline extends 0.8 mile W from the coast, about 7.5

miles SSW of Kaise Saki. Bishago Iwa, 9.8m high, lies in the

SW part of this chain.

5.27 Usuka Wan is entered between Nagasaki Hana and Kaise

Sake, about 0.5 mile NE of Hira Se. A lighted buoy marks a

dangerous rock 0.6 mile SE of Nagasaki Hana. Another lighted

buoy is moored close SW of a 4.5m patch, 0.25 mile E of the

above. Ebukuro Wan (Furue Wan), the S branch of the bay, is

entered between a point about 0.5 mile ESE of Kaise Sake and

Sakiyama Saki, about 0.3 mile farther ENE. Usuka Wan

affords shelter to small vessels with local knowledge near its

head. The bay has a number of shoals, rocks, and patches of

foul ground that can best be seen on the charts. Ebukuro Wan

affords good anchorage, in depths of 18.3 to 27.4m, good holding ground, and free of off-lying dangers.

5.28 Tsuba Saki (33°24'N., 129°33'E.), the N point of Hirado

Shima, lies about 1.5 miles NNE of Usuka Wan. The point is

backed by Shira Take, a hill with two summits; the higher is 259m.

Aspect.—Ikitsuki Shima is a hilly island with Shiomi Saki,

its SE extremity, about 0.3 mile NW of Yobu Saki, and

between these two points is Tatsuno Seto. Ban Take, the summit of the island, lies near its center and is 288m high, steep-to,

and prominent. Lights are shown from Shiomi Sake on the SE

coast, Ichibi Ura Breakwater on the E coast, and from Otaka on

the N end of the island.

5.28 Nakaeno Shima (33°22'N., 129°28'E.) is a rocky islet, 35m

high, lying about 1.8 miles NE of Yobu Saki. Hira Se, 5.8m high,

lies 0.25 mile N of the islet’s NW point; midway between this

rock and the point is Kui Se, a rock that dries 1.2m.

5.28 Taku Shima lies with Sakiseno Hana, its E extremity, about 2

miles NNW of Tsuba Saki. The island is hilly, with a few scattered trees on its slopes. The NE and NW sides of the island are

comparatively free of off-lying dangers, but from the E to SE,

it is mostly foul. Yoko Shima lies about 0.8 mile off the SE side

of the islet. A light is shown from the S end of Yoko Shima.

5.28 O Shima (33°29'N., 129°33'E.) is mostly a cliffy island and

lies about 1.5 miles to the N of Taku Shima. A submarine cable

is laid from O Shima to the NE coast of Taku Shima. The

highest hill, Hirano Tsuji, rises to a height of 216m, and is

located near the NW coast of O Shima. O Shima is generally

free of offshore dangers, except for a rock, Kai Se, lying about

0.5 mile off the NW coast, and Tako Se, with a depth of 4.9m,

lying about 0.5 mile off Tsurunosagari Hana Light, on the SE

side of the island. Lights are also shown from Umanokashira

Saki, Nagasaki Hana, and Magari Saki.

5.28 Gono Ura, on the NE side of the island, affords sheltered anchorage in moderate depths to vessels with local knowledge,

except during N winds. Azuchi Ura, on the SW side of the isand, also affords shelter to small vessels.
102 Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 

Pub. 159

Amoura Wan to Sasebo Wan

5.29 Amoura Wan (Aiura Wan) (33°10'N., 129°38'E.) is

entered between Tatseishi Saki, about 2.8 miles NE of Ushigakubi Saki, and O Saki, about 1.3 miles SSE. The approach to

the harbor is marked by lighted buoys. The harbor stands on

the E side of the head of the bay with six berths for vessels of

100 to 2,000 grt and with depths of 3.1 to 7.5m. There is sheltered anchorage, in a depth of 10.1m, in the middle of the bay.

No pilots are available. A charted submarine water pipeline is

laid W from Amoura Ko to Taka Shima. 

5.29 Kujukushima Wan lies about 1 mile SE of Amoura Wan. The

narrow channels in the bay are marked by beacons, but only

vessels with local knowledge should enter Kujukushima Wan.

A submarine cable from Okinawa lands in the N part of

Kujukushima Wan, 0.6 mile E of O Saki. Uki Se, 13.7m high,

lies on a shoal marked by a beacon, and stands 1.25 miles W of

the entrance to Kujukushima Wan.

5.29 Nakano-Kajikaki (33°07'N., 129°39'E.), with a depth of

less than 1.8m, lies about 2.3 miles S of the entrance to Kujukushima Wan, and about 0.1 mile to the SW of it lies Okinokajikaki, with a depth of 4m. A buoy is moored off the W side

of these dangers.

5.29 Kogo Saki (33°06'N., 129°40'E.) is the W entrance point to

Sasebo Wan, and lies about 0.8 mile SSE of Nakano-Kajikaki.

A light is shown from the point and buoys mark the shoal area,

close off the point. The harbor entrance control post and signal

station stands on Kogo Saki.

5.29 Shira Se is a group of above-water and sunken rocks lying

about 2 miles WSW of Kogo Saki. A light is shown from the N

rock of the group.

5.29 Nakano Se (33°05'N., 129°39'E.), a detached rock with a

depth of 2.1m, lies at the SE end of a rocky patch which lies 0.6

mile SE of Shira Se. A buoy marks the SE end of Nakano Se.

5.29 Araidashino Se, with a depth of 12.8m, lies in the fairway

entrance to Sasebo Wan, about 0.4 mile SSW of Kogo Saki. A

buoy marks the W side of Araidashino Se.

Sasebo (33°10'N., 129°43'E.)

World Port Index No. 62380

5.30 The port of Sasebo is a large, nearly landlocked, deep

water harbor, entered between Kogo Saki and Yorifune Bana,

Sasebo
Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 103

Pub. 159

about 0.5 mile to the ESE. The harbor affords anchoring and

berthing facilities for vessels of almost any size. 

Winds—Weather

5.30 North winds prevail throughout the year however, S winds

occur during the summer. High and low temperatures occur in

August and January. Precipitation, which may restrict

visibility, is recported year round, however, it has a higher rate

of incidence during June and July, with over 350mm recorded

in the latter month. Fog seldom occurs in Sasebo Wan, but light

snow may fall during winter months. 

5.30 Weather signals, by given by light, are shown continuously

from the radio tower of the Maritime Safety Office on the E

side of the head of the harbor.

5.30 Vessels equipped with radiotelephones will guard voice

radio circuit 2716 kHz continuously when winds of more than

30 knots are experienced.

Tides—Currents

5.30 The MHW interval at Sasebo Wan is 8 hours 21 minutes;

spring tides rise 2.9m and neap tides rise 2m.

5.30 The flood tidal current off Io Saki (33°07'N., 129°43'E.) sets

toward the head of the harbor, and the ebb tidal current sets

toward the entrance; the flow begins from 1 to 2 hours after

HW or LW, and the rate does not exceed 0.5 knots. Off Kuchiki

Saki, a SE current flows from 2 to 3 hours after LW, to 2 to 3

hours after HW, and a NW current flows from 2 to 3 hours after

HW, to 2 to 3 hours after LW. The rate of the SE current

seldom exceeds 0.5 knot, but the NW current sometimes

attains a rate of more than 1 knot.

Depths—Limitations

5.30 Vessels having a deep draft of up to 11.5m can be berthed

alongside. Vessels with drafts up to 12.8m can be accommodated at the mooring buoys and dolphin berths. The length

of a vessel is not a controlling factor at most moorings; however, the largest vessel accommodated had a length of 341m. 

Aspect

5.30 Kompira Yama, a 101m summit above Yorifune Bana, the S

entrance point of Sasebo Wan, is conspicuous from a W approach. Shokan Dake, a mountain peak, 443m high, lies 1.75

miles N of the city. Kokuzo Yama, a conspicuous peak, 307m

high, lies about 3 miles SSE of Kompira Yama. 

5.30 Benten Shima (33°09'N., 129°43'E.), a rocky islet, rises from

a drying reef lying about 0.5 mile W of the entrane to Maehata

Ura. Benten Shima is marked at its S end by a light. 

5.30 Navigation aids mark the fairway from the entrance and the

channel leading to the port. Most shoals and dangers are

marked by beacons and lighted buoys.

5.30 A tower, 170m high, stands at the summit of Tenzin

(33°09'N., 129°44'E.), which rises to an elevation of 120m

between Sasebo and Nagasaki. 

Pilotage

5.30 Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 300 grt. Vessels

should notify the pilot station of their ETA at least 24 hours

prior to arrival and of any subsequent change. The pilots board

vessels 2 miles WNW of Kogo Saki Light. Pilots may also be

dispatched from Akasaki helicopter pad. It has been reported

pilots will only board during daylight hours, except during an

emergency. Entry and departure for all vessels, except U.S.

Navy vessels, is from sunrise to sunset, except during an

emergency. During stormy weather, there are occasions when

permission is granted through the Kogo Saki Signal Station to

proceed into the harbor without a pilot. 

Benten Shima

 Sasebo—Berthing Information

Wharf Length

(each)

Min. 

depth

Max. 

draft

Tategami Pier

1 254m 10.6m 10.0m

2-3 182m 10.6m 10.0m

4-6 192m 10.6m 10.0m

7-8 182m 10.6m 10.0m

9 152m 10.6m 10.0m

Motofune

1 80m 12.9m 9.7m

2 80m 9.2m 8.5m

Akazaki

1-2 149m 12.0m 11.5m

3 219m 12.0m 11.5m

Maehata Pier

1 185m 10.0m 10.0m

2 195m 11.0m 11.0m

Uragashira 260m 7.5m 7.5m

Yokose Tanker Berth 88m 13.7m 12.8m

Iorizaki 81m 14.5m 9.7m

Hizukushi 103m 4.6m —

Ekiura 150m 4.9m —

 Sasebo—Berthing Information

Wharf Length

(each)

Min. 

depth

Max. 

draft
104 Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 

Pub. 159

Regulations

5.30 In addition to the regulations governing all Japanese ports,

the following are excerpts from those applying particularly to

Sasebo Wan:

1. Vessels must not exceed a speed of 10 knots in the

vicinity of Sasebo Wan, within a line of bearing joining Bansho Wan, about 0.5 miles S of Kogo Saki, with Shira Se

Light and Hichiro Bana, a rounded point lying 1.75 miles

NNW of Kogo Saki.

2. Vessels are to await instructions from the harbormaster outside Kogo Saki, clear of the fairway. Kogo Saki Signal

Station acknowledges a vessel’s distinguishing signal in the

International Code.

3. Vessels of 500 grt or more will use two anchors when

anchoring in Area No. 1 of the harbor.

Signals

5.30 The harbor control post and signal station are situated on

Kogo Saki. Vessels entering Sasebo Wan must request permission by flashing light or flag hoist. The signal station will

relay the instructions of the harbormaster as to anchoring,

berthing, and movements of vessels in and out of port. Vessels

should retain onboard the most recent edition of Japan Maritime Safety Laws and Regulations, obtainable through the Japanese Coast Guard. This publication should be kept as a

reference for signal station communiques and their meanings,

appropriate answering signals, and other local or specific regulations.

5.30 The following traffic control signals are shown from the signal station on Kogo Saki, as follows:

1. A white flashing light every 2 seconds—

• Inbound traffic permitted.

• Outbound traffic of less than 500 grt permitted.

• Outbound traffic of more than 500 grt must wait, clear

of the fairway.

2. A red flashing light every 2 seconds—

• Outbound traffic permitted.

• Inbound traffic of less than 500 grt permitted.

• Inbound traffic of more than 500 grt must wait, clear

of the fairway.

3. A white flashing light, alternating with a red flashing

light, every 3 seconds—

• Inbound and outbound traffic of less than 500 grt permitted.

• Inbound and outbound traffic of over 500 grt must

wait, clear of the fairway.

4. Three red flashing lights, alternating with three white

flashing lights, every 6 seconds—

• Only ships directed by the harbormaster may enter or

leave the harbor.

• All other vessels must wait, clear of the fairway.

5.30 Berthing signals, consisting of the Designation flag and alphabetical flags of the International Code of Signals are displayed at Kogo Saki Signal Station, as follows:

5.30 The ship’s reply is the Answering Pennant above the alphabetical flag for the berth. 

Anchorage

5.30 Anchorages comprise 11 mooring buoys for commercial

shipping and 109 buoys used by the U.S. Navy. 

5.30 The outer harbor is the principal anchorage. It affords protected anchorage, in 9.2 to 50m, mud and shells, good holding

ground. The inner harbor affords safe anchorage for large vessels. There are depths of 51m at the harbor entrance, 22.9 to

54m in the passage, 10 to 37m in the anchorage, and 11m at the

berthing spaces. Apart from anchorage areas controlled by the

U.S. Navy, there is anchorage for four 10,000 grt commercial

ships in Section No. 3, in a depth of 10.1m. A large number of

vessels can be berthed at anchor, and at fixed or free swinging

moorings.

5.30 Ebisu Wan affords good anchorage, in 10m, mud and shells.

Akuno Ura and Ushino Ura afford anchorage to small vessels.

Tenzin Tower

E Anchor W of Kuchiki Saki.

F Anchor in Ebisu Wan.

G Anchor near Taka Shima.

H Wait near Kogo Saki or anchor 3 miles off Kogo 

Saki to wait for a berthing signal or orders.

Q Anchor in Quarantine Anchorage.
Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 105

Pub. 159

5.30 The anchorage is situated on the S side of Sasebo Wan, close

E of Yorifune Saki. Inbound vessels, subject to quarantine, will

remain in the anchorage and are forbidden to disembark passengers or crew or to load or discharge cargo. Vessels will shift

to the general anchorage immediately after pratique is granted.

Only vessels seeking quarantine shall use this anchorage.

5.30 An anchorage for carrying explosives is situated about 0.8

mile SSE of Iori Saki, and a mooring buoy for their use is

situated 1.1 miles E of the point. 

5.30 A prohibited anchorage and restricted area, where vessels

with a draft of 6m or more may not navigate, lies within a radius of 250m of a dangerous wreck which lies 1.5 miles E of

Yorifune Saki on the S side of the fairway. The wreck is

marked on its E side by a buoy.

Directions

5.30 It is recommended that large vessels pass to the S of Aradshino Se on entering Sasebo Wan and to the N of Aradshino Se

on their exit.

Caution

5.30 It has been reported that when rounding Iorizaki Wharf and

proceeding to anchorage, extreme caution needs to be taken

because numerous ferry boats transit the area.

Omura Wan and Approaches

5.31 Omura Wan, a landlocked gulf, lies SE of Sasebo Wan

and can only be entered through that port.

5.31 Hario Seto and Haiki Seto, SW and NE, respectively of

Hario Shima, are the channels leading to Omura Wan, but the

latter is only a small craft channel. Hario Seto is deep, but is

tortuous and barely more than 0.1 mile wide; the tidal currents

in it are strong and it should only be used by moderate size

vessels with local knowledge.

5.31 An overhead cable, with a vertical clearance of 20.1m and a

bridge, with a vertical clearance of 21.3m, cross Hario Seto

near its S end.

5.31 Omura Wan affords anchorage, in 12.8 to 20.1m, mud, over

the greater part of its length and breadth.

Kogo Saki to Kabuto Shima

5.32 Omodaka Ko (33°04'N., 129°40'E.) is entered

between Bansho Hana and Matsuyama Saki, and lies about 1.5

miles S of Kogo Saki. The inlet affords anchorage to small vessels, in depths of 7.3 to 20.1m, mud and good holding ground,

but local knowledge is essential. The town of Omodaka lies on

the N side of the head of the inlet.

5.32 Kuroguchi Ura, close S of Omodaka Ko, affords temporary

anchorage to small vessels, in depths from 7.3 to 20.1m, mud,

but the shelter afforded is inferior to that of Omodaka Ko.

5.32 Yobukono Seto (Terashima Suido), a strait about 3.5 miles

long and about 0.4 mile wide, is entered between Matsuyama

Saki and Kiano Se on its N end. The S end of the strait is

entered between Kabuto Shima and Nanatsugama Ko. A depth

of 14.6m can be carried through Yobukono Seto. In its narrowest part the fairway is about 0.1 mile wide. A bridge is under

construction across the strait.

5.32 Kurose Wan (33°03'N., 129°38'E.) lies on the W side of

Yobukono Seto, about 1.5 miles SW of Kuroguchi Ura. The

small coaling harbor of Magome Ko lies in the SW part of

Kurose Wan. Two small piers in Magome Ko have depths of

6.1 and 7m alongside, respectively; they can accommodate

vessels of about 2,000 grt. Buoys and beacons mark the fairway and dangers to the harbor.

Akazaki Quay
106 Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 

Pub. 159

5.32 Otawa Wan lies about the middle of the E side of Yobukono

Seto, 1 mile ESE of Kurose Wan. The bay affords good

anchorage, in depths from 8.2 to 17.4m.

5.33 Tera Shima (33°02'N., 129°38'E.), on the W side of

Yobukono Seto, lies close off the E side of O Shima, and a

narrow channel between them is obstructed by reefs; it is

spanned by two overhead cables, with a minimum vertical

clearance of 10m. A bridge, with a vertical clearance of 14m,

spans the channel close S of the S cable. A lighted beacon is

shown at the NE end of the reef. 

5.33 Kabuto Shima, a prominent round-topped rock, 14.6m high,

lies about 0.8 mile S of the S end of Tera Shima. A shoal bank

extends 0.1 mile E and 0.15 mile N of the rock. A light is

shown from Kabuto Shima.

5.33 O Shima (33°02'N., 129°37'E.) lies close W of Tera Shima

and is separated by a narrow channel, used only by small craft

with local knowledge. Sunken rocks fringe both the N and S

coasts of the island and should be given a wide berth. The E

coast is indented and on this side lies Tokuman Wan and

Kurose Wan, on its S and N parts, respectively. On the W side

of the island is Oshima Ura. Uri Dake, almost in the middle of

the island, attains a height of 194m and is prominent.

5.33 Kakinoura Shima lies close SW of O Shima and is connected

by a causeway. The island is fringed by foul ground and indented with a number of small coves and inlets. The town of

Sakito stands in the middle of the island.

5.34 Sakito Ko (33°01'N., 129°34'E.) is a local port on the

W coast of Kakinoura Shima, about 7 miles SW of Sasebo Ko.

Sakito Ko was developed as a coal shipping port, but the Sakito

coal mine has since been closed down. Vessels of about 2,000

grt now call at the port’s cement and salt factories. The inner

harbor splits into three branch bays; these are called, from the

W, Kaki-no-Ura, Fuku Ura, and Mizu-no-Ura. 

5.34 Depths—Limitations.—Sakito Ko has five berths and three

pontoons for coal cargo. The five berths have a total length of

728m, with depths along-side of 6 to 8.2m. The three pontoon

berths have a total length of 73m for lighters and barges with

drafts of up to 4.3m. Berth 2, Berth 3, and Berth 4 are equipped

with conveyors.

5.34 Aspect.—The National Hostel, which is near the mountain

summit in the W part of Sakito Shima, which also has a large

white painted chimney, and three black painted tanks which are on

the summit of the mountain, are all good landmarks.

5.34 Pilotage.—Pilotage is available and can be contacted on

VHF channels 12 and 16 (call sign: Sakito-ho-an). 

5.34 Anchorage.—Anchorage can be obtained in the outer harbor, in about 18.3m, SW of Mutashima and N of the fairway

indicated by the Hukuura Range Lights. A better position, in

about 25.6m, sand, lies close N of the fairway indicated by the

Hakuura Range Lights and E of a line of bearings between

Mitokono Hana and Tsuru Saki. Caution is needed in the latter

position because of strong S ebb tidal currents. In the autumn,

it would probably be advantageous to anchor farther E.

5.34 Anchorage, sheltered from the strong NW winds in winter,

can be obtained, in about 32.9m, E of Imo Shima and S of the

above mentioned 88.1m chimney. Imo Shima is a group of

rocky islets, the highest of which is 9.8m high, that lie on foul

ground within a 0.5 mile S of the SW extremity of Kakinoura

Shima.

5.35 Sakito Shima (33°00'N., 129°33'E.), 76m high, with

Mitoko Shima, 48m high, W of it, lies on a shoal that extends

about 1.3 miles WNW from the SW end of Kakinoura Shima.

Close to the SW end of Sakito Shima stand three radio towers

and a light is shown from the W side of Mitoko Shima.

5.35 Kata Shima, about 1.5 miles off the middle of the NW coast of

O Shima, is 99m high, and has a steep cliff on its S side, about 0.1

mile from the foot of which is a rock, 2.1m high. Sunken rocks lie

within 0.1 mile of the SE and NE sides of the islet.

5.35 Kanise Shosho (33°05'N., 129°36'E.) are extensive reefs

lying NE of Kata Shima. The reefs lie within 1.5 miles of the

NW extremity of O Shima. Kanise Shosho is marked by buoys

on its E and S sides.

Coastal Features 

5.36 Nanatsugama Ura (33°00'N., 129°39'E.) lies about

0.3 mile E of the S entrance to Yobukono Seto. The inlet is

entered between Egawano Hana and Nagushi Sake, the N

extremity of a narrow island forming the W side of the inlet,

about 0.5 mile to the S. Small vessels, with local knowledge,

can obtain excellent sheltered anchorage, in depths of 5.5 to

14.6m, in the N part of Nanatsugama Ura. A submarine cable

is landed on the E shore of the inlet near the entrance.

5.36 Ko-jima, an islet 22.9m high, lies about 1 mile S of the

entrance to Nanatsugama Ura. Ono Hana rises steeply to Takabo Yama, a prominent 232m conical hill, 0.75 mile SSW of

Ko-jima. Futatsu-Ko-Shima and Bakuwae Shima, both 12.8m

high, lie about 1.3 miles S of Ono Hana.

5.36 Kurokama Saki (32°57'N., 129°38'E.) lies 0.75 mile S of

Bakuwae Shima. The point forms the NE side of Matsushima

Suido.

5.36 Matsushima Suido lies between the island of Matsu Shima,

on the W side and Fuku Shima, Yaki Shima, and the mainland,

on the E side. The strait is narrow and tortuous and not recommended; however, vessels finding it necessary to pass through

the straits should refer to the courses and ranges indicated on

the chart. It has been reported the largest vessel to transit the

straits was about 800 grt.

5.36 An overhead cable, with a vertical clearance of about 38m,

spans Matsushima Suido between the E extremity of Matsu

Shima and the W shore of Fuku Shima. 

5.37 Matsu Shima (32°56'N., 129°37'E.) is flat-topped,

well-cultivated, and rises to Tomi Yama, 218m high, in the

center of the island. Its S and W coasts are mostly gravel; its

several points are fringed by reefs, and within 0.2 mile of its W

and S sides are rocks with depths of less than 9.2m. Matsushimano Se, a 2.1m patch, lies close WNW of Matsu Shima.

Matsushima Ko (32°56.2'N., 129°36.5'E.) is a coal-exporting harbor on the N shore of Matsu Shima. The harbor entrance

is protected on its NW side by an angled breakwater extending

0.4 mile NE from the N extremity of Kushi Shima; a lighted

tower stands at its head.

5.37 A jetty for the import of coal to the power station is situated

S of the angled breakwater. Vessels of up to 60,000 dwt, with a

maximum draft of 14m, may berth. The unloading rate is 1,600

tons per hour. 
Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 107

Pub. 159

5.37 Pilotage.—Pilotage and the use of tugs are compulsory for

vessels over 10,000 dwt. The pilot boards in position

32°58.0'N, 129°34.1'E. For vessels of 60,000 dwt and over,

three tugs are required; for smaller vessels, two tugs are required.

5.37 A signal station is situated about 0.2 mile S of the root of the

angled breakwater. There is a mooring buoy in the harbor,

about 90m E of the pier head.

5.37 Fuku Shima (32°55'N., 129°38'E.) lies on the E side of Matsushima Suido. Yaki Shima lies close off the N end of Fuku

Shima; Kashira Shima lies 0.25 mile off the island’s S extremity. A light is shown from Kashira Shima. The three islands are all fringed with foul ground and rocks.

5.37 Ike Shima, about 2 miles S of Matsu Shima, is a flat-topped

island with two high hills on its W side. The N hill is 123m

high and forms the summit of the island. A saltwater lagoon

lies on the NE side of the island. Four buoys are moored off the

lagoon and lead to a small harbor, protected by breakwaters.

Ohiki Shima (32°52'N., 129°34'E.), about 1.3 miles SW of

Iki Shima, is 76.5m high, and thickly wooded. About 0.5 mile

NE of the islet lies Aino Se, a detached reef with a depth of less

than 1.8m over its N end. The channel between Iki Shima and

Ohiki Shima is not recommended. O Se, on which are a number of above-water rocks and which is surrounded by sunken

rocks, is a ledge that dries and lies within 1 mile NW of the W

end of Ohiki Shima. A light is shown from O Se.

5.37 Hako Shima, about 1.5 miles SE of Iki Shima, is 52m high,

and on its SW side, and separated from it by shoal water, is

Ozumo Iwa, a steep, pointed rock, 79m high.

5.38 Kozumo Iwa (32°51'N., 129°40'E.), a square rock,

50.5m high, lies about 1.5 miles ESE of Hako Shima.

5.38 Konoura Ura, a small bay on the mainland, lies about 2.5 miles

ENE of Hako Shima. A long narrow shoal, with depths from 7.3

to 9.2m, lies in the center of the bay. The village of Konoura

stands at the head of the bay and is protected by a breakwater.

5.38 Shiro Hana (32°50'N., 129°42'E.) is a somewhat salient

point that lies 3 miles SSE of Konoura. Hashira Sone, a steepto detached rock, with a depth of 2.1m, lies about 0.8 mile SE

of Shiro Hana.

5.38 No Se, a rock 0.6m high, lies about 2.3 miles SE of Shiro

Hana. A light is shown from the rock. Mie Ura is entered

between No Se and Kagura Shima, 1.5 miles to the SE. The

bay has a number of shoals and reefs, therefore, it should not

be entered without local knowledge.

5.38 Shikimi Ko (32°47'N., 129°46'E.), a small fishing harbor protected by a breakwater, lies about 1.5 miles ESE of Kagura

Shima. A light is shown from the head of the breakwater. A

submarine cable is landed 1 mile SE of Shikimi light.

5.38 Fukuda Saki (Hukuda Saki), on the N side of the main

approach to Nagasaki Ko, is located about 2.5 miles SSE of Shikimi Ko, and is a precipitous headland faced with a remark-able

white cliff.

5.38 Fukuda Ura (Hukuda Ura), about 1 mile E of Fukuda Saki,

affords good temporary anchorage, in 9.2 to 20.1m, mud, with

protection from N and E winds. A pier at the head of the bay

has depths of 5.5m alongside its head.

Approaches to Nagasaki Ko

5.39 On the N side of the approach to Nagasaki Ko is

Matsu Shima, a small islet, 25.9m high, which lies about 1.3

miles S of Fukuda Saki. Nakano Shima, 17.1m high, lies about

0.4 mile SE of Matsu Shima, and Shiroga Shima, lies 0.25 mile

ESE of Nakano Shima, and is connected to the mainland by a

stone embankment.

5.39 Kajikake, a reef that dries 0.6m, lies almost 0.5 mile ESE of

Shiroga Shima. A lighted buoy is moored about 90m S of Kajikake. Takaboko Shima, 82m high and prominent, lies about 0.4

mile E of Kajikake. Hando Se lies on a small shoal, midway

between Takaboko Shima and KoSaki Hana, the N entrance

point to Nagasaki Ko. A buoy is moored close S of Hando Se.

5.39 Io Shima, Okino Shima, and Koyagi Kagenoo Shima lie, in

that order from the W to E, on the S side of the main approach

to Nagasaki Ko. A light is shown from the N end of Io Shima.

Okino Shima and Io Shima are connected by two bridges. A

light is shown from the SE end of Okino Shima.

5.39 Onaka Seto separates Okino Shima from Koyagi Shima. An

overhead cable, with a vertical clearance of 35m, crosses the

strait between the two islands. A light is shown from Naginata

Saki, the N extremity of Koyagi Kagenoo Shima.

Nagasaki Ko (32°43'N., 129°51'E.)

World Port Index No. 62360

5.40 Nagasaki Ko, which is a principal port, is entered between KoSaki Hana and Megami Hana, about 730m to the

ENE. The harbor is large and well-sheltered by mountains; it is

comprised of the inner and outer harbors, with berthing and

mooring facilities for vessels of almost any size.

Winds—Weather

5.40 With the exception of winds from the S, the harbor is protected from all other winds. The weather does not generally interfere with cargo operations, except during the rainy season.

Tides—Currents

5.40 The MHW interval of Nagasaki Ko is 7 hours 54 minutes;

spring tides rise 2.7m and neap tides rise 2.1m.

5.40 The height of the water level is affected to a marked degree

by seiches, which sometimes cause a variation of as much as

0.9m. A variation of about 2.7m in 20 minutes has been

recorded. These phenomena usually occur from late autumn to

early spring, but seldom in summer. The most pronounced of

these oscillations usually occur when there are two localized

areas of low pressure in the vicinity. The periods vary from

about 10 to 40 minutes. Prior notifications is not possible at

present.

5.40 The tidal currents in the entrance and within Nagasaki Ko set

inward on the flood and outward on the ebb, turning at the

times of HW and LW; the rate does not exceed 0.5 knot.

Depths—Limitations

5.40 The largest wharf in the harbor is Dejima Wharf. It is 420m
108 Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 

Pub. 159

long and suitable for vessels of up to 30,000 tons and a draft of

less than 9m. 

5.40 Motofuna Pier, with a lighted tower at its head, extends nearly 0.2 mile W from the shore at the N end of Dejima Wharf.

There are berths on the W and S sides of this pier with depths

of 6.1 to 6.6m alongside. 

5.40 Matsugae Wharf, situated on the E side of the area about 0.7

mile NE of Tomi Hana, is 270m long and has a depth of 12m

alongside. It is used by passenger vessels. 

5.40 The oil terminal is capable of accommodating vessels of up

to 50,000 dwt, with 11.9m alongside. A number of mooring

buoy berths can moor large vessels with deep drafts.

5.40 The maximum permissible size of a vessel entering the

harbor is 366m long, 36.6m breadth, and a draft of 15m.

Aspect

5.40 At times, the islands in the approach to Nagasaki Ko do not

show up against the background of the mainland and the position of the harbor is not easily made out, but on near approach

no difficulty should be experienced.

5.40 Hachiro Take (32°40'N., 129°51'E.) is the highest peak on

Nagasaki Hanto.

5.40 Iwasimi Take, a thickly-wooded hill, rises 167m about 0.3

mile N of KoSaki Bana, the W entrance point of the inner

harbor. The hill is conspicuous from a distance.

5.40 The flagstaff of a signal station on the E side of the entrance

to the inner harbor is marked by a light at night, and forms a

good mark for vessels entering or leaving the harbor.

5.40 A vessel reported that a chimney near the S end of Futago

Shima (32°39'N., 129°45'E.) is a good landmark when approaching Nagasaki Kofrom the SW.

Pilotage

5.40 Pilotage is not compulsory, but necessary, unless the master is

well aquainted with the locality. The pilot embarks about 1 mile

NE of Io Shima Ma Hana Light; the pilot boards large vessels

about 1.5 miles NW from the same light. 

5.40 The pilot is available at any time, subject to adequate notice;

VHF radio contact is not available. All communications with the

pilot should be made through agents.

5.40 The pilot boat carries International signals. The International

Code flag G flag ,in daytim,e and Morse signals, at night, are used

to call the pilot. 

5.40 When sea conditions are unfavorable, mainly during strong

N or W winds, the pilot boards in the vicinity of Matsu Shima.

Regulations

5.40 Vessels carrying ammunition are not allowed to enter the

port.

5.40 In addition, full precautions are required to prevent fires

within the harbor due to the presence of a large number of petroleum tanks in the Second District and the Third District.

Signals

5.40 The arrival of vessels is reported by telegraph to Nagasaki

from the flagstaff close to the lighthouse on Shin Bana.

5.40 A signal station is situated on the E side of the entrance of

the inner harbor in a position about 320m SSW of Megami

Hana. Vessels should retain onboard the most recent edition of

Japan Maritime Safety Laws and Regulations, obtainable

through the Japanese Coast Guard. This publication should be

kept as a reference for signal station communiques and their

meanings, appropriate answering signals, and other local or

specific regulations.

Anchorage

5.40 Large vessels can obtain safe, sheltered anchorage during

strong SW winds in the Third District and the Fourth District

of the outer harbor.

5.40 Anchorage can be taken in almost any part of the inner harbor, as designated by the port authorities, in 6.4 to 27.4m, mud,

good holding ground. Vessels of more than 500 grt are required

to use two anchors. Vessels are prohibited to anchor in the

fairways.

5.40 The quarantine anchorage lies in District Three, on the SE

side of the fairway, S of KoSaki Hana.

Directions

5.40 Vessels can approach Nagasaki Ko from the SW by keeping

Io Shima Light bearing not less than 040° in order to clear

dangers lying off the S side of Taka Shima. When W of Taka

Shima, course should be shaped to round Shin Bana at a distance of about 1 mile to a position with Io Shima Light bearing

180° and a distance of 1 mile.

5.40 Approaching from the NW, from a position about 3 miles

SW of Ohiki Shima, a vessel should steer for Io Shima in line

with Hachiro Take, bearing about 119°.

5.41 On the NW side of Nagasaki Hanto is Kayaki Wan, a

small cove, which lies 2 miles SSE of Koyagi Shima. The cove

affords anchorage to small vessels, in depths of 12.3 to 18.3m.

The village of Kayaki lies at the head of the cove.

5.41 Yoko Shima, Kuro Shima, and No Shima are a group of

islets, surrounded by reefs and rocks, lying to the W of Kayaki

Wan. Otono Se, a reef with depths of less than 1.8m, lies about

0.5 mile SW of No Shima.

5.41 Taka Shima (32°40'N., 129°45'E.) lies about 2 miles W of

Kuro Shima. Futago Shima, the S part of Taka Shima, is the

site of a colliery, the high buildings of which are conspicuous

from a distance. Two chimneys stand at the S end; from a quay

on the E side, a pier with depths of 7 to 7.9m at its head,

projects E. Two mooring buoys and a breakwater lie off the

head of the pier. The pier is exposed to winds from between the

E and S. A light is shown in position 32°39'15"N,

129°45'41"E. 

5.41 The flood tidal current sets N at a maximum rate of 3 knots

in the area. A large number of submarine cables are landed on

the NE and S coasts of Taka Shima.

5.41 Nakano Shima lies about 1.5 miles S of Taka Shima, and is a

grassy, uninhabited island, 45m high. The N and S end of the

island is fringed by reefs extending out about 0.2 mile.

5.42 Ha Shima (32°37'N., 129°44'E.), about 0.5 mile SW
Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 109

Pub. 159

of Nakano Shima, can be identified by the tall structures of a

colliery. The island is com-pletely encircled by an artificial

embankment, on the E side of which is a pier and two mooring

buoys. There are depths of 4.9 to 10.1m at the pier. A light is

shown from Ha Shima. 

5.42 Mitsu Se, 1.75 miles SW of Ha Shima, is a patch of foul

ground and is the SW danger on the E side of the approach

from the S to Nagasaki Ko. It consists of a group of abovewater and sunken rocks. Nakano Sone, about 0.8 mile E of

Mitsu Se, is a steep-to detached rock, with a depth of 6.7m. A

light is shown from Mitsu Se.

5.42 Namokita Ura, a narrow inlet, is only available to small craft

with local knowledge, and lies on the SW end of Nagasaki

Hanto. The E entrance point is surmounted by a dense growth

of trees and is prominent. Lights are shown from the entrance

points to the inlet.

5.42 Nomo Saki (32°34'N., 129°45'E.) is the SW extremity of

Nagasaki Hanto. It is rocky and fringed with reefs that dry,

which in places, extend 0.25 mile offshore. Otategami is a rock

lying on a reef about 0.2 mile S of Nomo Saki. A light is shown

from the rock.

Danjo Gunto and Goto Retto

5.43 Dango Gunto is a group of islands lying in the SW

approach to Nagasake Ko, between 72 and 80 miles WSW of

Nomo Saki. It consists of two main islands and a number of

islets and rocks, mainly of basal formation. The coasts of the

islands are cliffy and landing places few. With the exception of

the lighthouse keepers, the group is uninhabited, but during the

fishing season, large numbers of fishing vessels frequent the

vicinity.

Me Shima (31°59'N., 128°21'E.), the SW and highest island, is

covered with stunted trees. There is a sharp peak, 283m high, near

its N end; the S slope is wooded while the E slope is bare and

cliffy. A light stands on the summit. Same Se, above-water rocks,

lie about 1.5 miles S of the light.

5.43 Hanaguri Shima lies about 1.3 miles NNE of Me Shima, and

separated by Hanaguri Seto, with a navigable width of only 0.1

mile. The islet is steep-sided and 141m high. It is fringed with

rocks extending about 90m offshore.

5.43 Yori Shima (32°01'N., 128°22'E.), about 0.8 mile NNE of

Hanaguri Shima, has two sharp peaks on its E side. Several

above-water rocks lie within 0.25 mile W and S of the SW

extremity of the island.

5.43 Kuroki Shima, 104m high, is located about 0.5 mile NNE of

Yori Shima. The islet is cliffy on all sides and is fringed with

rocks. Nabe Seto, the channel between Kuroki Shima and Yori

Shima, is foul and dangerous.

5.44 O Shima (32°03'N., 128°24'E.) lies about 0.3 mile

NE of Kuroki Shima and is separated from it by Magome Seto.

The coastline of the island is rocky and rises precipitously from

the water’s edge to plateaus, about 91m high. There are many

detached rocks off the several headlands of the island, but none

is at a greater distance than 0.35 mile offshore.

5.44 Hatake Sone (32°04'N., 128°26'E.), with a least depth of

0.9m, is a steep-to pinnacle rock that lies about 1.3 miles NE of

Nokogiri Saki, the NE extremity of O Shima. A 1.8m shoal lies

about 0.3 mile SSW of this rock. Tide rips mark these dangers,

except at SW. The channel between the rocks is deep, but not

recommended because of the tidal currents.

5.44 Tori Shima (32°14'N., 128°06'E.) consists of three abovewater rocks lying about 19 miles NW of O Shima. The largest

and S of these rocks is 17.4m high and has the appearance of a

pyramid when seen from the S, but from the N it appears as a

sharp ridge.

Goto Retto

5.45 The Goto Retto consists of six principal islands; from

S to N they are Fukue Shima, Hisaka Shima, Naru Shima,

Wakamatsu Shima, Nakadori Shima, and Uku Shima, together

with a number of small islands, islets, and rocks. There are six

navigable channels through the islands, but the tidal currents in

them are very strong, attaining at times a rate of 6.5 knots.

Fukue Shima

5.46 Fukue Shima, the largest in Goto Retto, is mountainous. Its coasts are considerably indented and the coastal

hills are grassy, but the mountains in the interior are rugged;

the valleys between are fertile.

5.46 Ose Saki (32°37'N., 128°36'E.) is the SW extremity of the

island. The point is steep-to, rocky, and marked by a light.

5.46 Daiho Ura lies 3 miles ESE of Ose Saki and affords anchorage, sheltered from the N wind, in depths of 14.6 to 18.3m,

sand and shells. A light is shown from the head of the breakwater extending NE from the shore at Daiho.

5.46 Kurose Wan (32°36'N., 128°44'E.) lies close E of Daiho

Ura and affords anchorage, sheltered from N and E winds, to

vessels with local knowledge. Futago Se is a rocky islet near

the center of the bay. Tsutara-jima, a second islet, lies about 1

mile S of Futago Se. A light is shown from the head of the

breakwater at Kurose.

5.46 Kasayama Saki, the S extremity of Fukue Shima, is located

about 2.5 miles SE of Kurose. It is rocky and shelving, and

from it cultivated land rises to an elevation of 68m. A light is

shown from the point.

5.46 Kuro Shima, 98m high, lies 1.75 miles off the SE shore,

about 3 miles NE of Kasayama Saki. It is steep and rocky on its

SW and N sides.

5.46 O Shima (32°34'N., 128°54'E.), the largest, highest, and

southernmost of the islands, lies about 3.5 miles SE of Kuro

Shima. Its summit is located towards its E side and attains a

height of 92m. A light is shown from its SE point.

5.46 O-Itabe-jima consists of two islets about 1 mile N of O

Shima. Both are fringed with reefs and the channel between

them and O Shima is foul.

5.46 Aka Shima (32°36'N., 128°55'E.), the NE island of the

group, lies about 2 miles NNE of O Shima. It is 54m high and

fringed with reefs. Hana Se, about 0.5 mile to the N, is a reef

that dries in places.

5.46 Tomie Wan (32°38'N., 128°48'E.) lies about 2.5 miles NW of

Kuro Shima and is entered between Nagasaki Bana and Kasura

Bana. The entrance is about 2 miles wide, but its navigable width

is considerably reduced by shoals on its S side.

5.47 The port of Tomie (32°37'N., 128°46'E.) lies in the
110 Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 

Pub. 159

SW corner of the bay. A light is shown from the W end of a

breakwater protecting the port. 

5.47 Large vessels can anchor in Tomie Wan, in depths of 16.5 to

18.3m, sand, about midway between Kasura Bana and O-jira

Se, with the latter in line with a rocky cape at the head of the

bay, bearing 270°. Small vessels can anchor, in 11m, sand, with

O-jira Se in line with Kasura Bana, bearing 090°, at a distance

of about 1 mile from the former.

5.47 Submarine cables, including a power cable, are laid between

Kuro Shima and the coast of Fukue Shima, to the W, and from

O Shima and Aka Shima, an island 1.5 miles NE, to the coast

of Fukue Shima NNW. 

5.47 Directions.—Vessels approaching from the E should pass N

of Kuro Shima, taking care to avoid Motsu Se and the reef extending N from Aka Shima. After reaching the position WSW

of Karasu Sone, they should follow the directions for vessels

approaching from the SW. 

Sakiyama Hana, on the NE side of Fukue Shima, is the extremity of a rounded promontory, on which there is a group of

grassy hills. A light is shown from a small cove close W of the

point; a buoy marks Sembai Se.

5.48 Fukue Ko (32°42'N., 128°52'E.) lies about 3.5 miles

NW of Sakiyama Hana. The port is protected by breakwaters; a

light stands at the SE head of the N breakwater and another

light near the N head of the S breakwater, which is detached.

Another detached breakwater lies close E of the N end of the S

breakwater. 

5.48 A light is also shown from the head of another breakwater,

0.35 mile S of the N breakwater head. The port is used mainly by

small craft. Vessels with local knowledge can obtain anchorage

off Fukue, in depths of 14.6 to 16.5m, but caution is necessary

because of submarine cables in the vicinity.

5.48 Fukuro Suido lies on the W side of Fukue Shima about 2

miles N of Ose Saki. The strait is obstructed by a reef and care

must be taken not to mistake it for the entrance to Tamanoura

Wan, which is 2.5 miles farther N. A light is shown from the

NW entrance to Fukuro Suido.

5.48 Tamanoura Wan (32°41'N., 128°38'E.) affords excellent

shelter, but the depths in most parts are considerable. Anchorage, sheltered from the NE and E winds, can be obtained, in

depths of less than 18.3m, sand and shells, just outside the entrance to Arakawa Wan, on a spit that extends NE from Ko

Shima to the mainland; the holding ground is not good and the

position is exposed to the NW.

5.48 The best anchorage is 0.2 to 0.3 mile off the head of Tamanoura Wan, S of the entrance of Nakasu Ura, in about 20.1m,

mud, though the position is somewhat exposed to SE winds

which blow across the low land between the head of the bay

and Daiho Ura.

5.48 Vessels of moderate size can obtain sheltered anchorage, in

11 to 12.8m, mud, in Nakasu Ura, but local knowledge is essential. The harbor is protected by a breakwater which has a

light shown from the head of the breakwater.

5.49 Sagano Shima (32°44'N., 128°36'E.) appears as two

islets from a W direction. Vessels with local knowledge can

obtain anchorage, sheltered from W winds, in about 15.5m, in

a bay on the E side of Sagano Shima. Caution is necessary

because of submarine cables.

5.49 Hime Shima lies about 1.5 miles NNE of Kashiwa Saki, the

NW extremity of Fukue Shima. The NW side of the island consists of overhanging cliffs, but the rest of the island is wooded

or cultivated. A light is shown from Kashiwa Saki.

Nishi Sone, with a depth of 11m, rock, lies 3.5 miles NW of

Hime Shima. Kami Sone, a reef with two heads, lies about 2

miles E of Nishi Sone, and Shin Sone, with a depth of 7.3m,

lies 0.5 mile N of Kami Sone.

5.49 Hamanokuri Wan (32°45'N., 128°42'E.) is entered about

2.5 miles SE of Kashiwa Saki. The bay affords safe anchorage,

except from winds between the N and E, in a depth of 11m,

good holding ground. The village of Hamanokuri lies on the

NW side of the bay and is protected by two breakwaters. A

light is shown from the head of the N breakwater.

5.49 Mizuno Ura is entered about 1.8 miles ENE of the E entrance point of Hamanokuri Wan. Vessels of moderate size can

anchor in Mizuno Ura, in depths of 14.6 to 18.3m, mud. A light

is shown on the NE side of Mizuno Ura.

5.49 Kishuku Ura (32°46'N., 128°46'E.) is entered about 1.8

miles NE of Mizuno Ura. The bay affords anchorage to small

vessels with local knowledge.

5.49 Leading lights, shown from columns with white rectangular

topmarks, are situated within the entrance on the S shore of the

inlet; the lights in line bear 196°.

5.49 A short breakwater is situated 0.2 mile N of the front leading

light. A light is shown from the E end of the breakwater. 

5.49 Kamo Se, a group of rocky islets, lie about 0.8 mile W of

Ikokushi Bana, the N extremity of Fukue Shima. The highest

rock is about 37m high, and is the northernmost of the group. A

light is shown from Ikokushi Bana.

5.49 Tanoura Seto is located between Fukue Shima and Hisakajima, and is about 1 mile wide except at its S end; the fairway is

0.5 mile wide. The shores of the strait are free from off-lying

dangers and can be approached to a distance of 0.25 mile. Toki

Wan, on the SW side of the strait, is available to small craft

with local knowledge. Kashino Ura is entered close SE of Toki

Wan and affords anchorage to small vessels.

5.49 Tatara Shima, 166m high, is located in the SE entrance to

Tanoura Seto; a lighted tower stands on the N extremity of the

island. A lighted buoy is moored 0.4 mile N of Tatara Shima

Light. 

Hisaka-Jima

5.50 Hisaka-jima (32°48'N., 128°52'E.) is a hilly island

with rocky shores; its W side rises steeply to a summit of hills

from 244 to 343m high.

5.50 Hisaka Wan, an inlet that almost divides the island into two

parts, is entered from the N side of the island. The entrance

channel is tortuous and in places not more than 0.1 mile wide,

but it gives access to a completely landlocked basin. The village of Hisaka, at the S end of the inlet, has a small pier, 107m

long.

5.50 Vessels with local knowledge can obtain good anchorage, in

14.6 to 18.3m, mud, in the main basin or, in 9.2 to 11m, in the

inner basin of Hisaka Wan. Entry in bad weather is difficult.
Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 111

Pub. 159

Naru Seto

5.51 This strait lies between Hisaka Shima and Naru

Shima and its fairway is not less than 0.5 mile wide. The shores

on each side consist of steep rocky headlands, fringed with

sunken rocks extending a short distance offshore. Kurosaki

Bana, the W extremity of Naru Shima, forms the N entrance

point at the NW end of the strait. A light is shown from Kurosaki Bana.

5.51 Okushi Wan, on the NE side of the strait, is well-sheltered,

and can be used as an anchorage by vessels with local knowledge, in depths of 18.3 to 20.1m, sand.

5.51 Suzuno Ura (32°50'N., 128°55'E.) lies on the E side of the

strait, about 2 miles SE of Okushi Wan. The bay is mostly foul

and a light is shown from a point W of the bay.

5.51 Ura Ko lies on the E side of the strait, close S of Suzuno Ura.

Anchorage is available, in about 18.3m, in the middle of Ura

Ko, about 0.4 mile within the entrance. A floating pier at the

village of Ura is about 39.6m long, with depths of 4 to 6.1m

alongside.

Naru Shima

5.52 Ainoura Wan, a long narrow inlet which penetrates the N

coast of Naru Shima for a distance of nearly 2.8 miles, is entered

between Unoko Shima and No Se, about 0.5 mile to the E.

5.52 Vessels with local knowledge can obtain anchorage in depths

of 14.6 to 16.5m, sand, about 0.8 mile from the head of Ainoura Wan.

Takigawara Seto

5.53 This strait separates Wakamatsu-jima from Naru

Shima. The fairway of the strait is deep and free of dangers.

5.53 Arifuku Shima (32°56'N., 128°56'E.) lies on the NE side of

the NW end of the strait. It is 234m high, wooded, and cultivated. There are no dangers more than 0.1 mile from its SW

coast. A light is shown from the W extremity of the island.

5.53 Takigawara Ura is entered between KanSaki Bana and

Takasaki Bana, nearly 1 mile to the SE. Vessels with local knowledge can obtain anchorage near the head of the bay, clear of the

strong tidal currents at the entrance. Takasaki Bana forms a good

landmark for vessels entering the strait from the SE.

5.53 Hebo Shima (32°50'N., 129°00'E.), a prominent islet, 73.5m

high, lies in the SW approach to the strait, about 2.3 miles SSE

of Takasaki Bana.

5.53 Directions.—A vessel approaching the strait from the W

should make Arifuku Shima, which is a good landmark, and on

nearer approach, Aino Shima will be easily identified. Approaching from the SE, Hebo Shima is prominent, as is Takasaki Bana.

Wakamatsu-Jima

5.54 This rugged island lies between Takigawara Seto, on

its W side and Wakamatsu Seto, on its E side. The island is

nearly divided into two parts by an inlet on its NW side that

terminates in three narrow creeks. 

5.54 Hino Shima (32°55'N., 128°58'E.) is located about 0.5 mile

ENE of Arifuku Shima, on the W side of the entrance to

Wakamatsu Seto. The island is high, well-wooded, and conspicuous. Close off its N extremity is a doubled headed rock,

close offshore. Ko-jima, a pointed islet covered with pine trees,

lies off the NE side of the island. A rock, with a depth of less

than 1.8m, lies close off the SE extremity of Hino Shima.

5.54 Miyano Seto, a narrow channel only available to small vessels with local knowledge, separates Hino Shima from Arifuku

Shima. In the N approach to the channel, about 137m N of the

NE extremity of Arifuku Shima, there is a double-headed rock,

0.6m high.

5.54 Ryosei Shima (32°55'N., 128°58'E.), close S of Hino Shima,

is partly wooded and has three summits. The middle summit is

the highest; the N summit the sharpest.

5.54 Anchorage.—Vessels can obtain anchorages, outside the

tidal currents, between Hino Shima and Ryosei Shima, with

shelter from all winds, except those between the E and S.

5.54 Small vessels can obtain anchorage, between Ryosei Shima

and Tenjin Shima, close E, with sand bottom, and clear of the

tidal current.

5.54 Anchorage can be obtained, in 32.9 to 36.6m, sand, off the

entrance of the three arms at the head of the unnamed inlet on

the NW side of Wakamatsu-jima.

5.54 Local knowledge is essential in all the above areas.

Wakamatsu Seto

5.55 This strait lies between Wakamatsu Shima and Nakadori Shima. Its S half is very narrow and obstructed by islets

and reefs. The tidal current is very strong and no attempt

should be made to use it without local knowledge.

5.55 Kushi-jima (32°57'N., 128°59'E.), on the N side of the NW

end of the strait, is thickly wooded and high; its coasts are

rocky and its several points are fringed with above-water rocks;

close off its SW extremity is a rocky islet, 30.5m high. A light

is shown from the NW extremity of the island.

5.55 Oura Uchi, midway in the strait on the E side, has several

arms suitable for small vessels with local knowledge. Anchorage can be obtained, in a depth of about 27.4m, in the middle

of Oura Uchi or, in a depth of about 22.9m, in Arakawa Ura,

the NE of the coves in Oura Uchi, but local knowledge is essential.

5.55 Wakamatsu Ura (32°53'N., 129°01'E.) lies on the W side of

the strait, about 2 miles SW of Oura Uchi. Anchorage can be

obtained in the middle of the inlet, in depths of 21 to 22.9m,

sand. The village of Wakamatsu lies at the head of the inlet.

Nakadori Shima

5.56 Ore Shima, an islet 87m high near its N end, is located

about 2.5 miles NE of Kushi-jima Light, on the W side of

Nakadori Shima. Shugen-jima, about 1 mile N of Ore Shima, is

154m high, with foul ground on its N and E sides. Two beacons, situated 1.25 miles NE of Ore Shima, in line bearing 070.5°, lead between lighted buoys marking shoal water

extending NE from Ore Shima and S from Shugen-jima.

5.56 Aokata Wan (32°59'N., 129°02'E.) affords anchorage to

vessels with local knowledge, in depths of 16.5 to 18.3m, off

the entrances of the inlets in its SE part. Special care is necessary as there are submarine cables in the central part of the bay.
112 Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 

Pub. 159

A light is shown from Hitutu Se, on the E side of Aokata Wan.

5.56 Aokata Ko (32°59'N., 129°03'E.) (World Port Index No.

62340), situated at the head of Aokata Wan, is an oil terminal

protected by two breakwaters. Lights are shown from the head

of each breakwater, and from a sea berth on the E side of Ore

Shima. The harbor limits for Aokata Ko are drawn SSE from

the W end of Shugen-jima and ENE from the E end. 

5.56 There are depths of 26m alongside the sea berth. A submarine pipeline is laid from the vicinity of the sea berth E

across Aokata Wan. There are five floating oil tanks on the S

side of the longer breakwater.

Nama Wan is entered NE of Yakatame Saki, a remarkable

rock, 96m high, lying about 2.5 miles NE of Shugen-jima. The

E entrance of the bay is fringed with rocks that dry, and foul

ground extending 0.2 mile offshore in places. The village of

Nama is situated on the W side of the head of the bay. A light is

shown from Yakatome Saki.

5.56 Nama Wan affords good sheltered anchorage, in depths of

14.6 to 20.1m. The best anchorage for large vessels, in 20.1m,

lies about 500m offshore at the head of the bay, with the summit of O Shima bearing 342° and just open E of Yagatameo

Hana, and a red cliff, on the W side of the bay close N of the

village of Nama, bearing 252°.

5.56 Small vessels can anchor, in 14.6m, farther E, with Tsuboke

Se (33°05'N., 129°04'E.) and the extremity of the land on the E

side of the bay, in line bearing about 343°.

5.57 Sao Bana (32°49'N., 129°04'E.), the S extremity of

Nakadori Shima, is located about 2.5 miles SE of Shiro Saki,

the S extremity of Wakamatsu Shima. Mitsu Se, a group of

rocks, lies about 0.5 mile W of Sao Bana. A light is shown

from Sao Bana.

5.57 Otona Se (32°49'N., 129°05'E.) is a steep rock, 0.9m high,

and lies about 1.5 miles ENE of Sao Bana. A light is shown

from the rock.

5.57 Narao Ko is a fishing harbor situated about 1.5 miles N of

Sao Bana. A floating pier within the harbor is reported to have

a depth of 6.1m alongside. Lights are shown from the harbor

entrance.

5.57 Taino Ura (32°56'N., 129°07'E.), the largest of several inlets

on the SE side of Nakadori Shima, is located about 8 miles

NNE of Sao Bana. Kaneko Shima, lying in the entrance of the

inlet, is almost connected to the E point of the inlet by a reef.

Small vessels with local knowledge can obtain anchorage, in

about 10.1m. A light is shown from Kaneko Shima and from

the head of the inlet.

5.57 Aino Shima, 108m high, lies 3.5 miles ESE of Kaneko

Shima. A light is shown from the SW side of the island.

Naka Sone and Benkei Sone, with depths of 14.6m, rock, are

sometimes marked by tide rips. The former lies about 2 miles

NNE of Aino Shima, and the latter about 1 mile farther N.

5.58 Nanori Se (32°59'N., 129°14'E.), a rock 23.8m high,

about 4 miles NNE of Aino Shima, has foul ground extending

about 0.2 mile to the N and S.

5.58 Hira Shima, rising to an elevation of 207m in its center, is

located about 1 mile N of Nanori Se. The N and W sides of the

hill slope gradually to the sea, but on the S side there is a precipitous ridge. On the NE side of the island there is a hill,

101m high, that rises vertically from the waters edge.

5.58 Kamoda Wan indents the SW side of Hira Shima. Small vessels with local knowledge can obtain anchorage, sheltered from

the N and E winds, but exposed to the S and W, near the head

of the bay. A light is shown from the NW extremity of Hira

Shima and from the head of Kamoda Wan.

5.58 Eno Shima (33°00'N., 129°21'E.) lies about 5 miles E of

Hira Shima. The coasts of this island are foul in places for

about 2.3 miles offshore. Close off its N extremity are two islets named Takenoko Shima; the larger is 30.8m high. To the

N, W, and S of the island lie numerous islets, rocks, and foul

patches for a distance of up to 2.5 miles and can best be seen

on the charts. A lighted structure stands close offshore on the S

side of the island.

5.58 O-date Shima, 83m high, on which are two round-topped

hills, is located about 4 miles ENE of Eno Shima. Kodate

Shima lies on a shoal about 1 mile SE of O-date Shima. A light

is shown from O-date Shima.

5.58 Fuku Se (33°05'N., 129°26'E.) is an above-water rock located about 3.5 miles N of O-date Shima. A light is shown

from the rock.

5.59 Rokuro Shima, Yamaanju Shima, Noanju Shima, and

Kashira Shima lie off the NE extremity of Nakadori Shima.

5.59 Arikawa Wan (33°00'N., 129°07'E.) is entered W of

Nokubi Saki, which lies about 2.3 miles WSW of the W

extremity of Kashira Shima, and in it are a number of rocky

islets and dangerous shoals. On its S side, Sakuraga Take and

Takanosu Yama are prominent. The town of Arikawa lies in

about the middle of the S side of the bay. A light is shown from

a point close N of the town. Three lighted buoys mark dangers

on the W side of the bay. The town fronts an artificial harbor,

with a floating pier, 59.4m long, and a depth of 4m alongside.

5.59 The bay affords anchorage to large vessels with local knowledge, sheltered from all winds, except from the N and E.

Caution is necessary because of the many fish nets lying in the

bay.

5.59 From the head of Arikawa Wan, the coast trends about 10.8

miles N to Tsuwa Saki, the N extremity of Nakadori Shima. A

light is shown from Tsuwa Saki. Mae Shima, 81m high, lies 1

mile offshore, about 2 miles SE of Tsuwa Saki.

5.59 Tan Se (33°09'N., 129°08'E.), a conical islet, lies about 0.5

mile NE of the N extremity of Mae Shima. Rocks extend about

0.1 mile out from the islet on the W side. No attempt should be

made to pass between Mae Shima and Tan Se.

5.59 NoSaki Shima is located N of Nakadori Shima and the strait

between its S end and Tsuwa Saki is about 0.3 mile wide. Its

summit, which is 350m high and thickly wooded, lies near the

N end of the island. A red scar on the W side of the summit

makes the island easy to identify.

5.60 Kebuta Se (33°12'N., 129°09'E.) lies about 0.3 mile E

of the NE extremity of NoSaki Shima. The passage between

them is foul and should not be attempted.

5.60 Mu Shima is rounded and 74m high, and lies about 0.5 mile

NNE of the N extremity of NoSaki Shima. The island forms

the S side of Ojika Seto.

5.60 No Shima, 62m high, lies close N of Ojika Shima (33°12'N.,

129°09'E.).

5.60 Ojika Seto (33°14'N., 129°06'E.) lies between No Shima

and Mu Shima on its S side, and Tera Shima and Uku Shima on
Sector 5. Kyushu—Northwest Coast 113

Pub. 159

its N side is not less than 1 mile wide, but in its center is Ai Se,

a black pointed rock, 4m high. A light is shown from the rock.

5.60 Kuromo Se, in the E approach to Ojika Seto is a steep-to

group of rocks, 13.1m high, lying about 2.8 miles ENE of the

summit of Mu Shima. A light is shown from Kuromo Se.

Uku Shima

5.61 Uku Shima (33°16'N., 129°07'E.) is the N island in

Goto Retto. The coasts of the island are indented, and several

of the bays afford shelter to small vessels with local knowledge. Shirono Take, in the center of the island, rises to an elevation of 259m.

5.61 Tera Shima is a rugged islet, 37m high, composed mostly of

lava; its N end is a narrow peninsula, from which a light is

shown. The islet lies close off the SW side of Uku Shima.

5.61 Tsushimase Hana (33°18'N., 129°08'E.) is the low N extremity of Uku Shima, and from it a steep-to reef extends about

0.3 mile to the N. A light is shown from the point.

5.61 Koshiki-jima is a group of three islets lying about 2.5 miles

E of Tsushimase Hana. A light is shown from the middle islet

of the group.

5.62 Nagasaki Hana (33°16'N., 129°10'E.), about 2.5

miles SE of Tsushimase Hana, is the low E extremity of Uku

Shima, and from it foul ground extends about 0.5 mile to the E.

A light is shown from the point.

5.62 Taira, a village, protected by a breakwater, lies at the head of

a cove with a sandy beach, about 1 mile WSW of Nagasaki

Hana. A light is shown from the head of the breakwater.

5.62 Ojika Shima (33°12'N., 129°03'E.) lies about 3 miles NW

of Tsuwa Saki. A barren hill, 58m high, lies on the N end of the

island. At the NE end of the island are two conical hills, N and

S of each other. No Shima, 62m high, lies close off the middle

of the N coast of Ojika Shima.

5.62 Kuro Shima lies close SE of the SW extremity of Ojika

Shima, with a shoal between them. There are two breakwaters

near the N end of the island. A light is shown from the N

breakwater.

5.62 Kokuro Shima (33°11'N., 129°04'E.) is situated about 0.5

mile ENE of Kuro Shima; the narrow channel between it and

the S coast of Ojika Shima is shoal.

5.62 Madara-jima lies close W of the W extremity of Ojika

Shima. The summit, 126m high, lies on the E side of the island.

A light is shown from the NW extremity of Madara-jima.

5.62 Koji Shima, Yaburogi Shima, Uu Shima, and O Shima lie 0.75

mile to 2.5 miles S, respectively, of Madara-jima. The passages

between the islets are mostly foul and not recommended.

5.63 Aka Shima (33°12'N., 128°59'E.), 103m high, lies

about 1.5 miles SW of Madara-jima. Its summit rises steeply

from its S side and rounded topped hills lie at the W end of the

island. There are a number of above-water rocks close off its

NW side.

5.63 Hoge Shima, 62m high, lies 1.25 miles S of the SE extremity

of Aka Shima. Its summit, located at its S end, rises precipitously from the sea, and its N end is a hill, the two being

connected by a natural arch that is prominent from the W.

5.63 O Shima, 105m high, is located 1.25 miles E of Hoge Shima

and has a vertical cliff on its NW side with a clump of trees on

its summit. It is prominent from the S and W. 

5.63 A lighted tower stands on the SW extremity of the reef

extending 1 mile SW of O Shima. 

5.63 Kura Shima (33°12'N., 128°55'E.) lies 3 miles W of Aka

Shima. The islet rises to an elevation of 120m. Hoage Se, about

0.5 mile NW of Kura Shima, consists of two pointed islets.

Shakushi, which dries, lies 0.75 mile NNE of Hoage Se and is

usually marked by breakers.

5.63 Mira Shima (33°10'N., 128°54'E.), 139m high, lies about

1.8 miles SW of Kura Shima. The island consists of two summits, N and S of each other. Hira Shima lies 0.75 mile S of

Mira Shima.

5.63 Shiro Se (33°11'N., 128°48'E.), the W islet in the N part of

Goto Retto, lies nearly 16 miles W of Tsuwa Sakii; it appears

to be split into two parts from its summit to the HW mark.

Several above-water rocks lie within 0.1 mile N of it; another

above-water rock is close to its S side. Shakushi Iwa, with a

depth of 2.7m, rock, lies about 0.4 mile N of Shiro Se. A light

is shown from Shiro Se.

5.63 Korai Sone, with a depth of 4m, rock, lies about 6 miles SW

of Shiro Se; it is located near the S end of a rocky shoal, with

depths of less than 18.3m.
115

Pub. 159

6.

Kii Suido and Osaka Wan

6.0Additional chart coverage may be found in NGA/DLIS Catalog of Maps, Charts, and Related Products (Unlimited Distribution).

SECTOR 6 — CHART INFORMATION
117

Pub. 159

SECTOR 6 

KII SUIDO AND OSAKA WAN

6.0 Plan.—This sector first describes Kii Suido, the E entrance

of the Naikai and its adjacent coasts, including the important

ports of Wakayama and Shimotsu. Osaka Wan is then described, including the important ports of Osaka and Kobe, followed by Akashi Kaikyo. 

General Remarks

6.1 The Naikai (Inland Sea) is bordered N and E by the islands of Honshu and S by the islands of Shikoku and Kyushu.

It is connected to the Pacific Ocean by Kii Suido and Bungo

Suido, which lie E and W, respectively, of Shikoku; it is connected to the Sea of Japan by Kanmon Kaikyo.

6.1 The Naikai extends about 240 miles from E to W and about

10 to 30 miles from N to S. There are about 3,000 islands and

islets in the Naikai, and they are more numerous on the N side.

The Naikai is famous for its scenery and abundance of historical landmarks; the greater part of it has been designated a

national park.

6.1 The seas in the Naikai are generally calm; there is no particular difficulty in navigation in the fairways established under

the Maritime Traffic Safety Law or along the recommended

charted routes, even at night. However, there are many places

where the channels are narrow, the tidal currents are strong,

and there is heavy traffic of all types and sizes of vessels. Very

large vessels and tugs with long tows may also be met, and

there are places where fishing vessels congregate in certain

seasons of the year. Vessels should navigate with caution to

avoid collision.

6.1 Certain charts of the Naikai indicate Japanese swept areas as

being safe from mines for shipping on a “risk acceptable”

basis.

6.1 The boundary lines between the Naikai and other sea areas

are, as follows:

1. A line between Hino Misaki Light (33°52'42"N.,

135°03'50"E.) and Gamoda Misaki Light (33°49'50"N.,

134°45'08"E.).

2. A line between Sado Misaki Light (33°20'24"N.,

132°01'E.) and Jizo Misaki Light (33°15'48"N.,

131°54'20"E.).

3. A line between Daiba Hana on Takenoko Shima

(33°56'50"N., 130°52'27"E.) and Wakamatu Dokai Wan

Entrance Breakwater Light (33°56'17"N., 130°51'11"E.).

6.1 The Maritime Traffic Law has been established in the Naikai

(Inland Sea) and other Japanese areas to increase the safety of

traffic in congested areas by prescribing special regulations and

by enforcing the use of certain traffic routes. Almost all the sea

areas of the Naikai, except for the harbor areas, are subject to

this law. See Pub. 120, Sailing Directions (Planning Guide) Pacific Ocean and Southeast Asia. The compulsory traffic routes

are charted, and special regulations pertaining to each route are

described in the appropriate sectors of this publication.

6.1 Pilotage.—There are currently four compulsory pilotage

districts in Seto Naikai, as follows: 

1. The Komatsushima area.

2. The Kobe Ko district.

3. The Naikai area, encompassing most of the inland

sea, except Kii Suido, the approaches to Kanmon Kaikyo

and Kanmon Ko, and Bungo Suido.

4. The Osaka Wan district, including Tomogasima Suido

and Akashi Kaikyo.

6.1 Pilotage is compulsory in Kobe Ko and Kanmon Ko; however, in Kanmon Ko this applies only to the harbor areas outside the fairways and the channels through Kanmon Kaikyo.

6.1 Foreign vessels intending to proceed through Bisan Seto

East Fairway, Bisan Seto North Fairway, Bisan Seto South

Fairway, Uko East Fairway, Uko West Fairway, Mizushima

Fairway, and Kuroshima Kaikyo Fairway, which are designated by Maritime Traffic Safety Headquarters of the district

concerned to embark a pilot.

6.1 Pilots are available 24 hours in the Naikai. Pilots board, as

follows:

1. Vessels entering through Kii Suido are boarded in the

vicinity of Wada Misaki Quarantine Anchorage

(34°38'N., 135°11'E.). Wada Misaki Signal Station is reported no longer in use. The station had displayed anchoring and

berthing signals. 

Pilots will board very large vessels, which are proceeding

direct to various harbors in the Naikai from Tomagashima

Suido, in the area bearing 203°, distant 5 miles from Kobe

Light (34°39'N., 135°10'E.). Pilots will disembark from very

large vessels proceeding direct to Tomagashima Suido from

various harbors in the Naikai, in the area bearing 213°,

distant 5.5 miles from Kobe Light.

2. Vessels entering through Bungo Suido are boarded

about 3 miles SSE of Seki Saki Light (33°16'N., 131°54'E.);

vessels 200m in length or over are boaded 4 miles SE of the

light. With strong NW winds and seas in winter, vessels

should proceed, if possible, to a sheltered area S of Tsuta

Shima and wait for the pilot.

3. Vessels entering through Kanmon Kaikyo board about

0.5 mile E of Matsure Shima Light (33°58'N., 130°52'E.),

or in the vicinity of He Saki Quarantine Anchorage

(33°57'N., 131°02'E.).

4. Vessels from Kobe or Osaka board the pilot 1 mile SE

of Kobe Light, for vessels under 200m in length, or 4 miles

SSW of Kobe Light, for vessels over 200m in length.

6.1 Requests for a pilot should be made by radio or radiotelephone 24 hours before ETA to the appropriate pilot headquarters or through the vessel’s agent. Confirmation of time of

arrival should be made 6 hours before ETA; any change in ETA

should be made at this time.

6.1 When vessels equipped with radiotelephone come within

range of Kobe Port Radio Station, Shimonoseki Port Radio

Station, or Oita Port Radio Stations, they should immediately

send a message confirming their ETA, and then keep a watch

on VHF channel 16.

6.1 Vessels nearing the pilot station should hoist International
118 Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 

Pub. 159

Code flag G by day, and flash the Morse letter G continuously

at night. In poor visibility, vessels should sound the Morse

letter G by sound signal continuously.

6.1 For further information regarding pilotage in Tomogashima

Suido, see paragraph 6.15.

6.1 Regulations.—Vessels of more than 150 grt carrying

hazardous and noxious substances, in liquid form, as defined in

MARPOL 73/78 Annex II, and calling at ports or terminals

within Tokyo Wan Ise Wan, and the Naikai, must comply with

regulations effective April 1, 2008. Further information can be

found in Pub. 120, Sailing Directions (Planning Guide) Pacific

Ocean and Southeast Asia. 

Kii Suido

6.2 Kii Suido, the E entrance to the Naikai, is entered between Hino Misaki (33°53'N., 135°04'E.) and Gamoda

Misaki, about 16 miles WSW.

6.2 A voluntary traffic separation scheme has been established in

Kii Suido, in the vicinity of Hino Misaki and I Shima. See Pub.

120, Sailing Directions (Planning Guide) Pacific Ocean and

Southeast Asia for further information.

6.2 The principal channel into Osaka Wan through the NE part

of Kii Suido is Yuro Seto in Tomogashima Suido. Naruto Kaikyo, in the NW part of Kii Suido, leads into Harima Nada, and

is better avoided by large vessels and vessels without local

knowledge; Naruto Kaikyo has very strong tidal currents, is

narrow, and has many reefs.

6.2 Caution.—A wreck is reported in position 33°52'52"N,

134°51'51"E, approximately 3 miles NE of the N tip of I

Shima, in close proximity of the voluntary traffic separation

scheme. 

6.2 A submarine power cable laid between Tachibana and Shira

Saki, whose position is best seen on chart, may cause local

magnetic compass anomalies.

Kii Suido—East Side

6.3 Hino Misaki, a steep cliffy headland, is marked by a

light and ramark. Hino Yama, 202m high, is conspicuous

nearly 0.5 mile NE of Hino Misaki. Okura Baye, 19.8m high,

about 0.1 mile W of the cape, is the outermost of the many

above-water rocks fringing the cape; a rock, with a depth of

1m, lies about 45m farther W. Kajitori Sho, which dries 0.6m,

lies about 0.2 mile offshore, nearly 0.5 mile NNW of the cape.

6.3 Hasedeno Hana (33°54'N., 135°04'E.), about 1.5 miles N of

Hino Misaki, rises to a pointed hill, 101m high.

6.3 Hii Wan is entered between Hasedeno Hano and Oura Saki,

about 1.3 miles NNE. Naka, a group of rocks, lies in the central

part of the bay; a light is shown from the highest rock. At the

inner end of the bay are three coves, which provide anchorage

for small vessels with local knowledge. Anchorage cannot be

taken during strong W winds when seas enter the bay.

6.3 Oura Saki is a low flat cliffy projection. Ichinoe Bae

(33°56'N., 135°04'E.), 5.2m high and marked by a light, is the

outermost above-water rock on a shoal spit extending about 0.4

mile NW of a point, about 0.4 mile NE of Oura Saki.

6.3 Yura Ko (33°57'N., 135°06'E.) is entered between Ichinoe

Bae and Shimoyama Hana, about 1.5 miles NNE. Hijiki

Shima, 35m high, lies about 0.3 mile W of Shimoyama Hana,

Courtesy of Japan Captains’ Association (http://www.captain.or.jp/?page_id=27).

Hino Misaki/I Shima Voluntary Traffic Separation Scheme
Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 119

Pub. 159

and Kasane Yama, a rounded hill, 263m high, and surmounted

by a radio tower, is conspicuous about 1 mile E of the same

point. Ari Shima, 72m high, lies in the entrance to the inlet; the

islet is bordered by rocks, and a 3.6m depth lies about 0.2 mile

E of it. A fish haven is situated 0.5 mile W of Ari Shima in the

approaches to Yura Ko. 

6.3 There are depths of 5 to 25m in the harbor, The mooring

quay situated on the N side of the Jura Kawa estuary is limited

to vessels of up to 700 dwt. There are depths of 3.5 to 8m at

Sakurajima quay, however this berth is for the use of a cement

company exclusively, except in an emergency. 

6.3 Anchorage.—Anchorage can be taken, in 11m, mud, good

holding ground, about 0.2 mile W of the head of the jetty,

sheltered from all but SW winds. 

6.4 Shira Saki (33°58'N., 135°04'E.), rising to an elevation of 57m, is a whitish gray cliff. It is prominent and rises

gradually to Kuro Yama, 254m high, about 1.5 miles E.

6.4 Ashika Shima, 4.8m high, steep-to on its W side, and usually

marked by breakers, lies about 0.4 mile W of Shira Saki. A

light is shown from a round concrete tower standing on the

rock. Okura Bae, a black rock, 7.5m high, lies about 0.2 mile N

of Shira Saki, with other rocks between.

6.4 Yuasa Wan is entered between Shira Saki and Miyasakino

Hana, about 6 miles N. The latter point is steep and covered

with pine trees; a light is shown from the point, and pine trees

are conspicuous on a hill, 90m high, about 0.4 mile SE of the

point. A measured distance of about 2,118m lies to the W of

Miyasakino Hana and is indicated by the light structure and

three beacons. Ogono Se, with a depth of 3.1m, and steep-to,

lies about 0.4 mile S of Miyasakino Hana. There are several

islets and numerous fish havens in Yuasa Wan. Yuasahiro Ko

lies at the head of the bay.

6.4 Oba Se, a rock with a depth of 0.3m, and Sono Se, a rock,

with a depth of 7.3m, lie in the central part of the bay, about 1.5

miles NW and 0.8 mile NW, respectively, of the W extremity

of Taka Shima (34°01'N., 135°07'E.). Karumo-jima, about 1

mile NNE of Taka Shima, has above-water rocks extending

about 0.2 mile N of the W islet. Kenashi To, two steep-to

brown rocks, 21m high, lie about 0.5 mile ENE of Karumojima. Sogami Se, a rock awash, lies about 1.3 miles NW of

Kenashi To.

6.4 Anchorage.—Good anchorage, sheltered from all but W

winds, can be taken, in 11.9 to 14.9m, mud, SE of Kenashi To,

in the outer part of Yuasahiro Ko.

6.4 Temporary anchorage can be taken by small vessels of 500

grt off a bight on the SE side of Taka Shima, in depths of 11.9

to 14.9m, mud, good holding ground. Care must be taken to

avoid the reefs about 0.2 mile SSE of Taka Shima, and the seas

become heavy with strong S to NW winds.

Wakayama-Shimotsu Ko (34°12'N., 135°08'E.)

World Port Index No. 61542, 61543, and 61545

6.5 Wakayama-Shimotsu Ko occupies the N part of the E

side of Kii Suido, and extends between Miyasakino Hana

(34°05'N., 135°05'E.) and Takura Saki, about 11.5 miles N.

The harbor is divided from the S to N into the harbor areas of

Arida Ku, Shimotsu Ku, Kainan Ku, and Wakayama Ku. The

three cities of Arida, Kainan and Wakayama and the town of

Shimotsu lie on its shores.

6.5 Arida Ku and Shimotsu Ku are petrochemical factory zones

with large refineries in the area. An industrial area has been

constructed in Kainan-Ku, in the SE part of Wakanoura Wan.

Wakayama Ku is further divided into Minami Ku (South District) and Kita Ku (North District), located S and N, respectively, of the mouth of Kina Kawa.

Hino Misaki Light

Miyasakino Hana Light
120 Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 

Pub. 159

Winds—Weather

6.5 In winter, the swell enters all the harbor areas when strong

monsoon winds are blowing. Shimotsu Ku is well-sheltered

from S winds, but tankers berthed at Toa Fuel Jetty E-1, on the

S side of the harbor, must beware of SE gusts blowing down

from the mountains behind. Caution is advised in Minami Ku

(South District) of Wakayama Ku, when strong SW to WNW

winds and seas cause heavy seas to enter the harbor.

6.5 When the center of a typhoon passes W of the harbor, S to

SW winds are strong, and caution is also necessary with regard

to W winds after passage of the typhoon. In a typhoon it is

recommended locally that large vessels in Arida Ku, Shimotso

Ku, and Kainan Ku should seek shelter in Wakanoura Wan, and

large vessels in Wakayama Ku should seek shelter off Kishiwada (Hannon Ko) in Osaka Wan; small vessels should seek

shelter inside each harbor area.

Tides—Currents

6.5 The tidal rise at Wakayama is 1.8m at MHWS, and 1.4m at

MHWN.

6.5 The tidal currents flow N and S, but have virtually no effect

on shipping. However, in the vicinity of the quarantine anchorage (34°07'N., 135°07'E.), at the time of HW and LW, respectively, at Shimotsu, the N current and the S current are at their

strongest, with a velocity of about 0.8 knots.

Depths—Limitations

6.5 Jino Shima (34°07'N., 135°06'E.) is bordered by rocks and

shoals extending about 0.1 mile offshore. Fish havens exist off

the S coast of the island. Nabe Iso, with a depth of 0.9m and

marked SW by a lighted buoy, lies about 0.3 mile S of Jino

Shima, with depths of less than 10.1m extending about 0.2

mile N. Kenashi Ishi, a rock, 11m high, lies near the coast,

about 0.5 mile SSE of Jino Shima; a 4.3m depth lies about 0.1

mile W of the rock.

6.5 The channel between Jino Shima and the mainland is marked

by lighted buoys. A submarine water pipe-line is reported to

extend 100m WNW from the shore on the E side of the

channel; its seaward end is marked by a lighted buoy. 

6.5 Toa Fuel Jetty O-1 is on the coast E of Jino Shima. The berth

can be used by tankers up to 236,000 dwt, with a draft of

18.5m. There is a submersible oil boom at the berth. Lights are

shown at the pierhead and approximately 0.2 mile N and S of

it. The berth is equipped with dolphins, oil fencing, and mooring buoys.

6.5 Osaki Sea Berth, close N of Tsubune Hana, has depths of 24

to 25m, and can accommodate tankers up to 130,000 dwt. A

submarine pipeline extends from the berth to Tsubune Hana; a

submarine power cable is laid between the dolphins at either

end of the berth.

6.5 Toa Fuel Jetty E-1, on the S side of Shimotsu Ku, has depths

of 13.5m alongside, and can accommodate tankers up to

70,000 dwt.

Kainan Ku, reached by a channel dredged to 12m, leads to

the SE corner of Wakanoura Wan; the channel is marked by

lighted buoys.

6.5 An overhead cable, with a vertical clearance of about 47m,

spans the entrance to Kainan Ku.

6.5 A prohibited entry area exists to the N of the buoyed

channel. A lighted buoy marks the seaward end of a submarine

water pipeline in the N part of this area. 

6.5 A jetty at the head of the harbor has depths of 13m alongside, and can accommodate tankers up to 78,000 dwt. A pier,

on the N side of the harbor, has a berth with depths of 11 to

12m alongside, with a length of 360m; it can accommodate

vessels up to 20,000 dwt.

6.5 Overhead power cables, with vertical clearances of 28m and

24m, respectively, span the basins at the E end and SE ends of

the harbor. Another overhead power cable, with a vertical

clearance of 40m, crosses the channel leading N in the E part

of the harbor.

6.5 Wakayama Ku (Minami Ku), the area enclosed by breakwaters close S of the mouth of Kino Kawa, has depths of 8.5 to

9.5m alongside the N side of the base of the S breakwater; it

can accommodate vessels up to 15,000 dwt and has a berthing

length of 370m.

6.5 There are depths of 9.8 to 10.1m alongside the S side of the

base of the S breakwater. 

6.5 Kita Ku harbor, two dolphin berths on the inner side of the

W breakwater, have depths of 11.9m alongside and can accommodate vessels up to 20,000 dwt; the SE berth is for LPG vessels only.

6.5 Berth B, on the NE side of the main harbor, can accommodate vessels up to 90,000 dwt in 9.5 to 14m; Berth C can accommodate 70,000 grt vessels in 14m of water.

Aspect

6.5 Miyasakino Hana (34°04'N., 135°05'E.) was previously

described with Yuasa Wan in paragraph 6.4. Okino Shima,

about 2.3 miles farther N, is 92m high, and marked by a light in

its W part.

6.5 Jino Shima, about 1 mile E of Okino Shima, rises to an elevation of 115m near its SW end and has a high cliff on its W

side. Oil tanks, painted silver, are conspicuous on the mainland

E and SE of Jino Shima.

6.5 A large chimney, 161m high, painted red and white and

emitting flames, is conspicuous about 0.8 mile SE of the N end

of Jino Shima; a three-stack chimney, 135m high, with its

upper part painted black and its lower part silver, is conspicuous about 0.3 mile farther S.

6.5 Fuki Kosan Refinery, in which there are a number of chimneys and oil tanks, lies at the inner end of the harbor.

6.5 A channel, marked by lighted and unlighted buoys, leads between Jino Shima and the mainland.

Tsubune Hana, at the N entrance to Shimotsu Ku, is marked

by a light. Several oil tanks, 25m high, and painted white, are

conspicuous on the NE side of the headland.

6.5 Saika Saki (34°11'N., 135°09'E.), the N entrance point of

Wakanoura Wan, is a steep, cliffy headland, marked by a light.

Close W, there are four islets, including O Shima, 34m high.

6.5 Wakayama Castle, with its keep on the summit of a 40m hill,

is conspicuous nearly 3 miles NE of Saika Saki, in the city of

Wakayama.

6.5 A power station chimney is conspicuous about 0.5 mile N of

the head of Kita Ku North Breakwater; the three-stack composite chimney is 80m high and painted red and white.
Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 121

Pub. 159

6.5 Takura Saki (34°16'N., 135°04'E.) rises to an elevation of

41m and is marked by a light. Hachimaki Yama rises to an

elevation of 131m, about 0.5 mile ENE of the headland.

Pilotage

6.5 Pilotage is not compulsory, but recommended for vessels

under 30,000 dwt. For vessels greater than 30,000 dwt, it is

compulsory for two pilots to be onboard.

6.5 Pilots board in the following positions:

1. Vessels entering Shimotsu Ku or Arita Ku—

34°07.7'N, 135°03.3'E.

2. Vessels entering Kainan Ku—34°09.2'N,

135°06.8'E.

3. Vessels entering Wakayama Ko Section 1 or Minami Ku—34°12.5'N, 135°05.3'E.

4. Vessels entering Wakayama Ko Kita Ku—

34°13.5'N, 135°03.8'E.

Anchorage

6.5 Wakanoura Wan provides anchorage, in 4.9 to 20m, soft

mud, good holding ground, except during strong winds between the S and W, which send in a heavy sea.

6.5 The quarantine anchorage lies NE of Jino Shima.

Directions

Fairways Shimotsu Fairway, which leads into Shimotsu Ku, is

entered about 0.4 mile SSW of Tsubune Hana; the fairway is 0.1

mile wide and about 1.1 miles long, oriented on a heading of

123°.

6.5 Kita Ku Fairway, which leads into Wakayama Ku (Kita Ku),

is about 0.2 mile wide and marked by lights and lighted buoys.

Reclaimed land extends W on the seaward side of the former S

breakwater and forms the S side of Kita Ku Fairway. 

6.5 Passage in depths of over 10.1m can be made S of Jino

Shima, but the least navigable width is about 250m. Care is

necessary to clear Nabe Iso and the depth of less than 10.1m

extending N.

6.5 Vessels entering Shimotsu Ku should steer for the entrance

to Shimotsu Fairway on a course of 100° from a position about

1 mile N of Shimotsu Ko Light (34°07'N., 135°05'E.) on

Okino Shima.

6.5 After entering the fairway, alter course to 123°, steering for

the summit of Sotose Yama, 43m high, located about 0.3 mile

WNW of the harbormaster’s office. Caution is necessary due to

vessels at anchor in the quarantine anchorage, which lies about

0.5 mile W of the fairway entrance.

6.5 Vessels proceeding to Wakayama Ku (Kita Ku) from the S

should steer for Takura Saki Light; when W of Kita Ku Fairway, alter course as necessary for the passage.

6.5 Vessels from the N should steer for the entrance to Kita Ku

Fairway from a position about 1.5 miles SW of Takura Saki

Light. Caution is necessary when entering and leaving the

harbor, as there are a large number of fishing boats in the harbor.

Caution

6.5 Shimotsu Ku Kajitori Ne, a rock with a depth of 1.2m and

marked by a buoy, lies about 0.2 mile SSE of Tsubune Hana

(34°08'N., 135°08'E.), on the N side of the entrance to Shimotsu Ku.

Kii Suido—West Side

6.6 Gamoda Misaki (33°50'N., 134°45'E.), the E extremity of Shikoku, terminates in steep, dark brown cliffs, and is

marked by a light. I Shima, about 3 miles ENE of Gamoda

Misaki, rises to an elevation of 134m to the tops of the trees at

Saika Saki Light

Takura Saki Light
122 Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 

Pub. 159

its N end; Toni Yama, a hill, 129m high, lies in the S part of the

island, and is marked by a light on its summit.

6.6 Two islets lie on the W side of I Shima. Between these islets

and Gamoda Misaki there are many groups of rocks, some

above-water. Navigation in this area should not be attempted

without local knowledge. Sirika Bae, a rock, 4.3m high, lies

about 0.7 mile SE of Gamoda Misaki, and is illuminated by an

auxiliary light on the headland.

6.6 Tsubakidomari Ura, a long inlet, lies N of the promontory

terminating in Gamado Misaki. Maiko-jima, 85m high at its E

end, lies in the entrance to the inlet, about 1 mile NW of

Gamoda Misaki. The inlet affords good anchorage to small

vessels with local knowledge, in depths of over 10.1m. The

better entrance to the inlet lies W of Maiko-jima; there are

reefs on either side of this entrance.

Tachibana Ko (33°52'N., 134°40'E.)

World Port Index No. 61965

6.7 Tachibana Ko lies near the head of Tachibana Ura; it

is sheltered by Gamoda Misaki and I shima from SE winds and

seas during the typhoon season (August to October), and

sheltered from the W to NW winds of winter by the surrounding hills. Being a natural well-sheltered harbor, it has developed into an industrial port, with an electric power station and

other industries.

6.7 Winds—Weather.—Throughout the year, the most common wind direction is NW to NE. Storms are most frequent

when there are N winds, followed by S winds.

6.7 When a typhoon is proceeding E along the S coast of Shikoku, caution is necessary as considerable E to SE swells enter

the harbor.

6.7 Depths—Limitations.—The draft limitation in the channel

is 10.2m. The pier, on the S side of the reclaimed area, has a

depth of 10.7m alongside and can accommodate vessels up to

200m in length and up to 30,000 dwt. A dolphin jetty, on the

NE side of the reclaimed area, has depths of 7.3m alongside,

and can accommodate a 5,000 grt vessel. 

Aspect.—Tachibana Ura has many islets and groups of rocks

in its entrance. Funo Iso (33°53'N., 134°43'E.), on the N side

of the entrance, consists of two rocks, 1.2m high; a light is

shown from the N rock. Ao Shima, about 2 miles NNE of Funo

Iso, is saddle-shaped; it is 55m high in its NE part and is

marked by a light on a hill in its SW part. Nakatsu Shima and

Maru Shima lie about 0.5 mile S and 1 mile SSW, respectively,

of Ao Shima.

6.7 Hadake Shima, a rock, 7.9m high, lies about 1.4 miles SSE

of Funo Iso, on the S side of the entrance to Tachibana Ura; it

should not be approached closely due to dangerous rocks extending about 0.5 mile from it. Tobi Shima, 30m high, about

0.5 mile S of Hadake Shima, is joined by reefs to Nono-jima,

about 0.4 mile farther SSW.

6.7 Takasaki Yama, 81m high, flat-topped, and covered with

trees, lies about 1.3 miles W of Funo Iso; Urume Shima, 46m

high to the tops of the trees, lies about 2 miles SW of Funo Iso.

6.7 Taka Shima, 84m high, and Kokatsu Shima, 76m high in its

N part, lie about 0.5 mile and 1.5 miles W, respectively, of

Urume Shima.

6.7 Okonai Yama, 138m high, lies at the head of the harbor,

about 1.5 miles W of the N end of Kokatsu Shima.

6.7 The electric power station on the NE side of the reclaimed

area has a conspicuous chimney, 202m high, painted red and

white.

6.7 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory but recommended.

Pilots are available off the entrance to Tachibana Ura during

daylight. Vessels usually anchor at Shimotsu, where the authorities board and grant free pratique.

6.7 Anchorage.—Good anchorage, except during NE winds,

can be taken, in 10.5m, mud, good holding ground, about midway between Taka Shima, Naga Shima, and Kokatsu Shima.

6.7 Directions.—From the N, approach with Urume Shima

bearing 223° until Funo Iso Light is in line with Takasaki

Yama, bearing 270°, when course is altered 242°, steering for

the summit of Kokatsu Shima. When Urume Shima is abeam,

bearing 152°, alter course to 262° and thereafter steer as

required to enter the harbor.

6.7 From the E, approach with Funo Iso Light bearing 270° and

in line with Takasaki Yama. When Ao Shima is abeam bearing

N, alter course to 242° and enter the harbor as previously directed. 

6.7 Caution.—Magnetic anomalies are experienced near the

submarine cable lying N of Tachibana Ko and Yura Ko. 

Tachibana Ura to Komatsushima Wan

6.8 Ao Shima (33°55'N., 134°43'E.), previously described in paragraph 6.7, lies close E of the entrance to Naka

Gawa. Mitsu Ishi, a rock, 7m high, lies about 0.3 mile E of Ao

Shima, near the outer end of islets and reefs fronting the river

entrance. 

6.8 Tomioka Ko (33°55'N., 134°42'E.) lies at the mouth of Naka

Gawa. A wharf on the S side of the river has depths of 3.5 to

5m alongside. Passage between the islets and the coast requires

local knowledge.

6.8 A large chimney, 95m high and painted white, is conspicuous from a distance on the S side of Tomioka Ko.

6.8 Depths of less than 10.1m extend nearly 1 mile offshore between the mouth of Naka Gawa and Wadano Hana, about 6

miles NW.

6.8 Pilotage.—The pilot for Tomioka Ko boards at Komatsushima Ko (34°02'N., 134°37'E.).

6.8 Wadano Hana (34°00'N., 134°38'E.), a low flat wooded

projection, is fringed by shoal water extending up to 0.1 mile

offshore. Near the N extremity of Wadano Hana, a light is

shown. Another light is shown on the coast about 3 miles SE.

The silo of an animal feed factory, about 0.8 mile S of Wadano

Hana, is the most conspicuous object in the vicinity.

6.8 Caution.—Okame Iso, a group of rocks, which dries 0.9m,

lies about 1.8 miles N of Wadano Hana; a light is shown from

its central part.

6.8 Okino Se, isolated rocks, with a least depth of 3.1m, lies

about 1.8 miles ENE of Okame Iso; it is marked by breakers

when there is any swell.

Komatsushima Ko (34°00'N., 134°36'E.)

World Port Index No. 61960

6.9 Komatsushima Ko lies between Wadano Hana and O
Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 123

Pub. 159

Saki, about 2.3 miles NW. The principal harbor facilities consist of an area sheltered by breakwaters in the W part of the

harbor, and Kanaiso Wharf and New Kanaiso Wharf in the S

part of the harbor. Fairways, marked by buoys, lead between E

and S breakwaters to the inner harbor, and to the wharves in the

S part of the harbor. The tidal rise is 1.6m at MHWS.

6.9 Depths—Limitations.—Shinko channel is dredged to a

depth of 9m. 

6.9 A berth, on the W side of the inner harbor, is 170m in length

and can accommodate vessels of 15,000 grt, with a draft of

8.5m. Kanaiso New Wharf, 210m long, has a depth alongside

of 11m and can accommodate vessels of up to 20,000 tons. 

6.9 Kanaiso Wharf and Kanaiso New Wharf can accommodate

vessels of 15,000 and 20,000 grt, respectively, with drafts up to

8.5m. Kanaiso Wharf is 170m long; Kanaiso New Wharf is

200m long. 

6.9 Aspect.—A white six-story building is conspicuous about

0.3 mile WSW of the S breakwater head.

6.9 Nei Hana, with a red-colored cliff close N, lies about 1.7

miles WNW of Wadano Hana. Komatsushima Ko Light is

shown from the summit of a hill, 92m high to the tops of the

trees, about 0.3 mile W of Nei Hana. Shiba Yama rises to an

elevation of 191m, about 0.7 mile NW of Nei Hana.

6.9 Kigisu Iwa, a group of four rocks, lies on a shoal about 0.3

mile NNE of Nei Hana; shoal water extends about 0.1 mile E

of the highest rock, which is 11.9m high.

6.9 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory. Pilots are available

and will normally board about 0.8 mile NW of Wadano Hana

Light; in bad weather, they will board off the lighted buoys

situated about 1.3 miles W of Wadano Hana. For free pratique,

vessels usually anchor in Mutsure or Shimotsu to board the

authorities. 

6.9 Pilots can be contacted on VHF channels 16 and 12.

6.9 Anchorage.—Good anchorage can be taken in Komatsushima Ko, in 7.3 to 11m, mud, good holding ground. 

6.9 Directions.—After rounding Wadano Hana, vessels bound

for the breakwater harbor should steer for the lighted buoys

moored about 1.3 miles W of Wadano Hana, then steer for the

fairway entrance, while vessels bound for Kanaiso Wharves

should steer for the lighted buoys moored about 1 mile SW of

Wadano Hana and proceed through the fairway.

6.9 Caution.—Inside the breakwaters it is considered safe except from NE winds and seas, but the anchorage is dangerous

when there are heavy seas from SE. There is particular danger

when the harbor is in the right hand semicircle of a typhoon. In

such circumstances it is advisable to anchor SW of Wadano

Hano, in 7 to 7.9m, good holding ground; caution is advised to

avoid the seaweed cultivating grounds along the shore.

Tokushima Ko

6.10 Tokushima Ko (34°03'N., 134°37'E.) lies just N of

Komatsushima Ko, and is located at the mouth of the Shinmachi Kawa. The river provides access to the town of Tokushima. Tsuda Outer Breakwater extends from the N side of the

river entrance, which is also sheltered by a detached breakwater. A light is shown on each end of Tsuda Outer Breakwater

and on the head of the N breakwater. Another light is shown

from the wharf, 150m SW of the N breakwater head.

Entry is prohibited into an area extending 1 mile N and NE

of the N breakwater, where a large area of reclamation is taking

place. Lighted buoys are moored 0.3 mile NE and 0.2 mile

NW, respectively, of the N end of Tsuda Outer Breakwater.

There are extensive seaweed beds on the N side of the river

mouth, and timber ponds S of the river mouth.

6.10 Depths—Limitations.—The entrance to the river has been

dredged to 4 to 5.8m. There are wharves, with depths of 4.5 to

5.5m alongside, in the harbor.

6.10 A submarine wave meter lies in the approach to Tokushima

Ko in position 34°02'N, 134°39'E. 

6.10 Aspect.—Tsudo Yama, a hill, 78m high, is conspicuous

about 1.3 miles W of the river entrance.

6.10 Bi San, 280m high, with two radio towers and a pagoda on

its summit, is conspicuous about 3 miles WNW of the river

entrance; the pagoda is illuminated at night.

6.10 Yoshino Gawa (34°04'N., 134°38'E.), one of the four

mouths of Yoshino Kawa, the largest river in Shikoku, enters

the sea N of Tokushima Ko. The coast between Yoshina Gawa

and Oiso Saki, about 7 miles NNE, is low, fringed by pine

trees, and backed by the delta of Yoshina Kawa. Depths of less

than 10.1m extend up to 1 mile off this coast.

Naruto Kaikyo

6.11 Naruto Kaikyo (34°14'N., 134°39'E.), connecting the

NW part of Kii Suido to Harima Nada, is better avoided by

large vessels and vessels without local knowledge. The strait is

narrow, the tidal currents are very strong and their directions

complicated, and there is heavy traffic.

6.11 Tides—Currents.—In Naruto Kaikyo, the N current flows

from about 2.5 hours after LW (HW) until about 2.5 hours after

HW (LW) at Fukura. The strongest currents appear in areas N

of a line joining Tobi Shima and To Saki during a N current.

During a S current, rates tend to increase after passing a line

joining Mago Zaki and To Saki.

6.11 Aspect.—The narrowest part of the strait is about 0.8 mile

wide between Mago Zaki, the NE extremity of Oge Shima, and

Kado Saki (To Saki), the SW extremity of Awaji Shima. Naka

Se, E of the center of this part of the strait, divides it into O

Naruto, the W channel, and Ko Naruto, the E channel. O Naruto is about 0.3 mile wide, but due to the whirlpools and tide

rips on either side, its navigable width is only about 0.1 mile.

Ko Naruto is only navigable by small craft.

6.11 Caution.—A dangerous wreck lies approximately 0.4 mile

WNW of Kado Saki Light.

6.11 A bridge, with a vertical clearance of 40m, spans the strait.

6.12 Oiso Saki (34°11'N., 134°39'E.), on the W side of the

S entrance to Naruto Kaikyo, is marked by a light at the E point

of a line of hills extending about 1 mile W. Bora Yama, 59m

high and conical, lies close SW of the light structure. Thick

pine trees extend about 1 mile W from Bora Yama. Okame Iso,

a detached shoal, with rocks awash, lies about 0.4 mile E of

Oiso Saki, and is marked by a beacon; an auxiliary light at

Oiso Saki shows over Okame Iso.

6.12 Caution.—An obstruction, marked by a lighted buoy and a

fish haven, lie 0.4 mile NNW and 0.5 mile N, respectively, of

Oiso Saki. 

6.12 Muyano Seto, entered N of Oiso Saki, separates Oge Shima
124 Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 

Pub. 159

from Shikoku. Due to shoals in both entrances, and tidal currents which attain velocities up to 5 knots, passage can only be

made by small vessels with local knowledge.

6.12 Oge Shima, on the W side of Naruto Kaikyo, is mostly

wooded; its E coast consists of a succession of sandy beaches

broken by black, rocky headlands. The coast is protected by a

line of detached breakwaters lying close to and parallel to the

shoreline. 

6.12 Tomi Yama, 80m high, conical, with trees on its summit, lies

at the S end of Oge Shima, about 1 mile WNW of Oiso Saki.

Nodamaru, 203m high, about 1 mile NNW of Tomi Yama, and

Shishimaino Take, 163m high, about 1 mile farther N, are

conspicuous.

6.12 Mago Zaki, thickly wooded and marked by a light, is the N

extremity of Oge Shima. Hadaka Shima, a rocky, wooded islet,

23m high, lies about 0.2 mile SE of Mago Zaki, to which it is

joined by a reef. A shoal, with a depth of 2.7m, lies about 160m

E of Hadaka Shima.

6.12 Tobi Shima, a rocky wooded islet, 36m high, lies about 0.5

mile SE of Mago Zaki; it is bordered by rocks and shoals

extending about 140m offshore. Nakano Se, a detached rock,

with a depth of 6.8m, lies about 0.7 mile SSW of Tobi Shima.

6.12 Omoi Zaki, about 1.7 miles WNW of Mago Zaki, lies on the

W side of the N approach to Naruto Kaikyo. Kanekakematsuno

Mori, 168m high, with a wooded summit, is conspicuous about

0.4 mile SW of Omoi Zaki.

6.13 Shio Saki (34°11'N., 134°44'E.), the SW extremity of

Awaji Shima, is a grassy conical point with a range of hills

extending E; it lies on the E side of the S approach to Naruto

Kaikyo. Depths of less than 10.1m extend about 0.2 mile S and

0.4 mile W of the point. A light is shown from a white tower,

0.7 mile E of Shio Saki. Taka Zone and Chika Zone, with

depths of 11.8m and 10.9m, respectively, lie nearly 0.7 mile

WSW of Shio Saki; there is a heavy sea over them in bad

weather.

6.13 Akaiwa Hae, a rock, with a depth of 4.9m, lies about 1 mile

NW of Shio Saki.

6.13 Kourano Hana lies about 2.3 miles NW of Shio Saki; Mizutani Yama, with twin peaks, 142m and 123m high, lies close N

of Kourano Hana. A light is shown from a pier head, 0.7 mile

N of Kourano Hana. 

6.13 Tsurushima Hana (34°14'N., 134°42'E.), the N entrance

point of Fukura Ura, lies about 1.5 miles N of Kourano Hana.

Gyoja Yama, 97m high, lies close NE of the point, and drying

rocks extend about 0.1 mile SW of the point.

6.13 Anchorage.—Fukura Ura provides good anchorage for large

vessels, in about 12.8m, mud and sand, about 0.4 mile S of

Kemuri Shima, which lies about 0.5 mile NE of Tsurushima

Hana. The anchorage is exposed to W winds, but heavy seas

are seldom experienced.

6.13 Okikarimo Shima, about 0.5 mile W of Tsurushima Hana, is

38m high, with drying rocks extending about 0.1 mile SSE of

it. Fish havens are situated 0.4 mile W and 183m SW of the N

extremity of Okikarimo Shima. 

6.14 Kado Saki (To Saki) (34°14'N., 134°40'E.) is the

extremity of a high, narrow, cliffy projection extending about

0.8 mile SW from the coast of Awaji Shima. A light is shown

from a summit near the SW end of the headland, and close NE

of the light structure is a red and white tower about 120m high.

A pointed rock, 7m high, lies on a rocky bank extending about

135m WSW of the point.

6.14 Naka Se, about 0.2 mile WSW of Kado Saki, consists of

rocks up to 1.8m high, and extends about 0.2 mile in a NNESSW direction; Hitotsu Bae, a rock awash, lies close S of Naka

Se, with a 4.6m depth about 90m farther SW.

6.14 Yoroi Zaki, a cliffy point, lies about 1.8 miles N of Kado

Saki.

Directions.—All vessels, other than small craft, should use

O Naruto. Vessels should proceed in mid-channel on a course

of 352° and 172°, after ascertaining from a distance of at least

1 mile where the main current is, and whether there are vessels

bound in the opposite direction.

Naka Se should first be recognized, and then navigation

should not be difficult as the route is straight, and there is little

danger of submerged rocks provided the tidal current is not

strong and traffic is not heavy. When a vessel is proceeding

against the current and another vessel is approaching from the

opposite direction, the vessel proceeding against the current

should wait until the other vessel is clear of the strait. Caution

is also necessary due to excursion boats and ferries crossing the

channel.

6.14 According to experience gained during a 15 day period in

winter by a vessel with a speed of 8 to 8.5 knots, passage could

be made at any time with a following current. With an opposing tidal current, passage is possible at any time for 3 days at

neaps, for 1 hour on either side of the turn of the tide for a 3-

day period at springs, and on other days for 1 to 3 hours after

the time of the strongest tidal current.

6.14 When a 2,700 grt vessel proceeded from N to S, 20 minutes

before the turn of the tide at the end of the N current, the vessel

reported that response to the helm decreased somewhat in the

middle of the strait and the vessel was set a little towards

Hadake Shima. When this vessel proceeded from S to N, about

10 minutes before the turn of the tide at the end of the S

current, there were no whirlpools, or tide rips, and the water

was calm, but being the time of the turn of the tide, there were

many small vessels making passage and fishing vessels had

gathered in the vicinity of Naka Se.

6.14 Caution.—The passage should be avoided by large vessels,

vessels without local knowledge, and in the following circumstances:

1. Around the time of strongest tidal current.

2. At night or in poor visibility.

3. In bad weather.

4. When the tidal current is opposed to a strong wind

from the opposite direction, especially when there is a strong

S wind in summer. In such circumstances, Naka Se may be

obscured and the channel difficult to distinguish.

The S coast of Awaji Shima, from Shio Saki (34°11'N.,

134°44'E.) to Oishi Saki, about 12 miles ENE, is bordered by

flat-topped hills, 500 to 600m high; from a distance, this coast

appears as a high level ridge. Yuzuruha Yama attains an elevation of 609m, about 5 miles NE of Shio Saki and 1 mile inland.

Kashiwara Yama attains an elevation of 570m about 3 miles

WNW of Oishi Saki. This coast is steep-to, with depths of less

than 10.1m, less than 0.5 mile offshore.

6.14 Nu Shima, 118m high and thickly wooded, lies about 1.5

miles offshore, about 4.5 miles ESE of Shio Saki; there are no
Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 125

Pub. 159

dangers more than 0.25 mile offshore. A light is shown from

the E side of the island. A harbor, protected by two breakwaters, lies on the NW coast of Nu Shima. A light is shown on

the head of each breakwater.

Tomogashima Suido

6.15 Tomogashima Suido, the S entrance to Osaka Wan,

lies between the SE extremity of Awaji Shima and the coast N

of Takura Saki. It is divided into three channels, Yura Seto,

Nakano Seto, and Kadano Seto by Okino Shima and Jino

Shima. Tomoga Shima is the collective name for Okino Shima

and Jino Shima. Yura Seto is the W and main channel.

6.15 Aspect.—Oishi Saki (34°16'N., 134°57'E.), the SE end of

Awaji Shima, is a well-wooded, cliffy headland. A light is

shown from its summit; the light structure and white building

are conspicuous. The headland slopes gradually N to low land

planted with rows of pine trees.

6.15 Naruyama Shima, forming the W side of Yura Seto, lies

close N of Oishi Saki, from which it is separated by the S

entrance to Yura Ko. The island is long and narrow, and except

for its N end, is a low sand and gravel spit with scattered trees.

A light is shown from its S end, and there is a hotel on a small

hill at its N end. Shoal water extends about 0.5 mile E of Naruyama Shima; a light is shown on this shoal area about 0.4 mile

E of Naruyama Shima.

6.15 Yuro Seto has a navigable width of about 1.5 miles, with

depths of greater than 20m. 

Okino Shima, on the E side of Yuro Seto, is densely wooded

and rises to an elevation of 119m near its W end; a light is

shown from the W end of Okino Shima. Tora Shima, an islet,

lies at the E end of Okino Shima, to which it is connected by a

causeway.

6.15 Nakano Seto, between Tora Shima and Jino Shima, close E,

is very narrow and obstructed by reefs.

6.15 Jino Shima, 94m high and densely wooded, is marked at its

E end by a light.

6.15 Kadano Seto, between Jino Shima and the coast N of Takura

Saki, has a navigable width of about 500m, in depths of over

20m. A fish haven lies near the midpoint of the narrowest part

of the channel; several more lie in the SW approach.

6.15 Pilotage.—Pilotage in the voluntary traffic separation

scheme is recommended. Pilots should board about 6.5 miles S

of the W end of Okino Shima. It was reported that the pilot

station has been moved to a position 2 miles due S of Oishino

Hana, on which there is a light.

6.15 The following information should be transmitted 24 hours in

advance to Tomogashima Channel Pilot Service:

1. Northbound vessels.—Vessel’s name, grt, deepest

draft, ETA at Tomogashima Pilot Station, last port of call,

destination, and vessel’s agent. Amendments to the ETA

should be passed to Bay Pilot Kobe and a listening watch set

on Kobe Port Radio VHF when within range.

2. Southbound vessels.—Vessel’s name, grt, deepest

draft, name of berth from which vessel will sail and estimated time of departure or ETA at Wada Misaki, and destination.

6.15 Regulations.—Vessels navigating Yura Seto should keep to

the starboard side of the channel and not less than 145m distant

from the meridian of 134°59'E when between the parallels of

34°15.7'N and 34°17.7'N. This is part of a voluntary traffic

separation scheme

6.15 Northbound vessels transiting through Osaka Wan and vessels approaching Yura Seto from N should leave Sumoto-Oki

Lighted Buoy (34°21.1'N., 135°00.7'E.) to port.

Nu Shima Light

Oishi Saki Light
126 Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 

Pub. 159

Osaka Wan

6.16 Osaka Wan (34°30'N., 135°10'E.), at the E end of the

Naikai, is free from off-lying dangers, but there are many

sunken wrecks.

6.16 Kansai International Airport (34°26'N., 135°14'E.),

oriented NE-SW, is centered 3 miles off the SE shore of the

bay; it is surrounded by a prohibited entry area about 0.3 mile

wide. Low-flying aircraft approach sectors extend 1.5 miles

NE and SW from the extremities of the airport. An approach

tower stands 0.25 mile offshore at each end of the runway; a

light is shown from each tower. A bridge, with a vertical

clearance of 25m, connects the E corner of the airport island to

the mainland SE. Vessels transiting the area are advised to give

the airport a wide berth.

6.16 Awaji Shima, forming the W side of the bay, is mountainous

with hills extending to the coast, which is steep-to and provides

few anchorages. The E shore of the bay opens out to a plain

with hills in the distance; the N half is an industrial zone, and

the S half consists of sandy beaches backed by pine woods. 

6.16 Open anchorage can be taken in all parts of the E side of the

bay. The inner end of the bay is an industrial area, and in addition to the important harbors of Osaka and Kobe, there is an almost continuous line of harbors; there is extremely heavy

traffic of all types of vessels, large and small, foreign and

domestic.

6.16 In general, during typhoons, it is safer for large vessels to

seek shelter outside the harbors to avoid being driven ashore, or

danger of collision and grounding due to exceptional tides.

Recommendations for taking refuge will be transmitted.

Vessels taking refuge are requested to report their anchoring

positions to the Kobe Port Captain as soon as possible, using

the section numbers on the chartlet titled Mesh Chart of Osaka Bay—Osaka Wan for details. A continuous radio watch

should be kept for information concerning the typhoon, and

schedule and procedure for port re-entry. Since the Port Captain will not direct the sequence of vessels having taken refuge

from designated anchorages, vessels should return to the same

anchorages after the port re-entry vessels have returned to port.

6.16 Regulations.—Vessels should maintain continuous

communication on VHF channels 16 and 13 with the Osaka

Wan Vessel Traffic Service Center, when navigating the

approaches to the traffic routes, adjacent sea areas, and the

traffic scheme. 

6.16 More information, as provided by Osaka MARTIS, may be

found at the following website.

6.16 The following ports lie within the Osaka Wan Traffic

Advisory Service area:

1. Kakogawa

2. Kobe

3. Osaka

4. Sakai-Senboku

6.16 Pre-Entry Reports.—The following vessels intending to

navigate Akashi Kaikyo must report to Osaka MARTIS by

noon LT of the day before the date of entry into the traffic

route:

1. Huge vessels - vessels of 200m and more.

2. Vessels of 160m and over, but less than 200m.

3. Vessels of 25,000 gross tons or more carrying

liquified gas.

4. Huge vessels - vessels of 200m and more.

5. Vessels engaged in towing or pushing with a surface

length of 160m or more.

6.16 Pre-Entry reports can be submitted by VHF, MF, telephone

or FAX and should include the following information:

1. Vessel name, call sign, gross tons and loa.

2. Section of the traffic route vessel intends to navigate.

(a) ETA at the entrance of the traffic route. 

(b) ETD from the traffic route. 

3. Vessel contact information.

4. Port of destination.

5. Draft.

6. Dangerous goods on board.

7. Surface length of towing or pushing array.

6.16 Vessels must forward any changes to the reported

information at least 3 hours prior to entering the traffic route.

Changes occurring within 3 hours of entry should be reported

immediately.

6.16 The following vessels, with the exception of those listed

previously, intending to navigate Akashi Kaikyo are required to

report to Osaka MARTIS 3 hours prior to entering the traffic

route: 

Oishino Hana Light

Osaka MARTIS

http://www6.kaiho.mlit.jp/osakawan
Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 127

Pub. 159

1. Vessels of 300 gross tons and over carrying quantities

of powder as specified in the Ordinance for Enforcement of

the Act on Maritime Traffic Safety.

2. Vessels of 1,000 gross tons and over carrying

inflammable high pressure gas in bulk.

3. Vessels of 1,000 gross tons and over carrying

inflammable liquid in bulk.

4. Vessels of 300 gross tons and over carrying 200 tons

or more of organic peroxide.

6.16 Reports should include the following information:

1. Vessel name, call sign, grt, and loa.

2. Section of the traffic route the vessel intends to

navigate.

(a) ETA at the entrance to the traffic scheme.

(b) ETD from the traffic scheme.

3. Vessel’s contact information.

4. Port of destination.

5. Type and quantity of dangerous goods if carried. 

6.16 Vessels of 50m and greater in length and vessels engaged in

towing or pushing and having a surface length of 100m or more

should report to Osaka MARTIS on VHF channel 16 or 13

when crossing any of the reporting lines listed in the table

below. 

6.16 The report should include the following: 

1. Vessel name and call sign.

2. Reporting line code and time of crossing, or

3. Vessel position.

6.16 Vessels equipped with accurate AIS may omit sending

position reports by VHF, however a continuous watch on VHF

channels 13 and 16 is obligatory.

6.16 Vessels carrying dangerous cargo as designated by the

Maritime Traffic Safety Law shall, when navigating in Osaka

Wan, provide a fire wire and auxiliary rope on the bow and

stern which fulfill the following requirements:

1. The towing rope shall be a wire rope with an eye in

the end, strong enough to tow the vessel concerned. A sufficient length of it to reach down to the water surface shall be

coiled on the vessel.

2. The auxiliary rope shall be strong enough to lead out

the above-mentioned wire rope to the water surface. It shall

have an eye at the end, and it shall be lowered down over the

side as far as possible without interfering with the safety of

navigation. 

6.17 Yura Ko (34°17'N., 134°57'E.), on the W side of

Tomoga-shima Suido, is enclosed on its E side by Naruyama

Shima, which was previously described in paragraph 6.15. It is

a good anchorage for small vessels, and is calm except with

strong N and SSE winds. There are N and S entrances to the

harbor; the N entrance is about 90m wide, with depths of about

4m. There are depths of 6.4 to 9.2m in the main part of the harbor.

6.17 Imakawa Kuchi, the S entrance to Yura Ko, lies close W of

Taka Saki, which is the S extremity of Naruyama Shima; Taka

Saki is marked by a light. It is only suitable for small craft. An

overhead power cable, with a vertical clearance 14m, spans

SW of Taka Saki. 

6.17 The E coast of Awaji Shima, from Yura Ko to U Zaki, about

17 miles NNE, has depths of over 20m from about 0.2 to 0.5

mile offshore.

6.17 Sumoto Ko (34°21'N., 134°54'E.), about 3.5 miles NW of

Yura Ko, consists of an outer harbor and an inner harbor,

sheltered by breakwaters; it lies close SE of the mouth of

Sumoto Kawa. The outer harbor has depths of less than 4.9m.

The wharf in the NW part of the outer harbor has depths of 4 to

4.6m alongside. A detached break-water, extending NW-SE,

has been constructed close NE of the entrance to the outer

harbor. 

6.17 Sen San, 448m high, is somewhat conspicuous about 3 miles

WNW of Sumoto Ko. A chimney, 32m high, is conspicuous

about 0.4 mile WSW of the outer harbor entrance.

6.17 Tsuna Ko consists of the area from Sioda, about 4 miles N of

Sumoto Ko, to Sano, about 4 miles farther NE. It has been reported that work was in progress to construct a large scale port

between the area from Sioda and Sumoto Ko. 

6.17 Myoken Yama, 519m high, about 2 miles N of Sano, is

somewhat conspicuous in the N part of Awaji Shima.

6.17 U Zaki (34°35'N., 135°02'E.) has remarkable red cliffs in its

vicinity, and is fronted by an area of reclaimed land.

6.18 Fuke Ko (Huke Ko) (34°19'N., 135°08'E.) lies about

4 miles ENE of Kadano Seto, the E passage of Tomogashima

Suido. The harbor consists of Tanagawa Hakuchi, consisting

primarily of a reclaimed area, and Fuke Hakuchi, sheltered by

breakwaters; a narrow man-made marina lies close W of Tanagawa Hakuchi.

6.18 Depths—Limitations.—A dolphin oil jetty, on the NE side

of the reclaimed area, has depths of 8 to 8.5m alongside. An oil

jetty, on the SE side of the reclaimed area, has depths of 8m

alongside.

6.18 A wharf, about 198m long, with depths of 7m alongside, lies

close SE of the reclaimed area.

Reporting Ling Code Description

AH A line joining Eigashima Ko 

West Breakwater light to 

Harima Kita No. 10 lighted 

buoy.

AW A line joining Harima Kita 

No. 10 lighted buoy to 

Murotsu Ko West 

breakwater.

AN A line bearing 090° for a 

distance of 9.3 km from 

Hira Iso lighted beacon to 

position 34°37.3'N, 

135°10.1'E.

AE A line bearing 180° for a 

distance of 20.9 km from 

Kobe Light.

AS A line bearing 090° for a 

distance of 21 km from 

Sano Higashi breakwater.
128 Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 

Pub. 159
Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 129

Pub. 159

6.18 Close E of the wharf, a spit, with depths of 1.2 to 4.3m,

extends about 0.4 mile NNE from the shore, and is marked by a

lighted buoy near its outer end.

6.18 Fuke Hakuchi has general depths of about 4m.

6.18 A rocky shoal, with a depth of 2.7m, lies nearly 0.5 mile N of

the entrance to Fuke Hakuchi, and is marked W by a lighted

buoy.

6.18 Aspect.—The chimney, 202m high and painted in red and

white bands, of an electric power station, and tanks in the

vicinity, are conspicuous on the reclaimed land. The chimney,

152m high, and painted in red and white bands, of another

electric power station, is conspicuous about 0.35 mile farther

SSE.

6.18 Naga Saki lies about 1 miles NE of Fuke Hakuchi; a white

round tower lies about 0.4 mile E of the point.

6.18 In strong winds caution is necessary, as there may be a large

number of vessels seeking shelter in the waters NW of the

harbor.

Hannan Ko (34°28'N., 135°21'E.)

World Port Index No. 61935

6.19 Hannan Ko consists of the harbor areas fronting

Izumi-Sano, Kaizuka, and Kishiwada (Kisiwada), and the

Mokuzai lumber storage and timber ponds, respectively, from

SW to NE. Industrial zones are being built in Kaizuka and

Kishiwada, and construction of large wharves and breakwaters

is underway off these cities. An area of prohibited entry,

lighted around its perimeter by beacons, lies about 3 miles off

Izumi-Sano.

6.19 Tides—Currents.—The tidal rise at Kishiwadi is 1.5m at

springs, and 1.1m at neaps.

6.19 Depths—Limitations.—Izumi-Sano Fairway, entered about

1.5 miles N of the dredged harbor basin, leads to the basin at

Izumi-Sano. It has depths of 11.6 to 13.4m, and is about 225m

wide.

6.19 A berth, on the NE side of the entrance to the basin, has a

depth of 11.9m alongside, and can accommodate a vessel up to

170m in length. A dolphin jetty on the SW side of the entrance

has a depth of 12.5m alongside.

6.19 The dredged basin, off Tuda Kawa, has depths of 6.4m

alongside the quay on its SW side.

6.19 Kishiwada Fairway is entered about 1 mile N of the entrance

to the anchorage area lying S of the timber pond; it is about

220m wide, with depths of 10.8 to 14m, and with depths of

10.1m in the approach.

6.19 Mooring buoys in the anchorage area can accommodate

vessels up to 20,000 dwt, in depths of 11 to 11.9m.

6.19 A berth close SE of the timber storage area has depths of

10.1m alongside.

6.19 Aspect.—An observation tower stands about 4 miles W of

the dredged basin at Izumi-Sano. The chimney of a refinery is

conspicuous S of the above-mentioned basin.

6.19 A radio tower, with an elevation of 86m, painted in red and

white bands and marked by a red obstruction light, is conspicuous nearly 0.5 mile E of the mouth of Tuda Kawa; the tower

of the Castle of Kishiwada, about 0.3 mile farther ENE, is also

conspicuous.

6.19 A group of silver-colored oil tanks is conspicuous on the N

side of the mouth of Ota Kawa, near the N limit of the harbor.

An incinerator chimney is conspicuous at the N end of the timber pond area. Farther S, the chimney, 42m high, close SE of

the joint harbor office, on the N side of the mouth of Haruka

Kawa, is also conspicuous.

6.19 Lighted buoys mark the entrances to Izumi-Sano Fairway

and Kishiwada Fairway.

6.19 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory. Pilots, when requested from Kobe, will board in the vicinity of the quarantine

anchorage (34°28'N., 135°20'E.). For further information, see

paragraph 6.1

6.19 Pilots can be contacted on VHF channels 16 and 12.

6.19 Caution.—A wreck, with a depth of 14.7m, lies 1.25 miles

W of the quarantine anchorage.

6.19 A large detached area of reclaimed land is connected to the

shore by two bridges on its SE side. 

6.19 A breakwater extends NW and N from the N point of this

area. A light is shown at its head. 

6.19 Vessels should remain clear of the prohibited areas off

Kaisuka and Kishiwada, where the off-lying detached breakwaters are under construction; the areas are marked by towers

and lighted buoys, showing flashing orange lights.

6.19 Care is necessary in entering the anchorage area at Kishiwada, as there is a tendency to set towards the reclaimed land

on the E side during strong W winds.

Sakai-Senboku Ku (34°33'N., 135°26'E.)

World Port Index No. 61547

6.20 Sakai-Senboku Ku is an important trading center, a

Taka Saki Light
130 Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 

Pub. 159

cotton and wool center, and an industrial area for steel, oil,

electricity, gas and petrochemical products. There is heavy

traffic of large vessels. Sakai-Senboku Ku consists, from S to

N, of Otsu Minami Hakuchi, Otsu Hakuchi, Hamadera Passage, Hamadera Hakuchi, Nishi Hakuchi, Minami Hakuchi, and

Kita Hakuchi.

6.20 Hamadera Passage, entered about 3.8 miles NW of the entrance to Otsu Kawa, leads to Hamadera Hakuchi, about 3.8

miles E.

6.20 Sakai South Passage, entered about 4 miles WNW of the entrance to Yamato Kawa, leads ESE to Nishi Hakuchi and Minami

Hakuchi. Sakai North Passage extends midway along Sakai South

Passage and leads to Kita Hakuchi, about 2 miles E.

6.20 Depths—Limitations.—Hamadera Passage is about 300m

wide, with a dredged depth of 15.8m; lesser depths than charted have been reported. 

6.20 Sakai South Passage is about 0.2 mile wide, with dredged

depths of 14m to its intersection with Sakai North Passage,

then has depths of 9.2 to 10.4m farther ESE. Sakai North Passage has depths of 12.6 to 14.6m. The passage has a dredged

depth of 14m as far as Lighted Buoy No. 5 and Lighted Buoy

No. 6; lesser depths than charted have been reported E of these

lighted buoys. 

6.20 Quay No. 3 in Otsu Minami Hakuchi can accommodate

18,000 dwt vessels in a depth of 10.1m.

6.20 Otsu Hakuchi has jetties with depths of 5 to 15.7m alongside.

6.20 The Cosmo crude oil dolphin jetties, N of the inner end of

Hamadera Passage, have depths of 20m alongside and can

accommodate vessels of up to 260,000 dwt with a maximum

draft of 14m. 

6.20 Hamadera Hakuchi comprises Area No. 4, the central part of

Sakai-Senboku Ku, and is entered between short breakwaters.

A light is shown on the head of each breakwater.

6.20 The LNG Jetty, close SE of the inner end of Hamadera Passage, can accommodate vessels up to 64,600 dwt in depths of

14.9m. Farther S, a Crude Oil Jetty can accommodate vessels

of 150,000 dwt in depths of 15.8 to 17.1m. Farther E, a fertilizer pier can accommodate vessels up to 66,000 dwt in depths

of 14 to 18m. 

6.20 Nishi Hakuchi has an oil jetty, on its W side, which can accommodate 20,000 dwt vessels, in depths of 11 to 11.5m. Dangerous cargo jetties, with depths of 7 to 8m alongside, lie in the

SE part of Nishi Hakuchi.

6.20 A jetty on the W side of the entrance to Minami Hakuchi has

depths of 10.6 to 11.2m alongside and can accommodate

20,000 dwt vessels. Ohama Quay, on the NE side of Minami

Hakuchi, has depths of 10.1m alongside.

6.20 The S side of Kita Hakuchi can accommodate 80,000 dwt

vessels in a depth of 14m.

6.20 Drydock No. 2, on the W side of Minami Hakuchi, is 380m

long, 63m wide, with a depth of 12.5m, and can accommodate

vessels up to 400,000 dwt.

6.20 Aspect.—Lighted buoys mark both sides of Hamadera

Passage and Sakai South Passage.

6.20 The Itsumi-Otsu Oshashi Bridge (34°31'N., 135°24'E.), in

the S part of the harbor, is a yellow single arch bridge, 14.9m

high, marked by green lights at its center and red lights on either

side.

6.20 Six black gas tanks, 47m high, are conspicuous on the S side

of the inner end of Hamadera Passage. A chimney, 163m high,

painted red and white, is conspicuous about 1 mile farther S;

oil tanks, painted white, are conspicuous close SW.

6.20 Three gas tanks, painted white, are conspicuous about 0.3

mile N of the inner end of Hamadera Passage.

6.20 Six chimneys (34°34'N., 135°27'E.) of an electric generating

station are conspicuous close W of the S end of Minami

Hakuchi. The chimneys are in line E-W; the two W chimneys

are 185m high and painted red and white.

6.20 Two conspicuous gas tanks, 108m high, stand close N of the

NE corner of Kita Hakuti. 

6.20 Pilotage.—Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 10,000

grt and is available during daylight hours only. Pilots board, as

follows:

1. Hamadera Fairway—Within a circle of radius 0.8

mile centered on a position 1 mile W of Hamadera Fairway

Lighted Buoy No. 2.

2. Sakai South Fairway—Within a circle of radius 0.8

mile centered on a position 3.25 miles WSW of Osaka North

Breakwater Light.

3. Kishiwada Fairway and Izumi-Sano Fairway—Off the

fairway.

6.20 Regulations.—Communications concerning harbor operations can be made by radio or radiotelephone with the harbormaster, situated at the S end of Minami Hakuchi.

6.20 Signal stations for berthing and navigational information are

situated on the N side of the inner end of Hamadera Passage,

and near the inner end of Sakai South Passage. Vessels should

retain onboard the most recent edition of Japan Maritime

Safety Laws and Regulations, obtainable through the Japanese

Coast Guard. This publication should be kept as a reference for

signal station communications and their meanings, appropriate

answering signals, and other local or specific regulations.

6.20 Vessels over 10,000 grt using Hamadera Passage should

report in advance to the harbormaster their ETA at a position

1.5 miles W of the signal station.

6.20 Vessels over 3,000 grt using Sakai South Fairway should

report in advance to the harbormaster their ETA at the entrance

to that fairway.

6.20 Anchorage.—The quarantine anchorage (34°37'N.,

135°23'E.) lies SW of the entrance to Sakai South Passage in a

depth of 10.8m. 

6.20 Caution.—A prohibited area exists SW of Senboku Otsu

South Breakwater.

Osaka Ko (34°39'N., 135°26'E.)

World Port Index No. 61550

6.21 Osaka Ko, one of the great harbors of Japan, lies in

the NE part of Osaka Wan. The harbor extends N from the

mouth of Otsu Kawa (Otu Kawa) (34°30'N., 135°23'E.), at the

N harbor limit of Hannan Ko, to N of the mouth of Shin-Yodo

Kawa (Sin-Yodo Kawa) (34°41'N., 135°24'E.), one of the

lower reaches of Yodo Kawa. The harbor, from S to N, fronts

the cities of Izumi-Otsu (Izumi-Otu), Takaishi (Takaisi), Sakai,

and Osaka. The harbor is divided into Sakai-Senboku Ku and

Osaka-Ku, from S to N, and will be described in that order.

Osaka Ku is the N harbor area of Osaka Ko. Naiko (Inner

Harbor), consisting of Section I to Section IV, is enclosed by
Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 131

Pub. 159

the entrance to North Breakwater and South Breakwater

(34°38'N., 135°24'E.). South Harbor (Section V) is the area S

of South Breakwater. North Harbor (Section VI) is the area on

the N side of the E part of North Breakwater. Gaiko (Outer

Harbor) is Section VII. A coastal industrial zone, with wharves

for local and industrial traffic, is under construction in North

Harbor and South Harbor. Gas, chemical, mineral, and steel

factories, the foundation of Osaka’s industry and economy,

border the shores of the harbor.

6.21 Winds—Weather.—The wind is mostly W in the winter,

and W and NE in summer. Throughout the year the most common wind is NE. In regard to wind velocity, the W winds are

generally strong, and when there are sustained strong W winds

in winter, these become large and make harbor operations

difficult.

6.21 Fog is generated, on rare occasions in winter, from about

sunrise to about 0900, but as it disperses in 2 or 3 hours, it

presents no particular obstacle to navigation. It disperses with

winds of over 8 knots.

6.21 Tides—Currents.—The mean tidal rise at Osaka is 1.4m at

springs, and 1.1m at neaps.

6.21 In the NE part of Osaka Wan the current usually sets S and

the ebb current becomes particularly strong, and caution is

necessary when entering or leaving the harbor.

6.21 The tidal currents inside the breakwaters are generally weak,

but at springs and after heavy rains the ebb current from the

rivers can be fairly strong and there may be difficulty in

securing to or departing from the berths and mooring buoys in

the lower reaches of Aji Kawa and Shirinashi Kawa.

6.21 Depths—Limitations.—Inner Harbor Passage, entered

about 0.7 mile WSW of N and S breakwater heads, has been

dredged to a depth of 13m and has a width of 170 to 500m. Aji

Kawa Passage (Azikawa Passage), continuing ENE to NW of

the outer end of Center Wharf, has depths of about 11.9m. A

bridge, with a vertical clearance of 45m, crosses Aji Kawa 0.7

mile from the river mouth. 

6.21 There are two container quays in Section I, each 350m long,

with alongside depths of 15m; vessels of up to 60,000 dwt can

be accommodated. 

6.21 Dolphin berths, close within the entrance to Inner Harbor,

have depths of 10.1 to 11.9m.

6.21 Center Wharf has depths of 11m and 10.1m alongside its N

and S sides, respectively.

Osaka Ko

Osaka Ko—North Wharf—Quay R
132 Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 

Pub. 159

6.21 Oil berths, about 0.5 mile W of Center Wharf, can accommodate vessels up to 30,000 dwt in depths of 11.9m.

6.21 Lumber piers, about 0.4 mile S of Center Wharf, can accommodate vessels up to 20,000 dwt in depths of 11.5 to 13m.

6.21 Container piers, farther SE in Section IV, have a depth of

11.9m alongside and can accommodate vessels up to 35,000

dwt.

6.21 There are numerous mooring buoys and dolphin berths in the

harbor, with depths of 7.5 to 10.1m, that can accommodate

vessels up to 10,000 grt.

6.21 South Harbor Fairway, dredged to 11.9m, is entered about

0.8 mile WNW of the head of South Breakwater. Lighted

buoys mark the S side of the channel.

6.21 Quay L and Quay R, close within South Harbor, have depths

alongside of 10 to 12m, respectively.

6.21 Quay J, farther S, on the N side of Sakai North Passage, can

accommodate vessels up to 30,000 dwt in depths of 11.9m.

6.21 North Harbor can accommodate vessels up to 10,000 dwt,

with a maximum length of 250m and a maximum draft of

11.6m.

6.21 The largest drydock is 193m long, 25m wide, with a depth of

8.1m; it can accommodate vessels up to 24,000 dwt.

6.21 A bridge, about 0.7 mile ENE of Center Wharf, has a vertical

clearance of 49m over a distance of 208m.

6.21 Aspect.—Lighted buoys, moored about 0.7 mile WSW of

the entrance to Inner Harbor, mark the entrance to Inner Harbor

Passage.

6.21 Osaka Ko Radar Station, 51m high and painted red and

white, is conspicuous at the W end of Center Wharf.

6.21 Gas tanks, painted white, with a chimney, 82m high, close

NW, lie about 1 mile N of Center Wharf.

6.21 The bridge, about 0.7 mile ESE of Center Wharf, is marked

by green lights at its center and red lights on each side.

6.21 A bridge spans North Harbor between North Port, on the W

side, and Hokko Wharf, on the E side. The navigable channel is

under the E part of the bridge and is indicated by bridge lights.

There is a vertical clearance of 31m in the channel. A second

bridge crosses the mouth of Shorenji Kawa. There is a vertical

clearance of 28m under the N span and 31m under the S span. 

Osaka Ko—Central Container Terminal

Osaka Ko—Cruise Terminal

Osaka Ko—East Container Terminal

Osaka Ko—North Container Terminal
Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 133

Pub. 159

6.21 The Ferry Wharf, at the inner end of South Harbor, is lighted

by floodlights.

6.21 Pilotage.—Pilotage is compulsory for vessels of 10,000 grt

or more and is available until 2000. Pilots can be obtained from

Hanshin Pilots in Osaka and Kobe. Requests for pilots should

be made between 0900 and 1700 the day before arrival. Pilots

board vessels within a circle with a radius of 0.5 mile centered

on a position 1.75 miles WSW of Osaka North Breakwater

Light. 

6.21 Osaka Ko Radar Station, at the W end of Center Wharf,

broadcasts weather and maritime traffic bulletins at regular

intervals. Upon request, a vessel’s position, movements of

other vessels, and conditions inside the harbor, will be broadcast for vessels up to 1,000 grt within about 4 miles, and for

vessels over 1,000 grt within about 8 miles.

6.21 Regulations.—The harbormaster may be contacted by radio

and radiotelephone regarding harbor operations. The harbor

office can be contacted 24 hours by radiotelephone on VHF

channels 12, 16, 19, and 20 for tugs, water, line handling, pilotage, and quarantine assistance.

6.21 Vessels over 500 grt, intending to enter or leave the harbor,

should notify the harbormaster of the ETA at the W end of the

fairway, or the time of departure by 1200 of the day preceding

the arrival or departure. Any change in ETA should be reported

to the harbormaster.

6.21 Signal stations which display anchorage and berthing signals

are situated as follows:

1. At the head of N breakwater.

2. At Aji Kawa, about 0.5 mile NE of Center Wharf.

3. At Kizu Kawa, about 1.8 miles SE of Center Wharf.

4. In South Harbor (34°37.1'N., 135°25.5'E.).

5. Osaka Nanko signal station stands at the NW point of

South Wharf (34°37.1'N., 135°24.0'E.); Nanko No. 2 signal

station stands 0.14 mile E of Osaka Nanko signal station. 

6.21 Vessels should retain onboard the most recent edition of

Japan Maritime Safety Laws and Regulations, obtainable

through the Japanese Coast Guard. This publication should be

kept as a reference for signal station communiques and their

meanings, appropriate answering signals, and other local or

specific regulations.

6.21 Traffic through Naiko and Aji Kawa Fairways is controlled

by the signal flashing letter “C,” indicating that large vessels

are docking or leaving Tempozan Wharf, Ajikawaguchi Wharf,

Sakurajima Wharf, or Umemachi Wharf, and all other vessels

must clear the fairways.

6.21 The following regulations are in effect in the entrance fairway to South Harbor:

1. Vessels must navigate in accordance with the signals

shown from South Harbor Signal Station. (See accompanying table below.)

2. Vessels entering or leaving the fairway must remain

clear of vessels in the fairway.

3. Vessels must not navigate abreast each other in the

fairway.

4. Vessels meeting other vessels in the fairway must

navigate on the right side of the fairway.

5. Vessels may not overtake other vessels in the fairway.

6.22 On the N side of Osaka Wan are the important harbors

of Kobe and Amagasaki. The coast E of Hachibuse Yama

(Hatibuse Yama) (34°38'N., 135°06'E.) is backed by a range of

mountains extending NE.

Rokko San (34°46'N., 135°16'E.), about 12 miles NE of

Hachibuse Yama, is the highest peak in this range, and attains

an elevation of 932m, with a hotel and other buildings on its

summit. Kabuto Yama, 309m high, is conspicuous about 3.25

miles E of Rokko San; it is isolated, thickly covered with pine

trees, very dark in appearance, and shaped like a Japanese

helmet. East and SE of Kabuto Yama, there is an extensive

plain.

Osaka Ko—South Harbor Signal Station—Traffic Signals

Day Night Meaning

A flashing white light every 2 seconds,

or a black cone, point up. A flashing white light every 2 seconds.

Vessels may enter harbor. Vessels

under 500 grt may leave harbor, but

vessels over 500 grt must stop and

wait.

A flashing red light every 2 seconds, or

a black square. A flashing red light every 2 seconds.

Vessels may leave harbor. Vessels

under 500 grt may enter harbor, but

vessels over 500 grt must stop and

wait.

A flashing red light and a flashing

white every 3 seconds, or two black

cones, points together.

A flashing red light and a flashing

white light every 3 seconds.

Vessels over 5,000 grt entering the

harbor must keep out of the path of

vessels leaving the harbor and wait

outside of the fairway. Vessels over

5,000 grt leaving the harbor must stop

and wait. Vessels of less than 5,000 grt

may enter and leave the harbor.

3 flashing red lights and 3 flashing

white lights every 6 seconds, or two

black cones, points together and a red

square flag, displayed vertically.

3 flashing red lights and 3 flashing

white lights every 6 seconds.

Vessels other than those specified by

the harbormaster may neither enter or

leave the harbor.
134 Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 

Pub. 159

Amagasaki Ko (34°41'N., 135°23'E.)

World Port Index No. 61555

6.23 Amagasaki Ko (Amagasaki Nishinomiya) (Ashiya

Ko) lies in the NE part of Osaka Wan, between Osaka Ko and

Kobe Ko. Amagasaki Ko, which includes Nishinomiya Ko and

Ashiya Ko, is divided into three districts. Section No. 1 is an

industrial harbor servicing the Hanshin belt of heavy industry.

Section No. 2 lies on the W side of the harbor, adjacent to the E

part of Kobe Ko, and is primarily a yacht harbor. Section No. 3

describes the area S of Nishinomaya Breakwater, although

there are no harbor facilities.

6.23 Amagasaki City is an industrial city which has developed in the

deltas of Muko Kawa and Kanzaki Kawa, and on the reclaimed

land along their frontage. The ground here is low and marshy and

as a result, bottom cave-ins or sinkholes are not unusual.

6.23 South Breakwater, which is detached, lies across the entrance

to the harbor. The area extending 0.3 mile S from the breakwater

has been reclaimed and works are in progress. Entry is prohibited extending NE of South Breakwater to the SW tip of

Higashi Kaigan. The area is marked by lighted beacons.

6.23 The harbor is entered between the W end of South Breakwater

and the promontory of reclaimed land lying SW of West Breakwater. A light is shown on the head of West Breakwater. The two

fairways which branch off from this area have general depths of

10m, but caution is necessary as the passages become narrow

and the water is shallow on either side.

6.23 Winds—Weather.—At Amagasaki, the most frequent

winds are from the NNE, NE, and W, respectively. Winds are

from the NW to NE more than 50 per cent of the time. Seasonally, W to NE winds are frequent in winter, N to NE winds in

spring and autumn, and SW to W winds in summer.

6.23 Depths—Limitations.—Ohgimachi Pier (Kobe Steel),

about 0.3 mile WSW of No. 3 Power Plant, has depths of 12m

alongside, and can accommodate vessels up to 35,000 dwt,

with a maximum length of 220m. 

6.23 Berth 1, Berth 2, and Berth 3, on the left bank of the mouth

of Syoge Kawa, can accommodate vessels of 10,000 dwt, in a

depth of 10.1m.

6.23 The oil berth at the mouth of Nakasima Kawa, on the right

bank, has depths of 10.5 to 11m alongside. The dolphin berth,

close NW, has depths of 11.5 to 11.9m alongside.

6.23 No. 1 Lock, leading to the inner part of the dikes, is 80m

long and 12.5m wide, and has a depth of about 4.5m. No. 2

Lock, 62m long and 11.9m wide, has a depth of 4m.

6.23 Section No. 2, which fronts the city of Nishinomaya, has

general depths of 4 to 7.3m.

6.23 Aspect.—The chimney of No. 3 Power Plant (34°41'N.,

135°23'E.) at Amagasaki is conspicuous; it is 152m high, of

composite shape, and painted red and white. Six chimneys,

each 66m high, are situated about 0.2 mile farther NNE.

6.23 A gas tank, 97m high and painted black, and a chimney, 94m

high, painted red and white, and with a mobile crane in the

vicinity, are conspicuous about 1 mile N and 0.3 mile WNW,

respectively, of No. 3 Power Plant Chimney.

6.23 Lighted buoys mark the entrance channel to Amagasaki Ko;

the channel is approximately 200m wide and is entered about 2

miles SW of South Breakwater.

6.23 Kabuto Yama, previously described in paragraph 6.22, is

conspicuous about 3 miles N of Nishinomiya Ko.

6.23 Four spherical gas tanks are conspicuous about 0.3 mile NE

of the mouth of Higashi Kawa, at Nishinomiya.

6.23 Pilotage.—Pilotage in Amagasaki Ko is compulsory for

vessels over 10,000 grt. Pilots board within a circle of radius

0.3 mile centered on a position 0.5 mile SW of Amagasaki

Lighted Buoy No. 2. For further information, see paragraph 6.1

6.23 Caution.—When vessels over 5,000 grt enter Amagasaki Ko

and berth alongside they normally request two or more tugs

from Osaka or Kobe.

Kobe Ko (34°40'N., 135°13'E.)

World Port Index No. 61560

6.24 Kobe Ko occupies the N part of Osaka Wan. The

harbor is divided into Sections I to Section VI; further, there

are Fairway I to Fairway III, and the Higashi-Kobe Fairway.

6.24 Kobe Ko is a domestic and international trade center, and

being enclosed N by mountains, is protected from the winter

Northwest Monsoons. The harbor is well-protected and has

numerous berthing facilities. There is sufficient depth in the anchorage, where the bottom is sand, mixed with clay, good holding ground.

6.24 Port Island, in the central part of the harbor, has piers for the

exclusive use of container vessels, and for use by scheduled

shipping services. A restricted area has been established off the

south central portion of Port Island; entry is prohibited.

6.24 Kobe Airport is situated on Rokko Island S of Port Island. 

6.24Winds—Weather

6.24Throughout the year at Kobe, the most common wind is N,

followed by W to NW, but the velocity of the wind is not

particularly strong. From summer through autumn, except with

the onset of an extremely strong typhoon, there are hardly any

occasions when the working of cargo is completely impossible

due to wind and seas.

6.24Tides—Currents

6.24 The mean tidal rise at Kobe is 1.4m at springs, and 1.1m at

neaps.

6.24 The diurnal tidal irregularities are rather large, and on several days per month there is only one tidal cycle per day. At

such times, the tidal currents are also irregular; at the time of

LW the tidal current is N, and at HW it is S, with a maximum

velocity of about 0.5 knot.

Depths—Limitations

6.24 The maximum draft allowed in each of the fairways is, as

follows:

a. 8.7m in Fairway I.

b. 11.8m in Fairway II.

c. 11.4m in Fairway III.

6.24 A tanker dolphin berth, on the SW side of Port Island, has

depths of 11.9 to 12.5m alongside, and can accommodate vessels up to 11m draft and 70,000 dwt.

6.24 There are two offshore pipeline berths about 2 miles WSW

of Wada Misaki. Vessels up to 70,000 dwt, with a maximum
Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 135

Pub. 159

length of 250m and a maximum draft of 12.7m, can be accommodated at the W berth. Vessels with a maximum length of

236m and a maximum draft of 10.7m can be accommodated at

the E berth.

6.24 Rokko Island, an artificial rectangular-shaped island, extends

2 miles E of Nadahama Channel into Section VI; numerous

berths are situated on each side of the island. Two bridges span

the passage between the island and the industrial areas N. The

W bridge, Rokko-Ohashi, has a vertical clearance of 14m; the

E bridge has a vertical clearance of 28m.

6.24 Port Island is an artificial triangular-shaped island to the W

of Rokko Island. It is connected to the N by the Kobe-Ohashi

Bridge, which has a vertical clearance of 14m. Several other

bridges and tunnels are in the works.

Kobe Ko—Large Vessel Private Wharves

Wharf Length Depth No. of Berths

Eastern No. 1 1,506m 9.5-13.0m 5

Eastern No. 2 561m 9.0-12.5m 6

Eastern No. 3 932m 6.0-12.5m 8

Eastern No. 4 314m 5.0-12.5m 3

Nada 100m 9.8m 1

Mitsui Pier 362m 10.0m 2

Kawasaki HI 806m 7.0-9.0m 7

Mitsubishi HI 2,712m 6.0-9.0m 12

Western No. 1 845m 5.0-12.0m 10

Kobe Ko—Large Vessel Public Wharves

Wharf Usage Quay Length Depth No. of Berths

Eastern Domestic trade

West (A through E) 440m 5.5m 5

East (Q through U) 500m 6.0m 5

Northeast (J through P) 625m 5.5m 7

North (F through I) 360m 5.5m 4

Higashi—Kobe Ferry terminal

No. 1 100m 5.5m 1

No. 2 130m 6.0m 1

No. 3 165m 7.5m 1

No. 4 130m 6.0m 1

Hyogo —

North (A through E) 654m 7.2m 5

East (F and G) 422m 9.0m 2

South (H) 214m 9.0m 1

East (I) 259m 9.0m 1

South (J and K) 261m 7.5m 2

Hyogo-ko Ichibamae — — 282m 4.5m 5

Maya —

West (A through C) 610m 10.0-12.0m 3

South (D through H) 1,320m 12.0m 5

East (I through J) 664m 12.0m 2

Nada — — 162m 7.3m 1

Naka Pier —

West (B through E) 456m 5.5-9.0m 4

South (End) 114m 9.0m 1

East (A) 223m 9.0m 1
136 Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 

Pub. 159

6.24 Maya Wharf is an island berth, connected to the mainland to

the N by the Nadahama-Ohashi Bridge, which spans from the

NE corner of the complex to No. 1 Industrial District and has a

vertical clearance of 27m. The Daini Maya-Ohashi Bridge connects Maya Wharf to Shinko Higashi Wharf, to the W, and has

a vertical clearance of 18m. 

6.24 A number of dolphin berths lie on the N side of No. 5 Breakwater. 

6.24 The largest drydock is 301.5m long and 43.7m wide; it can

accommodate vessels up to 85,000 dwt.

Port Island

Container C1 through C5 1,450m 12.0m 5

C7 through C9 900m 12.0m 3

Liner L1 through L3 600m 10.0m 3

L4 through L15 2,400m 10.0m 12

Chemical — 210m 10.0m 1

— A Jetty 183m 7.5m 1

— D 300m 12.0m 1

Tramper E through G 700m 12.0m 3

Port Island—2nd Stage Container C14 through C17 1,750m 15.0m 5

Domestic trade — 130m 7.5m 1

Rokko Island

Container

C1 through C7 2,800m 13.0-14.0m 8

D through I 1,110m 10.0m 6

J through M 740m 10.0m 4

Ferry F1, F2, F3 600m 7.5-9.0m 3

Tramper P, Q, S through Z 1,945m 10.0-12.0m 10

Liner L1, L2, L2 800m 13.0-14.0m 3

Domestic trade A, B, S-A, S-C, N, O 862m 7.5m 6

Other C, S-B 460m 10.0-13.0m 2

Shinko—Pier 1 —

West (A through C) 366m 9.1m 2

East (D through F) 356m 9.1m 2

South (End) 105m 9.1m 1

Shinko—Pier 2 —

West (G, H) 356m 9.1m 2

East (I, J) 354m 9.1m 2

South (End) 105m 9.1m 1

Shinko—Pier 3

Ferry West (K L) 352m 9.1m 2

— East (M N) 372m 10.0-10.9m 2

— South (End) 105m 9.1m 1

Shinko—Pier 4 — West (O1, O2, P) 589m 10.0-12.0m 3

East (Q1, Q2, R) 649m 10.0-12.0m 3

Shinko—Higashi —

West (S, T) 439m 10.0m 2

South (U through X) 1,167m 7.5-12.0m 6

East (Y, Z) 354m 10.0m 2

Suma Harbor

— East 90m 5.5m 1

— South 180m 5.5m 2

Takahama — — 282m 5.5-6.0m 2

Kobe Ko—Large Vessel Public Wharves

Wharf Usage Quay Length Depth No. of Berths
Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 137

Pub. 159

Aspect

6.24 Fairway I runs from between Wada Breakwater and No. 1

Breakwater to the vicinity of Central Wharf. Fairway II runs

between Breakwater No. 1 and Breakwater No. 2, then W of

Port Island to Shinko Pier 2 and Shinko Pier 3. Fairway III runs

along the NE side of Port Island. Higashi-Kobe Fairway runs

between Industrial Area No. 3 and Industrial Area No. 4 Industrial; Higashi Fairway joins this passage to Ferry Wharf, farther

N. Fairway III runs SE from Breakwater No. 6 and Breakwater

No. 7. The channel, extending from the N entrance of Fairway

III to the berths at Kobe Steelworks, is commonly called Nadahama Channel.

6.24 Kobe Ko Light (34°39'N., 135°10'E.), about 1 mile W of

Wada Misaki, and close E of Karuma Shima, is shown from a

white cylindrical concrete tower, 29m high, and serves as a

good head mark when approaching Kobe Ko from the S. Wada

Misaki Signal Station, about 0.3 mile E of Kobe Ko Light, is

36m high, with a white building.

6.24 Kobe Ko Range Lights are shown from white beacons near

the SW side of Port Island. When in line they bear 095.5° and

lead toward the SE entrance of Fairway II.

6.24 Eight cranes, each painted red, are conspicuous on the W

side of Port Island.

6.24 Port Tower, on Central Wharf, about 1 mile NW of Port

Island, is a red drum-shaped structure, 103m high, and floodlit.

6.24 The Portopia Hotel (34°39.7'N., 135°13.0'E.) is a prominent white building, 122m high, having the elliptical shape of

a vessel’s funnel.

6.24 A Ferris wheel, reported to be fully illuminated and conspicuous, is easily identified standing 0.3 mile SE of the hotel.

6.24 A white chimney, 100m high, is prominent on the S side of

Port Island; a short distance W are three large and two small oil

tanks painted white. 

6.24 A light is shown at an elevation of 57m from a black tower

on the Oriental Hotel, nearly 0.5 mile NE of the Port Tower. A

telegraphic office radio tower, 96m high, painted red and

white, is in the vicinity.

6.24 The Trade Center Building, 118m high and marked by a red

obstruction light, is conspicuous about 0.4 mile further E.

6.24 Three chimneys, 120, 100, and 63m high and painted red and

white, are conspicuous in Industrial District II.

6.24 A chimney, 63m high, is conspicuous in the SW part of

Industrial District III.

Pilotage

6.24 Pilotage is compulsory in Section I, Section II, Section V,

and Section VI in the areas enclosed by breakwaters and for

vessels over 300 grt. Pilots are available normally only during

daylight. For night entry, the pilot should be embarked before

2000 and have passed the breakwater by 2100. Container and

ro-ro vessels for immediate loading may berth with special

permission up to 2359. Pilotage is available 24 hours for vessel’s leaving the harbor. The vessel’s ETA and other information should be signaled 24 hours before arrival. Pilots board in

the Quarantine Anchorage or its vicinity. Offices of the Hanshin Pilots and the Inland Sea Pilots are situated at Kobe.

6.24 The harbormaster may be contacted by radio or radioteleKobe Tower

Kobe Ko Light
138 Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 

Pub. 159

phone regarding harbor operations. Signals regarding berthing

or anchoring are shown from the signal stations at Pier 5, Wadamisaki, Higashi-Kobe, and Kobe Signal Station. Vessels

should retain onboard the most recent edition of Japan Maritime Safety Laws and Regulations, obtainable through the Japanese Coast Guard. This publication should be kept as a reference for signal station communication and their meanings,

appropriate answering signals, and other local or specific regulations.

Regulations

6.24 Tankers, when berthed in the harbor, must be given a berth of

at least 30m to avoid accidents due to fire.

6.24 Vessels of 15,000 grt or more and oil tankers of 1,000 grt or

more wishing to transit Fairway No. III should notify the Port

Captain of their ETA and anticipated ETD by 1200 the day

before the passage through the fairway.

6.24 The following navigational regulations are in force in Fairway No. III in order to insure the safety of maritime traffic.

Kobe—No. 7 Breakwater East Light

Kobe—Rokko Island Ferry Terminal

Kobe—Port Island

Kobe—Rokko Island
Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 139

Pub. 159

1. Vessels may not let go their anchor in the channel, nor

may they release vessels being towed. However, these regulations do not apply when attempting to avoid an accident,

when not under command, or when engaged in assisting a

vessel which has encountered a sudden danger, or when

saving life.

2. Vessels entering or leaving the fairway must keep out

of the way of vessels navigating in the fairway.

3. Vessels must not navigate abreast each other in the

fairway.

4. Vessels should navigate, as far as practicable, in that

portion of the fairway which lies on the right side of the

center of the fairway.

5. Vessels may not overtake other vessels in the fairway

unless there is room to pass safely.

6.24 As a general rule, Fairway No. II and Fairway No. III are not

to be used by vessels of less than 1,000 grt. Traffic control is in

force in Higashi-Kobe Fairway for vessels over 500 grt in order

to avoid danger of collision. Vessels must navigate in accordance

with the signals shown from the signal station on the E side of

the passage.

Signals

6.24 Vessels must navigate in accordance with the signals shown

from the signal station on the E side of the passage. The signals

and their meanings shown from Higashi-Kobe Signal Station are

the same as those shown from the South Harbor Signal Station in

Osaka Ko. The table in paragraph 6.22 describes these signals

and their meanings.

6.24 Vessels over 500 grt must display the following signasl from

the forecastle upon getting underway until passing through the

breakwater entrance in the indicated passage:

6.24 Traffic signals are shown from Kobe Signal Station situated

at the root of Breakwater No. 6, from signal boards facing

035°, 125°, 195°, and 320°. The signals and their meanings are

given in the acccompanying table.

Anchorage

6.24 The quarantine anchorage is situated SW of Wada Misakiin

depths of approximately 13.0 to 15.6m. Anchorages for vessels

with dangerous cargo are designated in Section IV and Section

VI. The bottom is mud, good holding ground. 

Directions

6.24 Kobe Ko can be approached using the Rokko Mountains (the

highest peak, Rokko San) as a landmark. Kobe Light, about 1

mile W of Wada Misaki, is a good landmark for vessels approaching from the S.

6.24 There are a considerable number of wrecks located outside

the harbor.

6.24 The harbor is used by a large number of ferries and

scheduled passenger services. The scheduled passenger services operating from Naka Pier in Section II use Fairway No. I

and Fairway No. II, and the ferries operating from HigashiKobe Ferry Wharf use the Higashi-Kobe Fairway.

6.24 Kobe Ko Section No. 5 Range Lights, in line bearing 029.6°,

have been established at position 34°39'N, 135°13'E and

position 34°39'N, 135°13'E.

6.24 Kobe Ko Approach Lighted Buoys have been established in

position 34°35.4'N, 135°11.2'E and 34°35.6'N, 135°14.3'E.

6.24 Kobe Oki Lighted Buoy No. 1 (34°35.2'N., 135°11.4'E.) and

Lighted Buoy No. 2 (34°35.5'N., 135°14.5'E.) have been established S of Kobe Ko to mark safe water.

6.24 All vessels over 500 grt bound to and from an area between

Kobe Ko E of Fairway No. II (34°38.7'N., 135°12.8'E.) and

Osaka Ko N of Hamadera Fairway (34°33.2'N., 135°20.2'E.)

should pass Kobe Oki Lighted Buoy No. 1 and Kobe Oki

Lighted Buoy No. 2 on their port side. Westbound vessels

should use caution while navigating the area due to the presence of working vessels and vessels at anchor in the area.

Kobe Ko—Vessels Signals for Getting Underway

Fairway Signal

I No. 1 under First substitute.

II No. 2 under First substitute.

III No. 3 under First substitute.

Kobe Ko—Traffic Signals—Kobe Signal Station

Signal Meaning

Flashing letter “I”

Vessels are permitted to enter the

harbor through Fairway No. III. Vessels of 500 grt or more intending to

leave the harbor should stop and

wait.

Flashing letter “O”

Vessels are allowed to leave the harbor through Fairway No. III. Vessels

of 500 grt or more intending to enter

the harbor should stop and await permission. 

Flashing letter “F”

Vessels of 15,000 grt or more and oil

tankers of 1,000 grt or more intending to enter or leave Kobe Ko via

Fairway No. III should stop and wait

for permission to enter or leave. Vessels of less than 15,000 grt may enter

or leave via the passage. 

Alternating flashing

letter “X” with letter “I,” “O,” or “F”

Signal will shortly change to flashing letter “I,” “O,” or “F.” Vessels

navigating through Fairway No. III

may proceed. Vessels of less than

500 grt may enter or leave Kobe Ko.

Vessels of 500 grt or more should

wait outside the fairway, clear of all

traffic. 

Flashing letter “X”

Vessels not in the passage should

keep clear of fairway traffic. Signal

will soon change to fixed letter “X.”

Fixed letter “X”

Vessels other than those under the

direction of the Port Captain should

stay well clear of Fairway No. III.

Kobe Ko—Traffic Signals—Kobe Signal Station

Signal Meaning
140 Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 

Pub. 159

Caution

6.24 The following items should be considered during a typhoon:

1. When a typhoon passes W of Kobe, the water level

during high tide is considerably higher.

2. Strong SE winds blow when a typhoon passes W of

Kobe due to the topography, which has mountains lying NW

while the harbor is open SE.

3. When a typhoon is advancing E, particularly from

Shiona Misaki NE to Kumana Nada, the velocity of the wind

increases, even though Kobe Ko is in the left semicircle of

the typhoon, because of the winds blowing down from the

Rokko Mountains behind.

6.24 The channel buoy lights and breakwater lights are difficult to

see at night, as they are superimposed against the factory and

city lights.

6.24 A large number of container ships and cargo vessels anchor

inside Section No. IV, and a large number of ferries anchor S of

Industrial Area No. 4.

6.24 Barges are in operation carrying rubble from the land

reclamation at Port Island.

6.24 According to past experience, the handling of large vessels

becomes difficult and tugs lose their usefulness with winds of

29 miles per hour. Damage occurs to moored vessels when the

winds exceed 48 miles per hour.

6.24 For procedures for taking shelter, strict attention should be

paid to the harbormaster’s instructions and the typhoon bulletins. Large vessels should anchor outside the breakwaters or

heave-to there with the use of the main engines. Small vessels

generally anchor in an area least affected by the typhoon, and

medium size vessels, ferries, etc. should find a similar place

between the breakwaters and the coast. Vessels of 2,000 to

3,000 grt should anchor rather than remain secured to piers or

buoys; it is recommended that they seek shelter in Uchinoumi

Ko (34°28'N., 134°18'E.) in Shodo Shima.

Akashi Kaikyo

6.25 Akashi Kaikyo (Akasi Kaikyo) (34°37'N.,

135°01'E.), connecting Osaka Wan and Harima Nada, is about

2 miles wide. The strait is deep and free from dangers, but the

tidal currents are strong and in some places set across the fairway. A bridge, with a vertical clearance of 65m, spans Akashi

Kaikyo at its narrowest part.

6.25 Prohibited areas are established around the bridge towers.

Caution is necessary as traffic is heavy and there are a large

number of fishing vessels. Vessels exceeding a length of 200m

should arrange for an escort boat when transiting the strait

during fishing season, which runs from the end of February

until early April. Current navigational notices and warnings

should be consulted. 

6.25 The N side of the strait, in general, shoals gradually shoreward, with a few off-lying rocks. Westward of the W entrance

there are depths of less than 10.1m extending up to 4 miles

offshore. The S side of the strait is comparatively steep-to.

6.25 A traffic route, prescribed by the Maritime Safety Law, has

been established in the strait.

6.25 Within Akashi Kaikyo Traffic Route all vessels should navigate in that portion of the traffic route which lies on the starboard side of the central line of the route. 

6.25 Wrecks have been reported on the N and NE edges of the

traffic route. 

6.25 Tides—Currents.—The nature of the tides in Akashi

Kaikyo is similar to that in Osaka Wan, but the diurnal inequalities are more marked, and in the second half of each month

there is only one tide cycle per day. However, the diurnal inequalities in the tidal current are not very large, and even when

there is only one tide cycle per day, there are two E currents

and two W currents per day.

6.25 The main tidal current flows along the middle of the strait

over about 35 percent of its width. On the N side of the main

stream, the tidal current gradually decreases as one approaches

the shore and there is little difference in the time of tide

compared with that of the main current in the center, but on the

S side of the main stream tide rips are generated in places.

There is a relatively large current velocity in the vicinity of

Matsuho Saki, and the time of the tide is some 20 to 50 minutes

earlier than in the center of the main current; further, in the area

1.3 miles ESE of Matsuho Saki, the tidal current turns at

almost the same time as in the middle of the main current and

its rate is about 1.4 times as much.

6.25 The maximum velocity at springs may reach 7 knots. Countercurrents are generated between Akashi and Karasaki Hana, in

the vicinity of Hiro Iso, on the W side of Matsuho Saki, and on

the N side of Iwaya. There is SW for 10 to 30 minutes.

6.25 In the central part of Akashi Kaikyo, the currents run to the

W from about 3 hours after LW to about 3 hours after HW at

Akashi, and to the E from about 3 hours after HW to about 3

hours after LW; the W currents are strongest about the time of

HW, and the E currents are strongest about that of LW.

Aspect.—Hira Iso (34°37'N., 135°04'E.), on the N side of

the E entrance to Akashi Kaikyo, lies about 0.4 mile offshore

and is a rocky bank, with a depth of 1.5m. It is marked by a

light shown from a black and red tower.

6.25 Hachibuse Yama, 246m high, is conspicuous about 2 miles

ENE of Hira Iso; a white building, showing a white light, is on

its summit. A fishing pier extends from the coast SE of

Hachibuse Yama.

6.25 A blue two-story hexagonal building is conspicuous on

Karasaki Hana, about 1.5 miles WNW of Hira Iso. Yamado

Iso, a rock, with a depth of 1m, lies about 0.5 mile farther

WNW and about 0.1 mile offshore.

6.25 A spherical gas tank, painted silver and standing on a black

tower, is conspicuous about 1 mile NW of Akashi Ko.

6.25 Semento Iso, rocks with depths of 1 to 1.9m, and marked on

the W and E ends as well as the S side of this shoal, respectively, by lighted buoys, lie about 1 mile W of Akashi Ko.

Shoal water, with depths of less than 4.9m, extends about 2.4

miles farther WSW; a rock, with a depth of 3.4m, lies midway

along the S side of the shoal water.

6.25 A prominent ferris wheel, about 134m high, stands on the

NE tip of Awaji Shima, near the coastline of Iwaya Ko, in

position 34°35'N, 135°01'E. 

6.25 Matsuho Saki (Matuho Saki), on the S side of Akashi Kaikyo, is the N extremity of Awaji Shima, and is low, sandy, and

thickly wooded. 

6.25 E Saki, a rounded point, marked by a light, lies about 0.5

mile WSW of Matsuho Saki; a shoal, with a depth of 4.6m, lies

about 320m NE of the light structure. A conspicuous tower,

278m high, stands on a hillside, 0.5 mile SSW of E Saki Light.
Sector 6. Kii Suido and Osaka Wan 141

Pub. 159

A hill, 305m high, with a steel tower on its summit, lies about 1

mile SSW of E Saki.

6.25 Pilotage.—Pilotage is compulsory for vessels of over 10,000

grt in Akashi Kaikyo and its approaches for about 3 miles SE

and 5 miles W of the Akashi Kaikyo Traffic Route.

6.25 The MSA Headquarters has requested that the following

vessels embark a pilot:

1. Vessels without local knowledge.

2. Vessels over 30,000 grt.

3. Oil tankers and vessels loaded with liquefied gas of

over 10,000 grt.

4. Foreign vessels.

6.25 Regulations.—Vessels should maintain continuous contact

with Osaka Wan Vessel Traffic Service Center on VHF channel

16 when navigating in the traffic routes, approaches to the

traffic routes, and the adjacent sea areas. 

6.25 Vessels loaded with dangerous cargoes as specified by the

Maritime Traffic Safety Law (except for mam-moth vessels)

are not to enter the fairway should the visibility be less than 1

mile. Entry by mammoth vessels is limited in accordance with

the directions of the fairway supervisor.

6.25 Vessels of 10,000 grt or over are requested to report their

ETA at Akashi Kaikyo to the Osaka Wan Traffic Advisory Service (call sign Osaka Martis) on VHF channel 16, at least 24

hours in advance. A 3-hour advanced notice is required for vessels over 3,000 grt but less than 10,000 grt. 

6.25 The following vessels should notify the traffic advisory

service by noon of the day before the vessel is scheduled to

enter the traffic route:

1. Vessels of 160m or more in length.

2. Towing and pushing vessels of 160m or more in

length.

6.25 Vessels may be instructed by the captain of the port to

evacuate the port in the event of abnormal weather or marine

conditions such as typhoons or marine accidents. 

6.25 Directions.—Vessels must navigate in accordance with the

traffic methods established in Maritime Traffic Safety Law. See

Pub. 120, Sailing Directions (Planning Guide) Pacific Ocean

and Southeast Asia. 

6.25 Vessels over 5,000 grt should navigate in accordance with

the following procedures:

1. Vessels intending to enter the traffic route should head

for it in such a way as to pass Point A (34°34.8'N.,

135°05.1'E.) on their port bow. Point A is located 2 miles

from Akashi Kaikyo Fairway Lighted Buoy No. 3, on the extended center line of the fairway.

2. Vessels leaving the fairway and heading for Kobe Ko

or Osaka Ko areas should alter course after passing Point A

on their port bow in order to keep out of the path of vessels

entering the traffic route.

3. Vessels intending to enter the traffic route from the

Himeji Ko or Higashi-Harima Ko areas should head for it in

such a way as to pass Point B (34°36.3'N., 134°56.9'E.).

Point B is 2 miles from Akashi Kaikyo Fairway Lighted

Buoy No. 1, on the line joining this buoy and Harima Nada

Fairway Lighted Buoy No. 6.

6.25 Caution.—At night, the glare of lights at Akashi may make

it difficult to distinguish the navigation lights of other vessels.

6.25 A large number of westbound vessels from the Osaka Ko and

Kobe Ko areas and Tomogashima Suido meet with eastbound

vessels from the Harima Nada areas and Harima Nada North

Fairway.
Pub. 159

7.The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto

7.0Additional chart coverage may be found in NGA/DLIS Catalog of Maps, Charts, and Related Products (Unlimited Distribution).

SECTOR 7 — CHART INFORMATION
145

Pub. 159

SECTOR 7 

THE NAIKAI (INLAND SEA)—HARIMA NADA AND BISAN SETO

7.0 Plan.—This sector first describes Harima Nada, then Bisan

Seto. The sector includes the important ports of Higashi-Harima Ko and Himeji Ko, on the N side of Harima Nada; Mizushima Ko, on the N side of Bisan Seto; and Sakaide Ko, on the

S side of Bisan Seto. 

Harima Nada 

7.1 Harima Nada (34°30'N., 134°35'E.) lies between

Awaji Shima to the E and Shodo Shima to the W. The recommended route through the Naikai runs from the W entrance to

Akashi Kaikyo, to the E entrance of Bisan Seto, a distance of

about 40 miles. There are general depths of 20.1 to 40m in Harima Nada, except in the W entrance to Akashi Kaikyo, where

there are shoals with depths of less than 10.1m. The S shore is

steep-to, with a few scattered rocks, but on the N side there are

a number of islands, rocks, and shoals. There is a least depth of

23m on the recommended route through Harima Nada, and

depths of over 20m within 1 mile N and S of the center of the

fairway. 

7.1 Caution.—A dangerous wreck is situated about 0.9 mile

SSE of Harima Nada Fairway Lighted Buoy No. 6; another

wreck lies approximately 1.8 miles NE of Harima Nada Fairway Lighted Buoy No. 6.

7.1 Several fish havens lie close to the recommended track between Harima Nada Fairway Lighted Buoy No. 4 and Harima

Nada Fairway Lighted Buoy No. 6. 

7.1 The coast from E Saki (34°36'N., 135°00'E.), near the N end

of Awaji Shima to Ei Saki, about 12 miles SW, is cliffy in

places. The latter point is a cliffy headland, 41m high.

7.1 Shikano Se (Sika-no-Se), on the N side of the fairway and

centered about 10 miles WSW of E Saki, is a rocky bank, covered with sand and pebbles, with a least depth of 2.2m, and extending for about 3 miles in an ENE-WSW direction; it is

marked midway on its S side by a lighted buoy.

7.1 A shoal, with a depth of 7.6m, lies about 1 mile E of Shikano

Se; shoals, with depths of less than 10.1m, extend about 1 mile

N and 1.5 miles NE. A lighted buoy is moored about 0.2 mile E

of the NE end of the shoal area.

7.1 Murotsuno Se (Murotu-no-Se) lies on the S side of the fairway, parallel with, and 3 miles from Shikano Se; it is a sandy

bank, with a least depth of 8.2m. E Saki Light, bearing 068°

and in line with Hachibuse Yama, leads N and clear of Murotsuno Se.

7.1 Many fish havens are situated between Murotsuno Se and

Shikano Se, and also on Matsuo and Takakura Se. 

7.2 Joryuji Yama (Zyoryuzi Yama) (34°30'N.,

134°55'E.), a mountain, 515m high, lies about 7 miles SSW of

E Saki, and appears as the highest mountain on the N end of

Awaji Shima.

7.2 Okado Hana (34°26'N., 134°20'E.), the SE extremity of

Shodo Shima, is a cliffy headland; it rises to two hills, the S of

which is 159m high. A light is shown from the point. There is a

signal station at Okado Hana, and by day weather signals are

shown from it.

7.2 Funoko Shima, an islet, 106m high, lies about 0.5 mile ENE

of Okado Hana, to which it is connected by a reef which dries.

Goishi Yama, a sharp peak, 435m high, with many towering

crags, is conspicuous about 2 miles N of Okado Hana.

7.2 Anchorage can be obtained off the N side of Funoko Shima,

in a depth of about 20m, but it is exposed NE. 

7.2 Mizunoka Iwa, a rock, 3.1m high, lies NE about 5.5 miles of

Okado Hana, and 3 miles E of Shodo Shima. Close E, a rock,

with a depth of 7.6m, is marked E by a lighted buoy. Nakase

Iwa, a rock, with a least depth of 1.6m, lies about 1 mile NW of

Mizunoko Iwa.

7.2 Ofukube Shima, flat-topped and 57m high to the tops of the

trees, lies about 2.5 miles W of Okado Hana; an islet, 20m high

and conical, lies about 137m off the SE end of the island, to

which it is connected by a drying reef.

7.2 Jizo Saki (Zizo Saki), the S extremity of Shodo Shima, lies

about 5 miles WSW of Okado Hana, and is faced with steep

cliffs; a light is shown from the headland. A hill, with two

rounded summits, is prominent N of the headland; the N summit is 302m high and the higher of the two. 

7.2 Umaga Hana, about 4 miles SSE of Jizo Saki, is a steep

cliffy point, marked by a light. O-gushi Saki (Okusi Saki),

about 2.5 miles farther NW, is well-wooded and 18.9m high; it

rises to an elevation of 145m, about 0.3 mile S.

7.2 Goken San, 370m high, with a conspicuous rocky summit,

E Saki Light
146 Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 

Pub. 159

lies about 5.5 miles SW of Jizo Saki, and is the highest mountain in the vicinity.

7.2 Directions.—Vessels should navigate W on a course of 248°

and E on a course of 068° on the line of Harima Nada Fairway

Lighted Buoy No. 1 to Harima Nada Fairway Lighted Buoy

No. 6, and in the vicinity of Shikano Se, should not deviate

more than 1 mile from the center of the fairway. The buoys are

spaced at intervals of 5 to 5.5 miles.

7.2 The tidal currents are weak on the recommended track, but

vessels are set S during the flood current and N by the ebb

current. Vessels eastbound between Okado Hana and Shikano

Se should guard against being set off the track.

7.2 At night, eastbound vessels should not enter the red sector of

E Saki Light until clear of Shikano Se. There are many fishing

vessels in the vicinity of Shikano Se and Awaji Shima; in

particular, many fishing boats cross the fairway from March to

June (0300 to 0400 and 0700 to 0900). In this vicinity it is

frequently difficult to distinguish the lighted buoys until close

to them.

7.2 Caution.—From October to May, seaweed cultivation facilities are situated on Shikano Se and within 1.5 miles of the W

coast of Awaji Shima. Lighted buoys with flashing lights are

placed around the seaweed cultivation grounds.

7.2 Vessels carrying dangerous cargo are required to carry emergency towing wires forward and aft when navigating through

Harima Nada. (See paragraph 6.16, Osaka Wan, for information on fire wires.)

Harima Nada—East Side

7.3 The NW coast of Awaji Shima, from E Saki to Ei

Saki, about 12 miles SW, is generally cliffy. From Ei Saki to

Kariko Saki, about 10.5 miles farther SW, the coast is backed

by flat-topped hills except in the vicinity of the mouth of

Mihara Kawa, about 2 miles E of Kariko Saki; the coast is

bordered by sandy beaches except for two rocky points. Maruyama Saki, about 3 miles SW of Kariko Saki, has a flat summit, 24m high and wooded; it is joined to the mainland by a

low isthmus, and appears as an island from a distance. The

latter point is backed by mountains, and is a good landmark in

the approach to Naruto Kaikyo.

7.3 Sen San (34°21'N., 134°49'E.), near the center of Awaji

Shima, is 448m high and has a shape resembling Mount Fuji.

7.3 Toshima Ko is located about 5 miles SW of E Saki and is

protected by breakwaters. A light is shown on the head of the N

breakwater. Yoko Se, with a depth of 1m, extends about 1 mile

WSW of Toshima Ko. Anchorage, sheltered from SE winds,

can be taken, in depths of 10.1 to 14.9m, sand, good holding

ground, off Toshima Ko; caution is necessary regarding Yoko

Se and the tidal currents. Farther SW, between To-shima Ko

and Gunge Ko, about 6 miles SW, the bottom is steep-to outside the 10m curve, but large vessels can obtain anchorage, in

about 14m, sand, fair holding ground.

7.3 Myojin Misaki, about 1.5 miles SW of Ei Saki is a white

cliffy point with a dense growth of trees in its upper part; it is

joined to Awaji Shima by a narrow isthmus and appears as an

islet.

7.3 Anchorage, sheltered from E to S winds, can be taken off the

mouth of Mihara Kawa (34°20'N., 134°44'E.), in depths of

12.8 to 14.6m, mud.

7.3 Naruto Kaikyo (34°14'N., 134°39'E.) is described in paragraph 6.11.

Harima Nada—South Side

7.4 Hiketa Wan, about 10 miles W of Naruto Kaikyo, is

open N and has sandy shores. Hiketa Ko (34°14'N.,

134°25'E.), a small local harbor, lies in the W part of the bay.

Hiketa Hana, the W entrance point of the bay, is marked by a

light. A lighted buoy is moored 1.25 miles NE of Hikeda Hana.

A submerged rock and a rock, awash, lie about 0.2 mile and 0.8

mile E, respectively, of the point. Matsu Shima, about 2 miles

E of Hiketa Hana, is the outermost of several islets in the

entrance of Hiketa Wan; it is about 410m long, 37m high, with

pine trees on it. Mitsu Shima, a rocky islet, 37m high, with pine

trees on it, lies about 0.4 mile WSW of Matsu Shima. Tsunen

Shima, 1.9m high, lies about 320m farther WSW.

7.4 Anchorage can be taken, in 9.2 to 16.5m, in Hiketa Wan; the

holding ground is good where the bottom is mud. Care is

needed to avoid fishing nets (June to January) and seaweed cultivation grounds (October to April), which are to be found in

all parts of the bay.

7.4 Kabukoshi Saki (34°15'N., 134°23'E.), about 2.5 miles NW

of Hiketa Hana, is surmounted by an isolated hill with a

pointed summit. Yoji Yama, an isolated hill with a pointed

summit, rises to an elevation of 187m about 0.8 mile SE of

Kabukoshi Saki. A reef extends about 90m NE of the point; a

pointed rock is visible on the reef.

7.4 Futago Shima, about 0.5 mile NE of Kabukoshi Saki, consists of two rocky islets, each 26m high, and covered with pine

trees. There are two above-water rocks close SE of Futago

Shima, and the channel inshore of the islets should not be used.

7.4 Hitotsu Shima, a rocky islet, 21m high and covered with pine

trees, lies about 1 mile NNW of Kabukoshi Saki; there are

some high rocks on its N side.

7.4 Sombommatsu Ko (34°15'N., 134°21'E.), a small harbor

sheltered by breakwaters, lies about 1.8 miles WSW of Kabukoshi Saki, in the central part of Matsubara Ura. A chimney,

30m high, is conspicuous near the harbor. Fish and oyster cultivation grounds lie up to 1 mile offshore E and W of Sombommatsu Ko. 

7.4 Anchorage.—Matsubara Ura affords good anchorage during offshore winds, with good holding ground.

7.5 Marukame-jima, 69m high, with Me-jima, 45m high

to the tops of the trees, close S, lies about 2.3 miles NW of

Sombommatsu Ko.

7.5 Mashino Wan (Umasino Wan) is entered between Marukame-jima and Ube Yama, about 2 miles W. The shores consist

of sandy beaches separated by rocky headlands. A light is

shown from a red tower at Wakimoto Ko on the W shore of the

bay. Fish havens are situated in the bay. Ube Yama is an

isolated flat-topped hill, 57m high, with a steep cliff on its E

side. Dangerous rocks, with a rock 1.9m high near the outer

end, extend about 0.5 mile NE of the W entrance point of the

bay. Nako Shima, 32m high, lies about 0.3 mile N of Ube

Yama. Kinu-jima, an islet, 32m high, lies about 0.3 mile offshore in the E part of the bay. Reefs and rocks lie between the

islet, the shore S, and Me-jima. Anchorage can be obtained, in

about 9.2m, about 0.3 mile W of Kinu-jima, or in greater
Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 147

Pub. 159

depths N of the islet, with a mud bottom.

7.5 Tsuda Wan (Tuda Wan) (34°18'N., 134°15'E.) is entered

between Nako Shima and Taka Shima, nearly 2 miles N. The

latter islet is 43m high and round-topped; Okino Sowai, a rock

awash and steep-to, lies about 0.3 mile ENE of Taka Shima.

Baku Iwa, a pointed rock, 5.8m high, lies about 0.3 mile NW

of Taka Shima. A submarine wave recorder, connected to the

shore by a submarine cable, is situated in the middle part of

Tsuda Wan. 

7.5 Tsuda Ko, a local harbor, lies at the head of the bay. A light

is shown from a red tower. Ametaki Yama rises to an elevation

of 254m, about 0.8 mile SW of Tsudo Ko.

7.5 Anchorage.—Good anchorage can be obtained by large

vessels in Tsuda Wan, in a depth of 11.5m, with Nako Shima

bearing 160° and Ametaki Yama bearing 230°. Small vessels

anchor nearer the head of the bay according to draft. Winds

between the NNE and ESE send a heavy sea into the bay. There

are seaweed cultivation grounds from October to April within

1.5 miles of the shore of the bay.

7.5 Toraga Hana (34°20'N., 134°16'E.), about 0.8 mile NNW of

Naka Shima, is a steep cliffy point; it rises to Toraga Mine,

307m high, about 1 mile SW. Umaga Hana lies about 1.3 miles

NW of Toraga Hana.

7.5 Oda Wan is entered between Umaga Hana and O-gushi Saki,

about 2.3 miles WNW. The bay is free of dangers except for

Ikanago Se, a rock with a depth of 10.1m, about 0.8 mile E of

O-gushi Saki. Oda Wan affords safe anchorage in adequate

depths, except during N winds. Several fish havens exist within

0.3 mile of the W shore of the bay. 

Harima Nada—North Side

7.6 In the N part of Harima Nada are the important ports

of Higashi-Harima Ko, Himeji Ko, and Aioi Ko. There is

traffic of large vessels in and out of the above ports, but there is

a very large amount of small vessel traffic navigating E and W

in the Naikai.

7.6 The route through the area is indicated by Harima Nada

North Fairway Lighted Buoy No. 3 (34°33'N., 134°08'E.)

through Harima Nada Fairway Lighted Buoy No. 10 (34°38'N.,

134°49'E.). There is a depth of about 11m in the E part of

Harima Nada North Fairway.

7.6 Caution.—Caution is necessary from October to May due to

seaweed cultivation equipment, marked by lighted buoys, off

the coast between Akashi Ko (34°38'N., 135°00'E.) and Ako

Ko (34°43'N., 134°23'E.), except in the harbor entrance

channels and in the vicinity of Ieshima Gunto and Shikano Se.

There are also many net and line fishing vessels in the vicinity

of Harima Nada North Fairway, particularly E of Kami Shima

and N of Tanga Shima. It is also necessary to avoid the shoals

in the W entrance to Akashi Kaikyo and the dangerous rocks,

Kami-Shizumo and Shimo-Shizumo (34°42'N., 134°30'E.), N

of Ieshima Gunto.

Akashi Kaikyo to Himeji Ko 

7.7 The N part of Harima Nada, from Akashi Kaikyo to

Himeji Ko (34°46'N., 134°38'E.), is bordered by a succession

of industrial areas. The coast is a low plain. The chimneys of

the steel works and generator stations at Higashi-Harima Ko

and Himeji Ko are conspicuous landmarks. The area in the vicinity of Kiba (34°46'N., 134°44'E.), close E of Himeji Ko, is

the only place where the mountains approach the coast.

7.7 A bank, with depths of less than 10.1m, extends to about 5

miles WSW of Akashi Ko. Kantama, with a least depth of

4.9m, lies near the W end of the bank. A lighted buoy is

Akashi Ko Breakwater Lights
148 Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 

Pub. 159

moored S of Kantama. Takakura Se, about 1.5 miles SW of

Kantame, has a least depth of 7.8m and is marked E by a

lighted buoy. Matsuo and Shikano Se, farther SW, were previously described in paragraph 7.1.

7.7 In the vicinity of Harima Nada North Fairway Lighted Buoy

No. 10, where there are depths of 11.6 to 17m, a sand wave

extending about 3 miles E-W and 2 miles N-S was reported.

Higashi-Harima Ko (34°42'N., 134°50'E.)

World Port Index No. 61568

7.8 Higashi-Harima Ko, in the NE part of Harima Nada,

lies about 6 miles WNW of Akashi Ko, and is a major port

consisting of the former harbors of Futami Ko, Befu Ko, Takasago Ko, and Iho Ko. The cities of Kakogawa (34°42'N.,

134°55'E.) (World Port Index No. 61573) and Takasago are

developing into industrial areas, with berthing facilities for

large vessels.

7.8 The harbor, from SE to NW, consists of Futami Chiku

(Hutami), Befu Chiku (Behu), Takasago Chiku, and Iho Chiku.

A dredged passage leads into Befu Chiku. Kako Kawa discharges into the harbor, E of Takasago.

Winds—Weather

7.8 The most frequent winds are NE in spring and summer.

South winds are most frequent in summer; W winds are most

frequent in winter.

Tides—Currents

7.8 The diurnal inequalities are large at Takasago, and a single

tide per day is frequently observed. The mean tidal rise at

springs is 1.2m.

7.8 In the vicinity of the dredged passage, the flood tidal current

flows NW with a velocity of about 1 knot, and the ebb tidal

current flows SE with a velocity of about 1.8 knots.

Depths—Limitations

7.8 The passage leading into Befu Chiku is 400m wide and

dredged to 17m. Dredged depths of 17m extend farther NNE

into the harbor to the middle part of East Wharf, which lies on

the W side of the harbor. A berth, in the middle part of East

Quay, can accommodate vessels up to 160,000 dwt, in a depth

of 17m. 

7.8 The LPG Jetty, on the inner side of West Breakwater at Befu

Chiku, has depths of 14 to 17m alongside, and can accommodate vessels up to 70,000 dwt.

7.8 Shoals, with depths of 4.8m and 3.6m, lie about 0.2 mile

SSW and 410m SSE, respectively, of the head of East Breakwater at Befu Chiku.

7.8 West Wharf, inside the breakwater on the left bank of the

mouth of Kako Kawa, can accommodate vessels up to 35,000

dwt at Berth W5, at its S end. Berth W6, close SE of West

Wharf, can accommodate vessels up to 55,000 dwt, in a depths

of 12m.

7.8 The reclaimed land on the right bank of Arai Kawa, close W

of Takasago, has a berth on its E side with a depth of 7m alongside. A dolphin berth, with a depth of 8m alongside, lies on the

W side of the reclaimed land. To the W of this berth, a breakwater extends SSW from the shore. A light is shown from its

head.

Aspect

7.8 A factory, with a pale green roof, is conspicuous about 0.3

mile ENE of the base of E breakwater at Befu Chiku. Three

cranes are conspicuous at the base of the same breakwater.

7.8 Lights, in line bearing 022.3°, lead to the inner end of the

harbor. 

7.8 A group of chimneys of a steelworks are conspicuous on the

W side of the harbor at Befu Chiku; the highest two are 174m

high. Two cranes, each 35m high and painted light green, are

situated near the base of W breakwater at Befu Chiku.

7.8 Two chimneys, 125m and 105m high and painted red and

white, are situated about 0.3 mile N of Takasago W breakwater.

7.8 Two chimneys at Iho Chiku, on the right bank of Arai Kawa,

are 123m and 112m high, and painted red and white. The

chimney of a generating plant, close W, is 182m high and also

painted red and white.

7.8 An overhead power cable, with a vertical clearance of 58m,

spans Arai Kawa close within its mouth. 

Pilotage

7.8 Pilotage is not compulsory. Inland sea pilots are available at

Wadi-Misaki (off Kobi), and the harbor pilot is available at the

anchorage from sunrise to sunset. An inland sea pilot is compulsory for vessels over 10,000 grt; a harbor pilot is not compulsory. 

7.8 Vessels are prohibited from approaching within 50m of vessels loaded with LPG, which are berthed at the LPG jetties at

Befu Chiku and Iho Chiku.

Himeji Ko (34°46'N., 134°41'E.)

World Port Index No. 61567

7.9 Himeji Ko (Himezi Ko) lies close W of HigashiHarima Ko, in the N part of Harima Nada. The harbor is

divided, from E to W, into Higashi Ku (Higasi Ku), Shikama

Ku (Sikama Ku), Hirohata Ku, Aboshi Ku (Abosi Ku), and

Nishu Ku. East Passage (Higashi Passage) entrance (34°45'N.,

134°41'E.) leads into Higashi Ku; Hirohata Passage entrance

(34°44'N., 134°37'E.) leads into Hirohata Ku.

7.9 The city of Himeji is the central city for commerce and industry in the Harima Plain. In the coastal area of the harbor

there are large factories, steelworks, and generating stations.

Winds—Weather

7.9 At Himeji Ko, the wind is mostly NE in the spring and

autumn, S in the summer, and W in the winter.

7.9 The directions of the harbormaster must be followed during

the time of a typhoon. In Hirohato Ku, if there is a strong possibility that a typhoon will approach, and strong SE winds will

blow, large vessels berthed at Central Wharf should leave the

harbor.
Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 149

Pub. 159

Tides—Currents

7.9 The diurnal inequalities of the tide are large at Hirohata, and

a single tide per day is frequently observed. The mean tidal rise

at springs is 1.2m and at HHW is 1.5m.

7.9 Between the entrance to Hirohata Passage and the harbor

entrance the flood tidal current generally sets W and the ebb

current E, but they are both weak. In the anchorage at Hirohata

Ku, there is no tidal current.

Depths—Limitations

7.9 Higashi Ku Passage is dredged to a depth of 14m. An LNG

jetty, on the inner side of E breakwater, has dredged depths of

14m alongside and in its approach.

7.9 An offshore pipeline berth, consisting of a lighted mooring buoy

painted in red and white stripes, is moored in depths of 20.5m,

about 3 miles SSW of Higashi Ku harbor entrance; it can

accommodate vessels up to 250,000 dwt. A submarine pipeline

runs N from this berth to the mouth of Ichi Kawa (Iti Kawa).

7.9 In Section I, a dolphin berth, on the W side of the inner

harbor, has depths of 12.2 to 12.5m alongside.

7.9 A channel, dredged to 12m, leads into Shikama Ku. Berths 3

to 6, on the W side of Section I, have depths of 9.5 to 10m

alongside. Berths 7 through 9 have depths of 11.9m alongside. 

7.9 Hirohata Passage, leading into Hirohata Ku, has dredged

depths of 17.1m and is entered between No. 1 Lighted Buoy

and No. 2 Lighted Buoy, moored 2 miles SSW of the head of

Hirohata East Breakwater.

7.9 Raw Materials Wharf, W of the entrance to Section I, has

depths of 17.1m alongside and can accommodate vessels up to

100,000 grt.

7.9 Berth No. 3 of Hirohata Quay has a depth of 14m alongside.

Depths of 13m lead farther N to Berth 9 and Berth 10 (Central

Wharf), on the N side of Section I. There are depths of 10 to

13.5m alongside Central Wharf, which can accommodate

vessels up to 76,000 dwt. 

7.9 On the W side of Section I there are jetties, with depths of

4.9m alongside. 

7.9 Aboshi Breakwater lies on the W side of the E entrance

channel and extends from the NE corner of reclaimed land.

The channel has a least depth of 7.5m in it. A light is shown on

the head of the breakwater.

7.9 Sector I of Nishi Ku is for timber only. A wharf, available for

vessels of 9.2m draft, lies N of East Breakwater. There are also

mooring buoys for vessels of similar draft in the mouth of the

river.

Aspect

7.9 The lighted mooring buoy of the offshore pipeline berth

(34°43'N., 134°40'E.), previously described above, lies about 3

miles SSW of Higashi Ku harbor entrance.

7.9 East Passage, Hirohata Passage, and the dredged channel

into Shikama Ku are marked by lighted buoys.

7.9 Higashi Ku.—On the E side of the inner harbor, in the vicinity of the generating station, there are two chimneys, 203m

and 150m high; one is a three-stack composite chimney,

painted red and white.

7.9 The three-stack composite chimney of an oil refinery lies at

the N end of the inner harbor; it is 127m high, painted red and

white, and is a good mark when proceeding to the inner end of

Section I.

7.9 A group of oil tanks, all painted white, lies on the W side of

the inner harbor.

7.9 Shikama Ku.—The three-stack composite chimney of a

power station lies on the E side of the harbor interior; it is

150m high and painted red and white. Farther N, there are two

towers, 99m high, painted red and white, and supporting

overhead cables.

7.9 Himeji Port Office, a white six-story building, is conspicuous at the N end of the interior of the harbor.

7.9 Hirohata Ku.—Two pairs of range lights, in line bearing

016° and 000° respectively, lead into the harbor. The channel is

dredged to 17m and the lights may be difficult to distinguish in

daytime.

7.9 Two cranes, painted red, are situated on Raw Materials

Wharf, W of the entrance to Section I. 

7.9 Aboshi Ku.—A factory chimney, 92m high, painted red and

white, lies about 0.8 mile NNW of the head of Aboshi Breakwater. A restricted area, marked by lighted buoys and into

which entry is prohibited, extends S of the W end of the reclaimed land shown on the chart. A signal station stands in

Section 1 of Aboshi Ku. 

Pilotage

7.9 Pilotage is not compulsory. If required, the pilot boards in

the anchorage area. Inland Sea pilotage is required for vessels

over 10,000 grt; the pilot boards at Wadamisaki. 

7.9 There is a signal station on the W side of the harbor entrance

of Hirohata Ku. Vessels should retain onboard the most recent

edition of Japan Maritime Safety Laws and Regulations, obtainable through the Japanese Coast Guard. This publication

should be kept as a reference for signal station communiques

and their meanings, appropriate answering signals, and other

local or specific regulations.

Anchorage

7.9 Deep-draft vessels, waiting for the tide, may take temporary

anchorage close SE of the entrances to the passages and the

dredged channel.

Caution

7.9 With strong W winds of the winter monsoon, a vessel may

be set markedly E when the ebb current is E in the vicinity of

the breakwater entrance at Hirohata Ku. Caution is necessary

when the bow of the vessel passes inside the breakwaters; the

stern of the vessel may be set to the right, and a dangerous

situation may arise as the bow of the vessel swings to the left.

Ieshima Gunto

7.10 Ieshima Gunto (Iesima Syoto) (34°40'N., 134°35'E.),

in the N part of Harima Nada, consists of four large islands and

more than ten small islands and islets. There are many dangerous rocks in the area, and care is particularly necessary to
150 Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 

Pub. 159

avoid Kami-Shizumo and Shimo-Shizumo (34°42'N.,

134°30'E.), N of the islands.

7.10 Numerous fish havens are situated between and around the

islands in this group. 

7.10 Harima Nada North Fairway passes N of Ieshima Gunto, but

passes S of Kami Shima, the E islet. Large vessels navigating

to and from Himeji Ko and Aioi Ko also go between Ieshima

Gunto and Shodo Shima.

7.10 Kami Shima (34°41'N., 134°43'E.), the E islet of the group,

lies about 4 miles SSE of the entrance to Higashi Ku (Himeji

Ko). It is a round-topped islet, 44m high, and marked by a light

near its summit. The islet should not be approached too closely,

as drying and submerged rocks lie up to about 410m N and S of

the islet. A rock, with a depth of 11.9m, lies about 0.5 mile

SSW of the islet.

7.10 Kurakake Shima, about 3.5 miles W of Kami Shima, has two

summits. The E summit is 64m high; a light is shown from the

W summit. A rock, 4.9m high, lies close to the SE end of the

islet, and a rock, 8.8m high, with a rock awash close W, lies

close to the NW end of the islet. A dangerous wreck, the

charted position of which is approximate, lies almost 0.5 mile

S of Kurakake Shima.

7.10 Futon Shima, nearly 1.5 miles WSW of Kurakake Shima, is

43m high; a rocky islet, 18.9m high, lies about 0.1 mile S of the

SW end of the islet, to which it is connected by a drying bank.

7.10 Oikari, a rock, 1m high, with a submerged rock close E, lies

about 0.4 mile SSW of the above-mentioned 18.9m islet. A

lighted buoy is moored close NW of Oikari.

7.11 Tanka-jima (Tanga Shima) (34°40'N., 134°35'E.),

about 1 mile WSW of Futon Shima, is the E of the four large

islands. The island has two summits; the W summit is 220m

high and marked by a light on its S side. Many white scars

mark the coast where stone has been quarried.

7.11 Koikari, a rock, which dries 0.8m, lies about 0.2 mile E of

Tanka-jima. Uwa Shima, two islets close together, lies about

0.3 mile N of the N extremity of Tanka-jima; the NW islet is

33m high. Ka Shima, about 0.5 mile SE of the S extremity of

Tanka-jima, consists of three islets joined by a sandy beach; the

SE islet is 56m high. A reef, with a pointed rock, 3.4m high, at

its outer end, extends about 0.2 mile E of the N islet.

7.11 Ie Shima, nearly 1 mile W of Tanka-jima, is the principal

island of the group; the summit of the island, in its SE part,

attains an elevation of 142m. A light is shown from the N end

of the island.

7.11 Ieshima Ko, which is protected by breakwaters that extend

from both sides of the middle of the inlet and shows a light

from each breakwater head, lies in a bay on the NE side of Ie

Shima. Several dangerous wrecks lie in the NE approaches to

Ieshima Ko. 

7.11 Anchorage, sheltered from all but NE winds, can be taken by

small vessels outside the breakwaters, in depths of 18.3 to 22m.

7.12 Kami-Shizumo (34°42'N., 134°30'E.), a rock with a

depth of 1.4m, lies about 1.3 miles NNW of the NW extremity

of Ie Shima. Shimo-Shizumo, a rock with a depth of 4.6m, lies

close WSW of Kami-Shizumo. A lighted buoy is moored NE

of Kami-Shizumo, and another lighted buoy is moored SW of

Shimo-Shizumo.

7.12 Nishi Shima (Nisi Shima), about 1 mile WSW of Ie Shima,

has many white cliffs on its coasts. Its summit, 276m high, lies

in the SW part of the island; a pyramidal rock is conspicuous

about 0.4 mile N of the summit.

7.12 Boze Shima (Bose Shima), 104m high in its W part, is connected to the SE extremity of Nishi Shima by a drying bank. A

light is shown from the shoals close off the E side of Boze

Shima. There is a small harbor, protected by a breakwater, on

the E side of the island.

7.12 Yano Shima, 38m high, lies midway between the N end of

Boze Shima and the SW end of Ie Shima. A drying rock lies

close E of Yano Shima; a dangerous rock lies midway between

Yano Shima and the S end of Ie Shima. A drying reef, with a

11.9m high rock and a submerged rock near its outer end,

extends about 0.3 mile SW of Yano Shima.

7.12 Kuro Shima, 80m high, and another islet lie about 0.8 mile

and 1.3 miles, respectively, S of Yano Shima. A rock, with a

depth of 6.9m, lies midway between Kuro Shima and the S part

of Boze Shima.

Kurakake Shima Light
Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 151

Pub. 159

7.12 Taka Shima, 107m high, lies nearly 0.5 mile S of the SE extremity of Nishi Shima, with foul water between. Taka Shima

(34°38'N., 134°32'E.) 31m high, is a small islet of the same

name as the island 1.5 miles W of it.

7.12 Anchorage.—Anchorage can be taken, in 16 to 20m, between the E coast of Nishi Shima and the NW coast of Boze

Shima. Care must be taken to avoid Uchi-Shizumo, a rock,

with a depth of 1.4m, about 0.5 mile W of the N extremity of

Boze Shima. Care is also necessary due to fish cultivation facilities between Uchi-Shizumo and the E coast of Nishi Shima,

and in the inner parts of the anchorage.

7.12 Temporary anchorage can be taken, in 14.9 to 19.8m, in the

bays on the N and S sides of Nishi Shima with local knowledge. A rock, with a depth of 7.2m, lies on the E side of the

entrance to the S bay.

7.13 Inge-jima (Inge Shima) (34°39'N., 134°26'E.), about

1 mile W of Nishi Shima, has its 76m high summit near its SW

end. A light is shown near the middle of the island. A chain of

islets and rocks extends about 1.7 miles SSW of Inge-jima to

Komatsu Shima, 32m high, with bushes on it.

7.13 Matsu Shima, 88m high to the tops of the trees, lies about 2.5

miles SSE of the SW extremity of Nishi Shima. Odono Se, a

rock with a depth of 1.2m, lies about 0.4 mile ENE of Matsu

Shima; Dekisono Se, a rock, with a depth of 1.2m, lies about

0.4 mile WSW of Matsu Shima.

7.13 Mitsugashira Shima, 46m high, lies about 0.8 mile W of the

SW end of Matsu Shima. A chain of islets, rocks, and dangers

extends about 1 mile NNE of Mitsugashira Shima to Katsura

Shima, 40m high. It is not advisable to pass between the islets.

Himeji Ko to Ako Ko

7.14 Noboriiwa Yama (34°46'N., 134°33'E.), 145m high,

sparsely covered with pine trees, and with a large rock on its

summit, is conspicuous about 1.5 miles NW of the head of the

W breakwater at Nishi Ku of Himeji Ko.

7.14 Murotsu Wan, about 2.5 miles farther W, is free of dangerous

rocks and provides anchorage for vessels up to 500 grt, sheltered from winds other than from the SW.

7.14 Murotsu Gyoko, protected by a breakwater, lies within 1.5

miles S of the entrance to Murotsu Wan. A light is shown on

the head of the breakwater. A fish haven exists 0.2 mile S of the

light. 

7.14 Kanega Saki (34°45'N., 134°29'E.) separates Murotsu Wan

from Aioi Ko, close W. Kimi Shima, 31m high to the tops of

the trees, lies about 0.2 mile S of Kanega Saki.

7.14 Okino-Karani Shima, about 1.3 miles SE of Kanega Saki, is

thickly covered with pines, and 38m high to the tops of the

trees. Depths of less than 4.9m extend about 0.1 mile S of the

islet, and an islet close NE is joined to it by a reef.

7.14 Jino-Karani Shima, about 0.5 mile NE of Okino-Karani

Shima, is 40m high to the tops of the trees. Two rocks, one

drying 0.8m and the other with a depth of 0.4m, lie about 0.2

mile NE and ENE, respectively, of Jino-Karani Shima.

Aioi Ko (34°46'N., 134°28'E.)

World Port Index No. 61570

7.15 Aioi Ko is entered between Kanega Saki and Kama

Saki, about 1 mile W. Kazura Shima, marked by a light, lies

about 0.5 mile WSW of Kimi Shima, in the middle of the entrance to Aioi Ko. It was reported that shoaling had occurred in

an area 0.6 mile N of Kanega Saki; depths of 4m had been recorded. 

The entire W side of the harbor is occupied by a shipbuilding yard, with a number of drydocks and facilities for

building vessels up to 477,000 dwt. 

The city of Aioi lies at the head of the harbor.

7.15 Winds—Weather.—Mountains border three sides of the

harbor. The interior of the harbor is calm, even in the W to

WNW storms of winter.

7.15 Tides—Currents.—The tidal rise is 1.5m at springs, and

1.3m at neaps.

7.15 Depths—Limitations.—The harbor has general depths of 6

to 7.9m.

7.15 The private wharves of the shipbuilding yard occupying the

entire W side of the harbor, and have depths of 6 to 7m alongside.

7.15 The largest drydock on the W side of the harbor is 340m

long, 56m wide, with a depth of 8m, and has a 150,000 dwt

capacity.

7.15 Kasamatu Iwa, a rock, 3m high, lies close off the E shore,

about 0.8 mile NNW of Kanega Saki. Kabe Shima, a rock,

2.1m high, lies about 0.2 mile offshore, about 0.8 mile farther

N; a depth of 4.5m lies about 150m S of Kabe Shima.

7.15 Aspect.—A three-story building on the summit of a hill on

the E side of the harbor entrance is conspicuous from a distance.

7.15 Lights, in line bearing 350.5°, lead into the harbor; the lights

are shown from hills behind the shipyard at the head of the

harbor. A white radio tower stands on the summit of a 181m

hill, about 0.3 mile W of the range lights.

7.15 Pilotage.—For information, see paragraph 6.1.

7.16 Sakoshi Wan (34°45'N., 134°27'E.) lies close W of

Inge-jima Light
152 Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 

Pub. 159

Aioi Ko and is open S. Sakoshi Ko, a local port, lies in the NW

part of the bay and is sheltered E by Iki Shima, which is

densely wooded and 60m high to the tops of the trees. A

second harbor, protected by a breakwater, has a quay and jetty

and lies 0.4 mile NE of Iki Shima. Fish havens lie within 0.3

mile SW of Kama Shima. Nabe Shima, 29m high and sparsely

covered with pine trees, lies in the NE part of the bay. A light is

shown from the head of a breakwater extending from the E side

of the island. 

7.16 Anchorage.—The bay has depths of 4.9 to 5.8m, mud, and

anchorage can be taken as convenient. Sakoshi Ko has depths

of 4 to 5m and is a safe roadstead for small vessels.

7.16 Mi Saki (34°44'N., 134°25'E.), 68m high, lies about 3 miles

WSW of Kazura Shima. A light is shown from, and a shrine is

situated on, the summit of the headland. There are many hotels

in the area; their lights are visible from a distance. A rock,

0.9m high and marked by a light, lies about 0.2 mile S of the

headland.

7.16 Toriage Shima, 17.1m high, and sparsely covered with pine

trees, lies about 1.3 miles WSW of Mi Saki. It lies close off the

mouth of Chigusa Kawa; extensive salt pans lie E of the river

mouth.

Ako Ko

7.17 Ako Ko (34°44'N., 134°22'E.) lies in the mouth of

Otsu Kawa, about 1.5 miles NNW of Toriage Shima. The harbor limit extends from Toriage Shima to Tuna Saki, at the W

entrance to Otsu Kawa. A dredged channel and range lights

lead into the harbor, which is being developed into an industrial harbor.

7.17 Depths—Limitations.—The entrance channel (34°43'N.,

134°22'E.) is about 500m wide and dredged to 7.3 to 7.9m.

7.17 The cement wharf, in the vicinity of the front range light, has

depths of 4.5 to 8.2m alongside. A dolphin berth, close SE of

the cement wharf, has a depth of 7.5m alongside.

7.17 Aspect.—Range lights, in line bearing 000°, lead into the

harbor through the dredged channel, which is marked by

lighted buoys.

7.17 A chimney, 100m high, lies on the E side of the mouth of

Otsu Kawa, between the range lights; the range lights may be

difficult to see. Two chimneys, each 78m high, are conspicuous

about 0.3 mile farther N.

7.17 A cliff on the S side of the 145m hill, about 1 mile W of

Tuna Saki, is a good landmark for distinguishing the harbor

from a distance.

7.17 Caution.—There are fixed fishing nets and seaweed cultivation grounds on both sides of the entrance channel from September to April.

Ako Ko to Ushimado Ko

7.18 Kakui Shima (34°43'N., 134°19'E.), about 2 miles

SW of Ako Ko, has a conspicuous rounded summit, 219m

high, and is marked by a light at its SE end. Several fish havens

exist in the bight on the S side of the island. Tsura Shima, 37m

high and treeless, lies about 1 mile S of the summit of Kakui

Shima; a rock, 12.8m high, lies off its S end. Otabu Shima,

41m high, lies about 1 mile SW of Tsura Shima. There is a

small harbor, protected by a detached breakwater, on the N side

of the island. A light is shown from the W head of the breakwater. Kashiri Shima, 58m high, lies about 0.5 mile NNW of

Otabu Shima.

7.18 Anchorage can be taken by small vessels, in 6 to 7m, mud, S

of Kakui Shima, between the above-mentioned islands. Care

must be taken to avoid Komeishi, a group of rocks, one of

which dries 2m, lying about 300m E of Kashira Shima. Care is

needed to avoid several submarine cables and pipelines laid between these islands. 

7.18 There is also a bridge, with a vertical clearance of 23m,

which connects Kashira Shima to Kakui Shima. 

7.18 Naga Shima, about 0.8 mile W of Otabu Shima, has many

summits about 100m high, and is covered with pine trees; a

low isthmus is in its center. It is almost joined to the mainland

W by a channel, which is crossed by a bridge with a vertical

clearance of 13m. Ohira Yama, 262m high, is conspicuous

about 2.8 miles WNW of the E extremity of Naga Shima.

Tamakazura Yama, about 1.8 miles farther WSW, is a sharp

wooded peak, 267m high.

7.18 The approach to the small local harbors of Katagami Ko and

Hinase Ko lies between Otabu Shima and Naga Shima. The

many narrow channels between the above-described islands

and the mainland are available to small vessels with local

knowledge.

7.19 Ki Shima (34°40'N., 134°13'E.), 24m high, is located

about 0.5 mile SW of Naga Shima. Takatsubo Yama, about 1.5

miles farther WSW, is 143m high and surmounted by a pine

woods conspicuous from a distance.

7.19 Kinkai Wan is entered S of Takatsubo Yama; the major part

of the bay is being reclaimed.

7.19 Bangaishi Hana, the S entrance point of Kinkai Wan, is

located about 1.3 miles S of Takatsubo Yama. Kami Ikada, a

rock, 3.6m high and marked by a light, lies nearly 1 mile E of

Bangaishi Hana; a rock, which dries 0.5m, lies about 0.1 mile

NE of Kami Ikada. Nezu Shima, an islet, 35m high, is conspicuous about 0.3 mile WNW of Kami Ikada. Shimo Ikada, a

rock, 3.1m high, lies about 0.6 mile SW of Kami Ikada; a rock,

with a depth of 0.3m, lies close NW of Shimo Ikada.

7.19 Mae Shima (34°36'N., 134°11'E.) lies with its E extremity

about 1.3 miles S of Kami Ikada; the summit of the island, in

its E part, is 137m high and thickly covered with pine trees. A

light is shown on the N extremity of the W end of Mae Shima.

7.19 Ao Shima, 31m high and treeless, lies about 0.4 mile SE of

the E end of Mae Shima. Ki Shima, about 0.5 mile SW of Ao

Shima, has two summits with pine trees; the W summit is 67m

high. A light is shown from the SE extremity of the island. Two

rocks, which dry 1.5 and 1.1m high, lie about midway between

Mae Shima, Ao Shima and Ki Shima.

7.19 Kuro Shima (34°36'N., 134°10'E.), 33m high, with pine

trees near its summit, lies close SW of Mae Shima, in the S approach to Ushimado Ko. It is the E of three islets lying on a

drying bank. The group lies on a mud bank, with depths of less

than 4.9m, extending about 0.5 mile W of the W islet. A

channel, about 0.3 mile wide lies between the W edge of the

bank and Yomogi Saki, the SW entrance point of Ushimado

Ko. A light is shown from Yomogi Saki.

7.20 Ushimado Ko (Usimado Ko) (34°37'N., 134°10'E.), a

small local port, is divided into an E area and a W area by
Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 153

Pub. 159

Ushimado Seto, a narrow passage between the NW end of Mae

Shima and the mainland. The passage is about 0.1 mile wide,

and is not only restricted by rocks, with depths of less than

4.9m, extending from both sides, but there are tidal currents of

over 2 knots. An overhead cable, with a vertical clearance of

about 30m, crosses the narrows. A light is shown from the N

extremity of the W end of Mae Shima; the E limit of the harbor

extends N from this extremity.

7.20 There is a least depth of 5.2m in the S approach to the anchorage, between mud banks, with depths of less than 2m and

with a dense growth of seaweed, extending from the N and S

sides of the W harbor area.

7.20 The E approach to Ushimado Ko, N of Mae Shima, has

depths of less than 4.9m.

7.20 Anchorage, with local knowledge, can be taken, in 14.6 to

15.9m, with the W end of Mae Shima bearing 164°, distant

about 0.4 mile.

Shodo Shima

7.21 Shodo Shima (Syodo Shima) (34°30'N., 134°16'E.),

on the W side of Harima Nada, rises to an elevation of 817m at

Hoshigajo Yama (Hosigazyo), in the E part of the island. A

777m peak is located about 1.5 miles W of Hoshigajo Yama; a

wooded ridge extends from this peak to Jizo Saki (Zizo Saki),

the S extremity of the island. Taima Zan (34°29'N.,

134°14'E.), a steep cliffy plateau, 427m high, in the W part of

the island, slopes S to Ikada Wan.

7.21 Okado Hana, the SE extremity of Shodo Shima, and the offlying dangers off the E side of the island were previously described in paragraph 7.2.

7.21 Fukuda Wan (34°33'N., 134°22'E.), at the NE end of Shodo

Shima, is sheltered from all but E winds. The bay is entered

between Kanega Saki (Kanaga Saki), 105m high and Ko-jima,

about 1 mile S. The latter islet is 44m high, and joined to the

mainland at its W end. O Iso, a rock, marked by a light, lies

about 1 mile ESE of Kanega Saki. Hinde Iwa, which dries

0.6m, lies about 0.7 mile E of Ko-jima and is marked SE by a

lighted buoy. Manaita Iwa, a rock, with a depth of 2m, lies

about 0.4 mile NE of Hinde Iwa. The fishing port of Fukuda

lies at the head of the bay.

7.21 Anchorage.—Anchorage can be taken by vessels with local

knowledge in Fukuda Wan. The major part of the bay has

depths of 14.6 to 29.2m. There are seaweed cultivation grounds

within 410m of the shore on the N side of the bay from October to April, and fish cultivation grounds within 400m of the S

shore from April to January.

7.22 Obe Wan, an open bight on the N coast of Shodo

Shima, lies between Myoken Saki (34°33'N., 134°16'E.), a

steep-to wooded point, 103m high, and a point about 2 miles E.

Obe Ko, a local port, lies at the head of Obe Wan.

7.22 O Shima, 29m high, lies about 0.8 mile ENE of Myoken

Saki, and is the outermost of a group of rocks connected by

shoals. A rock, with a depth of 1.7m, and marked close NE by

a lighted buoy, lies about 0.5 mile E of O Shima, with above

and below-water rocks in between. Ko Shima, 35m high, lies

about 0.8 mile ESE of O Shima, and about 0.2 mile offshore. 

7.22 Anchorage.—Temporary anchorage can be taken, in 5 to

7m, midway between O Shima and Ko Shima, by small vessels

with local knowledge.

7.22 Kabura Saki, at the W end of the N coast of Shodo Shima, is

22.2m high to the tops of the trees. A reef, with depths of less

than 10.1m, extends about 685m N from a position about 0.2

mile E of the point; a rock, with a depth of 2.4m, lies in the N

part of the reef. Chiburi Shima, 32m high and marked by a

light at its NE end, lies about 0.5 mile W of Kabura Saki; rocks

lie within 0.1 mile N of the NE extremity, and within 0.2 mile

off the SW side of Chiburi Shima. Kazura Shima, 59m high,

lies about 0.5 mile SW of Chiburi Shima. 

7.22 Caution.—It is inadvisable to go between Chiburi Shima,

Kazura Shima, and Shodo Shima.

7.23 Sakate Ko (34°27'N., 134°19'E.) is located at the NE

end of Sakate Wan, which is entered between Okado Hana, the

SE end of Shodo Shima, and Shioya Hana (Sioya Hana), about

2.8 miles WNW. Ko Shima, 49m high and surmounted by a

beacon, lies about 1 mile NW of Okado Hana, and is separated

from the E shore by a shallow channel.

7.23 The harbor is open SSE to WSW; with strong SE winds,

heavy seas enter the harbor.

7.23 A wharf, marked by a light at its outer end, lies in the N part

of the inner end of the harbor; it is 115m long, with depths of 4

to 6.4m alongside its N side.

7.23 A jetty, close NW of the wharf, has depths of 5.5 to 10.1m

alongside.

7.23 Anchorage can be taken in Sakate Ko, in 14.6 to 24m, except

in strong SE winds.

7.23 Uchinoumi Wan (Uti-no-Umi), entered W of Shioya Hana, is

separated from Sakate Wan by a hilly peninsula. The bay provides good anchorage for all types of vessels during typhoons.

Uchinoumi Ko lies at the inner end of the bay.

7.23 Gongen Hana, the E entrance point of the bay, lies nearly 0.5

mile NW of Shioya Hana. Okino Hanage, a rock drying 0.6m,

and marked NW by a lighted buoy, lies on a shoal about 0.3

mile SW of Gongen Hana. Jino Hanage, a rock awash, marked

NW by a lighted buoy, and with shoal water extending about

230m N and S of it, lies about 0.3 mile NNW of Gongen Hana.

7.23 Anchorage can be taken as convenient in Uchinoumi Wan, in

a depth of 11.9m, mud, by all types of vessels.

7.23 Ouchinoumi Ko (Utinomi Ko) (34°28'N., 134°19'E.) is a local port, sheltered from all winds, and known as a port of shelter for large and small vessels.

7.23 Benten Shima, 8.9m high and wooded, lies at the inner end

of the harbor; a wooded islet, 5.6m high, lies about 0.1 mile W

of Benten Shima, to which it is connected by a drying reef.

7.23 A wharf about 0.3 mile SE of Benten Shima is 71m long,

and can accommodate a 1,000 grt vessel in a depth of about

4.9m.

7.24 Ikeda Wan (34°28'N., 134°13'E.) lies on the SW side

of Shodo Shima; it is entered between Jizo Saki, the S extremity of Shodo Shima, and Kuro Saki, the S extremity of Ka

Shima, about 5 miles NW. Chojaga Hana, about 1.5 miles N of

Jizo Saki, is the N entrance point of a small cove in the SE part

of the bay. Benten Shima, an islet, 21m high and sparsely

wooded, lies about 1.8 miles farther N. Ikeda Ko, a small port,

is entered close N of Benten Shima.
154 Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 

Pub. 159

7.24 Yo Shima, 51m high, and wooded, lies in the NW part of

Ikeda Wan, and is connected by islets and drying banks to the

coast N.

7.24 Fujino Se, with a least depth of 6.1m, lies about 0.5 mile W of

Chojaga Hana. Okino Mo, with a least depth of 3.7m, mud or

sand and shell, and with a luxuriant growth of seaweed, extends

about 0.8 mile E from a position about 0.3 mile S of Yo Shima.

Sandwaves lie in the middle of the entrance to the bay.

7.24 Tonosho Higashi Ko, on the E side of Ka Shima, has a pier

180m long, with depths of 3.1 to 6m alongside. A channel,

about 90m wide, with depths of 5 to 6.5m, leads to the pier.

The approach channel is marked on its W side by lighted buoys

(port hand) and by lighted spar buoys (red and yellow). 

7.24 Anchorage.—Ikeda Wan provides good sheltered anchorage

except in S winds. Large vessels can anchor, in 11 to 13m, on a

line between Kuro Saki and Chojaga Hana or, in 9.2 to 14m,

NW of Chojaga Hana, remaining clear of Fujino Se. Small vessels can anchor, in 5.5 to 7m, mud, in the inner part of the bay,

clear of Okino Mo.

7.24 Tonosho Ko (34°30'N., 134°10'E.), a local port, on the W

side of Shodo Shima, is available to small vessels with local

knowledge through a narrow shoal channel between Ka Shima

and Shodo Shima.

Bisan Seto

7.25 Bisan Seto extends from the SW part of Harima Nada

to Bingo Nada, a distance of about 36 miles. The E entrance

lies between Jizo Saki (34°25'N., 134°14'E.) and O-gushi

Saki, about 3 miles SSW. The W entrance lies between Mu

Shima and Mi Saki, nearly 2.5 miles SE.

7.25 Traffic Routes prescribed by the Maritime Traffic Safety

Law are in force in Bisan Seto, as follows:

1. Bisan Seto East Traffic Route—Located in the E part

of Bisan Seto. This traffic route is crossed by Uko East

Traffic Route and Uko West Traffic Route

2. Bisan Seto North Traffic Route—For westbound

vessels in the W part of Bisan Seto

3. Bisan Seto South Traffic Route—For eastbound

vessels in the W part of Bisan Seto

4. Mizushima Traffic Route—Near the E end of Bisan

Seto North Traffic Route

7.25 Vessels 50m long and over are required to remain within the

limits of the Traffic Routes, the limits of which are best seen on

the chart, and which are delineated by lettered lines, also best

seen on the chart, as follows:

1. Mizushima Traffic Route.

a. Between Line A and Line B.

b. Between Line B and the harbor limit.

2. Bisan Seto Traffic Routes.

a. Between Line G and Line F.

b. Between Line F and Line E.

c. Between Line E and Line D.

d. Between Line D and Line C.

7.25 Depths—Limitations.—Bisan Seto East Traffic Route has a

least depth of 14.9m at Taka Se, about 2 miles WSW of Jizo

Saki; there are several places with depths of 18.3 to 18.9m, but

otherwise the depths are over 20m.

7.25 Bisan Seto North Traffic Route has depths of over 17.1m,

except for a rock, with a depth of 9.2m, which lies about 0.2

mile ENE of Habushi Iwa (34°20'N., 133°43'E.); the bottom

in several places is rock, with depths of 17.1 to 18.9m.

7.25 Bisan Seto South Traffic Route has depths of 11.9 to 12.8m

in its central part, and a least depth of 11.2m, about 0.3 mile SE

of Takami Shima.

7.25 There is a least depth of 14.9m in Mizushima Traffic Route,

except for in the area W of Mitsugo Sashi (34°22'N.,

133°49'E.), where there is a least depth of 13.4m. Sandwaves

with depths of less than 10.1m have been reported in the most

difficult part of Bisan Seto where the traffic routes intersect.

7.25 Pilotage.—Pilotage is compulsory in the above traffic routes

for:

1. Vessels over 10,000 grt.

2. Foreign vessels carrying dangerous cargo as specified

by the Maritime Traffic Safety Law.

3. All foreign vessels whose master is making their first

voyage through the Naikai.

7.25 See paragraph 6.1 for further information.

7.25 Regulations.—Vessels should maintain continuous contact

with Bisan Seto Vessel Traffic Service Center on VHF channel

16 when navigating in the traffic routes, the approaches to the

traffic routes and in the adjancent sea areas. 

7.25 Vessels shall not navigate at speeds exceeding 12 knots in

certain areas indicated on the charts, except when a vessel is

crossing the traffic route.

7.25 Vessels may be instructed by the captain of the port to

evacuate the port in the event of abnormal weather or marine

conditions such as typhoons or marine accidents. 

7.25 There are certain areas indicated on the chart where vessels

are prohibited from crossing the traffic route.

7.25 See Pub. 120, Sailing Directions (Planning Guide) Pacific

Ocean and Southeast Asia for regulations of the Maritime

Traffic Safety Law.

Bisan Seto East Traffic Route

7.26 Bisan Seto East Traffic Route extends between Jizo

Saki (34°25'N., 134°14'E.) and Ko-Sei Shima (34°22'N.,

133°51'E.), N of Sakaide Ko. The traffic route is narrow and

winding, with many fishing vessels, cross traffic of ferries, and

heavy traffic. Vessels should not cross in the vicinity of the

entrance and departure points of the traffic route. Vessels leaving the traffic route should not alter course in the vicinity of

these points.

7.26 Lighted buoys mark the traffic route.

7.27 Aspect—North side.—Shodo Shima and Jizo Saki

(34°25'N., 134°14'E.) have been previously described in paragraph 7.21.

7.27 Taka Se, with a least depth of 14.9m, lies about 2 miles

WSW of Jizo Saki, and is the least depth of Bisan Seto East

Traffic Route.

7.27 Ka Shima, separated from Shodo Shima by a barely-drying

channel, lies about 4.5 miles NW of Jizo Saki. Ofuka Yama,

227m high, with few trees, is the summit of the island lying

near its center.

7.27 Yoko Se, with a least depth of 17.1m, lies about 1.3 miles

SSE of Kuro Saki, the S extremity of Ka Shima.

7.27 Te Shima, about 2 miles W of Ka Shima, rises to a plateau in
Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 155

Pub. 159

its central part, from which rises Dan Yama, 340m high, the

summit of the island. Uomi Yama, a sharp peak, 103m high,

lies in the W part of the island.

7.27 Ode Shima, an islet, 133m high, lies between Ka Shima and

Te Shima. It lies close on the E side of Te Shima and is

separated from it by a narrow channel. Two overhead cables,

with a least vertical clearance of 42m, span the channel. Fish

havens are situated at the N and S ends of this channel. Awara

Shima, a conical rocky islet, 31m high, lies about 0.5 mile S of

Ode Shima.

7.27 A sand bank, with a least depth of 11.9m, lies close N of the

traffic route, and extends from about 0.5 mile SSE of Kuro Saki

to about 1 mile SE of Reita Saki, the S extremity of Te Shima.

7.27 Nao Shima, about 2 miles WSW of Te Shima, rises to a 124m

summit in its central part. Two chimneys, 236m and 98m high, of

the refinery in the N part of the island, are conspicuous. Kashiwa

Shima (Kasiwa Shima) lies close SE of Nao Shima; passage

between the islands should be avoided due to a shoal, with a least

depth of 3.8m, in the channel. Two large steel pylons, each painted

red and white, for the overhead cables, with a vertical clearance of

about 58m, running between Kojin Shima (Kozin Shima), on the

W side of Nao Shima, to Inumodori Hana, about 1 mile farther W,

are conspicuous.

7.27 Ozuchi Shima (O-Zuti Shima) (34°25'N., 133°55'E.), a conical island, 171m high, is conspicuous about 4 miles WSW of

Kashiwa Shima. Three chimneys, 196m, 172m, and 156m

high, are also conspicuous at Hibi, about 2 miles N of Ozuchi

Shima.

7.27 Osono Se lies on a shoal area with depths of less than 20m,

which extends from the W side of Kashiwa Shima to about 1.5

miles W of Ozuchi Shima. Osono Se lies between Uko East

Traffic Route and Uko West Traffic Route. There are sand

waves on Osono Se; lighted buoys mark the shoal.

7.27 O-yo Shima (Koyo Shima), about 48m high, lies nearly 5

miles WSW of Ozuchi Shima. Kanadeno Asari, a rock, with a

depth of 19.4m, lies about 1.3 miles E of the S end of O-yo

Shima, near the center of the traffic route. A depth of 18.3m

lies about 1.3 miles farther ENE, near the center of the traffic

route.

7.27 Between Ozuchi Shima and O-yo Shima there is an almost

continual bank, with depths of less than 20m, and a least depth

of 11.2m.

7.28 Aspect—South side.—Goken San (34°21'N.,

134°09'E.), previously described in paragraph 7.2 with Harima

Nada, has a conspicuous rocky summit, is the highest in the

vicinity, and is conspicuous on the W side of Shido Wan. Ryuo

San, 239m high, and Tomi Yama, 236m high, with a sharp

peak, lie about 1.3 miles NNE and 1.5 miles N, respectively, of

Goken San, near the N end of the peninsula. Taka Shima, 78m

high to the tops of the trees, lies about 0.8 mile NE of the NE

end of the peninsula; it is bordered by shoals. Yakuri Dashi, a

bank with a least depth of 14.9m, lies about 1 mile NW of Taka

Shima.

7.28 Inagi Shima, about 2 miles WNW of Taka Shima, is 58m

high to the tops of the trees, with a round summit on its E end;

a light is shown from the SE end of the island. From the E or

W, the island appears saddle-shaped.

7.28 Okabuto Shima, about 0.5 mile farther NW, is round-topped and

77m high to the tops of the trees; an 11m high rock lies close N.

7.28 Kanawa Iwa, about 0.15 mile NE of Okabuto Shima, consists

of rocks drying 1.5m. A light is shown from the W drying rock.

7.28 Kokabuto Shima, an islet, 42m high, lies about 0.2 mile S of

Okabuto Shima. O Shima, about 1 mile SW of Okabuto Shima,

has a low sandy isthmus in its central part.

7.28 There are many shoals between Inagi Shima and O Shima.

7.28 Yoko Se, with a least depth of 12.8m nearly 1 mile NW of

Okabuto Shima, lies on the S side of the traffic route, with

depths of less than 20m. There are sandwaves in the vicinity.

7.28 Ya Shima, about 1 mile S of O Shima, is a roof-shaped peninsula, separated from the mainland S by a drying canal. The

summit of the island is plateau-shaped, with a luxuriant growth of

pine trees; a temple is on the 293m high summit and the lights of

the restaurant close W of it are conspicuous from W to N.

7.28 Aji Ko, a small shallow harbor protected by two breakwaters, one of which is detached, is situated in the NE corner

of Ya Shima Wan.

7.28 Another detached breakwater lies parallel to and 0.3 mile

offshore SW of Aji Ko. A light is shown from its N head. 

7.29 Ogi Shima (34°25'N., 134°04'E.) lies about 2 miles

WNW of O Shima, on the S side of Bisan Seto East Traffic Route.

The island has two summits. The N summit is 213m high and flattopped, while the S summit is sharp pointed and lower. A light is

shown from the N extremity of the island. A small harbor, protected by a detached breakwater, is situated on the SE side of the

island. A bank, with depths of less than 20m, extends between Ogi

Shima and Okabuto Shima. Doro Se, with a least depth of 4.6m,

extends about 0.7 mile E of Ogi Shima.

7.29 Naka Se, a sand bank, with a least depth of 0.6m, extends

about 3 miles WSW from Ogi Shima, and is marked by a lighted buoy at its W end. A dangerous wreck lies close SE in position 34°23'51"N, 133°59'58"E.

7.29 Ko-Zuchi Shima (Ko-Zuti Shima), about 7 miles WSW of

Ogi Shima, lies on the S side of the fairway, and is conical,

wooded, steep-to, and 112m high. A light is shown from the N

end of the island. Atsusa Iwa, about 0.5 mile E of Kozuchi

Shima, has a least depth of 3.4m.

7.29 Osakino Hana lies close SE of Ko-Zuchi Shima. Kama Se, a

long, narrow bank, with a least depth of 0.8m, lies between

Osakino Hana and the S extremity of Megi Shima, about 5.5

miles ESE. Three lighted buoys, in the E half of the shoal,

mark Takamatsu West Fairway. There are several sandwaves.

7.29 No Zaki (No Misaki), about 1.5 miles WSW of Kozuchi

Shima, is a high headland, backed by several flat-topped hills,

the N of which is 172m high and rather pointed. On the W side

of the point there are the remains of conspicuous landslides in

three places.

7.29 Kosei Shima, about 3.5 miles WSW of No Zaki, is a pinecovered islet, 41m high.

7.29 Regulations.—Vessels navigating in Bisan Seto East Traffic

Route should keep to the right side of the center of the route.

7.29 Vessels navigating in Uko East Traffic Route must navigate

in a N direction.

7.29 Vessels navigating in Uko West Traffic Route must navigate

in a S direction.

7.29 Vessels navigating in Uko East Traffic Route and Uko West

Traffic Route shall keep out of the way of a huge vessel (vessel

of 200m or more in length), which is navigating in Bisan Seto

East Traffic Route.
156 Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 

Pub. 159

7.29 Vessels, other than a huge vessel, shall keep out of the way of a

huge vessel which intends to turn into Uko East Traffic Route

from Bisan Seto East Traffic Route or which intends to turn into

Bisan Seto Traffic Route from Uko West Traffic Route.

7.29 A speed limit of 12 knots is in effect for vessels navigating in

that part of Bisan Seto East Traffic Route located E of Usi-jima

(34°22'N., 133°47'E.).

7.29 See paragraph 7.25 for further vessel limitations in Bisan

Seto East Traffic Route.

7.29 Caution.—Many small vessels keep close to the islands and

headlands in the vicinity of Okado Hana, Jizo Saki and Ogi

Shima. Ferries run between Uno and Takamatsu at a rate of

about 1 every 10 minutes.

7.29 At night, caution is necessary to avoid confusing the lights of

other vessels and navigational aids.

7.29 A large number of fishing vessels congregate between Jizo

Saki and Ogi Shima, and may completely block the fairway; in

addition, care is necessary as many of them do not show lights

at night. There are boats operating with nets principally in the

vicinity of Bisan Seto East Fairway Lighted Buoy 5 and Bisan

Seto East Fairway Lighted Buoy 6.

7.29 Between Ogi Shima and Ko-Zuchi Shima, there are many

vessels operating using nets and making use of the tidal current; they congregate principally S of Osono Se. Some of the

vessels are reported to show no lights or to show lights suddenly when approached by other vessels.

7.29 Between Ko-Zuchi Shima and Kosei Shima there are many

vessels operating using nets in the vicinity of Bisan Seto East

Fairway Lighted Buoy No. 1.

7.29 Suspension bridges cross the W part of Bisan Seto East

Traffic Route and the E part of Bisan Seto South Traffic Route;

both spans have a vertical clearance of 65m. 

Bisan Seto (East Part)—Honshu Coast

7.30 Ushimado Ko (34°37'N., 134°10'E.) was previously

described in paragraph 7.20.

7.30 Inushima Shoto (34°34'N., 134°06'E.), a group of islands,

lies about 4 miles SW of Ushimado Ko.

7.30 Inu Shima, the central and largest island, has many trees in

its W half, and six conspicuous brick chimneys in its E half. A

treeless islet, 25.9m high, lies close E of Inu Shima. Two islets,

the highest 22.9m high to the treetops, lie off the SW end of

Inu Shima. Shira Ishi, at the E end of the group, is a group of

white rocks, 2.1m high and marked by a light. A shoal, with

depths of less than 4.9m and a least depth of 3.8m, extends

about 0.4 mile E of Shira Ishi.

7.30 Inno Shima, close NW of Inu Shima, is 39m high, with six

conspicuous white chimneys. Nishino Sowai, a steep-to rock,

with a depth of 2.8m, lies about 0.4 mile W of Inno Shima.

Rocks, drying and awash, lie up to 0.1 mile off the N side of Inushima Shoto.

7.30 Naga Su, a narrow sand bank with a least depth of 7.3m, extends about 2.8 miles WSW from the W end of Inushima

Shoto.

Okayama Suido

7.31 Okayama Suido, about 2 miles WNW of Inushima

Shoto, is entered between Kome Saki (34°34'N., 134°03'E.)

and Kiriishi Hana, about 0.8 mile NE. Kome Saki is 63m high

and marked by a light; Hachijo-Iwa Yama, 281m high, is about

1.3 miles W of the point and is the E summit of the mountains

in the vicinity. Kiriishi Hana is 89m high, with a large cliff

formed by stone quarrying.

Caution.—An overhead power cable, with a vertical clearance of 42m, spans Okayame Suido W of Kiriishi Hawa. A

mud bank, with depths of less than 4.9m, extends nearly 0.8

mile from the W side of the entrance of Okayama Suido.

7.31 Okayama Suido extends NW and W for about 5 miles to

Okayamo Ko at its head, and has a navigable width of less than

0.2 mile in places. Yashii Kawa enters the N side of Okayama

Suido, about 2 miles within the entrance, and Asahi Kawa enters

Okayama Suido at Okayama Ko. Koshima Wan, close SW of

Okayama Ko, has been formed into a fresh water lake by a dike.

7.31 Okayama Suido Lighted Buoy No. 1 is moored about 0.8

mile ESE of Kome Saki, on the W side of the entrance channel.

The channel is narrow, with depths of less than 4.9m on either

side, and local knowledge is necessary. The N part of Okayama

Suido, between Yashi Kawa and Asahi Kawa, is shoal and the

channel lies on the S side, and is marked by buoys.

7.32 Okayama Ko (34°36'N., 133°59'E.) is a minor

harbor. A wharf, on the E side of the mouth of Asahi Kawa, has

depths of 3.5 to 4m alongside. A berth, 103m long, on the E

side of the shipping pool, can accommodate a 3,000 grt vessel,

in a depth of 5.5m. 

7.32 De Saki (34°31'N., 134°00'E.), about 4.5 miles SSW of

Kome Saki, is the S extremity of a flat-topped peninsula; two

radio towers and a beacon are on the point. An islet, 20m high,

lies about 0.2 mile E of the point.

7.32 Ohiru Shima, 27m high and marked by a light at the W end,

lies about 0.5 mile E of De Saki; a pointed rock, 11.9m high,

lies close N of Ohiru Shima.

7.32 I Shima, about 0.3 mile S of Ohiru Shima, is marked by a

light at its S end. Dango Yama, 157m high, lies in the middle of

the island.

7.32 Te Shima, nearly 1 mile E of I Shima, has a conspicuous

peak, Abu Yama, 200m high at its N end; a cliff formed by

quarrying lies on the E side of the peak.

7.32 Dango Se, with depths of less than 10.1m and a least depth

of 1.3m in its W part, lies N of Te Shima and extends about 4

miles ENE from a position about 1 mile E of the N extremity of

I Shima; lighted buoys mark its E and W ends.

7.32 Chiburi Shima (34°32'N., 134°10'E.), off the NW extremity

of Shodo Shima, was previously described in paragraph 7.22

with that island.

7.32 Desaki Uchi, entered W of De Saki, is obstructed by islets

and shoals, and has irregular depths; it should not be entered

without local knowledge. An area on the W side is being reclaimed and a quay is being constructed. 

7.33 Kyonojoro Shima (34°29'N., 133°59'E.), about 1.5

miles SW of De Saki, is 84m high; both sides of the summit

have been conspicuously cut away by quarrying and show a

light brown color. A light is shown from the SE end of the island. A depth of 10.1m lies about 0.8 mile E of the island.

7.33 Tsubune Shima, 76m high, lies about 0.5 mile SE of Kyonojoro Shima.

7.33 Directions.—The route from Ushimada Ko to Uno Ko, in
Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 157

Pub. 159

addition to being the route for large vessels in and out of Uno

Ko, is the route normally used by small vessels. In general,

vessels proceed between I Shima and Ohura Shima, between

Kyonojoro Shima and Tsubone Shima, between Nao Shima

and Kazura Shima, and head for Shimotsui Seto.

7.33 Ishima Suido (Isima Suido), a deep-water channel, lies between I Shima and Te Shima. Harima Nada North Lighted

Buoy No. 2 (34°31'N., 134°02'E.) is moored at the N entrance,

and Harima Nada North Lighted Buoy No. 1 (34°28'N.,

134°02'E.) is moored at the S entrance. Uomi Yama, 103m

high, with a sharp peak, is conspicuous near the W end of Te

Shima. Rocks, with depths of less than 10.1m, and with a rock

drying 1.2m, extend about 410m NW from Ko Saki, the NW

extremity of Te Shima. An extensive shoal area, with depths of

less than 10.1m, lies on SW side of Te Shima, and with its SW

extremity about 1.5 miles S of the W extremity of the island;

the part parallel with the coast of Te Shima, from which it is

separated by a narrow channel, has depths of less than 4.9m

and a least depth of 3.9m. 

7.33 Kurakake Hana, the S extremity of I Shima, is conicalshaped, conspicuous from the NE, and has many cliffs in the

area caused by quarrying; a light is shown from the point. Care

is necessary to avoid Dango Se in the N approach to the channel. Two submarine power cables, marked by beacons on the

shore, cross the fairway close to the N of Karakake Hana. 

Uno Ko (34°29'N., 133°57'E.)

World Port Index No. 61580

7.34 Uno Ko is a specified port lying on the W side of Katsurashima Suido. The city of Tamano, backing the harbor, is

the center for traffic linking Honshu and Shikoku, and is an industrial city with waterfront industries such as shipbuilding. A

railway ferry and scheduled shipping services run between

Uno Ko and Takamatsu Ko; many eastbound and westbound

vessels using Bisan Seto pass close to the harbor limits. A

shipbuilding yard is situated on the SW side of the harbor. Hibi

Ko, to be later described in paragraph 7.35, lies SW of Uno Ko,

and is included within the harbor area of Uno Ko.

7.34 Winds—Weather.—Several times between April and September there may be fog with a visibility of less than 0.15 mile;

it can constitute an obstacle to shipping operations.

7.34 Tides—Currents.—In Katsurashima Suido, fronting Uno

Ko, the tidal currents set S and N during the flood and ebb tide,

respectively. The velocity of the current is about 2.5 knots at

springs and 1.2 knots at neaps.

7.34 Depths—Limitations.—The piers in the N part of Uno Ko,

which are marked by lighted ranges, are for the use of the

ferries and hovercraft of the Japanese National Railway.

7.34 Pier No. 3, about 0.3 mile farther SW, can accommodate a

vessel up to 15,000 grt, in depths of about 9.5m.

7.34 A floating drydock, in the SW part of the harbor, is 282.2m

long and 47m wide, with a depth of 17.1m; it can accommodate a vessel of 80,000 grt. There is also a drydock 209m long

and 32m wide, with a depth of 9.7m; it can accommodate a

vessel of 27,700 grt.

7.34 Reclaimation is in progress in several areas.

7.34 Aspect.—Tera Shima (34°28'N., 133°59'E.), in a bay at the

NW end of Nao Shima, is 84m high and marked by a light at its

N end. Kyonojoro Shima, about 0.5 mile NNW, was previously

described in paragraph 7.33.

7.34 Three islets, bordered by reefs, lie on the N side of the fairway; the SE islet, 6.1m high and the SW islet, 28m high, lie

about 0.4 mile N and 0.7 mile NW of Tera Shima. Torino Se,

with a least depth of 11.5m, extends about 0.5 mile SW of the

SE islet.

7.34 Pier No. 3, about 0.7 mile W of the SW islet, has a conspicuous

cliff close S and a gray chimney, 69m high, close N.

7.34 Katsura Shima (Kazura Shima), W of the harbor, is 105m

high and sparsely wooded; a light is shown from its SE end.

Tobi Su, a drying rock, about 90m long N-S, lies about 0.2 mile

W of the W end of Katsura Shima, and is marked by a light

near its S end.

7.34 Kojin Shima (Kozin Shima), about 0.5 mile S of Katsura

Shima, is low, sparsely wooded, and 98m high in its W part.

An overhead cable, with a vertical clearance of about 58m, and

with red and white pylons at each end, extends between Kojin

Shima and Inumodari Hana, about 0.8 mile W. The latter point

is 69m high, a light is shown close off the point. 

7.34 Ushinoko Iwa, two rocks drying 0.2 and 0.7m, lie about

320m ENE from the SE extremity of Kojin Shima, and on the

E side of the fairway; a light is shown from the NW end of

Ushinoko Iwa.

7.34 Manaiti Ishi, a drying rock, marked by a light, lies about 0.5

mile S of the SE extremity of Kojin Shima. Hokake Iwa, a

rock, 1.7m high and marked by a beacon, lies about 0.3 mile

farther SW.

7.34 Signals.—The harbormaster can be contacted by radiotelephone.

7.34 Anchorage.—Anchorage is prohibited in the area of the

ferry piers. A submarine water pipe extends from the NW end

of Nao Shima to the NW part of Uno Ko.

7.34 Caution.—An overhead cable, with a clearance of about

34m, extends across the fairway from the NE end of Kojin

Shima to Nao Shima.

7.35 Hibi Ko (34°27'N., 133°56'E.) (World Port Index No.

61590), about 0.8 mile W of Uno Ko, is included within the

harbor area of that harbor.

Katsura Shima Light
158 Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 

Pub. 159

7.35 Depths—Limitations.—There are five quays in Hibi Ko

available for floating shipyard and repair work as follows: 

1. Quay No. 1 is 163m long with a depth alongside of

7m; vessels of up to 63,900 tons can be accommodated.

2. Quay No. 2 is about 45 m long with a depth alongside

of 7m; vessels of up to 45,500 tons can be accommodated.

3. Quay No. 3 is 350m long with a depth alongside of

10.9m; vessels of up to 80,000 tons can be accommodated.

4. Quay No. 4 is 260m long with a depth alongside of

10m; vessels of up to 90,000 tons can be accommodated.

5. Quay No. 5 is 302m long with a depth alongside of

10m; vessels of up to 90,000 tons can be accommodated.

7.35 Aspect.—The large gray chimney of a refinery is conspicuous on top of a hill W of the harbor, and has an elevation of

156m. Two red and white chimneys, with elevations of 172 and

193m, are conspicuous about 0.2 mile S and E, respectively, of

the gray chimneys. A red crane on Hibi Wharf is a good mark

for approaching the wharf.

7.35 The coast between Hibi Ko and Kusumi Bana (Kusumi-no

Hana), about 5.5 miles WSW, is indented by a large bay which

is obstructed by a number of shoal and drying mud banks. The

small ports of Kotouro Ko and Ajino Ko lie at the head of the

bay. Local knowledge is necessary for navigation within the

bay. A number of fish havens exist up to 1.5 miles S of Kotouro Ko. Kusumi Bana is the N entrance point of the E entrance

to Shimotsui Seto, which will be described in paragraph 7.49

with Mizushima Traffic Route.

7.35 Tateba-jima (34°27'N., 133°51'E.), nearly 2 miles NE of

Kus-mi Bana, is conical, 54m high, thickly covered with pine,

and conspicuous from the S. Jimba Shima, two rocks, 3.1m

high, lie about 0.5 mile E of the N end of Tateba Shima.

7.35 Naida Su, a drying mud bank, extends about 1 mile E from a

point about 0.5 mile E of Tateba Shima. A mud bank, with

depths of less than 4.9m and awash in its shallowest part at

lowest LW, extends from about 1 mile S to SE of Tateba

Shima; a lighted buoy marks its SW end. Two shoals, with

depths of 3.1m, lie between the latter mud bank and the NE end

of Kama Shima, about 1 mile WSW.

7.35 Shido Wan (Sido Wan) is entered between O-gushi Saki

(34°22'N., 134°13'E.) and Goken San Hanto, about 2 miles W.

The head of the bay is divided into two shallow bays by a wellwooded peninsula, 100m high. Shido Ko and Mure Ko are two

local ports on the S and W sides, respectively, of the W bay. A

bank, with depths of 5.7 to 7m, mud, sand, and shell, lies in the

middle of the entrance to Shido Wan.

7.35 With the exception of the fairways to Shido Ko and Muro

Ko, Shido Wan is occupied by seaweed (October to April), fish

(May to January), and oyster cultivation grounds.

Takamatsu Ko (34°21'N., 134°03'E.)

World Port Index No. 61940

7.36 Takamatsu Ko (Takamatu Ko), a specified harbor,

fronts the city of Takamatsu (Takamatu). The harbor, the gateway to Shikoku, has the most frequent arrivals and departures

of scheduled shipping services of all the harbors in the Naikai.

In particular, there are vessels and car ferries running to Uno

Ko on the Honshu side and scheduled passenger services to the

Hanshin region, the Sanyo region, and the surrounding islands.

There are also calls by scheduled passenger services running

between the Hanshin (Osaka/Kobe) region and Kyushu. Shipping is frequently congested in the harbor entrance.

Takamatsu Ko consists of an inner harbor, sheltered by a W,

central, and E breakwater; two tanker piers, sheltered by a

breakwater, N of the reclaimed land E of the E breakwater; a

large wharf, E of the tanker pier; and a fishing harbor, about 1

mile W of the inner harbor. A detached breakwater lies NW of

the tanker piers.

7.36 Takamatsu Fairway, a statutory fairway, runs between the W

and central breakwaters from the N, with a width of about 180

to 230m, and with depths of 7.9 to 10.1m.

7.36 Tides—Currents.—The mean tidal rise at Takamatsu is

2.3m at springs, and 1.8m at neaps.

7.36 The tidal currents outside the breakwaters set nearly E and

W, with a velocity of about 0.8 mile in Bisan Seto.

The Takamatsu Bridge

Takamatsu Ko
Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 159

Pub. 159

7.36 Depths—Limitations.—The W side of the large wharf has a

berthing length of 370m, with depths of 9.5 to 10.1m alongside, and can accommodate vessels up to 10,000 dwt.

7.36 Central Wharf, on the S side of the inner harbor, can accommodate vessels of 3,000 dwt in depths of 6.5 to 7m on its N and

W sides.

7.36 Aspect.—Nebutono Hana (34°24'N., 134°07'E.), the E entrance point of Yashima Wan (Yasima Wan), is 88m high to the

treetops; a lighted buoy is moored off the point. Mae Se, a sand

spit with depths of 4.3 to 6.3m, extends from the coast to about

0.5 mile NE of Nebutono Hana; there are normally tide rips at

its outer end and the noise of the tidal current is very loud

during the strongest period of the flood and when there is an E

wind.

7.36 Nagasaki Hana, the W entrance point of Yashima Wan, has a

bare rock, 9.1m high, at its extremity.

7.36 Yatake Shima, flat-topped and 22m high, lies about 1.5 miles

N of Nagasaki Hana, off the NW side of O Shima.

7.36 Noyama Dashi, with a depth of 7.6m, lies in the middle of

the fairway W of O Shima, and about 0.5 mile NNW of Tatake

Shima. A rock, with a depth of 7.7m, lies about 0.4 mile SW of

Noyama Dashi, and a bank, with least depth of 8.4m, lies about

0.4 mile farther SSW. A pinnacle rock, with a depth of 4.9m,

lies about 0.5 mile WSW of Tatake Shima. Rocky ledges, with

a least depth of 2m, extend about 0.8 mile WSW from the SW

end of O Shima.

7.36 Megi Shima, about 2 miles W of O Shima, rises to an elevation of 217m in its SW part, and is marked by a light at its SW

end. 

7.36 Masuno Mo, a sand spit with depths of 0.2 to 5.4m, and partially drying, extends SW from a position about 1.3 miles E of

the N end of Mega Shima to the SW end of the same island. A

fish haven is situated off the E coast of Megi Shima. 

7.36 Inagi Dashi, a bank with a least depth of 4m, and marked NE

by a lighted buoy, lies about 0.8 mile SW of Nagasaki Hana;

depths of less than 10.1m extend about 0.3 mile NE, and 0.8

mile SW of the bank. An isolated patch, with a depth of 7.9m,

lies about 1 mile W of Nagasaki Hana.

7.36 A chimney, 32m high, and a crane are conspicuous in the SE

part of the large wharf.

7.36 Floodlights of the Takamatsu Railway Station are conspicuous about 0.8 mile WSW of Central Wharf.

7.36 Shiun Yama, 200m high, about 2 miles SSW of the head of

the W breakwater, is a good mark when entering the harbor

from the E.

7.36 Naka Se and Kama Se, in the W entrance to the harbor, were

previously described in paragraph 7.29 with Bisan Seto East

Traffic Route.

7.36 A lighted buoy is moored in the N entrance to Takamatsu

Fairway.

7.36 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory. Inland sea pilots are

available at Wada-Misaki, Hesaki, or Sekisaki and harbor

pilots are available at the anchorage from 1 hour before sunrise

to 1 hour before sunset. The pilots can be contacted on VHF

channels 16 and 12 (call sign: Takamatsu-ho-an). For further

information, see paragraph 6.1.

7.36 Regulations.—Vessels intending to proceed inside Takamatsu Ko breakwaters should enter through the W entrance.

Vessels should leave through the E entrance. However, vessels

of over 1,000 grt may leave by the W entrance, provided they

are equipped with lights which are able to make flashing signals.

7.36 Vessels should keep to the starboard side of the fairway. Vessels leaving by the E entrance, except working boats and fishing boats of less than 10 grt, must not cross Takamatsu Fairway.

7.36 When there is danger that vessels leaving by the W entrance

may encounter other vessels in the vicinity of the N entrance to

Takamatsu Fairway, such other vessels shall keep out of the

path of vessels leaving by the W entrance.

7.36 Signals.—Communications regarding harbor operations can

be made by radiotelephone with the harbormaster.

7.36 Anchorage.—Anchorage information is given in the accompanying table.

7.36 Directions.—Takamatsu Ko is reached by the East Fairway,

West Fairway, and Central Fairway.

7.36 East Fairway, between Nebutono Hana and the islands NW,

is the route normally used by small vessels and by scheduled

shipping services from the Hanshin (Osaka/Kobe) area.

7.36 West Fairway is the one normally used by the Uno to Takamatsu JNR ferries and other car ferries going to Takamatsu Ko

from Uko West Fairway, and passing S of Megi Shima.

7.36 Central Fairway from the N is between Megi Shima and O

Shima, and is the route normally used by scheduled shipping

services from the Tonosho Ko region, crossing Bisan Seto East

Fairway to Takamatsu.

7.36 Vessels coming from the E should pass W of Inaga Dashi

and the dangers SW, keeping clear of Masuno Mo; to reach the

N entrance to Takamatsu Fairway, approach with the center of

Yatake Shima in range with the NW extremity of O Shima,

bearing 043° astern.

7.36 See paragraph 7.29 for special regulations for entering,

crossing, and leaving that theBisan Seto East Traffic Route.

Sakaide Ko (34°20'N., 133°51'E.)

World Port Index No. 62110

7.37 Sakaide Ko, a specified port, lies on the S side of the

central part of Bisan Seto. The harbor fronts the city of Sakaide, an important manufacturing city, and an assembly and

distribution point. The harbor consists of an inner harbor,

sheltered N by reclaimed land extending to close S of the main

route through Bisan Seto. Banno Su Hakuchi, a large basin, is

entered from the N side of the reclaimed land, then extends

SW. A shipyard lies on the W side of the inner harbor.

7.37 The main harbor of Sakaide Ko is approached from a position between No Misaki (34°23'N., 133°54'E.) and a shoal,

with a least depth of 7.8m, lying 0.75 mile E of Kosei Shima.

7.37 An underwater intake pipeline extending 0.2 mile NW from

Anchorage Length Depth

No. 1 220m 11.0m

No. 2 250m 11.0m

No. 3 250m 10.5m

No. 4 200m 10.0m
160 Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 

Pub. 159

the shore is situated at the SW extremity of Berth A. Its seaward end is marked by a lighted buoy. A light is shown from

the corner of the berth 0.2 mile ESE of Berth A. 

7.37 Winds—Weather.—The area is surrounded by mountains

and islands, and the interior of the harbor is tranquil even in the

winter monsoon winds; however, swells enter the harbor with

strong N winds. The most common wind direction throughout

the year is WSW, followed by SE.

7.37 Tides—Currents.—The mean tidal rise at Sakaide is 3.1m

at springs, and 2.4m at neaps. The tidal currents within the harbor have become weak due to the reclamation work.

7.37 Depths—Limitations.—Mitsubishi Kasei Berth A, the NE

berth on the SE side of Banno Su Hakuchi, has a berthing

length of 275m, with a depth of 13m alongside, and can accommodate a vessel up to 40,000 grt. Berth B, close SW, has a

berthing length of 200m, with a depth of 13m alongside, and

can accommodate a vessel up to 30,000 dwt.

7.37 There are least depths of 12.8m on the entrance range leading to the above-mentioned Berth A and Berth B. There are

least depths of 12m in Banno Su Hakuchi, except near its head.

7.37 Asia Joint Oil Company Berth No. 2, the NE berth on the

NW side of Banno Su Hakuchi, can accommodate tankers of

75,000 dwt, a in depth of about 12.5m. Berth No. 5, nearly 0.5

mile farther SW, can accommodate vessels up to 75,000 dwt, in

a depth of 12m.

7.37 Asia Kyodo Sekiyu Berth No. 1, a dolphin berth, close W of

the entrance to Banno Su Hakuchi and parallel to the seaward

face of the reclaimed land, has a depth of 19.5m alongside and

can accommodate vessels up to 100,000 dwt. A light is shown

from the center of the berth and a light is shown and a fog

signal sounded at each end. 

7.37 A drydock at Sakaide Ko is 450m long and 72m wide, with a

depth of 9.2m, and can accommodate vessels up to 270,000

dwt.

7.37 Central Pier is situated on the S side of the inner harbor, with

the harbor office on its SE side.

Aspect.—Sei-jima (Seizima) (34°21'N., 133°51'E.), 112m

high and well-wooded, lies at the NE end of the reclaimed area.

Hijiri Iwa, 1.5m high, lies about 0.1 mile off the NW end of

Sei-jima.

Ko-Sei Shima, 41m high and covered by pine trees, lies

about 0.8 mile N of Sei-jima. A light is shown from the N end

of the island. Depths of less than 4.9m extend up to about

135m off the N side of the island; a sand bank, with depths of

less than 10.1m, extends about 0.8 mile E of the island.

7.37 An oil refinery chimney, with an elevation of 158m, and

numerous oil tanks are conspicuous on the N side of the reclaimed area.

7.37 Lights, in line bearing 181.5°, lead into Banno Su Hakuchi;

the rear light is shown from a gray gas tank, 86m high. Lighted

buoys are moored on each side of the entrance.

7.37 Tsuno Yama, 187m high and conical, is conspicuous about 3

miles S of Sei-jima. Inno Yama, about 2 miles farther S, is

422m high and conspicuous from a distance. Shotsuji Yama,

about 1 mile NW of Tsuno Yama, is 117m high and surmounted by a conspicuous building (tourist center) and two steel pylons.

7.37 The large chimney of a salt company is conspicuous about 2

miles E of Sei-jima; it has an elevation of 120m and is painted

red and white.

7.37 Pilotage.—Pilotage is compulsory for the Naikai area; those

vessels entering or leaving the port are advised to retain a pilot

on board. Pilots are available at the quarantine anchorage between 0700 and 1700 for vessels requiring pilot services. There

is a liaison office of the Naikai Area Pilot Association at Sakaide.

7.37 The pilots can be contacted on VHF channels 12 and 16 (call

sign: Sakide-ho-an).

7.37 Signals.—A signal station, at the N end of Sei-jima, displays

signals concerning vessels entering and leaving Banno Su

Hakuchi, as well as signals concerning berthing facilities.

7.37 Anchorage.—The quarantine anchorage is centered about

1.8 miles E of Sei-jima. Permission to use this anchorage or

any other in Sakaide Ko must be obtained from the Maritime

Safety Agency at Takamatsu. Anchorage for vessels carrying

dangerous cargo is designated by the harbor authorities in the

harbor area SE of Sei-jima. 

Bisan Seto North Traffic Route and Bisan Seto

South Traffic Route

7.38 Bisan Seto North Traffic Route and Bisan Seto South

Traffic Route, as established under Maritime Traffic Safety

Law, lie between Ko Sei Shima, N of Sakaide Ko, and Mu

Shima. Numerous islands of Shiwaku Shoto (Siwaku Syoto)

border Bisan Seto North Fairway. Caution is necessary due to

the many rocks and shoals, strong tidal currents, fishing boats,

and heavy traffic.

7.38 In the above traffic routes vessels must navigate in accordance with the regulations established by the Maritime Traffic

Safety Law. Under these regulations, vessels must proceed W

in Bisan Seto North Traffic Route and E in Bisan Seto South

Traffic Route.

7.38 Mizushima Traffic Route crosses or joins the above traffic

routes in the E part, and many large vessels enter and leave

Sakaide Ko and Mizushima Ko. Considerable caution is necessary and there are special regulations and signals. 

7.38 A bridge spans Bisan Seto from the S side of Honshu, near

Kusomino Hana, to the N side of Shikoku, near Sakaide. There

is a vertical clearance of 65m in both Bisan Seto North Traffic

Route and Bisan Seto South Traffic Route.

Central Pier—Berth Information

Wharf Depths alongside

Central Pier No. 1 9.4m

Central Pier No. 2 5.9m

Central Pier No. 3 3.9-5.2m

West Wharf 6.2-6.4m

East Canal Quay 2.6-4.6m

Zenno Quay 12.0m

Wharf A 12.0m

Wharf B 7.5-7.6m

Wharf C 5.4-6.0m

Wharf D 5.0m
Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 161

Pub. 159

Bisan Seto North Traffic Route—Aspect

7.39 Yo Shima (34°23'N., 133°49'E.), close to the intersection of Bisan Seto North Traffic Route and Mizushima

Traffic Route, has a 72m high summit at its NW end; there are

many red-colored cliffs resulting from quarrying operations.

Mizushima Fairway-Yo Shima control station, a white building

with a flagstaff, lies near the SW end of the island. O-yo Shima

(Koyo Shima), 48m high, lies about 0.3 mile E of Yo Shima.

7.39 Nabe Shima, close SE of Yo Shima, is a flat-topped islet,

22m high, marked by a light at its center. It is comparatively

steep-to on its S side; there are drying and submerged rocks

close off the E side of the island, the highest drying 2.6m. Due

to the bridge piers of the Bisan Seto Bridge, Nabe Shima Light

is obscured between the bearings 358° to 014°. The

observation platform on Washua Yama, 133m high, about 2.5

miles N of Yo Shima, is conspicuous.

7.39 Ushingano Se (Usingano Se), a rock with a depth of 18.4m,

lies on the S side of the fairway, about 0.4 mile S of Nabe

Shima.

7.39 Mitsugo Shima (Mitugo Shima), about 0.5 mile S of Nabe

Shima, consists of three wooded rocky islets. The two N islets,

from E or W, appear to be joined. The W islet of the two is 19m

high, marked by a light, and has a wooded pointed rock close

off its E side; the E islet is 14.9m high and somewhat smaller.

The S island is 19m high to the treetops, with a low rock on its

W side. The group is bordered by shoals extending up to 0.1

mile offshore. Mitsugo Sashi (Mitugo Sasi), steep-to on its N

side and with a least depth of 4m, extends about 0.5 mile W of

Mitsugo Shima. Mitsugo Shima and Mitsugo Sashi are marked

by a number of lighted buoys.

7.39 Inosakino Tsugai, a spit, with depths of less than 20m and

about 0.1 to 0.3 mile wide, extends about 1.3 miles WNW from

Mitsugo Sashi and has sandwaves in the vicinity. Its least depth

of 10.1m lies in Mizushima Traffic Route, about 0.8 mile W of

Mitsugo Shima Light, and is surrounded by depths of 11 to

14m. Within Bisan Seto North Traffic Route the depths are

17.1 to 20m. In addition, the tidal currents are strong and sand

waves are liable to cause changes in depths in this area.

7.40 Hon Shima (34°23'N., 133°47'E.), nearly 1 mile W of

Yo Shima, rises to Takamubo Yama, 200m high, in its N part,

and to a 204m hill in its SW part. Kuro Hana lies at the S extremity of the island, and Kaburasaki Bana, a white, roundtopped rocky point, 39m high, is conspicuous at the SW end of

the island. A lighted buoy is moored about 90m SE of Kuro

Hana, and Kurohanano Iso (Kurobana-no-Iso), with a least

depth of 18.6m, extends about 0.3 mile SSW of Kuro Hana.

7.40 An overhead power cable, with a vertical clearance of 72m,

crosses the North Traffic Route between the S end of Hon

Shima and Ushi Shima.

7.40 A light is shown on the head of a breakwater at Honshima

Ko (34°22.7'N., 133°47.3'E.). Kasashima is a small harbor on

the NE coast of Hon Shima, 0.8 mile N of Honshima Ko. It is

protected by breakwaters, including a detached outer breakwater from which lights are shown at both ends. 

7.40 Ushi Shima, about 0.8 mile SE of Kuro Hana, has two summits. The NW summit is 95m high, with a steel pylon in the

vicinity, and the SE summit is 111m high. A light is shown on

the head of a breakwater, which extends N from the N extremity of the island; from a distance, this light structure appears

isolated and quite separated from the island.

7.40 Okino Su, a sand spit with a least depth of 2.8m, extends

about 2.5 miles WSW from a position about 0.2 mile SW of

Ushi Shima. Farther W, depths of less than 10.1m extend to

Takami Shima; on this bank lies Kojimadashi Se, two heads,

with depths of 2.7 and 4.6m, and depths of less than 4.9m

extending about 0.8 mile ENE of Takami Shima.

7.40 Hiro Shima lies about 1.5 miles W of Hon Shima. Sono Su,

between the two islands, has depths of less than 4.9m, and

dries for about 1 mile in its central part. There are landslides on

the S end and W coast of Hiro Shima caused by quarrying and

timber cutting. Dondoro Yama, 312m high in the S part of Hiro

Shima, has a precipice on its S side; a pointed peak, 207m

high, farther W, is conspicuous from the SE to SW.

7.40 Habushi Iwa (Habusi Iwa), a white rock, marked by a light,

lies near the S limit of Bisan Seto North Traffic Route, S of

Hiro Shima. A rock, with a depth of 9.2m, lies inside the traffic

route, about 410m ENE of Habushi Iwa.

7.40 Habushi Iwa Light, in line bearing 300° with the SW end of

Hiro Shima, leads in depths of over 8.5m in the channel W of

Okino Su.

7.41 Ko Shima (34°20'N., 133°39'E.), a wooded conical

island, 154m high, lies about 2.5 miles WSW of Hiro Shima.

Sanagi Shima, W of Ko Shima, is 249m high, with Kongo

Hana, a steep cliffy point, about 18m high, at its S end.

7.41 Kawara Su, a sandspit extending about 2.5 miles E of Sanagi

Shima, has depths of less than 2m in many parts; it dries in

places between Ko Shima and Hiro Shima.

7.41 Depths of less than 10.1m extend about 1 mile off the SW

end of Sanagi Shima. A wreck, with a depth of 10.1m, lies

about 0.5 mile S of the S end of Sanagi Shima. Wrecks, with

depths of 13.7m and 14.6m, lie nearly 2 miles SW and 1.8

miles WSW of the S end of Sanagi Shima.

7.41 Takami Shima, about 1 mile SE of Ko Shima, borders the S

side of Bisan Seto North Traffic Route. A light is shown on the

NW extremity of the island. Ryuono Mori, 298m high, the

summit of the island, lies in its SE part. A sandbank, with

depths of less than 2m, lies between Takami Shima and Futaomote Shima. No. 3 Lighted Buoy is moored close SE of the

shallowest part of this bank. A fish haven is situated 1.25 miles

N of No. 3 Lighted Buoy. 

7.41 Futaomote Shima, about 2.5 miles WSW of Takami Shima, is

an islet, 24m high, with two grassy summits. It lies between the W

entrances of Bisan Seto North Traffic Route and Bisan Seto South

Traffic Route. The islet is surrounded by drying and submerged

rocks. A light is shown from drying rocks, about 0.3 mile NE of

Futaomote Shima.

7.42 Mu Shima (34°18'N., 133°32'E.), about 4.5 miles

WSW of Sanagi Shima, is 185m high, and marked by a light at

its S end. It lies at the N end of the recommended route. A

submarine cable runs from the NE point of Mu Shima to

Manabe Shima, about 3.5 miles NE.

7.42 Nezura Iwa, a rock, drying 1.7m and marked SE by a lighted

buoy, lies about 0.8 mile W of the S end of Mu Shima.

7.42 Habu Shima, 56m high to the tops of the trees, lies about 1

mile NNW of Mu Shima. Depths of less than 10.1m surround

the island. Asa Se, with a least depth of 3.5m, lies about 0.2
162 Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 

Pub. 159

mile NE of Habu Shima. Misaki Dashi, an isolated rock with a

depth of 3.9m, lies about 1 mile NE of Habu Shima.

7.42 O-Tobi Shima (O-Bi Shima), 152m high, lies about 1 mile

NNW of Habu Shima; a depth of 10.1m lies about 0.2 mile off

the SW side of the island. A sand bank, most of which dries,

extends about 0.2 mile E of the island. 

7.42 Ko-Tibi Shima (Ko-Bi Shima), 80m high, lies about 0.5 mile

ENE of O-Tobi Shima. The E part of the channel between the

islands has depths of over 10.1m. Depths of less than 10.1m

extend about 0.1 mile off the W side of Ko-Tibi Shima; a depth

of 6.7m lies about 0.3 mile NNW of the island.

7.42 Mi Saki lies about 2.5 miles SE of Mu Shima and is marked

by a light at its W end. Heavily-wooded hills extend SE of the

point, gradually rising to Shiunde San (Siunde San), the summit of the peninsula, about 2 miles ESE. The peak, 352m high,

with an observation platform, is a bare mountain with a Mount

Fuji shape, and appears as an island from the Kurushima Kaikyo area.

7.42 Ogo Ishi, about 0.1 mile W of Mi Saki, consists of two rocks;

the outer rock is 1.8m high, and the inner one is 4m high.

Bisan Seto South Traffic Route—Aspect

7.43 Awa Shima lies with its N extremity (34°17'N.,

133°38'E.) nearly 1 mile S of Futaomote Shima. It has N, S,

and E summits. Ashima Yama (Asima Yama), 181m high and

conical, is the N summit. The S and highest summit is Shirono

Yama (Zvo-no Yama), 222m high.

7.43 In the traffic route between Awa Shima and Ushi Shima,

about 5 miles ENE, there are, in general, dredged depths of

12.4m or more, except for a sand bank, with a least depth of

11.2m, about 410m SE of Takama Shima; Kojimadashi Se,

previously described in paragraph 7.40, and Okinu So border

the N side of the traffic route, and an extensive bank, with

depths of less than 10.1m, borders the S side of the traffic, between Tadotsu Ko and Marugame Ko.

7.43 A sand bank, with a least depth of 1.2m, extends to 1.25

miles WSW of the SE end of Takami Shima.

7.43 Okinonaka Se, a sand bank with two heads and with a least

depth of 4.2m, lies about 1.5 miles E of the S end of Takami

Shima; it is reported to move under the influence of the tidal

current.

7.43 Takamimae Se, with a depth of 8.2m, lies about 1 mile SE of

Takami Shima.

Bisan Seto North Traffic Route and Bisan Seto

South Traffic Route—Regulations

7.44 Vessels navigating in Bisan Seto North Traffic Route

are to proceed in a W direction; vessels navigating in Bisan

Seto South Traffic Route are to proceed in an E direction.

7.44 Vessels leaving or entering a traffic route should not alter

course in the vicinity of the entrance points.

7.44 Vessels navigating in Mizushima Traffic Route should, as far

as practicable, keep to the right of the center of the traffic route.

7.44 Vessels, other than a huge vessel (vessels of 200m or more in

length) and vessels engaged in fishing or other operations

when navigating in Mizushima Traffic Route, shall keep out of

the way of a vessel navigating in Bisan Seto North Traffic

Route.

7.44 Vessels, other than huge vessels, navigating in Bisan Seto

North Traffic Route, shall keep out of the way of huge vessels

navigating in Mizushima Traffic Route.

7.44 At the intersection of a junction of a traffic route, all vessels

should keep out of the way of a huge vessel navigating the

traffic route.

7.44 Fishing vessels navigating in Mizushima Traffic Route

should keep out of the way of vessels proceeding W in Bisan

Seto North Traffic Route.

7.44 See paragraph 7.25 for further vessel limitations in Bisan

Seto North Traffic Route and Bisan Seto South Traffic Route.

Marugame Ko (34°18'N., 133°47'E.)

World Port Index No. 62100

7.45 Marugame Ko lies about 4 miles SW of Sakaide Ko, S

of Bisan Seto South Traffic Route. The harbor lies between

Kami-ma Shima, a bowl-shaped islet, 36m high, and Shimoma Shima, an islet, 32m high, about 1.5 miles WSW. It is an

industrial harbor, with a shipyard in its NW part.

7.45 Depths—Limitations.—Dredged depths of 7.5m lead to the

E side of the reclaimed area, where there are berths with depths

of 7.5m alongside.

7.45 The W side of the reclaimed land has dredged depths of 11m

in the outer part, with a depth of 9m alongside berths on the W

side of the reclaimed land.

7.45 A drydock at the shipyard is 290m long and 57m wide, with

a depth of 6.8m; it can accommodate vessels up to 80,000 grt.

7.45 Aspect.—A radar station, housing the Bisan Seto Traffic

Advisory Service Center has been established (34°18'N.,

133°49'E.). A chimney, 103m high, is conspicuous about 0.2

Mu Shima Light
Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 163

Pub. 159

mile NE of the range lights. The keep of Marugame Castle,

about 0.8 mile farther SSE, is 83m high, painted white, and

floodlit. Eight silos, 33m high, are conspicuous about 0.8 mile

SW of Kami-ma Shima. Seven cranes, painted pale blue, with

red and white derricks, are conspicuous E of Shimo-ma Shima.

Tadotsu Ko (34°17'N., 133°45'E.)

7.46 Tadotsu Ko (Tadotu Ko), about 3 miles WSW of

Marugame Ko, consists of an inner harbor which is protected

by breakwaters; a light is shown at the head of each breakwater. Tadotsu Ko is bordered by large areas of reclaimed land

E and W. It is an industrial harbor with a shipyard. 

7.46 Depths—Limitations.—Jetties on the W side of the E reclaimed area have depths of 6 to 7m alongside. A wharf at the

base of the inner harbor W breakwater has a berth, 105m long,

with 6m alongside. A jetty on the W side of the W reclaimed

area has depths of 7 to 10.1m alongside.

7.46 Aspect.—Ogi Yama, thickly wooded and 93m high, is conspicuous close inland of the inner harbor. Oil tanks are conspicuous on the W side of the W reclaimed area.

7.46 An overhead cable, with a vertical clearance of about 59m,

crosses the harbor 0.4 mile within the entrance. 

7.46 Directions.—Ogi Yama, bearing 158°, leads into the inner

harbor.

Takuma Ko

7.47 Takuma Ko (34°15'N., 133°40'E.), about 3 miles SW

of Tadotsu Ko, is an open port, divided into two parts by a

peninsula. Koya Hana, the NE extremity of the peninsula, is a

white steep cliff, 65m high. The E part of the harbor is an industrial and timber harbor. With strong N winds, the handling

of cargo in the roadstead is reported to be difficult.

7.47 Depths—Limitations.—Draft limitation in the channel is

11m at high tide. Takuma No. 1 Berth and Takuma No. 2 Berth

have depths alongside of 5.5m and 7.5m, respectively. The

length of Takuma No. 1 Berth is 90m; the length ofTakuma No.

2 Berth is 130m. The wharves lie on the E face of the reclaimed land on the W side of Takuma Ura. There is also reclaimed land forming a basin on the E side of Takuma Ura.

7.47 The anchorages for timber discharge can accommodate

drafts of 8 to 11m; the three anchorages, designated A, B, and

C, lie inside the harbor limit, W of Iwa Shima.

7.47 Aspect.—Range beacons are situated at the N end of a

promontary on the S side of Takuma Ura. The beacons, in line

bearing 166°, lead through the fairway, marked by lighted

buoys, in depths of at least 7.5m, to a position close NE of

Takuma No. 1 Berth and Takuma No. 2 Berth.

7.47 Shishi Shima (Sisi Shima), about 1 mile N of Koya Hana, is

heavily wooded and 109m high. Shishinomosaki (Sisi-no-Mo

Saki), with depths of less than 4.9m, extends about 1.8 miles

ENE of Shishi Shima.

7.47 Anchorage.—The best anchorage around Awa Shima is on

the S side of the island. Anchorage can be taken, in 5 to 10.1m;

care should be taken to avoid Taishino Mo, a bank, with a least

depth of 1.8m, in the entrance to the bay. Anchorage can be

taken, in depths of 11 to 15m, as convenient, between this bay

and the Shikoku coast. Anchorage can be taken by vessels with

a draft up to 9.2m, in depths of 10.1 to 11.8m, N of Koya Hana,

within the harbor limit.

7.47 Large vessels should approach the anchorage from the W,

passing between the SW end of Awa Shima and the Shikoku

coast SW.

Mizushima Traffic Route

7.48 Mizushima Traffic Route (Mizusima Traffic Route) ,

specified by the Maritime Safety Law, extends from Bisan Seto

North Traffic Route and Bisan Seto South Traffic Route to

Mizushima Ko. It is the route normally used by large tankers

proceeding to and from Mizushima Ko.

7.48 Caution is necessary, as many small vessels in Shimotsui

Seto cross the traffic route; there are also strong tidal currents

flowing E and W.

7.48 Lighted buoys mark the traffic route.

7.49 Mitsugo Shima (34°22'N., 133°49'E.), Mitsugo

Sashi, Yo Shima, and Nabe Shima have been previously described in paragraph 7.39.

7.49 Kameyanna Hanana Asari (34°23'N., 133°48'E.), rocks,

with depths of 3.6m and marked E by a lighted buoy, lie about

0.3 mile SE of the E extremity of Hon Shima.

7.49 Wasa Shima, 32m high, and Ikuro Shima, 26m high and

densely wooded, lie close NW and 0.75 mile N, respectively, of

Yo Shima. A sandy shoal, with a least depth of 7.7m, and about

0.4 mile long N-S, lies about 0.4 mile W of Wasa Shima, close

E of the traffic route.

7.49 Hitsuishi-jima (Hituisi Shima), 78m high, lies about 0.3 mile

N of Ikuro Shima. Besai Tsugai, a sand bank, with a least depth

of 13.4m, lies W of Hitsuishi-jima. Bridges, with vertical clearances of 31m, connect Wasa Shima, Ikuro Shima, and Hitsuishi Shima. Fixed red and green lights mark the outer limits of

the fairway under the bridge. 

7.49 Mukaekasa Shima, Naga Shima, and Mukuchi Shima, respectively, border the W side of Mizushima Traffic Route. A

red-colored, pointed rock lies on the N side of Mukaekasa

Shima. A rock, drying 3.1m, lies about 0.2 mile N of the E end

of Naga Shima, and close W of the traffic route. Mukuchi

Shima (Mukuti Shima) is 125m high in its S part and marked

by a light at its NW end.

7.49 Shimotsui Seto (Simotui Seto) intersects Mizushima Traffic

Route from the E. The passage is deep and free of dangers, but

the tidal currents exceed a velocity of 3 knots. Many small vessels use the passage, and vessels over 100 grt must show destination signals and give sound signals when entering, leaving,

and crossing Mizushima Traffic Route.

7.49 A bridge, with a vertical clearance of 31m, spans Shimotsui

Seto between the N end of Hitsuishi Shima and the mainland

NNE. Bridge lights mark the center and outer limits of the fairway under the bridge. 

7.49 The W entrance of Shimotsui Seto lies between Mukuchi

Shima and Nishino Saki, about 0.8 mile NE. The latter point is

55m high, with a conspicuous cliff. The E entrance to the passage lies between Kusumi Bana and Kama Shima (34°25'N.,

133°50'E.), about 0.5 mile SE. Matsu Shima, 27m high, about

0.5 mile WNW of Kama Shima, lies on the S side of the passage.

7.49 Kusumi Bana (Kusumi-no Hana) is marked by a light at its

SE end. Washiu Zan, 133m high, lies about 0.8 mile WNW of
164 Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 

Pub. 159

Kusumi Bana; there is an observation platform, a hotel, and a

tourist road on Washiu Zan. Exposed red-colored rocks, between the hill and the point, are good landmarks for Shimotsui

Seto from the E.

7.50 Noji Shoto (Nozi Syoto) (34°27'N., 133°45'E.), close

NW of Mizushima Traffic Route, consists of four islets, extending for about 1 mile in a NW direction from a position

about 0.8 mile N of the N end of Mukuchi-jima. The islets,

from SE to NW, respectively, are Kami-noji Shima, 33m high;

Futo-noji Shima; Hoso-noji Shima; and Isaro-noji Shima. A

rock, drying 0.9m, lies about 115m N of Isaro-noji Shima. The

islets lie on the W side of the entrance to Mizushima Ko.

7.50 Regulations.—A speed limit of 12 knots is in effect for vessels navigating in Mizushima Traffic Route from the junction

with Bisan Seto Traffic Route N to the harbor limit of Mizushima Ko.

7.50 Pilotage.—Pilotage is compulsory.

7.50 Signals.—Shapes or lights are shown from the signal station

at the SW end of Yo Shima, and at Nishino Saki, on the N side

of the W entrance to Shimotsui Seto. When signals cannot be

made from the above signal stations, they will be shown from a

vessel of the Maritime Safety Agency.

7.50 Caution.— Shoaling has been reported in the traffic route

approaches; check the chart for depth changes. 

Mizushima Ko (34°30'N., 133°45'E.)

World Port Index No. 61595

7.51 Mizushima Ko (Mizusima Ko), a specified harbor, has

been constructed on reclaimed land fronting the mouth of

Takahashi Kawa. It is an industrial harbor developed in

conjunction with the establishment of heavy industry zones.

Tamashima Ko, included within the harbor area of Mizushima

Ko, lies W of Takahashi Kawa and will be described later in

paragraph 7.52.

Winds—Weather

7.51 The climate is temperate and the sea in the harbor is

generally calm; even during the winter monsoon, there is no

problem in handling cargo in the harbor. It receives hardly any

damage from typhoons and high tides.

7.51 Fog sometimes occurs in spring, but it disperses in 2 to 3

hours and is no obstacle to navigation.

Tides—Currents

7.51 The mean tidal rise at Mizushima is 3.3m at springs and

2.5m at neaps.

7.51 The flood current flows NW, and the ebb current flows SE.

The maximum tidal current within the harbor is about 1 to 1.5

knots.

Depths—Limitations

7.51 The statutory fairway (Konai Passage), established by

Maritime Traffic Safety Law, extends from Mizushima Traffic

Route to the inner harbor; it is about 3 miles long, with depths

of 14.7 to 23m.

7.51 A shoal area, with depths of less than 10.1m, lies S of Katura

Shima, on the E side of the fairway. There is a channel, with

depths of over 10.1m and marked by buoys, E of the shoal area.

The W side of the shoal area is steep-to, and care is necessary.

7.51 Seto Wharf A, NE of Katsura Shima, has a berthing length

of 285m, with a depth of 14m alongside, and can accommodate

vessels up to 12.3m draft and 75,000 dwt.

7.51 Nippon Mining No. 2 Oil Jetty, in the SW part of the inner

harbor, has a depthsof 17.2m alongside, and can accommodate

tankers up to 240,000 dwt, with a maximum draft of 16.5m.

7.51 Tokyo Steel Wharf A, in the NE part of the inner harbor, has

depths of 10 to 11m alongside, and can accommodate vessels

up to 54,000 dwt, with a maximum draft of 11m.

7.51 Nishi Nihon Grain Center, in the NW part of the inner

harbor, has depths of 11.2m alongside, and can accommodate

vessels up to 60,000 dwt, with a maximum draft of 11.5m.

7.51 Mitsubishi Oil Jetty No. 6, on the W side of the inner harbor,

has depths of 16.3m alongside, and can accommodate tankers

up to 240,000 dwt, with a maximum draft of 16.5m.

7.51 Kawasaki Steel Wharf, on the S side of the basin on the W

side of the inner harbor, has depths of 17.1m alongside, and

can accommodate vessels up to 200,000 dwt, with a maximum

draft of 16m.

7.51 Kawasaki Steel Wharf T, on the E side of the mouth of

Takahashi Kawa, has depths of 10.9m alongside, and can accommodate vessels up to 30,000 dwt, with a maximum draft of

10.9m.

Aspect

7.51 Katsura Shima (Katura Shima) (34°28'N., 133°46'E.), 51m

high, is conspicuous on the E side of the entrance to Mizushima Ko. Two gantry cranes, each 81m high and painted red

and white, are conspicuous at a shipyard farther N. A signal

station, painted white, stands on Taka Shima (Takasima), a hill,

59m high, farther N.

7.51 A chimney, 166m high and painted red and white, is conspicuous on the E side of the inner harbor, about 3 miles NNW

of Katsura Shima.

7.51 Refineries with numerous chimneys are conspicuous on the

E side of the main fairway.

7.51 Noji Shoto was previously described in paragraph 7.50.

Kami-Mizu Shima, 51m high, on which there are the ruins of a

chimney, lies about 1.5 miles WNW of Isaro-noji Shima, the

NW islet of Noji Shoto. Shimo-Mizu Shima (Simo-Mizu

Shima), 58m high, lies about 0.8 mile W of Kami-Mizu Shima;

its summit, covered with pine trees, appears black.

7.51 Lighted buoys mark the channels and some of the basins. 

Pilotage

7.51 Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 10,000 grt. The

Harbor Pilot is available during daylight hours only, and boards

vessels in the quarantine anchorage. The pilots can be contacted on VHF channels 16, 12, and 14. For further information, see paragraph 6.1.
Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 165

Pub. 159

Signals

7.51 Communications regarding harbor operations may be made

by radio or radiotelephone with the harbormaster.

7.51 Navigation control signals for the harbor fairway are shown

from the Mizushima Signal Station on Taka Shima.

7.51 A liaison office of the Naikai Pilotage Area Pilots Association is situated at Mizushima.

Anchorage

7.51 The quarantine anchorage lies W of Noji Shoto and has

depths of 14.8 to 21m.

Tamashima Ko

7.52 Tamashima Ko (34°31'N., 133°41'E.), W of Takahashi Kawa, is included within the harbor area of Mizushima

Ko. The harbor area is shallow except for the dredged fairways,

and reclamation work is underway. A power station is situated

near the SW end of the reclaimed land.

7.52 Depths—Limitations.—A fairway, with depths of about

4.9m, extends N from a position about 1.5 miles N of ShimuMizu Shima to the power station. Another fairway, with depths

of 5.5 to 6.5m, leads N from a position about 2 miles NW of

Shimu-Mizu Shima to the heavy industry factory on the W side

of the reclaimed land.

7.52 Lighted buoys mark the fairways.

7.52 The fairway into Tamashima Ko leads to Wharf No. 1,

Wharf No. 2, and Wharf No. 3, which have depths from 4 to

5.6m alongside. A reclamation area, marked by lighted buoys,

is situated E of the fairway. 

7.52 Aspect.—Two chimneys, 233m and 173m high, and painted

red and white, are conspicuous in the vicinity of the power

station. The power station lies in the E part of the reclaimed

land on the E side of the harbor. A fairway, marked on the E

side by lighted buoys and on the W side by two lighted buoys,

and with a least charted depth of 4.6m, leads to a basin on the S

side of the power station. 

7.52 Hachiman Yama, 34m high, lies at the W entrance of the

river on the W part of the inner harbor. Tamashima Light

(34°31'N., 133°40'E.) lies close E of Hachiman Yama.

7.52 Caution.—The fairways are dredged and shoal abruptly on

each side.

Islands and Channels Northwest of the West Part

of Bisan Seto

7.53 Kurotsuchi Seto (34°26'N., 133°31'E.), Shiraishi

Seto, Kitagi Seto, and other passages lie about 14 miles W of

Shimotsui Seto; the W entrances of the passages lead into

Kasaoka Wan and Bingo Nada. Small vessels westbound often

take passage from Shimotsui Seto, passing S of Ajiro Shoto, to

reach Shiraishi Seto; small vessels eastbound take the reverse

route. In addition, some large vessels proceeding to or from

Mizushima Ko pass between Noji Shoto and Mukuchi-jima,

between Gantsuga Se and Tokudakino Ishi, then N of Te

Shima, and then between Manabe Shima and Sanaga Shima.

7.53 Mukuchi-jima (34°25'N., 133°46'E.) and Noji Shoto were

described in paragraph 7.49 with the Mizushima Traffic Route.

7.53 A sand bank, with depths of less than 10.1m, extends about 2

miles W of Mukuchi-jima; Mukuchi Se, the inner part, with

depths of 1 to 4.9m, extends about 1 mile W of Mukuchi-jima.

Gantsuga Se, with a least depth of 6.8m, lies close SW of the

outer end of the sand bank. A lighted buoy is moored off the W

end of the sand bank and N of Gantsuga Se.

7.53 Ajiro Shoto (Aziro Syoto) (37°27'N., 133°42'E.), about 2.5

miles W of Noji Shoto, consists of four rocky islets. Chabin

(Tyabin), the N islet, is 26m high with one pine tree. O-bishaku

(O-Bisyaku), the SW islet, is 26m high with one pine tree. The

middle and SE islets are bare. Okino Ishi, a rock with a depth

of 4.5m, and Tokudakino Ishi, a rock, with a depth of 4.3m, lie

about 0.8 mile ESE and 0.5 mile SE, respectively, of Obishaku. A lighted buoy is moored between the two rocks.

7.53 Shimo-mizu Shima, about 0.8 mile NNW of Ajiro Shoto,

was previously described in paragraph 7.51 with Mizushima

Ko. Shimono Ishi, rocks, with a depth of 4.5m, lie nearly 2

miles ESE of Shimo-mizu Shima.

7.54 Yori Shima (34°28'N., 133°36'E.), about 4.5 miles W

of Shimo-mizu Shima, has two summits; the E and higher

summit is 81m high, pine-covered, and conspicuous from a

distance. Aosa Yama, 250m high, about 1 mile farther W, is

also conspicuous from a distance.

7.54 Kono Shima (34°27'N., 133°31'E.) is located about 3.5

miles WSW of Yori Shima. Its summit 302m high, surmounted

by a TV tower, lies in the middle of the island and is a good

landmark.

7.54 Konashimasoto Ko, on the S side of Kono Shima, is a small

harbor protected by breakwaters and a light is shown from the

head of the W breakwater. There is a chemical factory on its

shore. The chimney of the chemical factory, 53m high, is conspicuous. Several jetties and wharves, fronting the factory,

have depths of 4.9 to 5.8m alongside. 

7.54 Anchorage.—Large vessels anchor, in 10.1 to 28m, sand,

mixed with clay, off the harbor. Strong SE and SW winds raise

a sea. The flood tidal current flows W, and the ebb tidal current

flows E, with a maximum velocity of about 1 knot.

7.55 Taka Shima, about 1 mile S of Kono Shima, rises to

an elevation of 77m in its NE part; a conspicuous shrine gateway stands on its summit. Sasude Shima, Moyaji Shima, and

Inazumi Shima are islets which lie NE to SW, respectively, off

the NW side of Taka Shima. Above-water rocks lie off the NW

end of Sasude Shima. Overhead cables, with a vertical clearance of 25m, connect Mayaji Shima with Sasude Shima and

Taka Shima. 

7.55 Kurotsuchi Seto (Kurotuti Seto), between Kono Shima and

Taka Shima, is reduced to a navigable width of about 0.3 mile

by Sasude Shima. The passage has depths of 12.8 to 32m, but

there are depths of 7.6m in its E approach.

7.55 Shiraishi Seto (Siraisi Seto), between Taka Shima and Shiraishi-jima (Siraisi Shima), is about 0.8 mile wide, with generally deep water, but the navigable width is reduced by islets

and submerged rocks. Strong tidal currents run between Taka

Shima and Kotaka Shima.

7.55 Kotaka Shima, 41m high, lies about 0.2 mile SE of Taka

Shima, and Kogochi Shima, 30m high, lies about 0.1 mile farther SE. Overhead cables, with a vertical clearance of about

22m, extend between the three islands. The E end of Kotaka
166 Sector 7. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Harima Nada and Bisan Seto 

Pub. 159

Shima is bordered by drying rocks; the S side of Kogochi

Shima is shoal, but with depths of over 10.1m about 0.1 mile

offshore.

7.55 Okino-shira Ishi, a white rock, 7m high and marked by a

light, lies about 0.3 mile SSW of Kogochi Shima. Kajikake, a

rock, with less than 0.3m, lies about 0.2 mile SSW of Okinoshira Ishi.

7.55 Caution.—Kajikake is the most dangerous rock in this passage.

7.56 Hyakken Zowai, a rock marked by a light, lies about

0.3 mile SW of the SW end of Taka Shima; rocks extend to

Tori Shima, 12m high, about 0.3 mile N.

7.56 The NW coast of Shiraishi-jima has depths of more than

10.1m about 0.1 mile offshore. Tako Zowai, with a depth of

less than 1.6m, lies in the SW approach to Shiraishi Seto, about

1 mile WSW of the NW end of Shiraishi-jima. 

7.56 Kanari-jima, 21m high, with a rock drying 0.2m close N, lies

about 1.3 miles SW of the NW end of Shiraishi-jima. Rocks,

with depths of 7.6m and 7.3m, lie between the above rock and

islet.

7.56 Kitagi Seto, between Shiraishi-jima and Kitagi Shima, close

SE, has a least navigable width of about 0.2 mile and midchannel depths of 11.9 to 22m. 

7.56 Kitagishima Ko, protected by two breakwaters, lies at the

head of the bight on the E side of Kitagi Shima. A light is

shown on the head of the N breakwater. A fish haven is situated

close to the N entrance point to this bight. Temporary anchorage, sheltered from W winds, can be obtained in the bight, in

depths of about 8m, mud.

7.56 A light is shown from the head of a breakwater which extends 0.15 mile N from a position midway along the NW shore

of Kitagi Shima. A second light is shown from a breakwater

head at Kanafuro Ko, in the NW part of Kitagi Shima. 

7.56 Tateishi Yama, 171m high, the summit of Shiraishi-jima, lies

in the S part of the island.

7.56 Tate Shima, a conical rock, 10.1m high, lies in the middle of

the NE entrance to Kitagi Seto; several flat rocks extend about

0.1 mile NE of Tate Shima. Suzuki, with a depth of 6.4m, lies

about 0.2 mile SW of Tate Shima.

7.56 Kajiko Shima, 39m high, lies in the SW approach to Kitagi

Seto, about 0.8 mile W of the W extremity of Kitagi Shima; a

rock, drying 3.1m, lies about 0.2 mile N of Kajiko Shima. Inuno Kashiro, a rock, drying 0.3m, lies about 0.4 mile SE of Kajiko Shima. Yokobe Shima, 17.1m high, lies about 0.7 mile ESE

of Kajiko Shima.

7.56 Caution.—An overhead cable, with a vertical clearance of

about 28m, crosses the narrows of Kitagi Seto.

7.57 Kitagi Shima (34°23'N., 133°32'E.), is easily recognized by its red-colored rocks caused by quarrying, and rises to

an elevation of 226m in its central part. 

7.57 The passage between Kitagi Shima and Manabe Shima has

depths of 10.1 to 30m except for Oshimano Se, which has a

depth of 8.9m and lies about 0.5 mile E of Shishi Saki

7.57 A rock, with a depth of 3.7m, extends about 0.1 mile NW of

Shishi Saki, the S entrance point of the bay on the E side of

Kitagi Shima.

7.57 O Shima 57m high, joined by a sandy isthmus to Ko Shima,

64m high, close S, lies in the E entrance, about 1 mile E of

Shishi Saki. A reef, with a depth of 6.4m at its outer end,

extends about 0.2 mile NE of the NE end of O Shima. A reef,

on which there is a rock, 3.5m high, extends about 0.1 mile SW

of the SW end of Ko Shima. Modoka Shima, 29m high, lies

about 0.2 mile E of Ko Shima.

7.57 Manabe Shima, about 1 mile SE of Kitagi Shima, rises to

Shiro Yama, 131m high, its summit, at its N end. There are two

hills in its W part; the S hill is 126m high. The coasts of the

island are mostly cliffy and comparatively steep-to. There is a

small harbor, protected by a breakwater, at the head of a bight

on the N coast of the island. A light is shown from the breakwater head. 

Toi Shima, 39m high to the tops of the trees, lies in the middle of the W approach, about 0.8 mile W of the W end of Manabe Shima. Meota Iwa, a group of rocks, drying up to 1.5m,

lies about 0.3 mile NE of Toi Shima, and is steep-to except on

its S side. Foul ground, with a rock drying 3.8m at its outer

end, extends about 0.1 mile ESE of Toi Shima. Ozowai, a rock

with a depth of 5.9m, lies about 0.3 mile SSW of Toi Shima. A

rock 3.1m high, lies close N of Toi Shima, to which it is joined

by a reef.
Pub. 159

8.The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part

8.0Additional chart coverage may be found in NGA/DLIS Catalog of Maps, Charts, and Related Products (Unlimited Distribution).

SECTOR 8 — CHART INFORMATION
169

Pub. 159

SECTOR 8 

THE NAIKAI (INLAND SEA)—EASTERN PART

8.0 Plan.—This sector first describes the passage through Bingo

Nada and Hiuchi Nada, including Kurushima Kaikyo. The S

part of Hiuchi Nada is then described. Fukuyama Ko and its

approaches, in the N part of Bingo Nada, are then described.

Finally, the passages and islands NW of Bingo Nada, including

Mihara Seto, are described. The general sequence of each part

is from E to W. 

General Remarks

8.1 The recommended route through the Naikai, from

between Mu Shima (34°18'N., 133°32'E.) and Mi Shima to

Kurushima Traffic Route, about 28 miles WSW, is marked by

lighted buoys. Bingo Nada and Hiuchi Nada lie in the N and S

parts, respectively, of this portion, and are separated from each

other by a chain of islets. Kurushima Traffic Route then connects Hiuchi Nada with Aki Nada. Special regulations as prescribed by the Maritime Traffic Safety Law are in force in

Kurushima Kaikyo Traffic Route. See Pub. 120 Sailing Directions (Planning Guide) Pacific Ocean and Southeast Asia, and

the graphic with the description of Kurushima Kaikyo Traffic

Route in paragraph 8.11.

8.1 Mihara Seto and other channels lie between the NW part of

Bingo Nada and the NE part of Aki Nada.

8.1 Tides—Currents.—Within Bingo Nada and Hiuchi Nada,

there is a confluence of the E and W tidal currents which follows the indrafts of the tide from Kii Suido and Bungo Suido.

Furthermore, within this area, the currents divide and set to the

E and W. The positions of this confluence, and also those at

which the currents divide, vary with the accompanying

changes in times of HW and LW. With the exception of the

passages between the islands and islets, the currents are weak

from day to day. There is a marked difference in their directions and velocities. 

8.1 In the narrow channels of Mihara Seto, the tidal currents are

strong, with some tide rips and eddies. The flood current flows

E, and the ebb current W. In the lee of the islands there are

countercurrents, generally weak with unsettled directions. In

Mekari Seto, Aogi Seto, and Oge Seto, the maximum velocities are 4.4, 5.6, and 3.6 knots, respectively.

8.1 The tidal current in Haguri Seto has a mean velocity of about

5 knots, and a maximum velocity of 7 knots. Slack water

occurs 1 hour after HW and LW and lasts for about 1 hour.

8.1 The tidal currents in Miyanokubo Seto are strong, attaining

velocities of 9 knots at springs. 

Routes through Bingo Nada and Hiuchi Nada

8.2 The recommended route through Bingo Nada and Hiuchi Nada is indicated by Bingo Nada Lighted Buoy No. 1 to

Bingo Nada Lighted Buoy No. 7. Bingo Nada Lighted Buoy

No. 7 is moored between Mu Shima and Mi Saki, while Bingo

Nada Lighted Buoy No. 1 is moored about 2 miles WNW of

Kaji Shima (34°07'N., 133°10'E.). The least depth in the vicinity of the fairway is 14.9m, about 5 miles WSW of the NW

end of Takaikami-jima (34°18'N., 133°16'E.).

8.2 The route branching off the main route between Mu Shima

and Mi Saki, and extending W to Mihara Seto, in the NW part

of Bingo Nada, has a depth of about 10.1m in the E entrance to

Mihara Seto.

8.3 North side of route.—Mu Shima, the islands NW of

Mu Shima, and Nezura Iwa, W of the island, have been previously described in paragraph 7.42.

8.3 Hassyomaki and an isolated group of rocks, with a depth of

14.7m, lie about 1.7 miles SW of Mu Shima.

8.3 Uji Shima (34°19'N., 133°28'E.), nearly 3 miles W of Mu

Shima, has a 188m high summit at its E end.

8.3 Hyakkan-jima (34°18'N., 133°17'E.), off the E entrance to

Mihara Seto, is a conical island, 71m high, marked by a light

on its summit; the coast has generally steep cliffs.

8.3 Toyo Shima, about 4 miles S of Hyakkan-jima, and on the N

side of the recommended route, has 2 summits; the W and

higher is 109m.

8.3 Yuge Shima, about 2 miles NW of Toyo Shima, consists of

two parts joined by a low isthmus. The N part is mountainous,

with three peaks, and Mi Yama, 326m high, the N peak is the

summit of the island. Kushi Yama, in the S part, is 199m high

and conical.

Takaikami-jima Light
170 Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 

Pub. 159

8.3 Sa Shima, close SW of Yuge Shima, has hills alternately

covered with small trees, and others with exposed granite. Its

summit, 123m high, is near the middle of the island.

Hakata-jima, about 2 miles SW of Sa Shima, has a conspicuous summit, Hoko San, 304m high, near its center.

8.3 O Shima lies on the N side of the E entrance to Kurushima

Kaikyo. Nembutsu Yama (Nenbutu Yama), its summit 382m

high, lies in the N part of the island. Todai Yama, 234m high,

with Takatori Yama, 253m high, with a wooded peak, lie in the

NE part of the island. Tate Yama, 231m high, lies near the SW

end of the island. Kiro Yama, 308m high, lies about 0.8 mile

ENE of Tate Yama. All are conspicuous bare mountains.

8.3 Kamagi Shima, 22m high and bordered by rocks, lies about 1

mile SE of Todai Hana, the NE extremity of O Shima; a rock,

with a depth of 0.9m, lies about 320m NE of Kamagi Shima.

8.3 Yoko Shima, 41m high, lies about 0.8 mile SW of Kamagi

Shima. A rock, with a depth of 10.1m, lies about 0.3 mile SSW

of Yoko Shima; Kamo Sho, a group of rocks, drying 2.4m, lies

about 0.8 mile WSW of Yoko Shima.

8.4 South side of route.—Ibuki-jima (34°08'N.,

133°32'E.), about 8 miles SSW of Mi Saki, is 122m high; it is

low and flat in its E part, while its W half is high. The village in

its central part is conspicuous from a distance. A light is shown

from a round concrete tower standing on Aka Saki, the S

extremity of the island. A lighted buoy is situated 0.2 mile W

of Aka Saki.

8.4 A power cable, several telephone cables and a water pipeline, all on the seabed, are laid from the E side of Ibuki Shima

E to the mainland shore.

8.4 A fishing village is situated in the middle of Ibuki Shima,

and a basin protected by Kitaura Breakwater lies on the N side

of the island. A detached outer breakwater, marked by a light,

located N of the harbor entrance. 

8.4 Marugami-jima, nearly 4 miles WNW of Ibuki-jima, is 83m

high, and heavily wooded on its N side. It is uninhabited except

during the fishing season. Ongo Iwa, drying 4m, lies about 0.3

mile ESE of Marugami-jima.

8.4 Mata-jima, about 4 miles WSW of Ibuki-jima, has two summits; the S and higher summit is 56m high, and is a flat area of

cultivated land. The N and S ends of Mata-jima are densely

wooded. Komata Shima, 37m high to the tops of the trees, lies

about 0.3 mile SE of Mata-jima, to which it is joined by a reef.

Eno Shima, about 4.5 miles WNW of Marugami-jima, is

131m high; its N end is low, but the W side is steep and treeless. An islet, 17.1m high, lies close off its S end, and Yoshido

Iso, a rock, with a depth of 1.3m, and steep-to, lies about 0.3

mile SE of the small islet.

8.4 Uo-jima, about 1.5 miles W of Eno Shima, has three summits. The central peak, 170m high, is the summit of the island,

rather flat and cultivated. The E peak is rounded while the W

peak has a sharp summit. Hyotan Shima, an islet, 59m high,

with conspicuous pine trees on its summit, lies about 410m S

of Uo-jima; there is a least depth of 2.1m between the island

and islet.

8.4 There is a small harbor protected by breakwaters within the

small bay on the N side of Uo-jima. Lights are shown from

each breakwater head. 

8.4 Takaikami-jima (34°11'N., 133°16'E.), about 1.5 miles

WNW of Uo-jima, lies on the S side of the recommended route

and near the central turning point. It slopes gradually N and S,

but drops steeply on its E and W sides. The summit of the island, 258m high, is conspicuous from a distance. A light is

shown from the N slope of the island, and pine trees mark the

NE end of the island. A racon transmits from the lighted tower.

Depths of less than 10.1m extend up to 0.5 mile E and W of the

island.

8.4 Submarine power cables link the islands Takaikami-jima

Toyo, Yuge, and Uo-jima. 

8.4 Hiuchi Deitai, a mud bank with depths of less than 20m,

extends from S of Takaikami-jima to the NE end of O Shima.

There is a least depth of 15m near the recommended track.

8.4 Kaji Shima (Kazi Shima), about 6.5 miles SW of Takaikamijima, is a round-topped island, 79m high, and covered with

bamboo grass. A reef extends about 0.1 mile S of the island.

8.4 Shisaka-jima is the collective name for four islets, about 1

mile E of Kaji Shima. Ieno Shima (Iye Shima), the middle island, is joined by reclaimed land to Mino Shima, close S. The

chimney of a former refinery, 110m high on Ieno Shima, is

conspicuous from a distance. Nezumi-jima, 49m high, lies

close W of Ieno Shima. Myojin-jima, 88m high and covered

with bamboo grass, lies about 0.3 mile N of Ieno Shima.

Shoals, with depths of 8.7 and 10.8m, lie about 185m and

348m NW, respectively, of Nezumi Shima; a group of rocks,

some drying, extends about 0.1 mile SE of the same island.

8.4 Bandai Iso, a steep-to rock, with a depth of 0.3m, lies about

0.8 mile ESE of Mino Shima. About 0.2 mile farther ENE, there

is a rock, with a depth of 1.3m, with another rock close E, with a

depth of 4.7m. A lighted buoy is moored S of the above rocks.

8.4 Okino Se, a steep-to rock, with a depth of 5.8m, lies 2.75

miles N of Higi Shima. A light is shown from a round concrete

structure on Okino Se. A long narrow shoal, with depths of less

than 20m and a least depth of 14.4m, extends about 1.3 miles

SSW from a position about 3.5 miles WSW of Kaji Shima.

8.4 Caution.—Fishing nets are positioned between April and

June (it is reported times can vary), as follows:

1. About 2.3 miles SW from Uji Shima.

2. About 2.5 miles SW from Hashiri Jimi.

3. In the area 2 miles E of Hyakkan-jima (length about 2

miles).

4. In the area 2.5 miles NE of Hyakkan-jima (length

about 2.3 miles).

5. In the area 2 miles NE of Toyo Shima (length about

2.3 miles).

8.4 The nets NE of Hyakkan-jima and SW of Uji Shima cross

the fairway. The nets are indicated by buoys with flashing

lights and small flags, but are reported to be difficult to see

when a strong tidal current is running.

8.4 Fishing vessels infrequently congregate in the vicinity of

Takaikami Shima, spreading E and W over a large area, and

when there is a wind they operate in pairs to tow their nets, and

some may run across the fairway at considerable speed.

8.4 The area W of Mi Saki and the area in the vicinity of Ibuki

Shima and Marugami-jima may have large numbers of fishing

boats operating in them.

Kurushima Kaikyo

8.5 Kurushima Kaikyo (34°07'N., 133°00'E.) is an important strait joining Hiuchi Nada to Aki Nada. There are four
Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 171

Pub. 159

channels through the strait, but they are all narrow and winding, with a poor forward view; the tidal currents are strong and

complex. There is considerable traffic in Kurushima Kaikyo

and its approaches. Passage through the strait should not be

made at the time of the strongest tidal current or in poor visibility.

8.5 Winds—Weather.—The average wind velocity throughout

the year is about 11.5 knots, but due to the topography of the

straight there are frequent W and N winds in the vicinity of the

W entrance, but rarely S winds in the vicinity of the E entrance.

During the winter monsoon winds and when a depression is

transiting the Sea of Japan, the W wind strengthens and has on

occasion exceeded a maximum velocity of 58 knots.

8.5 Fog on a monthly basis is concentrated from April to June,

but is more frequent in Bingo Nada than in the vicinity of the

W entrance. The generation of fog occurs in the later half of

the night and is most frequent 4 to 6 hours before sunrise. The

tendency is for the fog to disperse by about 1100. Its duration is

relatively short in summer, but frequently 6 to 12 hours in

spring.

8.5 Tides—Currents.—The tidal currents in the narrow channels of Kurushima Kaikyo are very strong and extraordinarily

complex, causing tide rips and whirlpools in places. In addition, there are areas of countercurrents in the lee of islands,

etc., but generally the rate of the current is weak and the direction variable. The general condition of the various channels is,

as follows:

1. On the center line of Naka Suido, the S current (N

current) flows from about 1 hour 20 minutes after LW (HW)

at Hashihama, until about 1 hour 20 minutes after HW (LW).

The maximum velocity is attained close downstream of the

narrowest part of the channel for both N and S currents, and

the maximum velocity may exceed 10 knots.

2. In the central part of Nishi Suido the turn of the tidal

current is about 20 minutes later than in the Naka Suido. The

area of the strongest velocity of the S current is almost on the

center line of the channel, and for the N current in the area of

the line from the SW end of Uma Shima to the NE end of Ko

Shima. The velocity is about the same as that of Naka Suido.

In addition, when there is a N current, it sets down hard on

Ko Shima except during its final period. 

3. The turn of the tide in the central part of Higashi

Suido is almost simultaneous with that in the central part of

Naka Suido, but the maximum velocity is about 0.5 times the

maximum velocity in Naka Suido.

4. In the channel between Ko Shima and Kuru Shima the

turn of the tide is about 15 minutes earlier than in Naka

Suido. When there is a NW current, it sets down strongly on

Kuru Shima. The NW current is stronger than the SE current, and the maximum velocities are 0.75 and 0.5 times, respectively, of the maximum velocity in Naka Suido.

Information concerning tidal currents in Kurushima

Kaikyo is provided at the following website: 

Tidal Signals.—The tidal signals refer to the tidal current in

Naka Suido, W of Nakato-jima. For further information, see

the Kurushima Kaikyo Traffic Route graphic in paragraph

8.11. The tidal stations are, as follows:

1. At the Nagaseno Hana Tidal Signal Station and the

Osumi Hana Tidal Signal Station, the signals are shown continuously, day and night, by a white isophase light every 4

seconds. The signals consist of letters, numerals, and arrow

symbols, as follows:

a. The letter N or S—The direction of the current.

b. A numeral from 0 to 9—The velocity of the current.

c. An arrow pointing vertically up—An increasing

current.

d. An arrow pointing down—A decreasing current.

e. The letter X is shown during the last period of the

current (for about 10 minutes before the turn), instead of

the numeral and arrow symbol.

2. At the Nakato-jima Tidal Signal Station, the signals

are made, by day, with a white beam having a red disc at one

end and a black rectangle at the other, pivoted at the head of

a white post at an elevation of 37m; the night signals are

made by a light shown from the station. The positions of the

day signal, the characteristics of the light for the night signal,

and their meaning are given in the accompanying table.

3. At the Ohama Tidal Signal Station and the Tsu Shima

Tidal Signal Station, the following tidal current signals are

shown day and night:

a. Green flashing light every 10 seconds—South current.

b. Green group flashing light, three flashes every 20

seconds—The last period of the S current.

c. Red flashing light every 10 seconds—North current.

d. Red group flashing light, three flashes every 10

seconds—Last period of the N current.

http://www6.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/kurushima

Nakato-jima Tidal Signal Station—Tidal Signals

Meaning Day signal Night signal

The period of the S current Black rectangular shape upward, beam inclined at 

an angle of about 30° from the vertical Flashing green light every 3 seconds

Last period of S current Black rectangular shape upward, beam inclined at 

an angle of about 70° from the vertical

Group flashing green light, three 

flashes every 8 seconds

The period of the N current. Red disc upward, beam inclined at an angle of 

about 30° from the vertical Flashing red light every 3 seconds

Last period of the N current Red disc upward, beam inclined at an angle of 

about 70° from the vertical

Group flashing red light, three flashes 

every 8 seconds
172 Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 

Pub. 159

8.5 There is an indicator light, showing a fixed yellow and red

light, at the Ohama Tidal Signal Station, the Nakato-jima Tidal

Signal Station, and the Tsu Shima Tidal Signal Station.

8.5 The Ohama Tidal Signal Station (34°05'N., 133°00'E.) lies

near the N harbor limit of Imabari Ko. Chikami Yama (Tikami

Yama) rises to an elevation of 244m, about 1 mile WSW of the

signal station. Karako Yama, 105m high, an isolated hill resembling Mount Fuji, is conspicuous about 4.3 miles SSE of

the signal station.

8.5 The Ohama Tidal Signal Station also broadcasts continuously on 1,665 kHz, identification signal NT. Signals broadcast

the period and direction of the tidal current in Naka Suido are,

as follows:

1. S—The period of the S current.

2. LS—Last period of the S current.

3. N—The period of the N current.

4. LN—Last period of the N current.

5. R—Information not available.

Depths—Limitations.—The least depth in the central part

of Kurushima Kaikyo is 18.4m at the N entrance to Naka

Suido, with deep water elsewhere. There are many shoals and

submerged rocks around Uma Shima and along the coast of

Shikoku; there are frequent marine accidents due to groundings, etc.

Regulations.—Kurushima Kaikyo Vessel Traffic Service

(VTS).—Vessels of 50m in length or more are required to

maintain continuous contact with Kurushima MARTIS on

VHF channels 16 and 13 when navigating in the traffic routes,

the approaches to the traffic routes, and the adjacent sea areas.

8.5 The following ports lie within the Kurushima Kaikyo Traffic

Advisory Service area:

1. Imabari

2. Kikuma

3. Kikuma Oil Terminal

4. Namikata 

8.5 Pre-Entry Reports.—The following vessels must notify

Kurushima MARTIS of a vessel’s ETA by noon local time of

the day prior to the date of entering Kurushima Strait traffic

scheme. Notification may be made by telephone, MF, VHF, or

FAX.

1. Huge vessels - vessels of 200m and over.

2. Vessels of 160m and over.

3. Vessels of 25,000 grt and more carrying liquefied gas.

4. Vessels engaged in towing or pushing with a total

surface length of 100m or more.

8.5 Pre-Entry Reports should include the following information:

1. Vessel name, call sign, grt, and loa.

2. Draft.

3. Section of the traffic route the vessel intends to

navigate.

(a) ETA at the entrance to the traffic scheme.

(b) ETD from the traffic scheme.

4. Vessel’s contact information.

5. Port of destination.

6. Type and quantity of dangerous goods if carried.

7. Length between the bow of the towing vessel and the

stern of the towed vessel, or between the front of the pushed

vessel and the stern of the pushing vessel.

8.5 Changes to the information provided to Kurushima MARTIS

should be reported 3 hours prior to entry of the traffic route.

Changes occurring within 3 hours of traffic route entry should

be reported immediately.

8.5 The following vessels, except those listed previously,

intending to navigate the Kurushima Strait traffic route are

required to report to Kurushima MARTIS 3 hours prior to

entering the traffic scheme. 

1. Vessels of 300 gross tons and over carrying quantities

of powder as specified in the Ordinance for Enforcement of

the Act on Maritime Traffic Safety.

2. Vessels of 1,000 gross tons and over carrying

inflammable high pressure gas in bulk.

3. Vessels of 1,000 gross tons and over carrying

inflammable liquid in bulk.

4. Vessels of 300 gross tons and over carrying 200 tons

or more of organic peroxide.

8.5 Reports should include the following information:

1. Vessel name, call sign, grt, and loa.

2. Section of the traffic route the vessel intends to

navigate.

(a) ETA at the entrance to the traffic scheme.

(b) ETD from the traffic scheme.

3. Vessel’s contact information.

4. Port of destination.

5. Type and quantity of dangerous goods if carried. 

8.5 Steering and Sailing Rules.—The following navigation

rules apply to vessels transiting the Kurushima Kaikyo traffic

route: 

1. Prohibited Overtaking.

Vessels should not overtake other vessels in the nopassing zone. This rule excludes vessels engaged in fishing,

vessels engaged in construction work, vesels navigating a

low speed to perform urgent service, and vessels unable to

maintain a ground speed of 4 knots. 

Prohibited overtaking rule shall not apply to vessels which

must depart from this rule to avoid immediate danger.

2. Minimum Speed.

Vessels navigating against the tidal current must

mainain a minimum speed of 4 knots over the speed of the

tidal current. Vessels unable to maintain this minimum speed

will be instructed to wait off the traffic route.

3. Mandatory Reports.

Vessels intending to navigate the traffic route within

an hour of a change of current direction must report the

following to the Traffic Advisory Service Center (TASC)

upon passing the reporting line :

(a) Vessel name.

(b) Means of communication with JCG.

(c) Vessel speed.

(d) ETA at the traffic route.

4. Alternate Channels.

Vessels may be required to navigate channels other

than Kusrushima Kaikyo in accordance with the direction of

the tidal current. Vessels will be advised by the Japan Coast

Guard (JCG).

8.5 Vessels of 50m and greater in length and vessels engaged in

towing or pushing should report to Kurushima MARTIS on
Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 173

Pub. 159

VHF channel 16 or 13 when crossing any of the reporting lines

listed in the table below. 

8.5 Vessels equipped with accurate AIS may omit sending

position reports by VHF, however a continuous watch on VHF

channels 13 and 16 is obligatory.

8.6 Namikata Oil Terminal (34°07.1'N., 132°54.6'E.)

lies 2 miles SW of Osumi Bana, on the N coast of the projection forming the N side of Obe Wan. There are seven oil

berths, the main jetty having a depth of 20m and can accommodate vessels of up to 125,000 dwt. Tugs of up to 3500 horsepower are available for berthing/unberthing, which is undertaken in daylight hours only.

Aspect.—O Shima, at the E entrance, was previously described in paragraph 8.3. Nagaseno Hana (34°06'N.,

133°02'E.), a cliffy headland, lies at the SE end of O Shima.

There is a tidal signal station on the headland.

8.6 Kozo Iso, drying rocks, with a small rock, 2m high, near its

center, extend to about 410m SSW of Nagaseno Hana. Tide

rips occur S of Kozo Iso.

8.6 Ryujin To (Ryuzin Shima), a small rock, marked by a light,

lies W of Kozo Iso, and about 0.4 mile SW of Nagaseno Hana.

A rock, drying 0.2m, and a depth of 3.2m, lie close S and 137m

S, respectively, of Ryujin To.

8.6 A rock, with a depth of 17.1m, lies about 2.8 miles ENE of

Ryujin To, with depths of less than 20.1m extending about 0.3

mile NW and SE, respectively, from it. Okino Se and the bank

SSW were previously described in paragraph 8.4.

8.6 Hiki Shima (Higi Shima) (34°03'N., 133°06'E.), a flattopped island, 58m high, and marked by a light on its summit,

lies about 4.3 miles SE of Ryujin To. There is a line of three

islets on the W side of the island; Ko-hiki Shima (Ko-Higi

Shima) lies close ENE of the island. Hiki Shima and Ko-hiki

Shima are surrounded by shoals, and a depth of 3.4m lies

nearly 0.2 mile SSE of Ko-higi Shima.

8.6 Ajika Iwa (Asiko Iso), a rock drying 2.3m, lies about 1 mile

ENE of Ko-higi Shima; it is marked by a beacon and a lighted

buoy on its NE side. Aino Ishi, drying 0.5m, lies about 0.2 mile

SW of Ajika Iwa. Shitano Ishi, a rock with a depth of 0.9m, lies

about 0.3 mile farther WSW; a depth of 4.3m lies about 0.1

mile SE of Shitano Ishi. Rocks, with depths of 13.6 and 17.1m,

lie about 0.5 mile SSE and 0.4 mile SW, respectively, of Ajika

Iwo.

8.6 Heichi Shima (Heiti Shima), about 2 miles S of Hiki Shima,

has a flat summit, 96m high, with rows of pine trees on its

slopes; there is a forest of pine trees on its summit. Ko-heichi

Shima (Koheiti Shima), covered with bamboo grass, lies close

E of Heichi Shima, from which it is separated by a narrow,

shallow channel. Shiakabe Iwa, a pointed rock, 17.1m high,

lies about 0.5 mile S of Heichi Shima.

8.6 Teraga Iso, a sandbank, with depths of less than 10.1m and a

least depth 4.7m, extends from a position about 1.3 miles NW

of the NW extremity of Heichi Shima, in a WNW direction to

about 0.5 mile off the coast of Shikoku. There are sandwaves

on the sandbank. A rock, with a depth of 6.4m, lies about 0.2

mile off the mouth of Tomita Kawa, W of Terago Iso.

Narrows of Kurushima Kaikyo

8.7 There are four conspicuous steel pylons for the overhead cables running from the SW part of O Shima to the Shikoku coast via Nakato-jima and Uma Shima. There is a vertical

clearance of 66m over Nishi Suido and Nake Suido, and a vertical clearance of 41m over the channel between Nakato-jima

and O Shima.

8.7 There is an overhead cable, with a vertical clearance of 75m,

across Nishi Suido, between Uma Shima and Ko Shima to the

NW. The steel pylons are 80m high.

8.7 A bridge crosses Nishi Suido, between the coast of Shikoku

and Uma Shima and between Uma Shima and Mushi-jima;

there is a vertical clearance of about 65m in both channels. The

Reporting Lines

Name of 

Reporting 

Lines

Abbreviation Description

Kurushima 

Kaikyo East 

Entrance N

EN

A line bearing 325° 

from Kaji Shima to 

the coast at O Shima

Kurushima 

Kaikyo East 

Entrance S

ES

A line bearing 218° 

from Kaji Shima to 

the coast of Shikoku

Imabari KI

A line bearing 120° 

from Ohama Signal 

Station to position 

34°04'N, 133°02'E 

then 189° to the coast

Hashihama KH

A line drawn from 

Osumi Hana to O 

Shima East Light then 

199° to the coast

Namikata KS

A line bearing 250° 

from Osumi Hana to 

position 34°08'N, 

132°54'E then 205° to 

the shore

Kurushima 

Kaikyo 

North 

Entrance E

KE

A line bearing160° 

from the coast at 

position 34°11'N, 

132°58'E to the signal 

station on Tsu Shima 

then 141° to the coast 

of O Shima

Kurushima 

Kaikyo 

North 

Entrance W

KN

A line bearing 075° 

from Osaki-Shimo 

Shima to Ago-noHana Light then 075° 

to Omi Shima

Kurushima 

Kaikyo West 

Entrance N

WN

A line bearing 000° 

from the E end of 

Itsuki Shima to the 

coast at Osaki-Shimo 

Shima

Kurushima 

Kaikyo West 

Entrance S

WS

A line connecting the 

E end of Itsuki Shima 

and Kajitori Hana 

Light
174 Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 

Pub. 159

No Passing Zone - Kurushima Kaikyo Traffic Route
Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 175

Pub. 159

bridge continues ENE from Mushi-jima to O Shima, with a

vertical clearance of about 36m.

8.7 Naka Suido Nakato-jima (Nakato Shima) (34°07'N.,

133°00'E.), a round-topped island, 62m high, lies on the E side

of Naka Suido. The tidal signal station is situated at its NW

end.

8.7 Mushi-jima (Musi Shima), 55m high near its SE end, lies

about 0.3 mile NE of Nakato-jima. Ko-mushi Shima, 37m

high, lies close off the NW end of Mushi-jima. Warabe Iso, an

isolated rock, with a depth of 3.1m, lies about 82m W of

Mushi-jima.

8.7 An area to the W and N of Mushi-jima is delineated by nine

lighted buoys. Entry into this area is restricted due to bridge

construction.

8.7 Taka Se, about 0.5 mile NNW of Nakano-jima, is a rock,

with a least depth of 18.4m, and the least depth in the fairway.

8.7 Uma Shima lies about 0.3 mile W of Nakato-jima, leaving a

navigable width of about 0.2 mile. The island has two summits,

the S is higher and surmounted by the previously-mentioned

pylon. Uzuno Hana, Okora Saki, and Nagase Hana, the SW, W,

and E extremities, respectively, of the island, are marked by

lights. The N and E shores are bordered by dangerous rocks

extending from 90 to 180m offshore.

8.7 Mukuri, a rock, with a depth of 1.7m, lies about 250m N of

Nagase Hana. Nagase Hana, bearing 188°, in range with

Ohama Tidal Signal Station, clears Mukuri.

8.8 Nishi Suido.—The SW and N ends of Uma Shima are

bordered by dangerous submerged rocks. Rocks, with depths

of 5.2 and 1.8m, lie about 230m W of the N end of the island.

Depths of over 20m lie from 150 to 250m off the W coast of

Uma Shima. Nishi Suido should be navigated against the current, which attains a rate of as much as 8 knots.

8.8 An overhead power cable, with a vertical clearance of about

66m, spans Nishi Suido between the S end of Uma Shima and

Shikoku to the WSW. The towers supporting the cable at each

end are conspicuous and stand at elevations of 200m and

162m. They are marked by red obstruction lights.

8.8 The Shikoku coast N of Imabari Ko should not be approached closely, due to the many rocks and shoals bordering

the coast.

8.8 Ama Se, a rock, drying 0.6m, lies about 0.1 mile offshore,

about 0.5 mile W of the SW extremity of Uma Shima. A

lighted beacon stands on Ama Se. 

8.8 Oiseno Se, a rock, with a depth of 4.4m, lies about 0.1 mile

offshore, about 295m NNW of Ama Se.

8.8 Shiro Ishi, a white rock marked by a light, lies about 0.3 mile

SSE of Ama Se. Mukuri, a rock, with a depth of 4.7m, lies

about 228m ESE of Shiro Ishi, and is the outermost of the

shoals; it lies close to the traffic route.

8.8 Hiro Se, a group of rocks, some of which dry, lies about 0.3

mile SSE of Shiri Ishi. Wakameji, consisting of reefs with a

least depth of 2.1m, extends about 137m NNE of Hiro Se.

8.8 Ko Shima (O Shima), about 0.5 mile NW of Uma Shima, is

100m high, with much cultivated ground and some wooded

areas. Biwano Kubi, a small wooded bluff, 43m high, and surmounted by a pylon, is connected to the SW end of Ko Shima

by an isthmus. Futatsu Iwa, a rock drying 3.7m, and marked by

a light, lies about 90m SW of Biwano Kubi.

8.8 Oasari, a steep-to rock, with a depth of 8.6m, lies about 0.2

mile off the coast of Ko Shima, about 0.3 mile ESE of Biwano

Kubi. Nezumi Iso, a rock, with a depth of 8.4m, lies about 0.1

mile NW of Oasari.

Nagaseno Hana Light

Ryujin To Light
176 Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 

Pub. 159

8.9 Kono Se (34°07'36"N., 132°59'24"E.), with a depth

of 19.2m, is steep-to on its E and W sides, and lies on the W

side of the N end of Nishi Suido.

In Higashi Suido (Higasi Suido), the pylons supporting the

overhead cable are conspicuous. Gono Ishi, rocks with depths

of less than 1.8m, lie about 137m E of Nakato-jima.

8.9 Bujiro, an isolated rock, with a depth of 3.8m, lies in the

middle of Higashi Suido, about 0.2 mile E of Mushi-jima

(34°07'N., 133°01'E.).

8.9 Lights, in line bearing 122°, are situated on the N side of

Hinai Hana, nearly 0.5 mile NE of Mushi-jima. Wakame Iso, a

rock with a depth of 1.1m, lies about 230m SE of this headland.

The Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge

Uzuno Hana Light

Okora Saki Light
Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 177

Pub. 159

8.9 Kenashi Shima lies close N of the E part of Mushi Shima; a

rock, with a depth of 2.7m, and steep-to on its N side, lies

about 90m N of Kenaski Shima.

8.9 Ozukuma Shima, 35m high, lies about 1.3 miles N of Mushijima; its W coast is bordered by dangerous rocks extending to

about 250m offshore. A reef, with a rock drying 0.7m at its

outer end, extends about 0.1 mile S of the island.

8.9 An overhead cable, with a vertical clearance of 29m, extends

from the SE side of Ozukuma Shima, to Boze, a headland,

about 0.3 mile SE. Bozo Iso, a rock with a depth of 9.5m, lies

at the end of a reef extending about 0.1 mile WSW of Boze.

8.10 Kuru Shima (34°07'N., 132°58'E.), about 0.3 mile

SW of Ko Shima, is 40m high, covered with trees, and lies in

the entrance to Hashihama. Depths of 2.5 to 6.5m extend to

about 137m N of the island. Umano Se, rocks with a least

depth of 2.9m, lie about 320m E of Kuru Shima.

Hiro Se, a rock drying 1.3m and marked by a light, lies in the

approach to Namikate Ko, about 0.8 mile WNW of Kuru

Shima. Shoal water extends up to 0.2 mile offshore, about 0.5

mile SE of Osumi Bana.

8.10 Shiro Ishi, a white, pointed rock, 8.5m high, liesabout 1 mile

N of Kuru Shima. Dangerous submerged rocks extend about

1.5 miles WNW of Ko Shima. Tanishi Su, with a least depth of

6.6m, lies about 0.8 mile ESE of Osumi Bana (34°08'N.,

132°57'E.).

8.10 There are sand waves about 1 mile offshore between Ko

Shima and Osumi Bana.

Aspect.—Tsu Shima (34°09'N., 133°00'E.), about 1.5 miles

N of Uma Shima, lies on the E side of the W entrance to Kurushima Kaikyo. It has E and W peaks, which appear as one

mountain when viewed from the W. Ichinose Yama, the W peak,

177m high and rather pointed, is a good mark for passing

through the narrows of Kurushima Kaikyo. There is a tidal signal station near Ichinose Hana, the SW end of the island. Tsu

Shima Tidal Signal Station consists of a round concrete structure. Signal lights are shown at an elevation of 48m, and a light

indicating the position of the station is shown at an elevation of

54m.

8.11 Osumi Bana (Osumi Hana) (34°08'N., 132°57'E.),

about 2.5 miles WSW of Tsu Shima, lies on the S side of the W

entrance to Kurushima Kaikyo. There is a tidal signal station

about 0.1 mile S of the headland. Drying rocks, on which there

is rock, 3.8m high, extend about 137m N of the headland.

8.11 Ikado Iso, about 0.2 mile long N-S, lies about 0.4 mile

WNW of Osumi Hana. It is marked by a light at its N end, and

Hinai Hana Range Lights

Ikado Iso Light
178 Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 

Pub. 159

a rock, 7m high, lies at its S end. Ko-ikado, two white rocks,

4.6m high, and a drying rock, lie about 90m SSE and W, respectively, of the S rock. A shoal, with a least depth of 14.9m,

lies about 0.3 mile ENE of Ikado Iso Light.

Kajitori Hana (Kazitori Hana), marked by a light, lies about

3 miles WSW of Osumi Hana. Ogon Sho, an isolated rock,

with a depth of 9.5m, and with tide rips in its vicinity, lies

about 0.4 mile WNW of Kajitori Hana.

8.11 Oge Shima, about 2.5 miles N of Osumi Bana, attains an

elevation of 208m in its N part; it is marked by light on its W

side. Ko-oge Shima, about 0.5 mile W of Oge Shima, has a

133m summit in its SW end; white cliffs, caused by quarrying,

are conspicuous on the S side of its summit. Yakushi Yama

(Yakusi Yami) (34°12'N., 132°58'E.) is conspicuous in the SW

end of Omi Shima.

Pilotage.—Pilotage is compulsory in Kurushima Kaikyo and

its approaches for the following vessels:

1. Vessels of 10,000 grt or over.

2. Foreign vessels carrying dangerous cargo.

3. Foreign vessels whose master is making a first voyage

through the Naikai.

8.11 For further information, see paragraph 6.1.

8.11 Regulations.—The Kurushima Traffic Route (Kurusima

Traffic Route) has been established under the Maritime Traffic

Safety Law. Vessels must navigate in accordance with the traffic procedures established under this law:

1. Traffic in Naka Suido and Nishi Suido is one-way,

depending on the direction of the tidal current.

2. When there is a S tidal current, vessels meeting in the

E and W entrances should pass each other starboard to starboard.

3. When there is a N tidal current, eastbound vessels in

Nishi Suido and vessels heading to pass between Ko Shima

and Hashihama should pass starboard to starboard.

4. When in the passage at the time of the turn of the tide,

there is danger of meeting conflicting traffic within a given

channel around the time of the turn of the tide, because navigation in a particular channel continues without interruption.

Higashi Suido and Kurushima Seto are the channels normally used by scheduled shipping services and small vessels.

5. The following vessels are required to have an escort

vessel, with a firefighting capability before navigating the

straits:

a. Vessels of 250m or more in length.

b. Vessels of 200m or more in length which are carrying a dangerous cargo.

c. Vessels of 25,000 grt or more which are carrying

liquefied gas.

6. The following additional limitations and regulations

apply to tankers using the strait:

a. Laden tankers and tankers in ballast, but not gasfree:

• Length overall of 200 to 230m—Maximum

draft of 11.9m

• Length overall of 230 to 285m—Maximum

draft of 11.0m

b. Gas-free tankers:

• Length overall of 200 to 250m—Maximum

draft of 12.8m

• Length overall of 250 to 300m—Maximum

draft of 11.0m

Tankers should only navigate Naka Suido during daylight

hours and when the favorable tidal current is less than 3

knots.

The draft of tankers in passage between Kurushima Kaikyo Traffic Route and Mizushima Traffic Route should not

be more than 11m.

7. In low visibility, entry into Kurushima Kaikyo Traffic

Route is restricted as given in the accompanying table titled

Kurushima Kaikyo Low Visibility Restrictions .

8.11 The Kurushima Kaikyo Traffic Advisory Service (TAS)

provides vessels with information, controls traffic routes, and

ensures safe navigation. Huge vessels, vessels of 10,000 gross

tons or more (except huge vessels), and vessels towing (or

pushing) an object between 100m and 200m in total length,

should report to Kurushima Martis, by VHF or telephone, on

passing the Reporting Points listed in the accompanying table.

8.11 The following information should be included in the report:

1. Vessel’s name.

2. Time passing Reporting Point. 

3. Abbreviation of Reporting Points.

4. If towing or pushing, length of vessel.

5. Destination of vessel (that do not need seaway information).

8.11 Vessels may be instructed by the captain of the port to

evacuate the port in the event of abnormal weather or marine

conditions such as typhoons or marine accidents. 

8.11 Caution.—Vessels should avoid crossing in the vicinity of

the entrance and departure points of the traffic route.

8.11 Vessels intending to enter the traffic route or to alter course

after leaving it shall not alter course in the sea area near the

entrance and departure points of the traffic route.

8.11 At Reporting Point WS, a large number of fishing vessels

congregate in every channel.

8.11 At Reporting Point WS, line fishing vessels congregate in

the fairways and may greatly impede the passage of large vessels. They do not enter the fairway when the current is strong,

but some may remain while the current is still weak. The greatest obstruction to navigation is the concentration of fishing

Kurushima Kaikyo Low Visibility Restrictions

Type of Vessel Restriction

Vessels of 200m or more in

length. Entry prohibited when the

visibility in the traffic route

is less than 1 mile. Vessels of 50,000 grt or

more carrying dangerous

cargo.

Vessels of 25,000 grt or

more carrying liquefied

gas.

Entry prohibited when the

visibility in the traffic route

Vessels towing or pushing is less than 1 mile.

very long tows.

Vessels carrying dangerous

cargo (excluding those listed above).

Entry prohibited when the

visibility in the traffic route

is less 0.5 mile.
Pub. 159Kurushima Kaikyo Traffic Route - Position Reporting Lines
180 Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 

Pub. 159

lights in use on the coasts of Uma Shima, Nakato-jima, and Ko

Shima; the islands and headlands may not be visible due to

these lights.

8.11 A triple-linked suspension bridge spans Nishi Suida, Naka

Suida, and Higashi Suida, with a vertical clearance of 65m for

Nishi Suida, 65m for Naka Suida, and 46m for Higashi Suida.

Imabari Ko (34°04'N., 133°01'E.)

World Port Index No. 62070

8.12 Imabari Ko is a specified harbor on the S side of

Kurushima Kaikyo. It consists of Section I to Section III; Section III at Hashihama (34°06'N., 132°58'E.) is used as an anchorage for small local vessels and for the construction and

repair of medium and small vessels.

8.12 Winds—Weather.—The inner harbor is safe even in NE to

E winds, which are the most severe, and raise a sea at the entrance.

8.12 Tides—Currents.—The tidal rise at Imabari is 3.4m at

springs, and 2.6m at neaps.

8.12 The flood current flows SE, and the ebb current flows NW,

but are not strong enough to have any particular effect on navigation.

8.12 Depths—Limitations.—The controlling depth in the

channel is 9m. In Section I, the inner harbor, the wharf S of the

base of the E breakwater has depths of 4.5m alongside and a

length of 235m. 

8.12 A bent groin, from which a light is shown, extends from the

shore; its head is situated close E of the S end of the detached

breakwater. 

8.12 Kurashiki Wharf, on the W side of the commercial harbor,

about 0.5 mile farther SE, N of the mouth of Soja Kawa (Sosya

Kawa), has a depth of 9m alongside its N berth, which can accommodate vessels up to 8.5m draft and 15,000 grt. Temposan

Wharf, with a depth of 7.5m alongside, lies on the SE side of

the inner harbor and can accommodate two vessels of 5,000

grt. Three piers and a ferry quay, with a depth of 6.1m alongside, lie on the SW side of the harbor.

8.12 Aspect.—A conspicuous building lies about 0.5 mile SE of

the head of the E breakwater.

8.12 The harbor office, a five-story building with radio masts, lies

on the inner side of the inner harbor. A radio tower is situated

about 0.5 mile SW of the harbor office. A power station chimney, 68m high, is conspicuous about 0.8 mile NW of the E

breakwater. A hotel, 102m high, is reported conspicuous in

position 34°03.7'N, 133°00.0E. 

8.12 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory. The harbormaster

can be contacted by radiotelephone.

8.12 For further information, see paragraph 6.1.

8.12 Anchorage.—Vessels carrying dangerous cargo will be

assigned anchorages in Section II. Temporary anchorage is

available in Section III; however, Umano Se, previously described in paragraph 8.10, lies in the E entrance, and a shoal,

with a depth of 4.7m, and marked by a mooring buoy, lies

about 0.2 mile S of Kuru Shima.

8.12 Caution.—Many ferries and sightseeing vessels use the inner

harbor. In addition, caution is necessary entering or leaving the

harbor as there may be fishing vessels which operate in the E entrance to Kurushima Kaikyo, particularly at Reporting Point WS.

Hiuchi Nada—South Shore

8.13 The coast of Shikoku, from Mi Saki (34°15'N.,

133°34'E.) to O-jima (34°00'N., 133°22'E.), about 18 miles

SW, forms a large bay with generally level sandy shores and a

few steep places. Anchorage can be taken in suitable depths,

about 1 mile off the coast, except in the vicinity of Mi Saki, in

a bottom of mud, or mud and sand. The tidal currents are weak

and there are few uneven parts in the seabed, but there are

many fishing nets and seaweed cultivation grounds along the

Kurushima Kaikyo TAS Reporting Points

Name of Reporting Point Abbreviation Description

Kurushima Kaikyo East Entrance N EN A line bearing 325° from Kaji Shima to the coast (O Shima).

Kurushima Kaikyo East Entrance S ES A line bearing 218° from Kaji Shima to the coast (Shikoku).

Off Imabari KI A line bearing 120° from Ohama Signal Station.

Off Hashihama KH A line connecting Ko Shima East Light and Osumi Hana and a

line connecting Ko Shima East Light and Sashide Hana.

Off Namikata KS A line bearing 250° from Osumi Hana.

Kurushima Kaikyo North Entrance E KE A line connecting Tsu Shima Signal Station and Yakushi Yama

on Omi Shima and a line connecting the Signal Station and

Naibana Front Range Light.

Kurushima Kaikyo North Entrance W KN A line bearing 075° from Agono Hana Light on Oge Shima

and a line bearing 255° from Agono Hana Light.

Kurushima Kaikyo West Entrance N WN A line bearing 000° from the E end of Itsuki Shima to the coast 

(Osaki Shimo Shima).

Kurushima Kaikyo West Entrance S WS A line connecting the E end of Itsuki Shima and Kajitori Hana 

Light.
Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 181

Pub. 159

coast, some of which extend up to about 1 mile offshore.

8.13 Maruyama Shima (34°13'N., 133°37'E.), about 3.5 miles

SE of Mi Saki, is 101m high, densely wooded, conspicuous,

and has a black appearance.

8.13 Otsuta Shima, 91m high, lies about 1 mile farther SE, with

Ko-tsuta Shima, close SSE. Tenjinno Iso, steep-to, with a depth

of 7.4m, lies about 1.5 miles W of Otsuta Shima.

8.13 Tsukumo Saki, about 2.5 miles S of Ko-tsuta Shima, is

surmounted by Tsukumo Yama, a conical hill, 153m high, and

appears as an island from the N; the large landslide on the SW

side of the hill is conspicuous.

8.13 Kannonji Ko (34°07'N., 133°38'E.), about 1.5 miles farther S,

lies at the mouths of Saita Kawa and Ichinotani Kawa. Numerous

fish havens extending up to 1 mile offshore exist in this vicinity. A

chimney, 37m high, is conspicuous on the N side of the mouth of

Saita Kawa, from which a breakwater extends. Close S of this

breakwater, N and S breakwaters enclose the harbor at the

entrance of Ichinotani Kawa; a detached breakwater fronts the

harbor entrance. A wharf, at the base of the N breakwater, has

depths of 4m alongside its S side, with a length of 111m. The

roadstead W of the pier has depths of 6m.

8.13 Toyohama Ko, a small harbor, lies about 3 miles S of Kannonji Ko. A light is shown at the head of the W breakwater.

Yoki Saki, a headland, 28m high, is conspicuous about 2.8

miles farther SW; it lies about 1 mile NNW of Yahachi Yama,

264m high. Okino Iso, a rock with two heads, each drying

0.8m, lies about 0.3 mile offshore, about 0.5 mile ENE of Yoki

Saki.

Mishima-Kawanoe Ko (34°00'N., 133°33'E.)

World Port Index No. 62085

8.14 Mishima-Kawanoe Ko is a specified harbor on the SE

side of Hiuchi Nada. It is developing into an industrial port with

paper-making and cotton-spinning industries. The harbor consists

of Kawanoe Chiku and the city of Kawanoe, in its NE part, and

Mishima Chiku and the city of Iyo-Mishima, in its SW part.

8.14 Kawanoe Shiku consists of a small harbor, (formerly Kawanoe

Ko), sheltered by breakwaters; the fishing harbor close SW; and

Nishi Ko Wharf 2 and Nishi Ko Wharf 1, respectively, farther SW.

Imabari Ko Breakwater Lights

Agono Hana Light
182 Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 

Pub. 159

The W breakwater of the local harbor is being extended NNW.

Kinsei Kawa discharges into the middle of Kawanoe Chiku.

8.14 Mishima Chiku consists of the small local harbor (formerly

Mishima Ko), sheltered by breakwaters; Taio Dolphin Berth,

close NE; and Muromatsu Wharf, farther NE. East Wharf lies

in the S part of the harbor. 

8.14 A breakwater is situated at the NW end of East Wharf; a

light is shown from the end of the breakwater at Sankawa, 1.5

miles WSW of East Wharf. A detached breakwater, from

which a light is shown, is situated 0.5 mile seaward of Muromatsu Wharfs. 

8.14 Winds—Weather.—The most frequent wind is W, followed by NE. North and S winds are the least frequent. As the

harbor opens into Hiuchi Nada, the berthing of vessels alongside the wharf is difficult when there is a strong N wind.

8.14 Tides—Currents.—The mean tidal rise at Mishima is 3.7m

at springs and 2.9m at neaps. The flood current flows SE, and

the ebb current flows NE to SW, but does not constitute an

obstacle to navigation.

8.14 Depths—Limitations.—There is a dolphin berth, with a

depth of 9m alongside, projecting N from East Wharf. 

8.14 Nishi Ko Wharf 1 (Kawaneo Chi-ku) has depths of 11.6 to

12m alongside the major part of its NE side. There is a least

depth of 10.1m in the approach to the NE side of the wharf;

however, close NE, a bank, with a least depth of 9.5m, fronts

Nishi Ko Wharf 2.

8.14 Goten Iso, a fishing reef with a least depth of 7.9m, lies

about 0.3 mile NW of the NW extremity of Nishi Ko Wharf 2.

8.14 Murumatsu Wharf has two berths on the outer part of its S

side, with depths of 15m alongside. 

8.14 Taio Dolphin Berth has depths of 9.5m alongside. 

8.14 Okidai Wharf is 200m long, with a depth alongside of 3.5m. 

8.14 Aspect.—Shiro Yama, 62m high, with a park, is conspiucous S of the fishing harbor.

8.14 The smoke from the factories at Kawanoe and Iyo-Mishima

is very visible from a distance.

8.14 A paper mill chimney, 183m high and painted red and white,

is conspicuous on the S side of Murumatsu Wharf.

8.14 Pilotage.—Pilots are available from Sakaide with sufficient

advance notice, when required. For further information, see

paragraph 6.1.

8.14 Anchorage.—The quarantine anchorage is centered about

0.5 mile NW of Murumatsu Wharf; there are depths of 14 to

17.1m in the anchorage.

Niihama Ko (33°59'N., 133°17'E.)

World Port Index No. 62080

8.15 Niihama Ko is a specified harbor located near the

middle of the S shore of Hiuchi Nada. The harbor is divided

into Niihama Ku and Takihama Ku. Takahama Ku (Takahama

Ko), the E part, is a timber harbor; Niihama Ku, the W part, is

divided into Sections I to IV. The city of Niihama is a major industrial city, from metal and chemical industries, and mining.

8.15 Kokuryo Kawa flows into the sea about 1 mile E of the entrance to the inner harbor and considerable reclamation work

has been carried out in the intervening area. A breakwater extends ENE from the E entrance point to Kokuryo Kawa.

8.15 Matsunoki, a small harbor constructed on reclaimed land,

lies at the E entrance to Kokuryo Kawa. A detached breakwater lies 91m N of the harbor entrance from the NW end of

which a light is shown.

8.15 Extensive piling work is being carried out along the shoreline between Matsunoki and Habu Saki, 1.5 miles ENE. 

8.15 Winds—Weather.—Throughout the year, the most frequent

winds are WSW and W, followed by ENE. North and S winds

are least in frequency and velocity. Typhoons are blocked by a

mountain range, with elevations of over 1,000m, which lies S

of the harbor; it is reported that typhoons rarely affect the harbor. In strong N winds, swells enter the harbor, but it has no effect on the inner harbor.

8.15 Tides—Currents.—The mean tidal rise at Niihama is 3.5m

at springs and 2.7m at neaps. The flood current flows E outside

the breakwater and generally S inside the breakwater; the ebb

current is the reverse. The current has velocity of 0.75 knot

outside the breakwater and is weak inside the breakwater.

8.15 Depths—Limitations.—North Wharf, about 0.3 mile NE of

the E breakwater at Niihama Ku (Section I), has a depts of 14m

alongside and can accommodate vessels up to 50,000 grt and a

12.8m draft.

8.15 Berth K-6, about 0.5 mile ESE of the head of the E breakwater, can accommodate vessels up to 10,000 grt and a 9.2m

draft. A berth on the W side of Section I, about 0.8 mile S of W

breakwater, has a depth of 9.5m alongside. A least depth of

7.4m lead to the above berths.

Aspect.—Lighted buoys in Hiuchi Nada mark the approach

to Niihama Ko from the NE. O-jima (34°00'N., 133°22'E.),

147m high and comparatively steep-to on its N side, forms the NE

harbor limit of Takihama Ku.

8.15 Habu Saki, about 1.5 miles farther W, is marked by a light,

and is surmounted by Habu Yama, 101m high, about 0.3 mile

SE. The land S of Habu Yama is low and it appears as an island

from a distance.

8.15 Kuro Shima, 49m high, lies about 1 mile ESE of Habu Saki.

It was formerly an island, but has been extended W and S by

reclamation and is now separated from the mainland SE only

by a narrow channel. Its N and E sides are fringed with rocky

ledges.

8.15 Two lighted buoys are moored 0.3 mile NW of Kareneko

Hana, the N extremity of Kuro Shima, and mark the entrance

channel to the inner harbor at Takihama Ku. 

8.15 The large chimneys of the factories at Niihama Ku are good

landmarks; at night the lights of the factories are visible from a

distance. A chimney, 124m high, is conspicuous about 0.8 mile

ESE of the head of the E breakwater; another chimney, 134m

high, and painted red and white, is conspicuous about 0.8 mile

S of the W breakwater.

8.15 With offshore winds, the breakwater lights may be difficult

to distinguish due to smoke, but in these circumstances, the

summit of Miyo Shima, 74m high and heavily wooded, is a

good mark close W of the W breakwater.

8.15 Drying rocks extend about 0.2 mile W of Nishiha Shima

(Saki) (33°58'N., 133°15'E.), in the NW part of Niihama Ku.

Funagami Iwa (Hunagami Iwa), a rock drying 2.7m and

marked by a light, lies about 0.5 mile W of Nishiha Shima.

8.15 In Takihama Ku, Kajikake, a submerged rock, marked NW

by a lighted buoy, lies about 0.2 mile off the W side of O-jima.

Farther SE, Nagaeno Iso, with a least depth of 2.2m, lies
Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 183

Pub. 159

between O-jima and Kuro-jima. The NE side of Kuro-jima is

bordered by rocky ledges.

8.15 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory but is recommended.

There is a liaison office of the Naikai Pilotage Area Pilots

Association at Niihama. Local harbor pilots are available with

48 hours advance notice.

8.15 Pilots can be contacted on VHF channels 12 and 16 (call

sign: Nihama-ho-an).

8.15 The harbormaster can be contacted by radiotelephone regarding harbor operations.

8.15 For further information, see paragraph 6.1.

8.15 Anchorage.—The quarantine anchorage is centered about

0.8 mile NNE of the head of the E breakwater. Vessels loaded

with dangerous cargo are assigned anchorages in Section III.

8.15 There is good anchorage, sheltered from S to W winds, in

depths of 4.9 to 20m, mud, between O-jima and the coast of

Takihama Ku.

8.15 Caution.—Caution is necessary to keep clear of submarine

cables, a submerged water line, and oyster beds. There are

seaweed cultivation grounds (September to April) around Ojima and NE of Kuro-jima.

8.16 Toyo Ko (33°56'N., 133°09'E.).—Saijo Ko, about 4

miles W of Niihama Ko, and Nyugawa Ko, about 3 miles

farther W, are subject to harbor regulations, but the extended

harbor area, which includes both harbors, is the principal port

of Toyo Ko.

8.16 Saijo Ko (Saizyo Ko), at the mouth of Honjin Kawa, can be

recognized by a large number of chimneys and oil tanks of the

factories and power stations on each side of the harbor. The

harbor is sheltered by breakwaters. The channel into the harbor

is about 68m wide, with depths of 3.1 to 4m. Lighted buoys

mark the entrance to the channel, and lights, in line bearing

156°, at the head of the harbor, lead into the inner harbor. Two

overhead power cables, the lower with a vertical clearance of

37m, span the harbor about 2 miles N of the range lights. 

8.16 Several fish havens exist to the E of the range line. A lighted

buoy is situated close to the range line 1.75 miles offshore,

while a similar buoy is 1 mile farther E. 

8.16 A wharf, on the E side of the mouth of Honjin Kawa, has

depths of 3.1 to 4.9m alongside.

8.16 Nyugawa Ko is divided into two parts; the E part is called

Chuo Chiku while the W part is called Nyugawa Chiku. There

are factories, refineries, and a power station in Chuo Chiku,

and a cotton factory in Nyugawa Ku.

8.16 Nyugawa Chiku is sheltered NW by a breakwater. A channel, with depths of 4 to 4.9m and marked by lighted buoys, lies

close SE of the breakwater and leads to the inner harbor. A

wharf, at the base of the breakwater, has a depth of 4.5m alongside. 

8.16 Lighted buoys, about 1 mile ESE of the head of the breakwater at Nyugawa Chiku, mark the entrance to a channel, 4.9m

deep, leading to the harbor at Chuo Chiku. The inner harbor

has a dredged depth of 4.9m bordered by shoal ground. The

power station, on the NW side of the inner harbor, has a conspicuous four-stack composite chimney, 183m high and

painted red and white. The power station jetty has depths of

4.9m alongside; the oil jetty, close NE, has depths of 5.5m

alongside.

8.16 Osaki Hana (33°59'N., 133°04'E.), about 3 miles NW of

Toyo Ko, is a sloping point, high in its N part and low in its S

part. The coast N of Osaki Hana consists of sandy beaches

backed by mountains. Kasamatsu Yama, about 1.5 miles W of

Osaki Hana, is 328m high, appears flat-topped from the E, but

from the N, has the appearance of a dark, pointed summit.

8.16 Torii Ishi, a rock 4.4m high, lies about 410m E of the mouth

of Sakurai Kawa, about 2 miles NNW of Osaki Hana.

8.16 Karako Yama, Heichi Shima, and other features farther N

were described in paragraph 8.5 and paragraph 8.6, respectively, with Kurushima Kaikyo.

Islands and Dangers in the Approach to Fukuyama Ko

8.17 Hashiri-jima (Hasiri Shima) (34°20'N., 133°26'E.),

in the approach to Fukuyama Ko, lies about 1.3 miles NW of

Uji Shima. Taka Yama, 180m high, its summit, lies in the SE

part of the island. Kanayama Hana is the SE extremity of a

small peninsula joined to the SE end of the island by a low

isthmus. Kajiya Shima, 43m high to the tops of the trees, lies

about 0.5 mile W of the N end of Hashiri-jima; a reef, with a

rock drying 2.6m at its SE end, extends about 0.2 mile SE of

Kajiya Shima. A fish haven is situated close to the SE point of

the islet. Tako Zowai, a rock with a depth of 3.1m, lies about

0.1 mile N of Hashiri-jima.

8.17 Okino Hachikazano Se, an isolated group of rocks, with a

depth of 13.7m and marked E by a lighted buoy, lies about 2

miles WSW of Hashiri-jima.

8.17 Hakama Shima, a flat-topped islet, 36m high, lies about 1

mile NE of the E end of Hashiri-jima. Towu, a rock, drying

2.1m, lies about 228m off the E coast of the islet.

8.17 Kong Ishi, a rock 2.7m high and marked by a light, lies about

1 mile NNW of the N end of Hashiri-jima; a depth of 2.1m lies

close NE of the rock.

8.17 Shirodashi Iso, a rock nearly awash at lowest LW, lies about

1.5 miles ENE of Kono Ishi, near the entrance of the main

fairway to Fukuyama Ko. A rock, with a depth of 9.2m and

marked W by a lighted buoy, lies about 0.2 mile NW of Shirodashi Iso.

8.17 Sensui Shima (34°23'N., 133°24'E.), about 2.5 miles NW of

Hashiri-jima, rises to a 159m high summit, on which there is a

radio tower with a parabolic antenna. Tutsuji Shima, an islet, 25m

high, lies about 0.2 mile E of the SE extremity of Sensui Shima.

8.17 Benten Shima, a rocky islet, 12.8m high, lies in the channel

between Sensui Shima and Tomo Ko (34°23'N., 133°23'E.)

(World Port Index No. 61610), close WSW. A three-story

pagoda on its summit is illuminated at night and forms a good

landmark.

8.17 A floating breakwater extending NNW-SSE lies about 0.1

mile NNW of Benten Shima. A lighted beacon is situated

about 0.1 mile SSE of Benten Shima. 

8.17 Submarine cables and a submarine water pipe extend WNW

from Hashiri-jima to the vicinity of Sensui Shima and Tomo Ko.

8.17 A lighted buoy lies about 1.5 miles S of Sensui Shima. 

8.17 Fish havens are situated and seaweed cultivation is carried

out in the bay within 2 miles N of Sensui Shima. 
184 Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 

Pub. 159

Fukuyama Ko (34°26'N., 133°27'E.)

World Port Index No. 61605

8.18 Fukuyama Ko, a specified harbor, lies in the N part of

Bingo Nada. The harbor is accessible to large vessels as a

result of dredging, extensive reclamation, and the development

of a steel tubes factory complex. The latter complex of factories and chimneys lies N and NW of the signal station. A

dredged channel, entered about 2 miles E of Sensui Shima,

leads to the harbor. An overhead power cable, with a vertical

clearance of 55m, spans the harbor. Further W, it is spanned by

a bridge with a vertical clearance of about 12m. The city of

Fukuyama (Huku-yama) (34°29'N., 133°22'E.) is a commercial city but is becoming more of an industrial city. 

8.18 Tides—Currents.—The mean tidal rise at Fukuyama is

3.6m at springs and 2.7m at neaps. The tidal currents in the

harbor are weak and do not affect harbor operations.

8.18 Depths—Limitations.—The main fairway, with a depth of

about 16m and a width of about 300m, extends from about 2

miles E of Sensui Shima to the Raw Materials Wharf. The

branch fairway branches off the main fairway near the signal

station and leads to the Export Berths; it is about 300m wide,

with depths of 10.1 to 11.9m.

8.18 Raw Materials Wharf Berth M and Raw Materials Wharf

Berth L have depths of 17.1 to 18m and can accommodate

vessels up to 200,000 dwt. Raw Materials Wharf Berth M has a

length of 250m and Raw Materials Wharf Berth L is 315m

long. Berth A has a depth of 17.1m alongside and can accommodate vessels up to 150,000 dwt; Berth B has depths of 16m

alongside and can accommodate vessels up to 100,000 dwt.

Berth A is 300m long; Berth B is 280m long. 

8.18 Kasaoka Wharf has depths of 10.1 to 11.3m alongside and

can accommodate vessels up to 35,000 dwt.

8.18 Export Berth X and Export Berth Y have depths of 12.5 to

12.8m alongside. Export Berth 2 and Export Berth 3 have a

depth of 13m alongside; these berths can accommodate vessels up to 35,000 dwt. Export Berth 1 has a depth of 11m and

can accommodate vessels up to 20,000 dwt.

8.18 The dangers in the approach to the harbor were previously

described in paragraph 8.17.

Aspect.—The islands in the harbor approach were previously described in paragraph 8.17.

8.18 Tsuganomaru Yama (34°27'N., 133°31'E.), in the middle

of Kono Shima, is conspicuous from all directions; it is 302m

high and has a TV tower on its summit.

8.18 Mi Saki, the W extremity of Kono Shima, is conspicuous

due to its barren appearance.

8.18 Lighted buoys mark the fairways. Lights, in line bearing

000.5°, lead to the Raw Materials Wharf, and lights, in line

bearing 300°, lead through the branch fairway to the vicinity of

the Export Berths.

8.18 The signal station, painted white, lies at the SE end of the

steel tubes works.

8.18 A group of chimneys is conspicuous in the steel tubes works.

The highest chimney, 206m high and showing a flare, lies

nearly 1 mile NNW of the signal station.

8.18 Miyazaki Yama, 155m high to the tops of the trees, is

conspicuous on the right bank of the mouth of Ashida Kawa

(Asida Kawa). Takamaru Yama, 129m high, with few trees, lies

on the left bank of the mouth of Ashida Kawa.

8.18 Pilotage.—A liaison office of the Naikai Pilotage Area

Pilots Association is situated at Fukuyama. A signal station is

situated at the SE end of the steel tube works. The harbormaster can be contacted by radiotelephone regarding harbor

operations. Anchorage and berthing signals are shown from the

signal station. Vessels should retain onboard the most recent

edition of Japan Maritime Safety Laws and Regulations, obtainable through the Japanese Coast Guard. This publication

should be kept as a reference for signal station communiques

other local or specific regulations.

8.18 Pilotage is compulsory on Tomogashima Suido, Bisan

Suido, and Kurushima Strait for vessels over 10,000 grt. A

vessel with an loa greater than 200m, is required to navigate in

Bisan Seto and Kurushima Strait only in daylight. The Osaka

pilot for Tomogashima Suido Berthing boards in position

34°10'N, 135°00'E. Inland sea pilot boards at either Wada

Misaki or Sekisaki. Harbor pilots are available at the port anchorage; VHF channels 16, 14, and 12 are used.

8.18 For further information, see paragraph 6.1.

8.18 Anchorage.—The quarantine anchorage is centered about

1.8 miles E of Sensui Shima, about 1 mile SW of the main fairway entrance buoys.

8.18 Caution.—Vessels must use caution when anchoring due to

the large amount of small vessel traffic between the lighted

buoy S of Sensui Shima and Shiraishi Seto (34°25'N.,

133°31'E.). The latter passage is described in paragraph 7.55.

8.18 A large number of islands lie between the NW part of Bingo

Nada and NE part of Aki Nada. There is a large number of

channels formed between the islands. Mihara Seto, the main

passage, is used by many low speed large vessels, small

vessels, and lighters under tow. The tidal currents are weaker

than those in Kurushima Kaikyo, but the distance traveled is

longer and more winding. In the channels between the islands,

inter-island vessels run between Honshu and Shikoku, and

large vessels enter and leave Onomichi-Itosaki Ko, Habu Ko,

and Inokuchi Ko.

Fukuyama Ko to Mihara Seto

8.19 Tsugara Shima (34°22'N., 133°23'E.), a wooded islet, 15.8m high, lies about 0.5 mile offshore, about 1.3 miles

WSW of the S end of Sensui Shima.

8.19 Aburo Sho, about 0.8 mile farther WSW, is a rock drying

0.6m and marked by a light.

8.19 Abutono Seto (34°22'N., 133°21'E.) is entered about 1 mile

farther W, between Abu Saki, marked by a light, and Ta Shima,

close W. Abutono Seto has strong tidal currents and should

only be used by small vessels with local knowledge.

8.19 Ta Shima is divided into an E part and a W part by an

isthmus. The summit of the island, 329m high, lies near the

SW end of the island.

8.19 Yoko Shima lies close WSW of Ta Shima, from which it is

separated by a narrow canal passable by small craft and crossed

by a drawbridge. Ategi Shima, an islet, 25m high, barren, and

with steep cliffs, lies close off the SW end of Yoko Shima and

is conspicuous from a distance.

8.19 A tanker berth with a T-head pier extends S from the SW end

of Yoko Shima; mooring buoys are on each side of the berth.

There is a depth of about 10.1m in the berth, which can
Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 185

Pub. 159

accommodate tankers up to 40,000 dwt. The berth is unsuitable

during strong winds and heavy seas from the S. Vessels berth

port side-to at SW with tug assistance. Night movements are

not normally carried out. There are a large number of oil tanks

N of the pier, on the W side of Yoko Shima.

8.19 Pilotage.—See paragraph 6.1.

Mekari Seto and Approaches

8.20 The E entrance of Mihara Seto is called Mekari Seto

(34°21'N., 133°11'E.), between Mukai Shima and Inno Shima.

The channel then extends W along the coast of Honshu,

through Mihara Wan and Aogi Seto, and then between Omi

Shima and Osaki-Kami Shima. It then joins the main traffic

route at the W entrance to Kurushima Kaikyo, through Oge

Seto, between Oge Shima and Ko-oge Shima.

Hyakkan-jima (34°18'N., 133°17'E.), previously described

in paragraph 8.3, is the best mark for entering Mihara Seto.

8.20 The recommended route, N of Hyakkan-jima, has depths of

about 10.1m. Bozino Su, close SW of the fairway, has depths

of less than 10.1m and a least depth of 8.4m; it is about 1 mile

wide and 1.5 miles long. Shoals, with depths of 8.9 to 9.5m, lie

close N of the fairway.

8.20 Kannon Zaki (34°21'N., 133°13'E.), the SE extremity of

Mukai Shima, is a steep, cliffy point, surmounted by a 57m

high, red-colored bare hill. Takami Yama, about 1 mile NNW

of Kannon Zaki, is 289m high, with a TV antenna near its summit; another TV antenna is on a 246m hill, close NE. Kotakami Yama, about 1 mile W of Takami Yama, is 194m high,

with a sharp peak, conspicuous from a distance.

8.20 Morinoseno Su, with depths of 1.8 to 4.9m, and marked NE

by a lighted buoy, lies about 1 mile SE of Kannon Zaki. Shoal

ground, with depths of 4.5 to 10.1m, extends from Morinoseno

Su, WSW to Ategi Shima, and W to Tachibanano Su. Tachibanano Su, a shoal with a least depth of 5.6m, lies about 0.4

mile S of Kannon Zaki; shoal ground, with depths of less than

10.1m, and a least depth of 6.1m, extends between Tachibanano Su and Nagasowa Hana to its WNW. A lighted buoy is

moored 0.2 mile SE of the shoal. A shoal depth of 5.6m lies

approximately 0.5 mile SW of Kannon Zaki.

8.20 Ryuo San, covered with pine trees, with Ishiba Yama, a

granite hill close W, lies about 0.3 mile N of Nagasowa Hana;

each peak is 147m high and pointed.

8.20 Sasa Shima, a grassy round islet, 14.9m high, lies about 0.2

mile W of Nagasowa Hana.

8.20 Iwashi-jima, W of Mukai Shima, has several granite peaks;

Nishiwa Take, 131m high and pointed, lies in the NW part of

the island and is conspicuous from the W. Tono Yama, 117m

high, lies in the SW part of the island.

8.21 Kajino Hana (34°20'N., 133°12'E.), a steep cliffy

headland, lies on the NE side of Inno Shima, at the S side of

the E entrance to Mekari Seto. Aka Ne, a steep-to rock with a

least depth of 9.8m, lies about 0.5 mile NW of Kajino Hana; it

has been swept to a depth of 9.5m. Matsui Dashi, an isolated

rock with a depth of 9.5m, lies about 0.5 mile farther NW; it

has been swept to a depth of 8.5m.

8.21 Ohama Saki, marked by a light, lies at the NE end of Inno

Shima. Shiju Shima, an islet, 18m high, lies about 0.6 mile

WNW of Ohama Saki; rocks, drying 1.5 and 1.1m, lie within

0.1 mile N of Shiju Shima. Shoals, with depths of less than

4.9m, lie between Shiju Shima and Hoso Shima to its WNW.

8.21 A bridge, with a vertical clearance of about 50m, crosses the

narrowest part of Mekari Seto, close S of Ohama Saki. The

Abutono Seto Light

Ohama Saki Light
186 Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 

Pub. 159

center and each side of the fairway under the bridge are marked

by lights.

Mekari Iwa is a group of rocks that fronts Mekari Hana, the

SW extremity of Mukai Shima. The highest rock dries 1.3m

and is marked SE by a lighted buoy.

8.21 Farther NW, Iedashi Ishi, a group of rocks, with a least depth

of 4m, extends up to 0.2 mile off the S coast of Iwashi-jima.

8.21 Hoso Shima lies about 0.5 mile SW of Iwashi-jima. A jetty

extends 120m SE from near the SW point of the island. Hosogashira, 50m high, lies at the NE end of the island, and is surmounted by a red and white pylon, 82m high. An overhead

cable, with a vertical clearance of 53m, extends between Hoso

Shima and Iwashi-jima.

8.21 Chodayu Sho, rocks with depths of less than 1.8m and

marked by a light, lie about 0.3 mile WNW of the N end of

Hoso Shima. A rock, with a depth of 3.7m, lies about 90m

NNE of Chodayu Sho.

8.21 Kakari Se (Ko Kari Se), a group of rocks, with a width of

about 91m and a least depth of 8.9m, lies near the middle of the

channel, about 600m N of the N end of Hoso Shima. It has

been swept to a depth of 8.2m, and there are eddies in its vicinity. Kakari Se is indicated by the red sector of Chodayu Sho

Light between the bearings of 219° and 239°, and by a red light

shown on Ohama Saki between the bearings of 125° and 130°. 

8.21 A 10.8m patch lies about 0.3 mile WNW of the SW extremity of Iwashi Shima.

Mekari Seto to Aogi Seto

8.22 Hachiga Mine (34°23'N., 133°08'E.), 430m high and

thickly covered with pine trees, lies on the E side of Mihara

Wan, and is the highest peak in the vicinity.

8.22 Inuboeno Hana, the W entrance point of Mihara Wan, rises

about 0.3 mile inland to Inubo Yama, 309m high, conical, and

surmounted by an observation platform. Hata Yama, 448m

high, about 0.5 mile SW of Inubo Yama, has a dome near its

summit, and is also conspicuous. A radio tower lies close NE

of the summit.

8.22 Hosono Su, a sandspit which dries 0.6m in places, is

centered about 0.5 mile SW of Chodayu Sho; it is surrounded

by foul ground. The red sector of Chodayu Sho Light indicates

the foul area.

8.22 An extensive fish trap lies close off the N side of Honoso Su; a

dangerous wreck lies about 0.3 mile NW of the same bank. A

lighted buoy is moored 183m SSW of the dangerous wreck. 

8.22 Sukune Shima, about 1 mile WSW of Chodayu Sho, is a

conspicuous, rounded, dark islet, 30m high, and covered with

pine trees. A shoal, with a depth of 4.6m, lies about 0.2 mile E

of Sukuna Shima.

8.22 Ko-Sagi Shima, about 0.5 mile W of Sukune Shima, has two

summits; the NE summit is 72m high and the SW summit is

76m high. A light is shown from the NW end of the island. A

reef, with rock drying 2.1m at its outer end, extends about 90m

N from the NW end of the island. Ko-Sagi Shima is separated

from the NW end of Sagi Shima by a narrow channel, which

should not be attempted without local knowledge.

8.22 An overhead power cable, with a vertical clearance of 34m,

spans the narrow channel.

8.22 A light is shown from the S end of a detached breakwater,

situated on the W side of Aogi Seto, 0.5 mile W of Ko-Sagi

Shima. A second breakwater is situated 183m farther N. 

8.22 Kankano Ishi, a rock with a depth of 12.8m, and Okino Ishi,

a rock with a depth of 17.1m, lie about 0.8 mile NNW, and 0.25

mile NW, respectively, of the NW end of Ko-Sagi Shima.

8.22 Sunamino Su, with a least depth of 15m, is centered about

0.8 mile SSW of Ko-Sagi Shima.

8.23 Sagi Shima (34°20'N., 133°07'E.) lies close S of KoSagi Shima. Hoteiiwa Hana, near the middle of the W side of

the island, is surmounted by a conspicuous monument. A

harbor, protected by a detached breakwater, is situated in the

NE part of the island. 

8.23 Toramaru Sho, which dries 1.2m and is marked by a light,

lies about 0.1 mile NW of Hoteiiwa Hana. Yake Yama, the

summit of the island, rises to an elevation of 278m, about 0.8

mile ESE of Hoteiiwa Hana. Inu Yama, about 0.4 mile farther

N, is a sharp granite peak, 251m high. Tera Yama, a sharp conical peak, 155m high, is conspicuous in the NW part of the island.

8.23 The N extremity of Kone Shima (34°19'N., 133°05'E.),

marked by a light, lies about 1 mile WSW of Hoteiiwa Hana.

Two parallel ranges of hills running N-S are on Kone Shima.

Kannon Yama, 310m high, the summit of the island, lies in its

SW part.

8.23 Aogi Hana, rising to an elevation of 129m, lies about 0.6

mile N of Kone Shima. Uryu Shima, a red islet, 21m high, lies

about 0.8 mile W of Aogi Hana. A gantry crane is conspicuous

about 1 mile WSW of Uryu Shima. A two-story building is

conspicuous on the E side of the shipyard. Kami-taka Se, a

rock with a depth of 3.8m, and Shimo-taka Se, a rock with a

depth of 12.2m, lie about 0.3 mile SE and SSE, respectively, of

Uryu Shima. Depths of less than 4.9m extend about 0.5 mile

SW of Uryu Shima.

Ko-Sagi Shima Light
Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 187

Pub. 159

Aogi Seto to Oge Seto

8.24 Otani Iso (34°18'N., 133°05'E.), with depths of 3.1 to

4.9m, sand and shells, is a detached shoal lying parallel with

and within 0.5 mile of the W coast of Kone Shima. Depths of

less than 10.1m extend up to 0.8 mile W of the central part of

the W coast of Kone Shima.

8.24 Omi Shima, on the E side of Mihara Seto, is a large wooded

island; it appears dark, but there are granite outcrops on the

lower slopes of the hills in its S part. It is divided into three

mountainous parts by valleys running SSE from the SE corner of

Mishima Uchi (34°15'N., 132°59'E.), and ENE from Miyano

Ura, at the head of Mishima Uchi. Kusono To, 395m high, lies in

the N part of the island. Washigato Yama, 437m high and the

summit of the island, lies about 2.8 miles farther SSE. Yakushi

Yama, 436m high, lies in the SW part of the island.

8.25 Miyanoura Ko (34°15'N., 132°59'E.) lies at the inner

end of Mishima Uchi. Depths of 4 to 6m may be found through

most of the bay area and there is a floating jetty having depths

alongside of 3.1 to 3.4m at the SE inner end. 

8.25 Shiju Shima, a rocky islet, 11.9m high, lies about 0.1 mile

offshore, off the N coast of Omi Shima.

8.25 O-kuno Shima (34°17'N., 133°00'E.) lies N of Omi Shima,

leaving a navigable width of 0.3 mile in the channel. A light is

shown from the S end of the island; a beacon is shown from a

drying rock at the SE end of the island. Lights are shown from

several towers standing at the jetty heads of the port complex

near Salzaki (34°20'N., 33°02'E.). The summit of the island is

108m high, and a large red and white pylon for overhead

cables, near the summit, is very conspicuous. There are also

conspicuous pylons on the N coast of Omi Shima, on the S

coast of O-kuno Shima, and on the Honshu coast N of O-kuno

Shima.

8.25 Caution.—An overhead cable, with a vertical clearance of

50m, spans the channel to the S of O-kuno Shima; another

cable, with a vertical clearance of 41m, spans the channel to

the N. The pylons supporting these cables are prominent.

8.25 Noji Tai, a sand bank with depths of 1.4 to 4.9m and a width

of about 0.1 mile, lies parallel to the coast and extends from a

position about 1.8 miles ENE of O-kuno Shima to about 0.8

miles SW of Uryu Shima. A lighted buoy is moored at the SW

end of Noji Tai; it is indicated by the red sector of O-kuno

Shima Light.

8.25 Mekarino Su, a sand bank with depths of less than 10.1m

and about 0.5 mile long, lies with its least depth of 4.7m at its E

end, about 0.8 mile NE of O-kuno Shima.

8.26 Ko-kuno Shima, a round-topped islet, 84m high, lies

about 0.4 mile W of O-kuno Shima. Shiraishi Sho, rocks

drying 3.9m, lies between the islands. Matsu Shima, nearly 1

mile WSW of the S end of O-kuno Shima, has two summits,

which appear as one from the SW.

8.26 Tadanoumi Ko (34°20'N., 133°00'E.), a local port, lies

about 1 mile N of O-kuno Shima. Kurami Saki, on which there

is a shrine surmounted by a red light, lies close E of the E

breakwater at Tadanoumi Ko. Ushikuso, a rock drying 2m and

Sagi Shima Light

Kone Shima Light
188 Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 

Pub. 159

marked by a beacon, lies about 0.3 mile SE of Kurami Saki.

8.26 Anchorage.—Anchorage can be taken, in 13 to 16m, in the

bay fronting Tadanoumi Ko. 

8.27 Osaki-kami-jima, on the W side of Mihara Seto,

attains an elevation of 453m at Kanno Mine, its summit,

located about 1 mile NW of Nakano Hana, the SE extremity of

the island. Kanno Mine has conspicuous woods on its summit.

Nakano Hana is a steep cliff, marked by a light. A steep granite

hill, 182m high, lies about 0.3 mile WNW of Nakano Hana.

Oko Yama, a conical peak, 275m high, lies about 2.3 miles

NNE of Kannon Mine.

8.27 Mebaru Saki, marked by a light, lies at the NE end of Osakikami-jima. A conspicuous cliff caused by quarrying lies in the

central part of the E coast of the island; iIt affords temporary

anchorage to small vessels awaiting a favorable tidal current

through the straits.

Kodono Shima, 48m high, lies about 1 mile E of Mebaru

Saki. A group of rocks, with a least depth of 4.6m and marked

W by a lighted buoy, lies about 0.3 mile N of Kodono Shima,

and a rock, 4.3m high, lies about 0.1 mile W of the islet. A

rock, drying 0.6m, lies about 0.3 mile ENE of Kodono Shima,

and a shoal, with a depth of 8.9m, lies about 0.3 mile farther

NE.

8.27 Ko-yoko Shima, 56m high, lies about 1.5 miles SSW of

Kodono Shima and is joined at LW to O-yoko Shima, close S.

The latter island has two summits, the W being 86m high. The

N end of O-yoko Shima is a wooded peninsula which appears

as a separate islet from a distance. A shoal, with a least depth

of 9.5m, lies about 0.6 mile S of O-yoko Shima.

8.27 Fuku Shima, 45m high, lies about 0.8 mile ENE of Nakano

Hana. Shoal ground extends about 0.1 mile E of Fuku Shima and

Kuro Iso, a rock awash at HWS, lies about 595m SE of the islet.

8.27 Chishago Sho, a rock drying 3.1m and marked by a beacon,

lies about 410m N of Nakano Hana, and Kinoe Su, with a least

depth of 9.5m, lies about 1 mile farther N.

8.28 Oge Shima (34°11'N., 132°56'E.) lies on the E side of

Oge Seto. Oishino Mine, 211m high, the summit of the island,

lies in its N part; the interior of the island is under intensive

cultivation. A peninsula, forming the SW side of Oge Shima,

has steep black cliffs on its W side and is marked by a light.

8.28 Ko-oge Shima lies on the W side of Oge Seto, about 0.5 mile

W of Oge Shima. Okinohera Mine, its summit, lies in the SW

part of the island and is 133m high and conical. The island is

composed of quartz and has been much quarried, especially on

the S side of the summit, where a large white cliff, visible from

a distance, has been formed.

8.28 Deep-draft vessels entering Mihara Seto from the E should

choose a suitable tide due to the depths of 8.9 to 10.1m about

1.8 miles NW of Hyakkan-jima. Vessels entering the W

O-kuno Shima Light

Nakano Hana Light
Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 189

Pub. 159

entrance via Kurushima Kaikyo have general depths of 18m to

Onomichi-Itozaki Ko.

8.28 Vessels in the vicinity of Ohama Saki should maintain nearly a

mid-channel course, moving right when there is oncoming traffic.

8.28 There are channels on either side of Karkare Se but vessels

other than deep-draft vessels pass safely over the shoal.

8.28 Between Kone Shima and O-kuni Shima, Gobori Hana, the

NW end of Omi Shima, in line bearing 238° with Oko Yama,

in the N part of Osaki-Kami-jima, leads midway between Noji

Tai and Otani Iso.

8.28 The two lights in the vicinity of Mebaru Saki, in line bearing

144°, are good marks for passing between O-kuno Shima and

Omi Shima. Mekari Saki Light is on the slopes, and the front

light is low and difficult to see when there are conflicting

lights.

Onomichi-Itosaki Ko (34°23'N., 133°10'E.)

World Port Index No. 61630 

8.29 Onomichi-Itosaki Ko is a specified harbor in the N

part of Mihara Seto. The harbor includes Mihara Wan and

Onomichi Seto. The harbor is backed by mountains and is a

good natural harbor enclosed by a large number of islands,

including Mukai Shima. It is an industrial belt, with many

factories and some shipyards; there is frequently marine traffic

congestion. 

8.29 Large vessels enter and leave Onomichi Seto through the W

entrance. The E entrance, N of Mukai Shima, is narrow and only

used by small vessels with local knowledge. The area NW of

Mukai Shima, and N of Takoma Hana (34°23'N., 133°15'E.), including Tosaki Seto, is part of Onomichi-Itosaki Ko.

Winds—Weather

8.29 The climate is extremely mild, with little precipitation. Good

weather prevails and a typhoon passing has little effect. Except

for Mihara Wan, the winds are mostly NE and S in spring and

summer, and NNE and W in winter. In Mihara Wan, the winds

are predominantly S to W.

Tides—Currents

8.29 The tidal rise at Onomichi is 3.4m at springs and 2.7m at

neaps. In Onomichi Seto, the maximum velocity is about 2.8

knots; the flood current flows E, and the ebb W. In Mihara

Wan, the mean velocity of the current is about 0.5 to 1 knot.

Depths—Limitations

8.29 Itosaki Wharf No. 2, fronting the railway station at Itosaki,

in the NE part of Mihara Wan, has a depth of 10m alongside

and a length of 185m; it can accommodate vessels up to 15,000

dwt. 

8.29 Itosaki Wharf No. 1 has a depth of 8.5m alongside and a

length of 135m,; it can accommodate vessels up to 15,000 dwt.

There is a private wharf, with a length of 205m, depths alongside of 4.5 to 7.5m, and a capacity of 10,000 dwt. 

8.29 A wharf at Onomichi, about 2.3 miles ENE of Kujiro Shima,

has a depth of 6.5m alongside and a length of 404m; it can accommodate vessels up to 2,000 grt.

8.29 A drydock at Onomichi is 350m long and 56m wide, with a

depth of 7.4m; it can accommodate vessels up to 150,000 dwt.

Aspect

8.29 Kujiro Shima, in the middle of the W entrance to Onomichi

Seto, is 18.9m high, and wooded. Kokujira Shima, 11.9m high,

lies close SE.

8.29 A cement plant chimney, 65m high, is conspicuous close W

of the railway station at Itosaki.

8.29 A chimney, 63m high and showing a neon light, and with a

large number of chimneys in the vicinity, lies on the SE side of

the mouth of Nishi Kawa, the river emptying into the N part of

Mihara Wan.

Pilotage

8.29 Pilotage is not compulsory at Itozaki. Inland sea pilots are

Mebaru Saki Light
190 Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 

Pub. 159

available at Wada Misaki, Seisaki, and Hesaki and can be contacted on VHF channels 12 and 16 (call sign: Itozaki-ho-an).

For further information, see paragraph 6.1. 

8.29 Pilotage is not compulsory at Onomichi. Harbor pilots are

available at the anchorage off Kashima Island or off Kihara;

VHF channels 16 and 12 are used. 

Anchorage

8.29 Mihara Wan provides sheltered anchorage for large and

medium-sized vessels according to draft; the bottom is mud

and sand in many places. To avoid the mud bank on the W side

of Mi-hara Wan, keep the W side of Kone Shima, bearing more

than 209° and open E of Aogi Hana. Vessels with dangerous

cargo are assigned anchorage in the vicinity of the harbor limit

at the W entrance to Onomichi Seto.

Caution

8.29 The passage between Kujira Shima and Kokujira Shima is

narrow and should not be used by large vessels; both islets are

bordered by shoals. Passage should not be made between Kokujira

Shima and Iwashi-jima, as there are rocks with depths of about

1m.

8.29 There is a shoal patch, with a least depth of 5.2m, mud, and

swept to 4.4m, about 600m NE of Kujira Shima. Ushino Ura

lies about 1.8 miles ENE of Kujira Shima and is marked by a

light. A shoal patch, with a least depth of 4.7m, rough sand,

and swept to 4.3m, lies about 0.3 mile W of Ushino Ura.

Approach to the East Entrance to Onomichi Seto

(Mekari Seto to Tosaki Seto)

8.30 Nagamoji Sowa, a rock awash, lies at the extremity of

a reef extending about 410m SW from the NW extremity of

Yoko Shima.

8.30 Momo Shima (34°22'N., 133°16'E.), N of the W end of

Yoko Shima, is 184m high, and consists of red-colored rocks;

its W side is steep. Ka Shima (Ko Shima), about 0.5 mile W of

Momo Shima, is 103m high, conical, and consists of broken

red stones.

8.30 Shira Ishi, a rocky islet, 6.1m high, lies about 0.6 mile S of

Ka Shima. A reef extends about 0.4 mile SW of Ka Shima;

Okinotaka Sowa, a rock with a depth of 4m, lies at its outer

end; Taka Sowa, a rock drying 0.2m, lies in the central part of

the reef.

8.30 Niboneno Sho, midway between Ka Shima and Mukai

Shima, is a group of rocks marked E by a lighted buoy; the W

Onomichi Light

Ushino Ura Light
Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 191

Pub. 159

end of the group dries 2.4m while the E end dries 1.5m. Lights

are shown from a breakwater on the E coast of Mukai Shima,

0.5 mile WNW of Niboneno Sho. 

8.30 Takoma, rocks with a least depth of 4.5m and marked S by a

lighted buoy, lies nearly in the middle of the S entrance to

Tosaki Seto.

8.30 There are several channels between the islands separating

Kurushima Kaikyo from Mihara Seto, but they are mostly

narrow and intricate, and should not be attempted without local

knowledge.

Habu Ko (34°17'N., 133°11'E.)

World Port Index No. 61617

8.31 Habu Ko, a local port, lies in the S part of Inno Shima.

The harbor comprises all of Nagasaki Seto and the W side of

the N part of Yuge Seto. The main industry of the port is shipbuilding; the main portion of the Hitachi Shipyard is situated in

the S part of Inno Shima.

8.31 Winds—Weather.—The temperature is relatively high and

there is little rainfall. The harbor, except for Mitsunosho Wan

in its NE part, is calm throughout the year, as it is surrounded

by islands.

8.31 Tides—Currents.—The flood current flows along the coast

of Inno Shima, from Nagasaki Seto to the N entrance of Yugo

Seto; the ebb current flows in the opposite direction. The maximum velocity of the tidal current at springs is 3.25 knots in

Nagasaki Seto.

8.31 Depths—Limitations.—The largest drydock at the Hitachi

Shipyard at Habu Ko is 282m long and 47m wide, with a depth

of 11.3m; it can accommodate vessels up to 130,000 dwt. A

berthing wall in the NW part of the harbor can berth vessels of

20,000 dwt; the berths have reported depths of 4 to 10.1m. 

8.31 Nagasaki Seto, occupying the W half of the harbor, has a

least navigable width of about 90m. The N half is generally

shallow, while the S half is generally over 10.1m deep, but with

shoals in many places.

8.31 Rocks and shoals extend up to 0.2 mile off the N coast of

Yuge Shima. A rock, with a depth of 4.9m, lies about 0.2 mile

N of Isega Hana, the W extremity of Yuge Shima. In the S

entrance to Yuge Seto, a rock with a depth of 1.8m, lies about

0.1 mile offshore, about 0.2 mile W of the S end of Yuge

Shima; in the narrows of this same strait, rocks and shoals

extending from both sides restrict the navigable width to about

0.1 mile.

8.31 Rocks, with depths of 4.9 to 5.8m, extend up to 410m N of

Sa Shima.

8.31 A rock, with a depth of less than 1m and marked N by a

lighted buoy, lies between Isega Hana (34°16'N., 133°12'E.)

and Itsuki Shima, about 0.5 mile W.

8.31 There is a bridge, with a vertical clearance of about 24m,

between Yuge Shima and Sa Shima, and an overhead cable,

with a vertical clearance of 40m, between the N end of Sa

Shima and Ikina Shima. There is also an overhead cable, with a

vertical clearance of 30m, between the N end of Ikina Shima

and Inno Shima. 

8.31 A lighted beacon stands in shoal water close to the SW point

of Ikina Shima. A submarine pipeline is also laid across the

strait 0.2 mile N of the submarine cables. A light is shown from

the end of a breakwater extending from the shoreline of Iwagi

Shima, 0.5 mile farther N. 

8.31 Aspect.—Tengu Yama (34°17'N., 133°11'E.), a conical

mountain, 208m high, with a TV tower on its summit, is conspicuous in the S part of Inno Shima. Mi Yama, 326m high, the

N summit of Yuge Shima, is also conspicuous.

8.31 A light (34°17.4'N., 133°10.5'E.) is shown from a white

round concrete tower, 10m high, situated at the breakwater

head on the NW side of the entrance to the principal harbor

basin. A lighted buoy is moored about 0.2 mile off the N end of

Yuge Shima.

8.31 When entering from the S entrance of Yuge Seto, Kushi

Yama, 199m high and rather conical, the S summit of Yuge

Shima, is conspicuous.

8.31 Pilotage.—See paragraph 6.1.

8.31 Anchorage.—Mitsunosho Wan, in the NE part of Habu Ko,

is open E, but is relatively calm except in E winds; it provides

anchorage, in 4.9 to 7m, in its outer part.

8.32 Setodo Ko (34°19'N., 133°06'E.), a local port entered

from Mihara Seto, is enclosed by Kone Shima, Sagi Shima,

and Ikuchi Shima. The main harbor installations lie on the E

side of the channel between Ikuchi Shima and Kone Shima; a

shipyard is situated at the NW end of Ikuchi Shima. A bridge,

with a vertical clearance of about 22m, spans the channel between Kone Shima and Ikuchi Shima.

8.32 Tides—Currents.—The mean tidal rise at Setoda is 3.5m at

springs and 2.7m at neaps. There are tidal currents of about 2.5

knots in the N entrance to the harbor, 2 knots in the E entrance,

and 3.5 knots between Kone Shima and Ikuchi Shima.

8.32 Depths—Limitations.—The shipyard berthing wall has

depths of 3.5 to 7m alongside. The largest drydock is 230m

long and 36m wide, with a depth of 7m; it can accommodate

vessels up to 37,000 dwt. A floating jetty, with a depth of 7m

on its fairway side, lies on the E side of the channel between

Kone Shima and Ikuchi Shima, and S of the bridge.

8.32 The channel between Sagi Shima and Kone Shima is used by

scheduled passenger vessels and was reported to be used by

vessels of 1,000 grt making use of the tide.

8.32 The channel between Sagi Shima and Ikuchi Shima is wide

and deep, but there are many shoals E of the harbor limit; it is

only used by small craft.

8.32 The channel between Kone Shima and Ikuchi Shima has

depths of 3 to 7m and a least width of about 90m.

8.32 Pilotage.—The shipyard dockmaster is to report to the pilot

when the vessel is to enter the shipyard. For further information, see paragraph 6.1

Hakata Seto

8.33 Hakata Seto leads from Mihara Seto to Bingo Nada,

passing between Kone Shima and Omi Shima, then between

Hakata Shima and Akahone-jima.

8.33 Hyotan Shima (34°17'N., 133°03'E.), an islet, 48m high,

lies near the middle of the N entrance to Hakata Seto. Shoals,

with least depths of 3.6m, lie about 1 mile ENE and NE of

Hyotan Shima.

8.33 Tides—Currents.—The tidal currents are strongest in the

vicinity of the S entrance to Hakata Seto. Between Tsuba

Shima and Kubito-Ko Saki, at the E end of Hakata Shima, the
192 Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 

Pub. 159

maximum velocity at springs reaches 5 knots. Farther N, the

current weakens, with a minimum velocity of about 2 knots. In

general, the SE (flood) current is somewhat stronger than the

NW current.

8.33 Kannon Yama, the summit of Ikuchi Shima, near the islands

SW end, has twin peaks 475m and 478m high.

8.33 Tatara Iso, a rock marked by a light, lies about 0.2 mile ENE

of Tatara Misaki (Tatara Saki), at the E end of Omi Shima.

Rocks, awash and drying, extend about 320m N of Tatari Saki,

and Chitori Ishi, a rock with a depth of 11.5m, lies about 686m

N of the same point. The tidal currents are strong in this vicinity, attaining a maximum velocity of 4.5 knots.

8.33 Caution.—A bridge is under construction across Hakata

Seto between Omi Shima and Ikuti Shima, in the vicinity of

Tatara Iso.

8.33 Gojno Taka, steep-to rocks, with a least depth of 5.9m, lie about

0.5 mile S of Gohammatsu Saki, at the S end of Ikuchi Shima.

8.33 Mukaiyama Misaki, 39m high, lies about 0.5 mile E of Gohammatsu Saki. Sato Sho, a rock with less than 1m, and Mekari Sho, a dangerous rock, lies about 0.3 and 0.8 mile ESE, respectively, of Mukaiyama Misaki; a rock, with a depth of 4.4m,

lies about 0.1 mile S of Mekari Sho. A lighted beacon stands in

shoal water 1 mile ENE of Mekari Sho. A second lighted beacon is situated 300m farther NE. 

8.34 Sekizen Yama (34°15'N., 133°09'E.), the summit of

Iwagi-jima, is 368m high, and has a ridge extending E-W; from

the E or W, it appears as a sharp peak, but from the N or S, it

appears to have a flat top.

8.34 Hoko San, 304m high and pointed, is the summit of Hakatajima and is conspicuous in the middle of the W part of the island. Kanzai Dashi, a rock with a depth of 9.5m, lies about 0.3

mile NW of Tobyo Bana, the N extremity of Hakata-jima.

8.34 Kubito Saki, 38m high, lies at the E end of Hakata-jima;

Kubito-Ko Shima (Kubagashira Shima), 17.1m high and conical, lies close off the point. Wanwan Se, a rock with a depth of

5.2m and marked N by a lighted buoy, lies at the outer end of a

group of detached rocks, with depths of 4.9 to 6.7m, extending

about 0.6 mile N of Kubito-Ko Shima.

Akahone-jima, SE of Iwagi Shima, has a 160m summit in its

SE part. Depths of less than 4.9m extend up to 0.2 mile off the

W side of Akahone-jima. Akahone-jima lies close SE of Iwagi

Shima and is separated from it by a very narrow channel

spanned by two overhead cables with a least vertical clearance

of about 26m. A light is shown from a round, concrete tower

standing 1 mile ENE of Mekari Sho. A beacon exhibiting a

light stands about 5 miles WNW.

8.34 Iwagi Ko (34°14.5'N., 133°09.0'E.), protected by a breakwater, lies on the S side of Iwagi Shima. A light is shown on

the head of the breakwater; another light is shown on the E side

of the harbor. A detached breakwater has been constructed to

the W of the harbor entrance. 

8.34 Tsuba Shima divides the E entrance to Hakata Seto into N

and S channels. The summit of the island, 88m high, lies near

the S end of the island and is faced by a rocky cliff. An overhead cable, with a vertical clearance of 42m, crosses the S channel between Kubito Saki and Tsuba Shima. Overhead cables,

with vertical clearances of about 32m and 40m, cross the

narrow N channel between Tsuba Shima and Akahone-jima.

Inokuchi Ko

8.35 Inokuchi Ko (34°16'N., 133°03'E.), a local port, lies

in the middle of the E side of Omi Shima. It is the site of an oil

storage depot with a large number of oil tanks.

8.35 Tides—Currents.—The tidal current is fairly strong off the

T-head pier, decreasing shoreward. The current flows parallel

to the coast in the vicinity, but off the buoys, an offshore set

may be experienced, especially marked with an ebb current.

Seven tugs of 3,000 to 5,000 hp are available. 

8.35 Depths—Limitations.—A T-head pier, with a berthing face

of 71m, extends from the shore at Inokuchi Ko. It has depths of

9.5m alongside and can accommodate tankers up to 35,000

dwt. There are four mooring buoys N and S of the pier, which

is floodlit. A smaller jetty lies about 0.3 mile farther NW.

8.35 Vessels normally berth heading into the current, port side-to

on the flood and starboard side-to on the ebb. There is ample

swinging room off the pier. One tug is sufficient for berthing

and unberthing, but a powerful tug is necessary due to the current.

8.35 Aspect.—There are seaweed cultivation grounds (September to April) within about 300m offshore N and S of the T-head

pier.

8.35 Hanagui Seto, branching off Hakata Seto, between Omi

Shima and Hakata-jima, is S-shaped, with a minimum navigable width of about 90m. The tidal currents are strong and

there are dangerous rocks in its narrowest part. A bridge, with a

vertical clearance of 36m, crosses the narrowest part. An

overhead power cable, with a vertical clearance of 35m, spans

the channel close NE of the bridge. Hanaguri Seto is used by

local ferries and small vessels, and should not be used without

local knowledge and experience.

8.35 A light is shown from a round concrete tower standing on a

rocky islet situated on the N side of the narrows.

8.35 Pilotage.—See paragraph 6.1.

8.36 Miyanokubo Seto, the passage between Hakata Shima

and O Shima, is divided by U Shima (34°11'N., 133°05'E.),

near its E end, into Funaore Seto and Kojin Seto. The latter

passages have a least navigable width of about 90m and the

tidal currents are very strong; they should be avoided by

vessels without local knowledge and experience. The tidal currents at springs attain a maximum velocity of 9 knots. About

40 per cent of the small vessels, mostly under 500 grt, going

through the Naikai use this passage, as it is shorter than going

through Kurushima Kaikyo. The majority of the vessels generally use Funaore Seto, N of U Shima; care is necessary as there

are many fishing vessels. A bridge, with a vertical clearance of

about 23m, spans the W entrance to the narrows between O

Shima and Michika Shima.

Yanagino Seto (34°18'N., 132°54'E.) is the channel between

the various islands on the NW side of Osaki-Kami-jima and the

Honshu coast. There is deep water and a least navigable width of

about 0.5 mile. The E entrance is divided into Takasaki Seto and

Karashima Seto.

8.36 Tides—Currents.—The maximum velocity of the tidal current at springs is about 2 knots. The E current flows for about 1

hour and 40 minutes after LW in the area to about 1 hour and

40 minutes after HW. The W current flows for about 1 hour
Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 193

Pub. 159

and 40 minutes after HW in the area to about 1 hour and 40

minutes after LW.

8.36 Aba Shima (34°19'N., 132°58'E.), in the E entrance to

Yana-gino Seto, has two summits; the S summit is 100m high,

and the N summit is 74m high and pointed. Depths of less than

10.1m extend up to 0.8 mile off the E side of the island. Mote

Sho, with a least depth of 0.6m, lies about 0.5 mile SW of the

NW end of Aba Shima. Dodono Sho, two rocks with depths of

3.5m and 3.9m, lie nearly midway between Mote Sho and the

NW end of Aba Shima.

8.36 Takehara Ko lies at the mouth of a river about 1 mile W of

Aba Shima. Mitsu Ishi, a steep-to, isolated reef, lies about 0.5

mile SSE of the head of the breakwater at Takehara Ko.

Anchorage.—Large vessels can anchor, in 15 to 17m, about

500m SW of the head of the breakwater at Takehara Ko. Lumber vessels of 10,000 grt are reported to anchor about 1 mile

SW of the breakwater head, in 22m, sand and shell, good holding ground; it is a good anchorage, but it receives the countercurrent of the tidal current in Yanagino Seto, with a reported

velocity up to 2 knots.

8.37 Ikari Shima (34°18'N., 132°53'E.), a rock, 8.1m high

and marked by a light, lies about 2.5 miles SW of Takehara Ko.

Shoal ground extends to the headland close N.

8.37 Islands lie in the entrances to Mitsu Wan and Mitsukuchi

Wan. Aka Saki, the E entrance of Mitsu Wan, is a very conspicuous, steep, red headland. Karafune Shima, 25m high, lies

about 0.3 mile SE of Aka Saki; a drying bank extends about 0.2

mile NE of the islet. Aino Shima, 32m high, and O-shiba

Shima, 122m high, each covered with peach trees, lie about 1.5

miles W and 2 miles WSW, respectively, of Aka Saki. Koshiba Shima, close SW of the S end of O-shiba Shima, is 32m

high, with a red cliff in its SW part. Uma Shima, 68m high, lies

about 0.5 mile farther WSW. Shimo-Ikari Iso, a rock, 2m high

and marked by a light, lies about 0.3 mile SE of Uma Shima; a

rock, with a depth of 8.9m, lies about 0.2 mile SW of ShimoIkari Iso.

8.37 Yoko Shima (34°14'N., 132°46'E.), a wooded islet, 36m

high, lies about 1 mile SW of Uma Shima. A rock, 2.5m high,

lies about 0.3 mile NE of the N end of Yoko Shima.

8.37 Sakumi Shima, 131m high, lies close off the NE end of

Osaki-Kami-jima. Kara Shima lies about 0.8 mile farther NNE.

Sakumini Mo, a mud bank with depths of 1.4 to 4.6m, lies

about 0.2 mile N of Sakumi Shima. Sakumini Ishi, a steep-to

rock with a depth of 4.6m, lies about 0.3 mile NW of Sagumini

Mo. The S end of Matsu Shima, bearing 094°, and in line with

Jio San (34°17'N., 133°01'E.) in the NE part of Omi Shima,

leads about 137m N of Sagumini Ishi.

8.38 Ikuno Shima (Ikino Shima), a wooded island, lies

close NW of the N end of Osaki-Kami Shima. It has two conspicuous wooded summits; the NW summit is 154m high, and

the other is 159m high. A lighted buoy is moored close off the

N end of the island.

8.38 Chirigi Shima, about 0.3 mile off the NW side of Ikuno

Shima, has three hills joined by beaches of gravel; the central

and highest hill is 37m high. A factory on the low ground in the

N part of the island, and a large chimney on the summit of the

island, are very conspicuous. A 3.1m patch lies about 0.3 mile

W of the S hill.

8.38 Usu Shima, about 1 mile W of Ikuno Shima, has a 69m high

summit near its N end. Ko-Usu Shima, 51m high, lies close E

of the N part of Usu Shima.

8.38 Overhead power cables, with a vertical clearance of 44m,

cross Yanagino Seto from the N extremity of Usu Shima. Overhead power cables, with a vertical clearance of 28m, cross the

channel between Usu Shima and Naga Shima.

8.38 Naga Shima, about 0.6 mile SW of Usu Shima, has some red

cliffs. Tsuzuki Shima, rocks, 6.7m high, lies about 0.4 mile W

of the NW end of Naga Shima; groups of rocks lie between

Tsuzuki Shima and the NW coast of Naga Shima.

8.38 A bridge, with a vertical clearance of 25m, is built across the

channel between Osaki Kami Shima and Naga Shima. Bridge

lights are shown to show the channel. Overhead power cables,

with a least vertical clearance of 28m, span the channel close N

of the bridge. An overhead power cable, with a vertical clearance of 40m, spans the channel between Osaki Kami Shima

and Ikino Shima. 

8.38 Tsukuga Shima (34°15'N., 133°00'E.), 47m high, is the W

of the islands off the NW coast of Osaki-Kami Shima. A

drying reef extends about 0.4 mile N of the island. A light is

shown from the NW extremity of the reef.

8.38 Kuru Shima, 68m high, lies about 2.3 miles SW of Tsukuga

Shima, and appears to have two summits when viewed from

the E or W.

8.38 Caution.—There are many rocks, shoals, submarine pipelines, and obstructions between the islands off the NW side of

Osaki-Kami Shima; passage between the islands, or between

the islands and Osaki-Kami, should not be attempted without

local knowledge.

8.39 Neko Seto (34°12'N., 132°40'E.) is the deep, narrow

channel about 0.5 mile wide, with a depth of about 50m,

between Shimo-kamagari-jima and the coast of Honshu. Its

navigable width in its narrowest part is about 0.3 mile. An

overhead cable, with a vertical clearance of 36m, crosses the

channel.

8.39 Tides—Currents.—The turn of the tide at the W entrance,

N of Shimo-kamagari-jima, occurs about the same time as in

the central channel of Kurushima Kaikyo. The E current flowa

for about 1 hour 30 minutes after LW to about 1 hour 30

minutes after HW. The W current flows for about 1 hour 30

minutes after HW to about 1 hour 30 minutes after LW. The

velocity of the current is about 0.5 times that in the central

channel of Kurushima Kaikyo. The current velocity S of Kashiwa Shima is about 1.25 times that at the W entrance and the

turn of the tide occurs about 30 minutes earlier; the maximum

velocity of the current at springs here is 5.5 knots.

8.39 Aspect.—Meneko Shima (34°12'N., 132°51'E.), 21m high,

with small trees and marked by a light at its SW end, lies at the

narrow part of Neko Seto. A rock, with a depth of 4.9m, lies

about 0.2 mile E of Meneko Shima.

8.39 Kashiwa Shima, 135m high and covered with dense dark

woods, lies on the N side of the E entrance to Neko Seto, and is

conspicuous against the background of grassy hills in the vicinity.

8.39 Kasane Iwa Light, about 1 mile W of Meneko Shima, is

shown from the W entrance point of Nigata Wan.

8.39 Kami-Kamagari Shima and Shimo-Kamagari-jima, on the S

side of the channel, have many orange groves; the mountains
194 Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 

Pub. 159

sweep down to their steep-to shores. A lighted buoy is moored

close off the SW extremity of the island.

8.39 Nigata Ku (Nigata Wan), on the N side of Neko Seto, is part

of Kure Ko. At the head of the bay there are several hotels.

Nigata Ku provides anchorage, in depths of over 14m, good

holding ground, but it is reported that wind and sea penetrate

the bay during strong S winds.

8.39 There is a quay, with a reported depth of 5m alongside, in

Nigata Ku which is used by a train ferry. 

8.40 Akashi Seto (Akasi Seto) (34°12'N., 132°53'E.) is the

channel between the S coast of Osaki-Kami Shima and

Okamura-jima to the S. The fairway of the channel is deep; the

narrowest part is about 0.4 mile wide. A beacon marks a rock,

which dries 1.8m, about 0.5 mile NNW of the N extremity of

Okamua-jima.

8.40 A light is shown on the head of a breakwater on the N side of

Akashi Seto near its narrowest part.

8.40 Several submarine cables are laid across Akashi Seto.

8.40 Tides—Currents.—The turn of the tidal current is about 1

hour earlier than in the central channel of Kurushima Kaikyo.

The E current flows for about 30 minutes after the time of local

LW to about 30 minutes after the time of local HW. The W

current flows for about 30 minutes after the time of local HW

to about 30 minutes after the time of local LW. The maximum

velocity of the current at springs is 2.25 knots.

Okamura-jima, close W of Ko-oge Shima, has two summits

in line in its NW and central parts; Kono Mine, the central and

highest, is 221m high.

8.40 The narrow channel between Ko-oge Shima and Okamura

Shima has a depth of about 20m in its narrow part, and is

crossed by an overhead cable, with a vertical clearance of

about 27.1m.

8.41 Mitarai Seto (34°11'N., 132°52'E.) is the channel between Okamura Shima and Osaki-shimo Shima. O Shima, 99m

high and marked by a light at its N end, lies in the N entrance.

Hera Shima, 78m high, and Ko Shima, 79m high, lie close W

and SE, respectively, of O Shima. Okino Su, with a depth of

3.4m, rock bottom, and steep-to on its E side, lies in the S entrance.

8.41 The Okamura-jima side of Mitarai Seto has depths of over

10.1m and is used by small ferries; it should not be attempted

without local knowledge. Overhead cables, with vertical clearances of about 38m and 41m, cross Mitarai Seto.

8.41 Bridges, each with a vertical clearance of 21m, span the

passages E and W of O Shima.

8.41 Mitarai Ko, a local harbor, occupies Mitarai Seto and the N

coast of Osaka-shimo Shima. The main part of the harbor lies

on the W side of the S part of Mitarai Seto. It is used by small

vessels on passage through the Naikai as a port of shelter and

for waiting for the tide.

8.41 Anchorage.—The tidal currents change direction continually in the vicinity of the S entrance to Mitarai Seto and it is not

a good anchorage. A position about 500m W of Kannon Saki,

the S extremity of Okamura-jima, is suitable as a temporary

anchorage, in 20 to 30m, sand, good holding ground.

8.41 Okamura Ko, at the head of the bay on the SE side of Okamura Shima, is protected by breakwaters, but is only suitable

for small craft. A light is shown from the head of the E breakwater. 

Osaki-Shimo Shima to Kami-Kamagari Shima

8.42 Osaki-shimo Shima (Osaki-simo Shima) (34°10'N.,

132°50'E.) has a bare hill, with a double summit, at the E end

of the island; its E slope descends to the town of Mitarai. Ippoji

Yama, the flat summit of the island, attains an elevation of

449m, about 1 mile W of the E end of the island, and from it

there is a gradual slope to steep cliffs at the W end of the

island; the island is almost completely bordered by orange

groves. Osaki-shimo Shima, E of Toyo Shima, is separated by a

channel. The narrowest part of this channel is spanned by an

overhead cable with a vertical clearance of 48m. In 1992, a

bridge spanning the channel was under construction. 

8.42 Mikado Shima (Sankaku-jima), 110m high, lies about 0.3

mile off the NW coast of Osaki-shimo Shima. Maru Ishi, a

rock with a depth of 0.5m, lies about 0.1 mile NE of the N end

of Mikado Shima.

8.42 The passage between Osaki-shimo Shima and Toyo Shima

has a least navigable width of about 0.1 mile, with depths of

over 20m. Nagaskai Garama, rocks with a depth of 10.7m, lie

in the N entrance, about 90m W of the W end of Mikado

Shima. A shoal, with a depth of 14.9m, lies about 0.3 mile farther SW. In the S entrance, Suzume Iso, a rocky islet, 6.7m

high, lies about 0.2 mile W of the W extremity of Osaki-shimo

Shima. Okino Ishi, a rock with a depth of 1.8m, lies about 0.2

mile SW of Suzume Iso.

8.42 The tidal currents are strong, attaining a maximum velocity

of 6 knots at springs.

8.42 Caution.—An overhead cable, with a vertical clearance of

22.9m, runs between Osaki-shimo Shima and Mikdao Shima.

O Shima Light
Sector 8. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Eastern Part 195

Pub. 159

8.43 Toyo Shima (34°10'N., 132°47'E.) has N and S summits; the S summit is 309m high, pointed, and conspicuous.

The island is covered with orange trees.

8.43 The passage between Toyo Shima and Kamikamagari Shima

should not be attempted without local knowledge due to the

strong currents and the dangers in the S approach. A bridge,

with a vertical clearance of 50m, spans passage. 

8.43 Ni Shima, 15.8m high and marked by a light, lies close off

the NE extremity of Kami-kamagari Shima, in the N approach.

Aka Ishi, a rock with a depth of 0.9m, lies about 0.4 mile NW

of Ni Shima. Sasa-jima, 21m high, lies about 0.4 mile SE of Ni

Shima; other islets, rocks, and shoals lie between Sasa-jima

and the coast SW.

8.43 Okubi-jima, in the S approach, lies with its NE end about 0.2

mile S of the SW extremity of Toyo Shima. The island has

three summits, the highest, 99m high, at its NE end. A 5.9m

patch and a 6.9m patch lie about 0.3 mile NE and 0.2 mile N,

respectively, of the NW end of Okubi-jima; a 2.7m patch lies

close S of the latter patch.

8.43 Kamo Se, 15.8m high and marked by a light, lies about 0.3

mile SSW of the SW end of Okubi-jima; a rock, drying 2.1m,

lies about 0.1 mile E of Kamo Se. Taishi Shima, 32m high and

covered with pine trees, lies about 0.5 mile WNW of the NW

end of Okubi-jima. Futamado Shima, about 14.9m high, lies on

a drying reef, about 0.4 mile S of Taishi Shima; sunken rocks

lie between Taishi Shima and the reef.

8.43 Kami-kamagari Shima (Kami-kamakari Shima), close W of

Toyo Shima, is nearly covered with orange groves. Shichikokumi Yama, 457m high, the summit of the island, lies near

the center of the island.

8.43 Kamagari Ko is a bay located in the middle of the N side of

the island, with the town of Tado at its head. A light is shown

from the W extremity of a breakwater extending W into the

bay. 

8.43 Ko-matsu Shima lies about 0.4 mile off the middle of the N

side of Kami-kamagari Shima. A 7.8m patch and a rock, with a

depth of less than 1.8m, lies about 0.2 mile WNW, and 0.1 mile

SE, respectively, of Ko-matsu Shima. O-matsu Shima lies

about 0.2 mile ESE of Ko-matsu Shima; a rock, with a depth of

less than 1.8m, lies about 0.1 mile S of O-matsu Shima.

8.43 Anchorage.—Temporary anchorage can be taken, in 10 to

20m, mud, off the side of Kami-kamagari Shima during NE

winds.

8.44 Sannose Seto (34°11'N., 132°41'E.), the passage between Kami-kamagari Shima and Shimo-kamagari-jima, is

only about 0.1 mile wide in its narrowest part. The passage

should not be attempted without local knowledge.

8.44 An overhead cable, with a vertical clearance of about 33m,

and a bridge, with a vertical clearance of about 22.9m, crosses

the passage between Kami-kamagari Shima and Shimokamagari Shima.

8.44 Several fish havens, consisting of sunken hulks or concrete

blocks, lie both in the N and S entrances to Sannose Seto. 

8.44 Tides—Currents.—The turn of the tidal current is about 1

hour 15 minutes earlier than in Kurushima Kaikyo. The maximum velocity at springs reaches 6 knots. 

8.44 Aspect.—Ohira Yama (Taihei San) (Oitari Yama), 275m

high, the summit of Shimo-kamagari-jima, lies nearly in its

center. A shoal, with a least depth of 6.4m, extends about 0.3

mile SE from Shiro Saki, at the NE end of the island.

8.44 Ko-jima (Ko Shima), 20m high, lies in the S entrance to Sennose Seto, about 0.3 mile S of Kushi Saki, the SW extremity of

Kami-kamagari Shima. Rocks and shoals extend about 0.1

mile N and 0.15 mile S of Ko-jima; a rock, 5.5m high, lies

about 0.2 mile SSW of the islet.

8.44 Hikube Shima, a rock, 14.9m high, lies about 1 mile SSW of

Ko-jima. Hira Iwa, a rock, 2.1m high, lies close W of Hikube

Shima; a depth of 73m lies about 0.1 mile farther W. Okino

Sone, with a depth of 9.2m, lies about 0.2 mile E of Hikube

Shima.

8.44 Kami-kuro Shima, 83m high, is located about 0.4 mile SW

of Hibuke Shima; depths of less than 10.1m extend about 0.4

mile SW of the island.

8.44 Shimo-kuro Shima, 102m high, is located about 0.4 mile W of

Kami-kuro Shima. Otono Ishi, a rock with a depth of 4.5m, lies

about 0.3 mile ESE of the SW extremity of Shimo-kuro Shima.
Pub. 159

9. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Aki Nada, Tsurushima Kaikyo, and Hiroshima Wan

9.0Additional chart coverage may be found in NGA/DLIS Catalog of Maps, Charts, and Related Products (Unlimited Distribution).

SECTOR 9 — CHART INFORMATION
199

Pub. 159

SECTOR 9 

THE NAIKAI (INLAND SEA)—AKI NADA, TSURUSHIMA KAIKYO, AND HIROSHIMA WAN 

9.0 Plan.—This sector describes, from E to W, the E and SE side

of Aki Nada, from the vicinity of Kajitorino Hana on the

mainland of Shikoku, SW to Matsuyama Ko, including the offlying islands and dangers. The sector continues W to Obatake

Seto, with a description of the islands and islets S of Hashirajima Suido and then trends N along the coast to Hiroshima Ko,

including Hiroshima Wan, Itsukushima Kaikyo, and Ono Seto.

The sector concludes by going S to Hiro Wan, including the

adjacent islands and straits. 

General Remarks

9.1 Aki Nada lies W of Hiuchi Nada, NE of Iyo Nada,

and E of Hiroshima Wan. The main routes shown on the charts

lead SW through Aki Nada, from Kurushima Kaikyo to Tsurushima Kaikyo, the widest of several channels between Aki

Nada and Iyo Nada.

9.1 Hiroshima Wan is the largest bay and lies W of Aki Nada

and N of Iyo Nada. Hiroshima Ko and Kure Ko, at the head of

the bay, are large important harbors. The port of Iwakuni Ko

lies on the W side of Hiroshima Wan.

9.1 Tides—Currents.—In Aki Nada, in the area between the W

entrance off Kurushima Kaikyo and the N entrance of Tsurishima Kaikyo, the tidal current has a tendency to set N during

the flood tide and S during the ebb. At night or in thick weather, caution is necessary.

9.1 Between the vicinity of the W entrance of Kurushima

Kaikyo and the vicinity of the islands of Ai-jima and Ko-Aijima, the flood tidal current sets NE from about 2 hours after

LW by the shore until about 2 hours after HW. The ebb current

sets SW from about 2 hours after HW until about 2 hours after

LW. The change is about 30 minutes in advance of that in the

W channel of Kurushima Kaikyo. Except close to the shore,

the maximum velocity at springs is about 2 knots. 

9.1 Although a cross-channel set is seldom experienced in Tsurishima Kaikyo, caution is necessary when the tidal current is at

its maximum velocity of 3 to 3.5 knots.

9.1 In Kudako Suido, the tidal currents attain their greatest velocities of 5 to 6.5 knots in the W and E channels, respectively, of

Kudako-jima. It is sometimes difficult or impossible for some

vessels to maintain their headings in this area.

9.1 Tidal currents in Hiroshima Wan are weak, being about 0.5

knot, and the general set is in a N and S direction. In the narrow passages between the smaller islands, the velocity is about

1 to 2 knots. The direction and velocity vary considerably from

day to day. 

Aki Nada—East Part—Shikoku Coast

9.2 Between Kajitorino Hana (34°07'N., 132°54'E.) and

Kikuma Ko, about 6 miles to the SW, lies the NW coast of

Shikoku, which forms the SE side of Aki Nada. The coast in

this area consists of a number of small bays and coves backed

by rolling hills and mountains. Most dangers between the two

points lie within 1 mile of the coast. Kajitorino Hana is marked

by a light. 

9.2 A terminal for oil and LPG tankers is situated about 0.7 mile

E of Kajitori Hana. A T-head jetty at the center of the terminal

can accommodate oil tankers of up to 125,000 dwt, or LPG

tankers of up to 67,000 dwt. Berth No. 1, Berth No. 2, and

Berth No. 3, to the W of the T-head jetty, can accommodate

tankers of between 3,000 and 6,500 dwt. Berth No. 4, Berth

No. 5, and Berth No. 6, to the E, can accommodate tankers between 3,500 and 10,000 dwt. Lights are shown from the T-head

jetty and from the outermost E and W dolphins. Berthing is

carried out in daylight when the current is nearly slack. Two to

four tugs are required, depending on the size of vessel. 

9.2 Obe Wan (34°06'N., 132°54'E.) indents the coast to the E,

between the projection of which Kajitorino Hana is the extremity and Suwano Hana, a point about 3 miles to the S. The

town of Obe stands on the NE shore of the bay. A shoal, with

depths of 10.4 to 11.0m, lies to the middle of the bay.

9.2 Anchorage.—Obe Wan is open W, but affords good anchorage, in depths of 11 to 14.6m, mud, with Mi Saki, a point on

the N side of the entrance to the bay, bearing 315° and Ke

Shima, an islet 2.75 miles S of Kajitorino Hana, bearing 225°.

9.2 Itsuki-jima lies 5 miles to the W of Kajitorino Hana and is a

good landmark for vessels transiting Aki Nada. Shira Ishi, two

prominent rocks, lie about 2.5 miles SW of the summit on

Itsuki-jima.

9.2 Aji Iwa (34°04'N., 132°51'E.), with a depth of 2m, lies 1.5

miles WSW of Ke Shima. The rock is marked by a lighted

buoy moored 0.1 mile off its NNE side. A shoal, with a least

depth of 5.8m, lies 0.3 mile W of Aji Iwa, and is marked on its

SW side by a lighted buoy.

Kikuma Ko (34°02'N., 132°50'E.)

World Port Index No. 62060

9.3 Kikuma Ko is a harbor subjected to immigration and

harbor regulations; it is located about 4.5 miles SW of Obe

Wan. The inner harbor is protected by a breakwater. The town

of Kikuma stands on the E side of the harbor.

9.3 Winds—Weather.—Throughout the year the wind is generally from the NE and is very strong at times. Small vessels generally seek shelter in the inner part of the harbor during strong

NE winds.

9.3 Depths—Limitations.— Kikuma Ko Tanker Port is situated

about 1.3 miles NE of Kikuma Ko Breakwater. The port

consists of a dolphin berth connected to the shore by a jetty and

a sea berth made up of mooring buoys. Depths at the dolphin

berth are from 15.5m alongside; depths at the sea berth are

from 20 to 30m. The berths cannot be used during heavy

weather. Vessels usually berth on the flood and lie heading SW.

The port is capable of handling tankers up to 280m in length

and 125,000 dwt. 
200 Sector 9. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Aki Nada, Tsurushima Kaikyo, and Hiroshima Wan 

Pub. 159

9.3 There is a pier in Kikuma Ko outer harbor, with depths of up

to 4.5m alongside.

9.3 A submarine pipeline is laid from the sea berth SSE to the

shore. Reclamation is being carried out SE of the landfall of

the pipeline. 

9.3 Aspect.—There are three tall television towers on a hill ESE

of the breakwater that serve as a good mark when entering the

harbor. A light is shown from the breakwater.

9.3 Numerous tanks and chimneys stand near the oil terminal. At

night, the lights of the terminal may be seen for a considerable

distance.

9.3 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory, but the Naikai Pilot

Service will provide a pilot. The pilot is obtained at the port of

Kure Ko.

9.3 Anchorage.—Anchorage may be found about 0.3 mile W of

the oil sea berth, in depths of 15 to 30m. The holding ground is

good, but the current offshore is very strong.

9.3 The outer harbor of Kikuma Ko affords anchorage with good

holding ground, but it is unsafe in the face of strong NE winds.

During winter months, strong NW winds prevail. 

9.4 Matsuga Saki (34°02'N., 132°50'E.) lies about 0.5

mile SW of the breakwater head at Kikuma Ko. The point is

closely fringed by a reef and foul ground.

9.4 Senbagazake Hana lies about 1.5 miles SW of Matsuga Saki

and appears as a dark and precipitous point. The point is easily

distinguished as it is in marked contrast with the other light

gray points in the vicinity.

9.4 Shiode Iso (34°01'N., 132°48'E.), 0.9m high and surrounded

by rocks that dry, lies on the extremity of a shallow spit that

extends about 0.5 mile N from the shore, and 0.75 mile W of

Senbagazake Han. A light is shown from Shiode Iso.

9.4 Hazumano Hana is a prominent salient point, about 1.5 miles

SW of Shiode Iso. Strong tide rips form close off the point. A

light is shown from Hazumano Hana.

9.4 Ka Shima (33°58'N., 132°46'E.), a round-topped thicklywooded islet, lies 1.5 miles S of Hazumano Hana, and 0.25

mile W of the entrance to the port of Hojo Ko. Ko-Ka Shima, a

small islet, Gyokurikandori Iwa, a group of rocks, and Chigiri

Iwa, a rock, all lie within 0.5 mile WSW of Ka Shima. A light

is shown from the head of the breakwater at the NE point of Ka

Shima. An overhead cable joins the islet to the coast.

9.5 Hojo Ko (33°58'N., 132°46'E.) is a local harbor

located about 1.5 miles S of Hazu-mano Hana. There is a

floating jetty at the inner end of the in-ner harbor, with a depth

of 2.4 to 3.1m alongside. The town of Hojo lies E of the harbor.

The harbor is protected by a N and S breakwater, and a light is

shown from the head of the N breakwater. 

9.5 Horie Wan is the S part of the bight which lies between Hazumano Hana and Shiraishi Bana. The open bay is exposed to

winds from the N and W. The mouth of the Kuma Kawa, which

dries, flows into the S side of the bay.

9.5 Anchorage.—The bay affords good anchorage, except when

the winds are from W to N, in 12.8m, with Tsumuri Zaki, the

NE extremity of Gogo Shima, bearing 293°, distant about 2

miles.

9.5 Temporary anchorage, in depths of 11 to 16m, can be taken

with Tsumuri Zake bearing 262°, distant about 2 to 2.75 miles.

9.5 Caution.—Care is necessary to avoid the shallow water

dangers when entering the bay and the submarine cables near

the mouth of the Kuma Gawa.

9.6 Horie Ko (33°54'N., 132°45'E.) lies on the SE side of

Horie Wan and is protected by an off-lying breakwater showing a light on its SW end. A second breakwater, also showing a

light, lies on the E side of the harbor. The depths in the main

part of the harbor range from 4 to 7m.

9.6 There is a floating jetty in the port, which can berth two vessels of the 1,000 grt class at the inner end.

9.6 A light is shown from a white tower on the N breakwater

head at Yanigihara, a small harbor 3 miles NNE of Horie Ko. 

Takahama Seto (Shijushima Seto) (33°53'N., 132°42'E.) is

the strait between Gogo Shima and the mainland coast of Shikoku. The N entrance to the strait lies between Ken Saki, the E

extremity of Gogo Shima, and Shiraishi Bana, on the mainland. The S entrance lies between Kuro Saki, the SE extremity

of Gogo Shima, and Shiju Shima, 1.5 miles S of Shiraishi

Bana.

9.6 Tides—Currents.—The maximum rate attained is about 2.5

knots, but both the rate and direction of the current vary considerably from time to time due to the diurnal inequality and to

wind currents.

9.6 Depths—Limitations.—Mid-channel depths are deep in

Shijushima Seto, which has a least navigable width of about

0.3 mile at the S entrance between Kuro Saki and Shiju Shima.

A 5.2m shoal lies 0.5 mile S of Kuro Saki and is marked on its

W side by a lighted buoy.

Matsuyama Ko (33°51'N., 132°42'E.)

World Port Index No. 62030

9.7 The port of Matsuyama Ko (Mitsuhama Ko) lies on

the E side of the S approach to Shijushima Seto (Takahama

Seto) Seto. The small harbors of Nishi-Habu Hakuchi, Takahama Ko, and Matsuyama Kanko Hakuchi, which form part of

the port, lie 2.5 miles S, 1.25 miles N, and 2 miles N, respectively, of the main harbor. The main harbor is divided into an

inner harbor and an outer harbor. The port has anchorage and

berthing facilities for large vessels.

9.7 Winds—Weather.—The wind is mostly from the NW and

strongest from February to April. The areas within the breakwaters are sheltered from wind and sea. The weather is generally clear, except during June and July, when dense fog may

be encountered.

9.7 Depths—Limitations.—The controlling depth in the

channel is 10.9m. The outer harbor has six main berths up to

400m long, with depths alongside of 7.4 to 12.0m. Generally,

tanker vessels up to 50,000 dwt, 240m in length, and 12m draft

can be handled alongside. Cargo vessels of 26,500 dwt, 170m

in length, and 10.3m draft can be accommodated. The inner

harbor has depths of 4m. 

9.7 Pilotage.—Naikai Pilot Service provides pilots for the port

through the pilot station at Kure. Pilotage is not compulsory

but is advisable for vessels without local knowledge.

9.7 An aircraft approach area as shown on the chart lies in the S

entrance to Takahama Seto. Mariners approaching Matsuyama

Ko through this area should exercise caution, maintaining a
Sector 9. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Aki Nada, Tsurushima Kaikyo, and Hiroshima Wan 201

Pub. 159

distance from the shore, depending on masthead height, at least

as great as that given in the following table:

9.7 Anchorage.—Anchorage can be obtained, in a depth of

about 14.6m, sand, about 0.3 mile WNW of the head of the inner breakwater. In winter, when strong W winds blow, vessels

find it best to anchor off Tomari.

9.7 A quarantine anchorage is situated 1 mile W of the root of

the outer breakwater.

9.7 Caution.—Unexploded ordnance lies approximately in

position 33°50.6'N, 132°41.8'E; anchorage is prohibited in this

vicinity. 

Islands in the South and Southwest Part of Aki

Nada

9.8 Gogo Shima (33°54'N., 132°41'E.) lies 0.8 mile W of

Shiraishi Bana and forms the W side of Shijushima Seto. The

NW side of the island forms the S side of Tsurushima Kaikyo,

and the SW side of the island forms the E side of Ko Seto.

9.8 The island is mostly hilly, with Ko Fuji, its conspicuous

summit, located on the S side. The shores of Gogo Shima are

very irregular, being indented and mostly fringed with reefs.

Tsumuri Zaki, the NE extremity, shows a light.

9.8 Washigasu Wan, located on the W side of the island, affords

good anchorage, in 11.9m, about 0.2 mile WNW of Kamose

Shima, a small islet in the bay. The bay is sheltered from winds

from the N through E to SE.

9.8 Yuraa Wan indents the E side of Gogo Shima and forms the

W side of Shijushima Seto. The villages of Yura and Monda lie

on the N side of the bay.

9.8 Tsuru Shima lies about 1 mile W of Washigasu Wan and

forms the W side of Ko Seto. Shoal depths of 5.5m and less

surround and lie within 0.1 mile of the shore on its NW side. A

light is shown from the NW side of the island; a racon is located at the light.

9.8 Tsurushima Kaikyo (33°56'N., 132°39'E.) is the widest of a

number of deep-water channels that connect Aki Nada and Iyo

Nada. Its narrowest part has a least width of 1.5 miles and lies

between Ho Zaki, the SE extremity of Muzuki-jima, and Kotohiki Han, the N end of Gogo Shima.

9.8 The depths in Tsurushima Kaikyo are deep and there are no

known dangers on or close to the main charted track.

9.8 Nokutsuna-jima is located on the N side of the NE entrance

to Tsurushima Kaikyo, about 2.5 miles N of Kotohiki Hana.

The summit of the island is a bare hill of reddish-brown color.

Shoal depths of 1.8 to 5.5m surround the island, and a depth of

12.8m lies 0.75 mile N of its N extremity. Tano Shima, a small

islet, lies close off the NE extremity of Nokutsuna-jima. A

light is shown from Ushigakuchi Hana, the SE extremity of the

island.

9.8 Muzuki-jima (33°58'N., 132°40'E.) lies about 0.5 mile W of

Nokutsuna-jima and forms the W side of Imoko Seto, the strait

between the two islands. The village of Muzuki lies at the head

of a bight on the S side of the island. Imoko Shima, a steep-to

islet, lies midway between Muzuki-jima and Nokutsuna-jima,

in Imoko Seto.

9.8 Anchorage.—Anchorage can be obtained off Tomari, opposite Takahama Ko, in a depth of 33m, about 0.3 mile offshore.

Naka-Jima

9.9 Naka-Jima (33°58'N., 132°37'E.), with its SE extremity lying close W of Muzuki-jima and are connected to

each other by an overhead cable, with a clearance of 23.8m.

The NW side of the island forms the E side of Kudako Suido,

and the W side of the island forms the E side of Heyano Seto.

The S coast lies N of the W entrance to Tsurushima Kaikyo.

9.9 Tobino Hana, a promontory, is located about the middle of

the NW side of Naka-jima. A light is shown from a red tower

on the breakwater head of a small harbor 0.4 mile S of Tobino

Hana. 

9.9 The island is mostly mountainous, with Osato Yama, its

summit, rising in about the middle of the island. The coastline

of Naka-jima is indented with coves and bays, most of which

are shallow but are suitable as a refuge for small craft.

9.9 Uta Zaki, the N extremity of the island, shows a light, as

does Shirono Hana, the SW extremity. Aka Saki, the S extremity of the island, forms the W side of a bight, suitable as an

anchorage, with a depths of 11 to 16.5m.

9.9 Taka Shima is a small islet close off the S coast of Nakajima; it forms the E end of the above-mentioned bight. The islet has two high points of nearly equal height and appears as

two islets when observed from a distance. Tono Shima, a rocky

islet, lies almost 0.5 mile SE of Taka Shima.

9.9 Fuguri Iwa, a black detached rock, 2m high, lies 0.5 mile

SSE of Aka Saki. The top of the rock is white and conspicuous.

The rock is marked on its SE side by a lighted beacon.

9.10 Ai-jima (34°04'N., 132°43'E.) lies 4 miles NE of Uta

Zaki, the N extremity of Naka-jima. Shallow depths surround

the island within 0.1 mile of the shore, which is fringed by

reefs. A light is shown from the SE side of the island.

9.10 Temporary anchorage is afforded small vessels in the shallow bight which indents the S side of Ai-jima.

9.10 Ko-Ai-jima, a reef fringed islet, is densely wooded and lies

about 1.3 miles SE of Ai-jima. Except for the S side, shoal

depths lie within 0.15 mile of the islet’s shore.

9.10 O-tateba-jima (34°02'N., 132°35'E.), 108m high and

covered with brush, lies about 6.5 miles SW of Ai-jima. The island should not be approached within 0.1 mile, as it is fringed

by shoals. Ko-tateba-jima lies about 0.3 mile NE of O-tatebajima; the channel between the two islands is shoal.

9.10 Shira Ishi lies about 1.8 miles W of O-tateba-jima, and is

comprised of three above-water rocks that lie on a reef. The W

Distance 

offshore

Masthead 

height

400m 15m

800m 23m

1,200m 31m

1,600m 39m

2,000m 47m

2,500m 57m

2,950m 66m
202 Sector 9. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Aki Nada, Tsurushima Kaikyo, and Hiroshima Wan 

Pub. 159

rock is 9m high and white. The reef runs N and S for about 0.3

mile; a light is shown from the N rock.

Kudako Suido

9.11 Kudako Suido (33°59'N., 132°35'E.), the strait lying

between Naka-jima and Nuwa-jima, forms a deep-water channel that connects Aki Nada with Iyo Nada. Judako Shima, an

islet, lies in the middle of the strait and shows a light.

9.11 Heyano Seto, the narrowest part of Kudako Suido, lies

between Kudako Shima and Shirono Hana, the W extremity of

Naka-jima.

9.11 The depths in Kudako Suido are deep, with the exception of

Hokko Ku Iwa, with a depth of 1m lying about 0.5 mile SSW

of Kudako Shima. Yoko Se, with a depth of about 14.6m, lies

about 0.2 mile N of Hokkoku Iwa. The charted track through

the straits is free of dangers.

9.11 Caution.—The traffic through Kudako Suido is very heavy

and particular care is needed at its N and S entrances, where

traffic meets from a number of directions. 

Islands to the West and South of Kudako Suido

9.12 Nuwa-jima (33°59'N., 132°33'E.) lies about 1.3 miles

W of Naka-jima; the E side of Nuwa-jima faces Kudako Suido

and the W extremity of the island lies on the E side of

Nuwashima Suido. The hills on Nuwa-jima are almost of equal

height, thus making its summit hard to identify.

9.12 A light is shown from Kazakiri Hana, the NE extremity of

Nuwa-jima; a lighted buoy is moored in the N approach to

Nuwashima Suido, marking foul ground, close off the NW

extremity of Nuwa-jima.

9.12 Tsuwaji Shima lies on the W side of Nuwashima Suido, with

its NE extremity joined to the NW extremity of Nuwa-jima by

an overhead cable, with a clearance of 40m. The village of

Tsuwaji lies in a bight on the E side of the island; small vessels with local knowledge are afforded shelter in the bight.

Abutatori Se, a small islet, lies close off the SE side of Tsuwaji

Shima and is marked by a light.

9.12 Moro Shima (33°57'N., 132°30'E.), a round top island,

thickly covered with coarse grass, lies 0.5 mile S off Tsuwaji

Shima. The island forms the SE side of Moroshima Suido. Nenashi Sho, a small island, lies about 0.5 mile SE of Moro

Shima and is marked by a light.

9.12 Futago Shima, consisting of two islets joined by a shoal,

forms the N side of Futago Seto, which lies about 1 mile E of

Nenashi Sho. The S side of Futago Seto is formed by Futagami-jima, about 1.3 miles S of Futago Shima. The islands of

Yoko Shima, Naka Shima, and Koichi Shima lie in a NW-SE

direction, about 2 miles SE of the E end of Futagami-jima.

Koichi Shima, the S and highest island, shows a light from its

SE end.

9.12 Kamose Shima (33°55'N., 132°32'E.), a small islet, lies

about 0.5 mile S of the S coast of Futagami-jima. Kamoseno

Okino is a steep-to detached rock, with a depth of 9.2m, lying

about 0.3 mile S of Kamose Shima.

9.12 Nasake Shima forms the SW side of Moroshima Suido and is

located about 0.3 mile W of Moro Shima. An overhead cable,

with a vertical clearance of 39m, spans Kushigase Seto, from

the S side of Nasake Shima to the NE extremity of Ya-shirojima.

Yashiro-Jima—North Coast—East Part

9.13 Between Setono Hana, the N point of the E end of

Yashiro-jima, and Obatake Seto, at the W end of the island, the

N coast of Yashiro-jima forms the S side of Hiroshima Wan.

9.13 Matsuga Hana (33°57'N., 132°26'E.) lies about 1.5 miles W

of Setono Hana and is the reddish pointed extremity of the NE

slope of Omi Yama. The point forms the W side of the entrance

to a small bay. The village of Ihota stands at the head of the

bay. The bay affords anchorage, in a depth of 11.9m, 0.1 mile

abreast the village and is sheltered from S to W winds.

9.13 Zushi Saki is the E entrance point to a small bay and is

located about 1.8 miles W of the village of Ihota. A shrine atop

a wooded hill stands on the point; the village of Wada lies

about 0.5 mile S of the point. Mistu Shima, an islet fringed by

shoal water, lies almost 1 mile NW of Zushi Saki.

9.13 Matsuga Hana (33°56'N., 132°22'E.) lies about 1.8 miles

WSW of Zushi Saki and should not be confused with the point

of the same name previously discussed above. Nabe Shima, a

steep thickly-wooded islet, lies about 0.2 mile NW of Matsuga

Hana. The channel between the two is very narrow and should

not be attempted without local knowledge.

9.13 Numerous islets lie between Matsuga Hana and Fu Saki,

about 2.5 miles to the W. The shore between the two points is

indented with small bays and coves, on which a number of

small villages stand.

9.13 Anchorage.—Anchorage is afforded, in depths of 11 to

15.8m, 0.75 mile SE of Fu Saki.

Yashiro-Jima—North Coast—West Part

9.14 Osaki Hana (33°57'N., 132°17'E.) lies about 2.8

miles NW of Fu Saki and is the extremity of a mountain range.

A sharp thickly-wooded peak lies about 0.8 mile S of the point.

A light is shown from Osaki Hana.

9.14 Kuka Wan is entered between Osaki Hana and Heburi Hana,

about 2.5 miles to the W. The town of Kuka lies on the W side

of the common mouth of two rivers that flow into the SE corner

of the bay. A boat basin, protected by breakwaters, lies on the E

side of Kuka. A light is shown from the head of the W

breakwater. Anchorage for small vessels can be found, in a

depth of 10.1m, 0.25 mile N of Kuka, except with winds

between the NW and NE. 

9.14 Heburi Shima (33°58'N., 132°14'E.), consisting of two

small islets joined by a reef that dries, is located about 0.3 mile

N of Heburi Hana. Passage between the S islet and Heburi

Hana should not be attempted without local knowledge.

9.14 Between Heburi Hana and Myojin Hana, 2.5 miles to the W,

lie two small bays separated by Tanoshiri Hana. The E bay is

shallow and is the smaller of the two. Migama Wan, the W bay,

has depths of 12.8 to 33m. A detached shoal, with a depth of

9.6m, lies in the middle of the bay. The village of Migama,

protected by breakwaters, lies at the head of the bay. Vessels

with local knowledge can obtain anchorage, in depths of 10 to
Sector 9. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Aki Nada, Tsurushima Kaikyo, and Hiroshima Wan 203

Pub. 159

13m, sand. From October to April, there are seaweed beds at

the inner end of the bay. 

Obatake Seto 

9.15 Obatake Seto (33°57'N., 132°11'E.) is the channel

which leads between the NW coast of Yashiro-jima and the

mainland coast of Honshu. Being the shortest route from Suo

Nada and Iyo Nada to Hiroshima Wan, Obatake Seto is used

heavily by large vessels. All vessels must navigate in accordance with the specified channels established under Maritime

Traffic Safety Law.

9.15 The narrowest part of Obatake Seto, with a width of about

0.4 mile, lies between Myojin Hana, the NW extremity of Yashiro-jima, and Setoyama Hana, on the mainland of Honshu. A

bridge, with a vertical clearance of 24m, spans the strait between the two points.

9.15 Tides—Currents.—The tidal currents in the narrowest part

of the strait attain a velocity of 7 knots at times. In the wider

areas, the rate is between 2 to 3 knots.

9.15 Depths—Limitations.—Shoals and dangerous rocks on

either side of the narrow part restrict the navigable width of the

channel to about 0.2 mile, over depths of more than 10.1m.

9.15 Regulations.—Vessels navigating through Obatake Seto are

requested to comply with the following cautionary items:

1. In order to prevent accidents, proceed through the

strait as slow as practicable.

2. Vessels are not to overtake or steam alongside other

vessels in the vicinity of the bridge.

3. As a great many fishing boats operate here, vessels

should use precise caution to prevent accidents.

9.15 Directions.—The channel under the Oshima Ohashi Bridge

is between Pier 3 and Pier 4, is marked on each side of the

bridge by a fixed white light. Fixed green and red lights mark

the N and S edges of the channel, respectively. A fog signal is

sounded from Pier 4. The Maritime Safety Agency has designated routes for ships of 5 grt or more navigating through

Obatake Seto, as indicated:

1. Line A is drawn from Morisige Sake (33°56'52"N.,

132°12'08"E.), through Buoy No. 3 on a bearing of 341°, to

the opposite shore.

2. Line B is drawn by joining Myojin Hana

(33°57'07"N., 132°11'26"E.) and O Iso Light (33°57'03"N.,

132°10'47"E.), and the extremity of the right bank of the

mouth of the Sikami Kawa, on the Honshu side of the strait.

3. Line C is drawn from Buoy No. 3 at Line A, through

the middle of Pier 3 and Pier 4, to where it intersects with

Line B. Line C is the middle of the channel on a bearing of

264.5°.

9.15 The following transit regulations are in effect:

1. Westbound vessels from Line A to Line B shall

navigate N of Line C, between Pier 3 and Pier 4. The vessel

may pass midway between these piers should there be no

oncoming traffic.

2. Eastbound vessels from Line B to Line A shall

navigate S of Line C, and N of Kaizenzi Syo Buoy and then

between Pier 3 and Pier 4, where the rule is the same as for

westbound vessels.

3. Vessels are in no way to navigate between Myojin

Hana and O Iso Light.

Yashiro-Jima—West Coast

9.16 Komatsu Ko (33°56'N., 132°11'E.) lies in a bight

between Myojin Hana and Tsunaga Hana, about 1.5 miles to

the SSW. The bight indents the N part of the W coast of

Yashiro-jima to a distance of about 0.5 mile. At the head of the

bight is a stone embankment enclosing salt pans, behind which

lies the town of Komatsu.

9.16 Depths in the bight are over 10.1m in most places, except for

Okinomo, which lies in the middle of the entrance to the bight.

A lighted buoy is moored on the NE side of Okinomo.

9.16 Komatsu Ko is used as a refuge harbor and by vessels

awaiting favorable tidal conditions to transit Obatake Seto.

9.16 Kasasa-jima lies in the S approach to Obatake Seto, about 1

mile W of Komatsu Ko. The whole island is thickly covered

with trees and appears dark in color. It is fringed with a shoal

bank that extends about 0.2 mile from its N side and about 0.2

mile from its S side.

9.16 Wakiga Hana (33°55'N., 132°10'E.), a prominent headland

and an extremity of a mountain range, lies about 1.3 miles SSE

of Kasasa-jima. A shoal, with a depth of 2.7m, lies about 0.2

mile WSW of the point.

9.16 Himi Saki (33°53'N., 132°11'E.), a prominent salient point,

lies about 1.8 miles S of Wakiga Hana. The point is bare, with a

reddish color, and backed by rolling hills. Hiko Shima, a small

rocky islet, lies almost 0.8 mile SSE of Himi Sake. From the

W, the three high points of the islet are conspicuous.

9.16 Tsunogi Saki lies 1.75 miles SSE of Himi Saki and forms the

S entrance point to a bight. The bight consists of a sandy beach

on which lie the villages of Tsunogi and Heta.

Obatake Seto—South Approach—West Side

9.17 The W side of the S approach to Obatake Seto is

formed by Murotsu Hanto, a 7 mile long mountainous peninsula of the Honshu mainland coast, about 2.5 miles W of Yashiro-jima.

9.17 Yokozoe Hana (33°51'N., 132°10'E.) lies 2.25 miles WSW

of Tsunogi Saki and forms the S point of a bight, protected

from W and S winds. The village of Ainoura stands at the head

of the bight. Kuro Saki, 1 mile NNW of Yokozoe Hana, forms

the N point of the bight. A lighted buoy is moored about 0.8

mile NE of Kuro Saki.

9.17 Naga Saki is a red, rocky point about 2.5 miles NNW of

Yokozoe Hana. A black rock that dries lies about 90m E of the

point. The village of Atsuki lies on the shore of the bight on the

N side of Naga Saki.

9.17 Karasu Shima (33°55'N., 132°08'E.) lies on a shoal 0.3 mile

offshore, about 1.5 miles N of Naga Saki. A conspicuous white

rock lies close off the NE extremity of the island. Aino Se, a

detached rock with a depth of 1.8m, lies 0.15 mile SW of the S

extremity of Karasu Shima.

9.17 Kuoshima Hana, a projection of the coast marked by black

rocks and trees, appears as an islet and lies at the S end of

Yanai Ko, about 1.3 miles NNW of Karasu-jima. A prominent

chimney stands at Oda, about 0.4 mile NNW of Kuroshima

Hana.
204 Sector 9. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Aki Nada, Tsurushima Kaikyo, and Hiroshima Wan 

Pub. 159

9.18 Yanai Ko (33°57'N., 132°07'E.), a local harbor, includes the whole of a bight that lies between Kuroshima Hana

and the coast 1.25 miles NE of Kuroshima Hana.

9.18 Tides—Currents.—The tidal rise at Yanai Ko is 3.1m at

springs and 2.1m at neaps. Currents in the area attain a strength

of 1 to 2 knots.

9.18 Depths—Limitations.—Depths in the greater part of Yanai

Ko are shallow. Shoal water extends around Hadaka Shima.

Within the line joining Hadaka Shima and Kuroshima Hana,

the depths shoal quickly to less than 4.9m.

9.18 A dock about 0.2 mile N of Hadaka Shima has a depth of

about 4.3m alongside; farther N is a quay with a depth of 4m

alongside. There is a dolphin berth SW of Hadaka Shima with

a depth of about 8.9m.

9.18 In the area approximately 0.5 mile SSW of Hadaka Shima

there are dangerous rocks, including Koiketsugawano Su, with

a minimum depth of 4.6m, Okino Iso and Jino Iso.

9.18 Aspect.—At the W end of Yanai Ko, a large industrial area

and harbor facility have been constructed on reclaimed land. It

is reported that oil and LNG berths, with depths of 14m alongside, are situated on the E side of the S end of the reclaimed

land.

9.18 A power station chimney, gray in color with an elevation of

209m, stands about 0.4 mile NW of the LNG berth and is a

conspicuous landmark. Red obstruction lights are shown at its

top. 

9.18 A detached breakwater extends from close NE of Hadaka

Shima; a short breakwater extends W from the islet. A light is

shown from the head of each breakwater. A lighted channel

buoy is moored about 0.5 mile SE of the W breakwater light.

9.18 Obatake Ko, a local harbor, is located about 2 miles E of

Yanai Ko. The harbor consists of a shallow boat basin with a

small pier. Small vessels with local knowledge can find temporary anchorage close off the harbor.

9.18 Anchorage.—Anchorage, sheltered from all winds except

from the E to S, is afforded, in depths of 17 to 18m, mud and

sand, about 0.3 mile E of Hadaka Shima. Small vessels can obtain anchorage, in 3 to 9m, about midway between Hadaka

Shima and the floating pier to the N of the islet.

Hiroshima Wan—South Part—Islands and Islets

9.19 Hotaka Shima (Hodaka Shima) (34°04'N.,

132°24'E.) lies on the SE side of Hiroshima Wan and the NW

side of the entrance to Hashirajima Suido. The island is thickly

wooded and ringed with shoal water. Te Shima, a wooded islet,

lies 0.75 mile S of Hotaka Shima.

9.19 Ha Shima lies about 1 mile SSW of Te Shima and is marked

by two hills, the S hill being the higher. A village lies in the

NW corner of a bight on the E side of the island. Nakanoko

Shima, a small islet, lies between Ha Shima and Te Shima.

9.19 Hashira-jima (34°01'N., 132°25'E.), a dark, conical, and

prominent island, lies about 1 mile SE of Ha Shima and is the

largest island on the W side of Hashirajima Suido. A light is

shown from the NE side of the island. Ko-hashira-jima, with

two wooded summits, lies about 0.2 mile NE of the N extremity of Hashira-jima.

9.19 Tsuzuki Shima, Kottoi Shima, and Fukura Shima form a

chain of islets that lies within 2 miles of the SE extremity of

Hashira-jima. The islets are all wooded and fringed by reefs

and rocks. Passage between the islets is not recommended

without local knowledge.

9.19 O Zone (34°01'N., 132°20'E.), a steep-to rock with a depth

of 4m, lies about 2.8 miles W of the S extremity of Ha Shima.

Ise-ko Shima, an islet, lies about 0.3 mile S of O Zone. A beacon stands on the S extremity of the islet. Fish havens are

situated to the N and W of the island. 

9.19 Kuro Shima, lying about 1 mile S of Ise-ko Shima, is thickly

wooded; when seen from the N it appears conical and is easily

identified. Shingoro Shima, an islet, showing a beacon from its

E end, lies 0.75 mile SE of Kuro Shima.

9.20 Kashira Shima (33°58'N., 132°21'E.) lies about 1

mile S of Shingoro Shima and has three dark wooded summits.

Uka Shima, located close S of Kashima Shima, is separated

from it by a shallow narrow channel spanned by an overhead

cable, which has a vertical clearance of 9.2m.

9.20 Mae Shima (34°00'N., 132°16'E.), located about 3 miles W

of Kuro Shima and about 4 miles NE of Obatake Seto, is divided into two parts by a narrow isthmus. Oban Yama is the

summit on the N part; the hill on the S part has a pointed top.

9.20 Fuku Shima, a small islet with a rounded top, lies about 0.8

mile W of the S part of Mae Shima and almost 4 miles NE of

Setoyama Hana.

Setoyama Hana (33°58'N., 132°11'E.) is 33m high and

covered with pine trees. Red earth outcrops are prominent on a

mountain behind the point. The point is at the N end of the

Oshima Ohashi Bridge. See paragraph 9.15 for further information on the bridge.

9.20 Omodaka Hana lies about 7 miles N of Setoyama Hana, with

several small villages and their basins between them. A greater

part of this coast has a stone protective wall and drying sandbanks.

Iwakuni Ko (34°11'N., 132°15'E.)

World Port Index No. 61662

9.21 Iwankuni Ko, in general terms, refers to the harbor

area, the limits of which are charted, between Omodaka Hana

and the mouth of Oze Gawa. A U.S. Marine Corps Air Station,

comprising an airport, piers, and berths, occupies the land area

between Monzen Gawa and Imazu Gawa in the S part of

Iwakuni Ko. The main part of the harbor lies NW, between

Imazu Gawa and Oze Gawa. There are several seaweed

cultivation grounds, some marked by a large number of buoys

showing orange lights, in this area.

9.21 Winds—Weather.—Iwakuni Ko, frequently in the path of

typhoons, has sustained a great deal of damage in the past. The

harbor is mostly safe during N and W winds. Westerly winds

prevail throughout most of the year. Seasonal temperatures are

mild. Rainfall is heavy April through October.

9.21 Tides—Currents.—The current sets N and S at 0.5 knot full

strength. The mean tidal rise at Iwakuni is 3.3m at springs and

2.5m at neaps.

9.21 Depths—Limitations.—There are five main cargo wharves

100 to 185m long. Vessels of up to 40,000 dwt, 200m in length,

and 11.5m draft can be accommodated. There are three main

oil wharves; tankers up to 150,000 dwt and 16.5m draft can be

handled at the crude oil berth.
Sector 9. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Aki Nada, Tsurushima Kaikyo, and Hiroshima Wan 205

Pub. 159

9.21 Aspect.—Several radio towers and numerous tanks and

chimneys are conspicuous.

9.21 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory, but is available at the

quarantine anchorage from 1 hour after sunrise to 1 hour before

sunset, when required. Pilots can be contacted on VHF channels 12 and 16 (call sign: Iwakuni-ho-an).

9.21 For further information, see paragraph 6.1

9.21 Anchorage.—The bay SW of the mouth of Monzen Gawa

affords a good sheltered anchorage, in 10.1 to 15m, mud, during NW winds. The quarantine and repair anchorage is situated

about 1.8 miles NE of the mouth of Imazu Kawa and is shown

on the chart.

9.21 Anchorage berths are assigned by the pilot.

9.21 Caution.—A seadrome area, which is charted as a prohibited area, lies inside the harbor limits. The seaplane runways

inside the seadrome are marked by special purpose lighted

buoys.

9.21 Charted depths are reported to be unreliable in the Iwakuni

harbor area E of Imazu Gawa and the airfield.

9.22 Atada-jima (34°11'N., 132°18'E.) lies on the E side

of Iwakuni Ko. Except for an occasional sandy beach, the shore

of the island is mainly cliffy and reef-fringed. The bights on the

N and S sides of Atada-jima are suitable only for small vessels.

9.22 The islet of Inoko-jima lies close off the NE side of Atadajima. A conspicuous white building stands on the S side of

Inoko-jima.

9.22 Danna Se, a steep-to rock with a depth of 6.6m, lies 0.5 mile

W of the W side of Atada-jima. Fish havens lie 0.1 to 0.3 mile

S of the SE extremity of Atada-jima. 

9.22 Kabuto-jima (34°07'N., 132°19'E.), about 4 miles S of

Atada-jima, is composed of red soil. The pointed summit of

Kabuto-jima is a good landmark.

9.22 Otake Ko (34°14'N., 132°14'E.), a local harbor, lies close N

of Iwakuni Ko. The harbor is mostly calm. The smelting furnaces and the chimneys of an iron foundry are conspicuous; a

number of other chimneys and stacks serve as landmarks.

9.22 Himeko-jima, a rock 13m high, stands on a shoal about 2

miles NW of Kabuto-jima. An isolated shoal, with a depth of

17m, lies 0.75 mile SE of the rock.

9.22 Caution.—A submarine pipeline and cable lie between

Otake Ko and Atada-jima, and may best be seen on the chart.

9.23 Karakasa Yama, a good landmark with twin sharp

peaks, stands about 4.8 miles NNW of the mouth of the Oze

Gawa, the boundary between Iwakuni Ko and Otake Ko.

9.23 Itsuku Shima is a large, thickly wooded island extending NE

from Otake Ko along the Honshu coast. The island has a rocky

shore with some sand beach.

9.23 Ono Seto, the channel that leads between Itsuku Shima and

the mainland shore, has a depth of about 7.3m and is narrowed

by shoals to a width of about 0.1 mile near its central part. It is

tortuous and navigation is very difficult, therefore, no attempt

should be made to pass through without local knowledge.

9.23 Hijiri Zaki (34°19'N., 132°20'E.), the N extremity of Itsuku

Shima, is fringed with rocks and shallow depths within about

0.2 mile of the point. A stone beacon stands close N of Hijiri

Zaki.

9.23 Itsukushima Ko is a local harbor located on the N shore of

Itsuku Shima, about 1 mile SW of Hijiri Zaki. A conspicuous

shrine gate stands on a drying bank that fronts the shrine at the

town of Itsukushima.

9.23 Anchorage.—Anchorage can be taken by small vessels, in

about 7m, mud, about 0.5 mile WNW of the shrine gate.

9.23 Misen, the summit of the island about 2 miles S of Hijiri

Zaki, attains an elevation of 529m.

9.23 The shore from the NE entrance of Ono Seto to Hiroshima, a

distance of about 7 miles, is irregular and embanked with

stone; along it are several towns and villages. The shore is

mostly fringed with drying sand banks.

9.23 Hatsukaichi Ko lies about 2.5 miles N of Hijiri Zaki. A radio

tower, with red and white bands, is conspicuous on Kakunomae Hana, nearly 0.5 mile SSW of the entrance to Hatsukaichi Ko.

9.23 Ebiyamano Hana, an extremity of a small hill on the coast S

of the town of Itsukaichi, is conspicuous with its gray appearance.

Hiroshima (34°21'N., 132°28'E.)

World Port Index No. 61650

9.24 Hiroshima harbor lies at the head of Hiroshima Wan

and is protected by breakwaters. 

9.24 Winds—Weather.—Light N to NE winds predominate for

most of the year. Storms are mostly from the WNW. Precipitation is greatest during the spring and summer seasons, with the

highest amounts occurring during June and July.

9.24 The high terrain of the numerous islands and the surrounding

coast shelter the harbor. High waves are experienced only during strong S winds.

9.24 Tides—Currents.—The tidal currents in the harbor are

weak; they have little effect on vessels that are underway.

9.24 Depths—Limitations.—Designated fairways lead through

the harbor and may best be seen on the chart. The minimum

depth in No. 1 channel is 9m. 

9.24 At Hatsukaichi and Hiroshima, there are ten main wharves,

170 to 370m long, with depths of 10 to 12m alongside. Vessels

of up to 30,000 dwt can be handled. In addition, there are several private wharves of 75 to 630m long with depths of 4 to 8m.

9.24 Aspect.—The shipyard at Hiroshima is conspicuous.

Kanawa-jima (34°20'N., 132°29'E.) has pointed hills located

in a N and S direction. The pointed summit of Kanawa-jima is

located on the S part of the island. 

9.24 An overhead cable, with a vertical clearance of 47m, spans

the channel between Hiro-shima and the N end of Kanawajima. Another cable, with a vertical clearance of 49m, spans

the channel between Kanawa-jima and the promontory close E

of it.

9.24 Three submarine cables and a water pipeline are laid across

this channel at its narrowest part, about 0.4 mile S of the overhead cable.

9.24 A light is shown from the S extremity of Ujina-jima

(34°20'N., 132°28'E.). Numerous red and green lights are

shown off the coast about 0.3 mile NE of the light. Two conspicuous television towers standing at an elevation of about

260m are situated 2 miles NE of the light structure.

9.24 Kaida Wan is located on the E side of the inner harbor; its

entrance is spanned by the Hiroshima Bridge.

9.24 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory, but without the aid of
206 Sector 9. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Aki Nada, Tsurushima Kaikyo, and Hiroshima Wan 

Pub. 159

local knowledge, it is recommended. Pilots are available from

sunrise until 2000 in the quarantine anchorage; VHF channel

16 is used.

9.24 For further information, see paragraph 6.1.

9.24 Signals.—Storm signals, local weather signals, and weather

forecast signals are shown. The harbormaster can be reached

by VHF.

9.24 Anchorage.—Anchorage can be taken in designated anchorages in suitable depths; the mud bottom, a mixture of clay

and fine sand, affords good holding ground. Specified anchorages are designated by signals from the signal station.

9.24 Directions.—Large vessels approaching the port from the

SW should pass through Miyazima Seto, W of Eno-jima and

NW of Ko-Kakuma Sima, or through Nasabi Seto and Ozu

(Osu) Seto. 

9.24 Caution.—Several submarine pipelines and cables lie within

the harbor limits and may best be seen on the chart.

9.24 Numerous small vessels and fishing boats may be encountered in the approach channels to the port. 

9.25 Between Kannon Zaki (34°19'N., 132°30'E.), the

point on the S limits of Hiroshima harbor, and Shibitono Hana,

the point on the N limits of Kure harbor, the mainland coast on

the E side of the N approach to Kure Ko is backed mostly by

hills and mountains, which in places descend steeply to the

shoreline.

9.25 Shallow depths, rocks, reefs, and mud flats fringe the coast

to a distance of about 0.1 mile between Kannon Zaki and Shibitono Hana. Depths of 9.2 to 18.3m lie in places within about

0.5 mile of this stretch of coast.

9.25 Tengujo Yama rises about 0.5 mile inland of the coast and is

conspicuous about 1.5 mile SE of Kannon Zaki. Shishi Yama

(34°15'N., 132°31'E.), round topped and wooded, serves as a

good landmark.

9.25 Between Yataka Ishi (34°18'N., 132°29'E.) and Koyo, about

3 miles SSE, the E coast of Eta-jima, which forms the W side

of the approach to Kure Ko, is mainly cliffy and marked by

steep slopes of a mountain range.

9.25 This coast is fringed by reefs in places but it is without

dangers, in depths of 9.2m and greater, up to about 90m from

shore. The outer part of a bank, with a depth of 14.6m, lies

about 0.5 mile SE of the light tower on Yakata Ishi.

Kure Ko (34°14'N., 132°33'E.)

World Port Index No. 61640

9.26 Kure Ko consists of a port, a harbor with an anchorage and other facilities, and a city. Yosiura Wan, close N of

Kure, is included in the harbor limits. Hiro Ko and Nigata Ko

are considered as parts of the port of Kure.

9.26 Winds—Weather.—Normally the weather is mild and calm.

Light NE and W winds predominate throughout the year.

Storms are mostly from the W.

9.26 Kure Ko, surrounded by the high terrain of the mainland

coast and adjacent islands, is sheltered from wind and sea during all seasons.

9.26 Tides—Currents.—Tidal currents within the harbor are

negligible.

9.26 The tide rises about 3.5m at springs and 2.5m at neaps.

9.26 Depths—Limitations.—The controlling depth in the

channel is 17m. Showa Municipal Pier No. 1 is 150m long; it

can accommodate vessels up to 15,000 dwt, with a maximum

draft of 7m. Nishi-Kawaraishi Wharf is 260m long; it can

accommodate vessels up to 4,000 dwt, with a maximum draft

of 7m. 

9.26 Nisshin Steel Mill No. 3 is 270m long and can accommodate

vessels up to 276,000 dwt, with a draft of 17m.

9.26 Tokyo Pulp Comapny Dolphin Berth can accommodate vessels up to 42,000 dwt, with a draft of 9m.

9.26 Mitsukoshima Wharf is 192m long and can accommodate

vessels up to 76,000 dwt, with drafts up to 16.5m.

9.26 At Etajima, on the W side of the harbor is Shinto Wharf,

which is 190m long and can handle vessels up to 56,000 dwt,

with a draft of 12m.

9.26 C.I. Oil Pier, which is 273m long and can handle vessels up

to 125,000 dwt, with drafts up to 14m.

9.26 There are shipbuilding and repair facilities, with the largest

being Drydock No. 3. It is 510m long and 80m wide; vessels of

up to 800,000 dwt can be handled. Drydock No. 4 is 228m

long, having a dwt capacity of 160,000, and a 17m depth. 

9.26 Aspect.—O-urume-jima and Ko-urume-jima are conspicuous

islets which lie on the shoal that extends about 0.5 mile SW from

Ujina-jima Light
Sector 9. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Aki Nada, Tsurushima Kaikyo, and Hiroshima Wan 207

Pub. 159

the S entrance point of Yosiura Wan. The high cable towers,

which stand on the islets, and the lighthouse and signal station of

Ko-urume-jima are good landmarks. A shipyard at the head of

Kure Ko is conspicuous. Mitugo Shima, about 2.5 miles S of Kourume-jima, is prominent from a distance.

9.26 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory, but is advisable for

those without the aid of local knowledge. Inland sea pilots

board 3 miles S of Sekisaki Light. Harbor/berthing pilots are

available during daylight hours only and board vessels at the

quarantine anchorage; VHF channels 16 and 12 are used. A

pilot liaison office is situated at Kure. For further information,

see paragraph 6.1.

9.26 Signals.—A signal station on Ko-urume-jima relays instructions from the harbormaster with reference to berthing and

to the movement of vessels entering and departing the port.

Vessels should retain onboard the most recent edition of Japan

Maritime Safety Laws and Regulations, obtainable through the

Japanese Coast Guard. This publication should be kept as a

reference for signal station communiques and their meanings,

appropriate answering signals, and other local or specific regulations. Radiotelephone may be used to contact the harbormaster.

9.26 Weather signals are shown from the station on Ko-urumejima and from the roof of the harbor office on the E side of the

mouth of Niko Gawa, about 1.5 miles E of Ko-Urume-jima.

9.26 Anchorage.—Kure Ko, with adequate depths, mud, good

holding ground, lying close to the shore, affords an ideal anchorage for large vessels.

9.26 Anchorages and the use of mooring facilities are designated

by means of signals transmitted from the signal station on Kourume-jima.

9.26 The quarantine anchorage, the limits of which are charted,

lies W of the harbor entrance and is centered in a position

about 0.8 mile SSW of the Ko-urume-jima.

9.26 Caution.—Numerous small fishing boats are prevalent

along the final approach to Kure Ko.

9.27 Ondono Seto (34°12'N., 132°32'E.) is a narrow and

shallow channel which lies between the N end of Kurahashijima and the mainland coast of Honshu. It is the shortest route

leading into Hiroshima Ko from the E and is normally used by

small vessels.

9.27 The navigable width of the channel is 60m, with a charted

depth of 4.9m. The channel has strong tidal currents reaching a

maximum of about 4 knots velocity. The vessel traffic in this

channel is very heavy. There are many high-speed hydrofoils,

ferries, rafts, and small vessels crossing this channel.

9.27 The Ondo Ohashi Bridge, with a vertical clearance of 23m,

crosses the channel. The width of the channel under the bridge

is about 60m. The bridge is painted red. 

9.27 Regulations.—The lighted buoys moored in the N and S

entrances indicate the center of the shipping route; vessels

should leave the buoys to port. Speed should be as slow as

possible. If oncoming traffic is met in the narrow channel, alter

course to starboard so as to pass port to port.

9.27 Kannon Saki (34°12'N., 132°34'E.) is a point on the mainland coast about 1.5 miles E of Ondono Seto. A conspicuous

hotel stands on the point.

9.28 Hiro Wan (34°12'N., 132°36'E.) indents the mainland

coast of Honshu to the N between Shimoneko Zaki, a point on

the N side of the W entrance of Neko Seto, and Kannon Zaki.

9.28 Hiro Ko, at the head of Hiro Wan, is a part of the port of

Kure Ko.

9.28 Winds—Weather.—Hiro Wan, open to the S, is exposed to

wind and sea from that direction. Strong winds and sea from

the S cause heavy swells to enter the harbor, even after the

wind subsides or changes direction.

9.28 Depths—Limitations.—The dredged channel, marked by

range lights and lighted buoys, has a width of 150m and a

charted depth of 8m. The Tokyo Pulp Company Dolphin Berth,

with depths of 8.5 to 10m alongside, is situated close S of the

front range light. 

9.28 Extensive land reclamation was in progress on the W side of

the channel. A detached breakwater extends off the SW end of

the training wall on the W side of the mouth of Hirohigashi

Okawa. A light is shown from the S end of this breakwater. 

9.28 Aspect.—Two white chimneys of a paper mill stand on the E

side of the mouth of the Hirohigashi Okawa. Radio towers

stand close N of a wharf, situated about 0.2 mile NNE of Ishiga

Hana, a point on the E side of the harbor, about 1 mile WNW

of Shimoneko Zaki.

9.28 Anchorage.—Hiro Wan has good holding ground, with a

bottom composed mostly of layers of clay. It affords good anchorage, except during strong S winds.

Hiroshima Wan—North Portion—Off-lying Islands, including Channels Between the Islands

9.29 Kurahashi-jima (34°07'N., 132°31'E.) is of considerable size, being about 7.5 miles long, N and S, and about 7

miles wide at its S end. There are two large bights, Okuno Uchi

and Taino Uchi, on the E side. The depths in these bights are

moderate. Rocks, below-water, lie in several places near the

shore of Taino Uchi, the S bight.

9.29 Shoal water extends off the N side of the N entrance point of

Okuno Uchi; on this shoal are two islets, the N being Koajiwa

Shima and the S being Oajiwa Shima. 

9.29 Oajiwa Shima, consisting of two islets, lies on the coastal

bank 0.7 mile N of Oura Saki. A rock, which dries 0.2m, lies

183m E of the islets. Another dangerous rock, detached from

the coastal bank lying about 0.2 mile NE of the drying rock, is

marked by a lighted buoy moored close NW of it. There are

oyster beds S of this rock and in Okuno Uchi. 

9.29 Nasake Shima is located about 0.5 mile E of the entrance of

Okuno Uchi. The island has conspicuous trees on the hillsides

on its E side.

9.29 Kamegakubi (34°07'N., 132°36'E.), the E extremity of Kurahashi-jima, is prominent.

9.29 Karato Shima (34°04'N., 132°33'E.) is close S of the SE extremity of Kurahashi Shima and is separated from it only at

HW.

9.29 Sengai, a rock that dries 1.7m, lies about 0.2 mile E of the E

extremity of Karato Shima, and at about 0.6 mile S of this rock

is Hiyama Dashi, with a swept depth of 10.1m. A swept depth

of 11.3m, rocky, lies about 320m NE of Sengai.

9.29 Ka Shima, close SW of Karoto Shima, is 1.5 miles long, N

and S. Three densely-wooded peaks are prominent on the S

part of the island.

9.29 Karato Koseto, the channel between Karato Shima and Ka
208 Sector 9. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Aki Nada, Tsurushima Kaikyo, and Hiroshima Wan 

Pub. 159

Shima, is 0.15 mile wide, but as shoals project from both sides,

the part between the 5.5m curve is only about 90m wide. It is

spanned by a bridge with a vertical clearance of about 23m.

Nakano Haye, dangerous rocks, lies about 0.1 mile offshore on

the W side of the channel. At lowest LW, rocky heads are

visible, drying to a maximum height of 1.3m. Local knowledge

is necessary for this channel.

9.29 Ha Shima, a small islet, lies about 0.5 mile S of the SW extremity of Ka Shima. Three rocks form a chain in the vicinity

of its N point, and shoal water extends off for about 0.1 mile

from its S extremity. Manaita Se, a detached shoal which dries

about 0.6m, lies about 0.6 mile E of Ha Shima. It is usually

difficult to make out.

9.29 The S side of Kurahashi Shima forms a large bay, with

depths of about 14.6 to 21.9m, mud bottom. Torii Dashi, a

rocky shoal covered by about 8.2m, lies at about the middle of

the entrance to the bay and 1 mile W of the N end of Ka Shima.

About 0.1 mile W of this shoal, there is a submerged rock with

a depth of about 13.2m. The head of the bay is divided into

several bights.

9.30 Yamaura Take (34°06'N., 132°28'E.), on the SW part

of Kurahashi Shima, has a blunt summit from which a ridge

descends gradually to the NE.

9.30 Zyogesi Hana, the SW extremity of Kurahashi Shima, is

cliffy; outcrops of rocks and stones make it easy to recognize

from a distance.

9.30 Yoko Shima is the S of a group of rocky shoals and islets

extending nearly 3 miles NW. Tsuzuki Shima consists of

several rocks that extend from the middle of the NW side of

Yoko Shima for a distance of about 0.6 mile in a NW direction.

The highest rock is about 31m high and shows three rounded

summits which resemble islets from a distance. Ukiikada, a

rock which dries, lies about 0.3 mile NW of the above rock.

9.30 Kashinoko-jima, a small islet 21m high to the treetops, lies

about 0.7 mile NW of the highest rock on Tsuzuki Shima. A

ledge of drying rocks extends 0.2 mile N from it. A reef extends S from the S end of the islet and dries for a distance of

about 90m offshore; about 140m offshore there is a 0.9m

depth, beyond which the depths increase rapidly.

9.30 Kuro Shima, 1.25 miles NW of Yoko Shima, is about 72m

high and wooded. A sandspit projects from its SE side. Ebigahire, a patch of drying rocks, lies about 0.4 mile W of Kuro

Shima. The highest rock dries 2.7m. O Goban, a rock which

dries about 0.3m, lies about 0.6 mile NW of Ebigahire.

9.30 Dentaro Hana (34°06'N., 132°27'E.), the W extremity of

Kurahashi Shima, is difficult to distinguish W, but its summit is

dark and rounded. A light is shown from a round concrete

tower standing on the point.

9.31 Hayase Seto (34°09'N., 132°30'E.) is the channel that

leads between Kurahashi Shima and Higasinomi Shima, and

then to Kure.

9.31 Tides—Currents.—Strong tidal currents flow through the

narrow part of the channel at velocities of 3 to 4 knots.

9.31 Fish havens exist on the E side of the channel. 

9.31 Depths—Limitations.—The W entrance of Hayase Seto,

between Dentaro Hana and Oyake Hana, the S extremity of

Higasi-nomi Shima, is wide and deep, as in the channel along

the S side of Higasi-nomi Shima. The narrowest part of Hayase

Seto has a navigable width of about 90m between the 5m

curves and about 46m between the 10m curves.

9.31 Aspect.—Hiki Shima, an islet, presents a dark brown to yellowish aspect on the W side of the N entrance of Hayase Seto;

the islet lies about 1.8 miles SW of Mitugo Shima (34°12'N.,

132°31'E.).

9.31 Matsuga Hana (34°10'N., 132°29'E.), a narrow headland,

lies about 0.3 mile WNW of the N end of Hiki Shima. A short

detached breakwater is situated 0.1 mile WNW of Matsuga

Hana; a light is shown from its W end. Numerous oil tanks

mark the coast about 1.3 miles NNE of Matsuga Hana.

9.31 Eboshi Iwa, a wedge-shaped rock, 8.5m high, lies on the N

side of the W entrance of Hayase Seto in a position about 200m

W of Oyake Hana.

9.31 Caution.—Hayase Seto should not be attempted without local knowledge.

9.32 Higasi-nomi Shima, Nisi-nomi Shima, and Eta Shima

appear to be separate islands but are actually one large island

about 10 miles long, N and S. The S part of the island is named

Higasi-nomi Shima, the NW section is Nisi-nomi Shima, and

the N is Eta Shima. The summit of the island stands on the S

part, in a central position; its ridge slopes gradually SW forming the long and narrow point named Oyake Hana.

9.32 Yakata Ishi lies on the extremity of a reef which extends

about 0.2 mile N from a low tongue of land which forms the

NE end of Eta Shima. A light is shown from Yakata Ishi and is

a good mark when entering Kure Ko. 

9.32 Kirikushi Wan, close W of Yakata Ishi, affords anchorage to

small vessels, in a depth of 13m.

9.32 Naga Shima, about 0.5 mile W of Oyake Hana, is fringed

with shallow rocks. A drying sandspit extends about 200m

NNE from the NE extremity of the island. A breakwater extends from the N coast. Aino Iso, two rock heads with a depth

of 1.9 and 0.9m, lie between Naga Shima and Oyake Hana.

9.32 Okino Shima (34°09'N., 132°26'E.), an island with three

wooded hills, lies 1 mile N of Oyake Hana. The SW hill is the

summit of the island. Conspicuous light brown cliffs mark the

W extremity of Okino Shima.

9.32 Akabane Saki, about 0.5 mile NNE of the N extremity of

Okino Shima, is a round bluff headland. The town of Fukae

stands at the head of a cove on the S side of Akabane Saki.

9.33 Kanokawa Uchi (34°11'N., 132°26'E.) indents the S

part of Nisi-nomi Shima to the N for about 1.5 miles. The

entrance of Kanokawa Uchi lies between Akabane Saki and

Oya Bana, the S extremity of Nisi-nomi Shima, about 0.8 mile

WNW of Akabane Saki. Numerous prominent oil tanks stand

on the W shore of Kanokawa Uchi. Kanokawa Uchi has depths

of 10.1 to 16m, mud bottom, over its width of about 0.5 mile.

9.33 Shindo Yama, 287m high, a conspicuous, conical hill, stands

about 2.3 miles NNE of Oya Bana; it serves as a good landmark for vessels entering Kanokawa Uchi from the area between Okino Shima and O-kurokami Shima.

9.33 Anchorage.—Kanokawa Uchi provides a good anchorage,

mud, in 12 to 15m. It is sheltered from heavy seas even during

SW winds. Vessels arriving off the harbor entrance at night can

take temporary anchorages SW of Naga Shima or S of OKurokami Shima.
Sector 9. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Aki Nada, Tsurushima Kaikyo, and Hiroshima Wan 209

Pub. 159

9.34 Kanokawa Ko (34°11'N., 132°27'E.) (World Port

Index No. 61655) consists of an oil terminal that lies on the W

side of Kanokawa Uchi, about 0.8 mile NNE of Oya Bana.

9.34 Depths—Limitations.—There are two main oil berths.

Berth No. 1 can accommodate tankers up to 30,000 dwt, 240m

in length, and 11.2m draft; Berth No. 3 can accommodate tankers up to 125,000 dwt, 270m in length, and 14m draft.

9.34 Berth Nos. 2 and 4 have depths alongside of 7.5m and are

used for coastal tankers of up to 5,000 dwt. 

9.34 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory. Berthing occurs during daylight hours only. Pilots are available at the quarantine

anchorage of Iwakuni. Inland sea pilots are available at Sekisaki or Wada Misaki; VHF channel 16 is used. For further information, see paragraph 6.1.

9.34 The E side of the fairway leading to Kanokawa Oil Terminal

is marked by a line joining Lighted Buoy No. 2 , moored 0.4

mile SSE of Oya Hana, and Lighted Buoy No. 4, moored 0.8

mile NE of the point. A lighted buoy is moored 183m E of Oya

Hana and marks the W side of the fairway. 

9.34 Regulations.—Quarantine and customs are handled by officials from Kure.

9.35 O-kurokami Shima (34°10'N., 132°24'E.) lies about

1 mile SW of Oya Bana. Three small bights indent the N side

of O-kurokami Shima. The island is conspicuous, with its dark

appearance being in contrast with the red terrain of the nearby

islands. The S and W sides of the island are cliffy.

9.35 Umaga Se, a circular group of rocks, awash at LW, lie about

0.6 mile WSW of the NW extremity of O-kurokami Shima.

About 0.1 mile NW, there are rocks with a depth of 10.9m.

9.35 Sira Isi, comprised of two white rocks in a N and S direction,

lies about 1.8 miles W of the NW extremity of O-kurokami

Shima.

9.35 Mitsuke Ishi, a rocky patch with a depth of 1.3m, lies about

1.3 miles ENE of the NW extremity of O-Kurokami Shima.

Ikada Ishi, with a depth of 2.7m, lies about 1 mile S of Mitsuke

Ishi. These hazards lie in the channel between O-Kurokami

Shima and Nisi-nomi Shima. It is dangerous to use this channel

without local knowledge.

9.35 Between Oya Bana and Ganneno Hana, about 6 miles NNW

of Oya Bana, the W coast of Nisi-nomi Shima presents a monotonous shoreline broken only by Iruka Hana. South of Iruka

Hana, the shore is mostly a sandy beach while to the N of the

point it is rocky; several villages stand on this coast.

9.35 A white, round pillar stands on the W side of Iruka Hana

(34°14'N., 132°23'E.). Notoro Yama (34°13'N., 132°25'E.),

the prominent summit of Nisi-nomi Shima rises to a height of

542m and is located 2 miles ESE of Iruka Hana.

9.35 Ko-kurokami Shima, a dark, conical and densely-wooded

islet, lies about 1.5 miles WNW of Iruka Hana. A white round

pillar stands close to the N extremity. Manaita Ishi, a rocky

shoal about 0.1 mile long, lies about 0.6 mile NNE of KoKurokami Shima. The E rock dries about 1.2m and the W rock

is awash.

9.35 From Ganneno Hana (34°16'N., 132°23'E.) to the entrance

of Eta Uchi, about 2.5 miles E of Ganneno Hana, numerous

rafts lie along the N coast of Nisi-nomi Shima. The villages of

Mino, Koso, and Miyoshi, with a number of basins and small

breakwaters, mark this coast. Numerous rocks and shoals lie

along this stretch of coast.

9.36 O-Nasami-jima (O-Nasabi-jima) (34°16'N.,

132°22'E.) lies about 0.5 mile N of Ganneno Hana. Two hills

mark the above island; the E hill is the summit and is marked

by surface cutting. Nakano Se, a rock 2.1m high and marked by

a lighted beacon, lies about 0.2 mile S of the E end of ONasami-jima. Numerous oyster rafts lie near the N shore of Onasami-jima.

9.36 Eno Jima, an islet 39m high, lies about 1 mile N of the W

end of O-Nasami-jima. A light is shown from the islet; numerous oyster beds lie to the SE of the islet.

9.36 Miyazima Seto is the channel lying W of O-Nasami-jima; it is

divided into two channels by Eno Jima. Nasabi Seto is the channel

lying S of O-Nasami-jima; it is deep and free of dangers.

9.36 Ando Shima, an islet 11m high, lies about 1.5 miles ENE of

Ganneno Hana. Vessels should pass N of Ando Shima. A light

is shown from this islet. Numerous obstructions, best seen on

the chart, lie SE, SW, and W, respectively, of Ando Shima.

9.36 Eta Uchi (34°15'N., 132°26'E.), between Nisi-Nomi Shima

and Eta Shima, is almost landlocked except for Tsukumo Seto,

the entrance channel, which is narrow and has adequate depths

and a width of about 0.3 mile. Eta Uchi has depths of 9 to 18m,

mud, within about 0.2 mile of the shore, except for a rocky patch

with a depth of 9.8m which lies in the E part of the harbor. The

chimney which stands in the middle of the S side of the bay provides a good mark while entering the bay. Several radio towers

and buildings stand on the E side of the bay.

9.36 Caution.—Oyster beds extend up to 0.5 mile offshore on the

W side of Eta Uchi, between Tsukumo Seto and Matsuga

Hana. Vessels should proceed at moderate speed to avoid disturbing the beds. 

9.37 Ozu Seto (34°17'N., 132°26'E.) is a deep channel between the N coast of Eta Shima and the S shore of Nino Shima.

It is the main route to Kure Ko and the route recommended for

large vessels approaching Hiroshima Ko. The narrowest part of

Ozu Seto has a navigable width of about 0.4 mile between

Shinoki Hana, a cliffy point on the N side of the NW end of Eta

Shima, and Gaibono Hana, the SE extremity of Nino Shima.

9.37 Nino Shima (34°18'N., 132°26'E.) is a large hilly island that

lies about 0.8 mile N of Hana Guri, the NW extremity of Eta

Shima. Aki-ko Fuji, the summit of Nino Shima, is located on

the N part of the island. Topped by a white staff, Aki-ko Fuji is

a good landmark. Oikada Hana, the cliffy N end of Nino

Shima, is the termination of the steep N slope of Aki-ko Fuji.

The S coast has exposed rock and many cliffs.

9.37 Dogen Ishi is a submerged rock with a depth of 2.7m, about

0.6 mile NE of Gaibono Hana. A lighted beacon stands on

Dogen Ishi. A dangerous reef extends about 0.2 mile SE of

Gaibano Hana. Misen Dashi, a submerged rock with a depth of

9.5m, lies about 0.6 mile E of Dogen Ishi. Fishing banks lie

about 250m NNW and close SW of Misen Dashi. A rock, with

a depth of 10.1m, lies about 0.2 mile NNE of Misen Dashi.

Suno Ishi, with a depth of 11m, lies on the S side of the channel, about 1 mile SSE of Misen Dashi.

9.37 Ko-kakuma Shima (34°19'N., 132°24'E.) is a small island

with a few cliffs. O-kakuma Shima lies about 400m S of Kokakuma Shima and is joined to it by reefs and shoals. There are

some houses on its summit. Several fishing reefs, best seen on

the chart, lie close to these islands.
Pub. 159

10. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Iyo Nada and Bungo Suido

10.0Additional chart coverage may be found in NGA/DLIS Catalog of Maps, Charts, and Related Products (Unlimited Distribution).

SECTOR 10 — CHART INFORMATION
213

Pub. 159

SECTOR 10 

THE NAIKAI (INLAND SEA)—IYO NADA AND BUNGO SUIDO

10.0 Plan.—This sector commences with a description of Iyo

Nada and includes, in the order listed, the islands in the N and

NE parts, the N side along with the S coast of Yashiro-jima,

and the SE side which comprises the NW coast of Shikoku.

The progression is from E to W. The description continues with

the Kyushu coast, on the W side of Iyo Nada, and finally

concluding with Bungo Suido, the E and W sides of which,

respectively, are discussed in a S to N direction. 

General Remarks

10.1 Iyo Nada.—This part of the Naikai lies next E of Suo

Nada. It is bounded SW by part of the NE coast of Kyushu, SE

by the NW coast of Shikoku, and NE by a chain of islands and

islets extending E from the E side of Murotsu Hanto. It is

approached from the S through Bungo Suido. See charts for

courses to be followed.

10.1 Bungo Suido leads from the Pacific Ocean to the Naikai

(Inland Sea) between the E side of Kyushu and the SW end of

Shikoku; it is entered from the S between Tsurumi Saki

(32°56'N., 132°05'E.) and Komo Saki, about 20 miles E, and at

its N end is Hayasui Seto, the entrance into Iyo Nada.

10.1 Pilotage information for the Naikai can be found in paragraph 6.1.

Iyo Nada—Islands in the North and Northeast

Parts

10.2 Kata Shima (33°55'N., 132°28'E.) appears as two

parts joined by a low isthmus. The NW and higher part attains

an elevation of 216m. Tokkuri Se lies 0.1 mile SW of the S

extremity of Kata Shima. O Ishi, 2.9m high, lies about 0.3 mile

E of Kata Shima. A light is shown from O Ishi. Tide rips occur

in the vicinity of Tokkuri Se and O Ishi during the flood tide.

10.2 Yuri Shima lies 5 miles SE of Kata Shima, and consists of

two parts, connected by a low sandy isthmus. It appears as two

islands when seen from the N or S. A light is shown from the S

end of the island. Kamoji Sho is a group of submerged rocks in

a depth of 7.3m, lying about 2.5 miles NW of Yuri Shima.

10.2 Ao Shima (33°44'N., 132°30'E.) lies 7 miles SSW of Yuri

Shima and shows a light from its W side. A sunken rock, with a

depth of 1.2m, lies about 0.2 mile E of the E extremity of the

island. Three beacons stand near the middle of the N side of the

island.

10.2 Ko-minase Shima lies about 5 miles NW of Ao Shima and is

flat-topped and wooded. The NE coast of the island has perpendicular cliffs. Tide rips occur in the vicinity of a rocky

patch, with a depth of 0.3m, off the NW end of the island.

Three beacons stand on the island; these beacons are one end

of a measured distance, the other end being the beacons on Ao

Shima. A light is shown from the E end of Ko-minase Shima.

10.2 O-minase Shima (33°48'N., 132°25'E.) lies about 1.5 miles

N of Ko-minase, and has a flat and wooded summit. Tide rips

occur on occasions within 0.5 mile N and SE of the island.

10.2 Sengai Se dries 1.5m and lies about 1.5 miles NW of Ominase Shima. Ko Sengai Se, a rock with a depth of less than

1.8m, lies about 0.2 mile further SE. A light is shown from

Sengai Se.

South Coast of Yashiro-Jima and Adjacent Islands

10.3 Yuu Ura (33°56'N., 132°27'E.) lies on the extreme

end of the SE coast of Yashiro-jima, about 1 mile WNW of the

NW extremity of Kata-jima. The bay affords anchorage, sheltered from N winds, to small vessels with local knowledge, in a

depth of 20.1m, hard mud. A light is shown from a breakwater

at the head of Yuu Ura.

10.3 Kodomari Wan lies about 2 miles WSW of Yuu Ura and

affords anchorage, in depths of 12 to 20m, sheltered from all

but the S wind. Hage Shima and Sasa-jima lie on a reef on the

W side of Kodomari Wan.

10.3 Okikamuro Shima (33°51'N., 132°22'E.) lies close off the

central part of the SE coast of Yashiro Shima, about 4 miles

SSW of Kodomari Wan. The island’s summit, 173m high, is

densely wooded and appears black in color. A light is shown

from a group of rocks, close off the S coast of the island. A

light is also shown from the N side, between the island and Yashiro Shima.

10.3 Agenosho Wan lies about 4 miles NW of Okikamuro Shima

and affords anchorage, in 20.1 to 30m, mud or sand. A good

anchorage can be obtained, except during SE winds, in 20.1m,

mud, about 0.5 mile N of Age Saki, the W entrance point of the

bay. Take San, with a tower about 2.5 miles N of Age Saki, is a

good landmark. A light is shown from a breakwater in Agenoura and Tononyu at the head of the bay.

10.3 Hoshi Saki (33°51'N., 132°13'E.) lies about 4 miles WSW

of Agenosho Wan. The point is dark in color and 142m high.

From the W, it appears as an island and is very prominent.

10.3 Kami-ninai Shima (33°50'N., 132°12'E.) is located about

0.5 mile SSW of Hoshi Saki and is 108m high. The island is

thickly covered with brambles. Kura Iso lies 0.5 mile S of the

island, and is sometimes marked by tide rips.

10.3 Shimo-ninai Shima, about 1 mile W of Kamininai Shima, is

a rounded island with a small flat summit that resembles an inverted bowl. The island is densely covered with shrubs and

shows a light on its NE side.

10.3 Heigun-jima (33°48'N., 132°13'E.) lies about 3 miles S of

Hoshi Saki. Near the middle of the island, two mountains of

nearly equal elevation, and covered with shrubs, are prominent. Mi Shima consists of three islets, close off the S extremity of Heigun-jima. Okino Iso and Jino Iso lie close S of Mi

Shima. A light is shown from Okino Iso.

10.4 Heigun Suido.—This strait is bounded on its S side

by the W part of the N coast of Heigun-jima. It is an alternate

track to the N of the main track; this route is to a vessel’s advantage when navigating with the tidal current. However, num-
214 Sector 10. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Iyo Nada and Bungo Suido 

Pub. 159

erous small vessels and tugs with tows use the route; it is not

recommended for night navigation. The track is plainly laid out

on the charts.

Kaketsu-jima (33°49'N., 132°15'E.) lies about 0.8 mile off

the NE coast of Heigun-jima. The island is 201m high, partly

cultivated, and grassy. Matsubushi Se, a steep-to rock with a

depth of 3.2m, lies about 0.5 mile ENE of the N extremity of

the island.

10.4 Hando-jima, a perpendicular rock, lies about 1 mile S of

Kushi Saki, located on the W side of Heigun-jima. The rock,

15.8m high, resembles a boat under sail.

10.5 Ya Shima (33°44'N., 132°09'E.) lies about 4.5 miles

SW of Heigun-jima. The island has a flat summit on its S side,

trees cover most of the hills on the island. A narrow isthmus in

the middle of the island separates the N from the S end of the

island. Three submarine cables project from the W coast of this

narrow isthmus, in a NW direction to Naga Shima. Tide rips

occur in the vicinity of Su Zaki, the N extremity of Ya Shima,

during the ebb tide.

10.5 Anchorage.—The bay on the W side of the isthmus that

joins the middle and S part of Ya Shima affords anchorage, in 6

to 30m, mud and sand. The anchorage is sheltered from E

winds, but with NW winds and N and S gales, swells run into

the bay. A submarine cable is landed in the NE corner of this

bay and should be avoided when anchoring.

10.5 On the E side of the isthmus, there is an opened bay suitable

only as a temporary anchorage during W winds. A rock, with a

depth of 2m, lies nearly 0.1 mile from the shore in a position

about 0.4 mile NW of the S entrance point of the bay.

10.5 Lights are shown from Hirane Zaki, the S point of the island,

and from a breakwater at Yashima, on the W side of the island.

A lighted buoy marks Sengai Se, off the NW coast of Ya

Shima.

10.5 Uwa-jima (33°44'N., 132°02'E.) lies about 5 miles W of Ya

Shima, is 85m high and wooded. Hojiro Shima, the mostly W

island in the N part of Iyo Nada, lies less than 0.5 mile WSW

of Uwa-jima. A light is shown from Hojiro Shima.

Iyo Nada—Southeast Side—Northwest Coast of

Shikoku

10.6 Between Gunchu Ko and Nagahama Ko, on the NW

coast of Shikoku, a distance of 14 miles, the mountains slope

down to the shore, and off it there are no known dangers more

than 0.5 mile offshore.

10.6 Gunchu Ko (33°45'N., 132°42'E.) is a small harbor, protected by three breakwaters, in which there are depths of 1.4 to

3.2m. The town of Gunchu lies with its S end abreast the harbor. A light is shown from the SW breakwater.

10.6 Nagahama Ko (33°37'N., 132°29'E.) is a local harbor lying

close NE of the mouth of the Hiji Kawa. A large bridge across

the mouth of the river and a red chimney on the W side of the

harbor are conspicuous.

10.6 Katayama Su is a sandbank lying about 0.3 mile N of the

head of the N breakwater at Nagahama Ko. The sand bank at

the mouth of the river continually changes position, particularly at times of winter gales.

10.6 Two breakwaters, N and S, protect the small harbor, in which

there are depths of 2 to 5.8m in the main part. The mud and

sand bottom in the harbor affords a relatively safe anchorage,

except during strong NE winds.

10.6 A floating pier and two wharves accommodate 1,000 grt

vessels in an alongside depth of 4.9m. A light is shown from

the head of the N breakwater and the E breakwater.

10.6 Mitsukue Ko lies about 14 miles SW of Nagahama Ko and is

entered between Fusuma Saki and Hasede Hana. It is exposed

to the NNW, and with N winds, a heavy sea runs into the bay.

On the W side of the bay is a cove that is sheltered from all

winds and has depths of 10.1m, but is only available to small

vessels with local knowledge. A light is shown from Fusuma

Saki and a point on the W side of Mitsukue Ko.

10.6 Anchorage.—All the bays between Mitsukue Ko and Mimai

Saki, about 7 miles SW, afford anchorage, but with indications

of N winds, vessels should put to sea. Anchorage is afforded in

Mitsukue Ko, in depths of 20 to 30m, mud, good holding

ground.

10.6 From September to April, there are seaweed beds on the E

and S sides of Mitsukue Ko.

10.6 Sada Misaki (33°20'N., 132°01'E.), the SE entrance point to

Iyo Nada, is cliffy and steep-to. A light is shown from the

point. 

Iyo Nada—West Side—Northeast Coast of

Kyushu

10.7 Taka Shima (33°16'N., 131°57'E.) lies on the W side

of Hoyo Kaikyo, the strait between Sada Misaki and Jizo

Misaki. Ashika Bae, a rock, 15.2m high, lies close off the E

extremity of the island and shows a light.

Sada Misaki Light
Sector 10. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Iyo Nada and Bungo Suido 215

Pub. 159

10.7 Jizo Misaki (Seki Saki), the NE extremity of a wooded

peninsula on the SW side of Hoyo Kaikyo, lies about 2 miles

WSW of Taka Shima. A light is shown from the point and

Naikai Pilots board vessels SE of the light.

10.7 Saganoseki Ko (33°15'N., 131°52'E.) (World Port Index No.

62165), located about 2 miles WSW of Jizo Misaki, is an open

harbor and port of entry.

10.7 Tides—Currents.—The MHW interval at Saganoseki Ko is

8 hours 18 minutes; spring tides rise 2.1m and neap tides rise

1.5m.

10.7 Depths—Limitations.—Depths in the harbor range from 8

to 16m in the outer part and 4.9 to 8m in the inner part.

10.7 The draft limitation in the channel is 8.8m. Pier 1 has a draft

limitation of 9m, a length of 100m, and a grt capacity of

15,000. Pier 2 is 200m long, with a draft limitation of 9.4m,

and accommodates vessels up to 20,000 grt. Pier 3 is 130m

long, with a draft limitation of 9.4m, and accommodates vessels up to 7,000 grt. Vessels are also moored at several mooring

buoy berths in the harbor. The inner harbor can accommodate

small ore vessels in depths of 2.7 to 4m.

10.7 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory, but pilots are available and board either at the quarantine anchorage or Seki Saki;

VHF channel 16 is used. Pilots is only availqble during daylight hours. 

10.7 Anchorage.—The harbor affords good anchorage, with a

mud bottom, but is exposed to NW winds during winter

months.

Oita Ko (33°15'N., 131°40'E.)

World Port Index No. 62160

10.8 Oita Ko includes about 8 miles of the shore on the S

side of the approach and entrance to Beppu Wan. The port includes Kasagura Harbor, Sumiyoshi Harbor, and Tsurusaki

Harbor (33°15'N., 131°41'E.). Reclamation projects, some of

which have been completed, are in progress throughout the

port area.

10.8 Winds—Weather.—The harbor is protected most of the

year, but during strong NW seasonal winds, the harbor becomes quite rough.

10.8 Tides—Currents.—The MHW interval is 8 hours 21 minutes. The tidal currents in the harbor are weak.

10.8 Depths—Limitations.—The three sections of harbors are

protected by breakwaters. Kasagura Harbor can berth vessels

of up to 5,000 grt, with drafts of up to 7.3m, Sumiyoshi Harbor

berths vessels of up to 15,000 grt, with a deep draft of 10.1m.

Tsurusaki Harbor berths vessels with drafts up to 5.5m. A

number of privately-owned piers can berth vessels of up to

50,000 grt, with drafts of up to 11.9m.

10.8 There is a sea berth for the export of steel that can

accommodated vessels of up to 300,000 dwt with a maximum

draft of 25m.

10.8 The dolphin berth for oil products can accommodate vessels

of up to 273,000 dwt with a draft of 19.8m.

10.8 The container terminal can accommodatee vessels of up to

50,000 dwt with a maximum draft of 14m.

10.8 Pilotage.—Pilots are not compulsory, but recommended.

Vessels may berth during daylight only, and unberthing is generally impracticable from wharfs during the hours of darkness.

Vessels at Sea-Berth and Seichin Berth may depart up to 2000,

depending on weather conditions; VHF channel 16 is used. 

10.8 Anchorage.—Anchorage is available within Nishi Oita

Hakuchi, in 6.5 to 7m, sand and mud, good holding ground.

Except for periods of NW winds, the harbor is quiet throughout

the year.

10.8 Large vessels anchor off Tsurusaki Harbor’s E breakwater, in

depths of 37 to 38m. The quarantine anchorage is situated in

position 33°16'N, 131°46'E, in depths of 25 to 43m.

10.8 The fairway through the central part of the Tsurusaki

Hakuchi is designated as a prohibited anchorage area.

10.8 Caution.—All vessels except those having the permission of

the Port Captain are prohibited from approaching within 30m

of any tanker loading inflammable materials, or any such vessel not certified gas-free within Oita Ko. 

10.8 A detached breakwater, which has been destroyed, lies approximately 1.3 miles ESE of the LNG dolphin berth located in

position 33°16'N, 131°43'E. The rubble is marked by buoys, as

charted, and by a light at the E end of the ruins.

10.9 Beppu Wan (33°18'N., 131°35'E.) is entered between

Oita Ko and Toro Hana, about 6 miles to the N. Fishing nets are

laid within 0.2 to 0.3 mile of its shores, except on the S side of

the bay.

10.9 The track of the swept channel leading from a position about

Mimai Saki Light
216 Sector 10. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Iyo Nada and Bungo Suido 

Pub. 159

5 miles N of Jizo Misaki into the center of Beppu Wan is

marked by lighted buoys.

Beppu Ko (33°19'N., 131°31'E.)

World Port Index No. 62150

10.10 Beppu Ko, the head of Beppu Wan, fronts the entire

W shore of the bay. The harbor includes the four anchorages of

Beppu Hakuti, Beppu Kokusi-kanko Hakuti, Kamegawa Hakuti, and Hizi Ko (Hiji Ko). The port is primarily dedicated to

passenger vessels and ferry traffic. 

10.10 Tides—Currents.—The MHW interval at Kamegawa Hakuti and Hizi Ko is 8 hours 19 minutes; spring tides rise 2.1m

and neap tides rise 1.5m.

10.10 Depths—Limitations.—Beppu Hakuti consists of three

small basins, protected by breakwaters, with depths of 2.1 to

4.3m. Beppu Kokusaikanko Hakuti is protected by a detached

breakwater, 0.5 mile in length, and a second breakwater on the

S side. Depths inside the breakwaters range from 4 to 11.9m.

Lights are shown from the head of the S breakwater, and about

100m from the head of the E breakwater. 

10.10 Wharf No. 1 to Wharf No. 3 have alongside depths of

approximately 3.1m, 4.9m, and 7 to 12.5m, respectively.

Passenger vessels of up to 50,000 tons can be accommodated at

Wharf No. 3. 

10.10 Kamekawa Gyoko lies about 1.5 miles N of Kokusaikanko

Hakuti, a boat basin having general depths of 3.4m, protected

by a lighted breakwater. Hizi Ko is protected by breakwaters

and is available for small vessels.

10.10 Aspect.—The red tower of the geophysical institute stands

toward the rear of Beppu and is conspicuous. The electric

lights of a cable railway on the hillside W of Beppu are visible

for a considerable distance. The blue colored buildings of the

hospital in Kamegawa are good landmarks from a distance.

The white walls in front of the town of Hizi are conspicuous.

10.10 Beppu is a renowned hot spring resort and columns of white

steam rising from the springs may be seen in the approach to

the port.

10.10 Anchorage.—Anchorage is prohibited from April through

September within an area extending about 300m E of the S side

of the pier at Beppu Hakuti.

10.10 Vessels usually anchor NE of Beppu Hakuti breakwater,

seaward of the prohibited anchorage. Vessels anchor off

Kamegawa Hakuti, but local knowledge is necessary. Hizi Ko

affords anchorage in moderate depths, mud and sand bottom.

10.10 Caution.—Fishing nets and fishing reefs are hazards in

Beppu Ko. A large number of fixed nets are set along the coast

in the vicinity of Hizi Ko.

10.11 Kitsuki Wan (33°23'N., 131°40'E.) is entered between Gongen Bana and Usuishi Hana, from which a light is

shown, about 3 miles to the ENE. The head and NE side of the

bay are fringed with sandbanks that dry out 0.5 mile in places.

The town of Kitsuki lies at the head of the bay.

10.11 Morie Ko, about the middle of the NE side of Kitsuki Wan,

is shallow and is sheltered from all but S winds, but is only

available to small vessels with local knowledge. A light is

shown from a sand spit on the S side of Morie Ko.

10.11 Gyoja Misaki, 4.5 miles NNE of Tsukuishi (Usuishi) Hana,

is a headland now overlaid by the development of Oita Airport.

An aeronautical light is shown from the airport.

10.11 The E side of the airport is fringed with foul ground extending 0.5 mile offshore. A lighted buoy is moored off the SE edge

of the foul ground. 

10.11 Numerous fish havens exist within 4 miles of Gyoja Misaki

Light. 

10.11 Kurotsuno Hana (33°32'N., 131°45'E.) is about 4 miles N

of Gyoja Misaki, and consists of a rocky point backed by a

dense growth of pine trees. The point should be given a wide

berth for numerous reefs lie in the vicinity.

10.11 Kunisaki (Tabuka) lies about 1.3 miles N of Kurotsuno

Hana. There is a small basin, protected by breakwaters, and

available to small vessels at Kunisaki. A light is shown from

the E breakwater, and a second light from the S breakwater. O

Se, a narrow reef with depths of less than 5m, extends about

0.6 mile ENE, from abreast of Kunisaki. A lighted buoy marks

the E extremity of O Se.

10.11 Futago Yama (33°35'N., 131°36'E.) rises about 6 miles

WNW of Kunisaki, and is 721m high. It is the highest mountain in this vicinity, and makes an excellent landmark.

10.12 Tomiku lies about 3 miles NNW of Kunisaki. It has a

small basin, protected by breakwaters, but is only available to

small craft with local knowledge. A light is shown from the

head of the N breakwater. Me Se, a rocky ledge that dries 0.6m,

extends about 0.5 mile offshore, about 0.4 mile SE of the

breakwater light of Tomiku.

10.12 Tsurugi Hana (33°40'N., 131°40'E.) is located 5 miles

NNW of Tomiku; between them the shore is fringed with a

bank, with the depths of less than 5.5m, extending about 0.3

mile offshore, but there are no off-lying dangers. There are

many fish havens up to 3.5 miles offshore in this area. 

10.12 Imi, a village protected by breakwaters, is situated about 3.5

miles WNW of Tsurugi Hana. A light is shown from the head

of the N breakwater at Imi.

Hime Shima (33°44'N., 131°40'E.) is separated from the

mainland by Himeshima Suido, with its SW extremity about 2

miles NE of Imi. Yahazu Take, a remarkable conical peak,

267m high, forms the summit of the island, and lies on its S

side. A large number of fish havens, consisting of sunken

hulks, lie on all sides of Hime Shima and in Himeshima Suido.

10.12 A light is shown from Hashiragatake Hana, the E extremity

of the island. Lights are shown from the SW and NW sides of

the island.

10.12 Anchorage.—Anchorage during SE winds can be taken, in

24m, sand, off the NW side of Hime Shima, with Su Hana, the

W extremity, bearing 180°, distant 0.75 to 1 mile off. Lighter

draft vessels can anchor closer inshore.

10.12 During N winds, anchorage is afforded, in about 14.9m,

sand, about 0.6 mile SW of a sharp pointed rock at the E extremity of Hime Shima.

Bungo Suido

10.13 Bungo Suido (33°08'N., 132°08'E.) passes between

the W coast of Shikoku and the E coast of Kyushu and is the

channel leading from the Pacific Ocean to the Naikai (Inland

Sea). The S entrance lies between Komo Saki on Shikoku, and

Tsurumi Saki on Kyushu, about 20 miles to the W. Hoyo Kai-
Sector 10. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Iyo Nada and Bungo Suido 217

Pub. 159

kyo is the N entrance. Several power transmission lines, with

vertical clearances of 29 to 51m, cross Bungo Suido in the

vicinity of position 33°13'N, 132°31'E. 

Komo Saki (32°54'N., 132°29'E.) is a black steep cliffy

headland, forming the SW extremity of a peninsula on the E

side of the S entrance of Bungo Suido. A light is shown from

the point. Okino So, a group of rocks, lies about 1.5 miles SW

of Komo Saki.

10.13 Ka Shima is located about 2.5 miles NNW of Komo Saki. Its

summit, near its E end, is 214m high. The S coast of the island

consists of dark brown cliffs. There are tide rips in the narrow

channel between Ka Shima and the coast to the SE. A light

stands on the NE side.

10.13 Yoko Shima (32°56'N., 132°24'E.) lies about 4 miles WNW

of Komo Saki; steep cliffs mark the S and W sides of the

island. A black rock lies about 1.5 mile N of Yoko Shima.

Close to the S end of Yoko Shima lies Ko Yoko Shima, 59m

high, with tide rips occurring in the area to its E.

10.13 Hirajo Ko (32°59'N., 132°30'E.) shows a light from the N

entrance point, located about 3.3 miles NE of Ka Shima Light.

Hirajo Ko, sheltered from all winds, affords anchorage to vessels with local knowledge. Mabune, a rock on the W side of

Hirajo Ko, shows a light.

10.13 Komatsu Saki is a steep headland faced with reddish-brown

cliffs and marked by a round hill, 119m high. Kashiwa Ura is a

cove on the E side of Kimatsu Saki and affords anchorage to

small vessels, except during S winds.

10.13 Between Komatsu Saki and Yura Saki, about 5 miles W, the

shore forms a bight in which are a number of small bays, most

of which are exposed S and have depths too great for anchorage. A light is shown from Yura Saki.

10.14 Suge Saki (33°04'N., 132°25'E.) lies about 3.5 miles

NNE of Yura Saki, and between it and Kashiwa Saki, about 3.3

miles further NNE, the shore forms a bight in which are

numerous small bays. Arashi Ura lies about 3.5 miles E of

Suge Saki, has depths of 27.4 to 45.7m, and is sheltered and

free of dangers, but can only be entered with local knowledge.

A light is shown from Suge Saki.

10.14 Iwamatsu Byoti lies 4 miles NNE of Suge Saki and is a

sheltered bay and anchorage. Shono Shima, a rocky islet, lies

on the S side of Iwamatsu Byoti and shows a light. A light is

also shown at Iwamatsu Ko, situated at the head of the inlet.

10.14 Aspect.—Takega Shima, located with its S extremity about 2

miles N of Suge Saki Light, is prominent, with a wooded summit. The W side of the island is cliffy, and a light is shown

from the W end of the island. A water pipeline and a submarine

cable are laid from Takega Shima E to the mainland. 

10.14 Oitsukami Shima (33°06'N., 132°20'E.) lies 4 miles W of

Takega Shima. The W side of the island consists of high cliffs

fringed by rocks. Nedoko Iwa, two prominent rocks, lie about

0.8 mile of the E side of Oitsukami Shima.

10.14 Hiburi Shima, sparsely covered with trees, is located about

2.5 miles N of Oitsukami Shima. The island is divided into two

parts by a narrow boat channel that can only be used during

HW. The SW part of the island is mostly cliffy and is fringed in

places with rocks. The NE side is indented; at the heads of

three of the bays lie small villages. A light is shown from the

W side of the island.

10.14 Anchorage.—Vessels with local knowledge can obtain anchorage in Ako Ura, near the village of Ako, on the E side of

the NW part of Hiburi Shima, when the winds are S to W. The

depths in the greater part of the bay are too deep for anchorage.

During N to E winds, the anchorage is untenable.

10.15 Komobuchi Byochi (33°10'N., 132°25'E.) is a sheltered bay entered between Kuro Shima and Noto Saki, about

1.5 miles ESE. A light is shown from Noto Saki. There are two

sheltered coves at the head of Komobuchi Ko, one on the SE

and one on the NW. A light is shown from a small islet which

lies close off the W entrance point of the NW cove. There are

depths of 32 to 55m, mud and sand, in each cove.

10.15 A canal has been constructed across a narrow neck which

Komo Saki Light

Hiburi Shima Light
218 Sector 10. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Iyo Nada and Bungo Suido 

Pub. 159

forms the NW branch of Komobuchi Ko; at LW the canal has a

depth of 3.1m. A light is shown on the W side of the N entrance to the canal.

10.15 To Shima (33°12'N., 132°22'E.) is located 2 miles W of the

canal light on Komobuchi Ko. The island is densely wooded;

on its E side are the villages of Honura and Kojuura. A light is

shown from the breakwater at Honura Ko. Ka Shima lies about

0.8 mile NNW of To Shima, and a light is shown from its N

side.

10.15 Fubushino Seto (Hubusi-no Seto) is the channel between To

Shima and the mainland. In the middle of the channel, at its

narrowest part, is Oko Shima, an islet, from which a light is

seen. There is no passage on the W side of the islet, as it is

obstructed by a reef.

Uwajima Wan (33°14'N., 132°28'E.) is entered between

Mizugaura Saki, about 3.3 miles E of Oko Shima, and Ora

Saki, the S extremity of Ora Shima, about 2.8 miles N. Ko

Shima, a small islet from which a light is shown, lies close S of

Ora Saki. 

10.15 Mizugaura Ko lies close S of Mizugaura Saki and is protected by a breakwater. Two lights, disposed horizontally, are

shown from the breakwater.

10.15 Nishi Ura and Higashi Ura, two small bays in the SE part of

Uwa-jima Wan, affords anchorage to small vessels with the aid

of local knowledge.

10.15 Maru Se, a detached rock with a depth of 1.3m, lies in the

middle of the entrance to Uwajima Wan. A lighted buoy is

moored off the NW side of the rock.

Uwajima Ko (33°13'N., 132°34'E.)

World Port Index No. 62010

10.16 Uwajima Ko lies at the head of Uwajima Wan and

consists of a natural harbor, with anchorage for large vessels

and berthing for smaller vessels. 

10.16 Winds—Weather.—In winter during strong NW winds,

swells enter the harbor up to the breakwater. With the wind

from any other direction, the harbor is safe and affords good

shelter. The wind is mostly E during the typhoon season.

10.16 Tides—Currents.—The MHW water interval at Uwajima

Wan is 7 hours 21 minutes; spring tides rise 2.1m and neap

tides rise 1.5m.

10.16 Depths—Limitations.—Depths of 21m and greater lie in

the channel NE of Ku Shima; similar depths lie in the narrow

channel S of the island. Ushiga Se, a detached rock with a

depth of less than 1.8m, lies about 0.4 mile E of Hako Saki, the

S extremity of Ku Shima.

10.16 Depths in the outer part of the harbor range from 10.1 to

20m; depths in the inner part SE to S of the breakwater range

from 4 to 7m. 

10.16 Kabasaki No. 1 Quay has an alongside depth of 6m.

Kabasaki No. 2 Quay has a depth of 4.5m

10.16 Sakashizu Quay, on the S side of the harbor, lies on

reclaimed land and has five berths with alongside depths of 3.5

to 7.5m; vessels of up to 14.000 tons can be accommodated.

10.16 On the S side of the reclaimed land is a harbor with a depth

of 4.6m in the outer part and a depth of 2.4m in the inner part.

10.16 There are two timber berths at Tsukiji jetty, on the N side the

inner harbor, with alongside depths of 4 to 6m. 

10.16 Aspect.—Ebisu Yama, on the S side of the harbor entrance,

is a conspicuous round-topped hill, about 1.3 miles ESE of the

summit of Ku Shima. The white tower of a castle stands on the

SE side of Shiro Yama and is conspicuous in the city.

10.16 A light is shown from a red tower situated on the head of a

breakwater on the S side of Ku Shima. 

10.16 Anchorage.—Good anchorage can be had, in about 13m,

mud, about 320m NNW of the head of the breakwater. O Ura,

on the N side of the harbor, affords good anchorage to small

vessels during strong NW winds; local knowledge is essential.

10.16 Yoshida Ko (33°15'N., 132°31'E.), a local harbor in the NE

corner of Uwajima Wan, affords anchorage to large vessels, in

25m and greater, mud.

10.16 Directions.—Hikide Hana, in line bearing 092° with Gongenmori, leads about 183m N of O Se, 0.25 mile N of the dangers of No Shima, and 183m S of Kirige Se.

10.16 Uwa-jima Ko is entered between Udono Saki, the N point of

Ku Shimas, and Hikide Hana, about 0.3 mile NE of Udono

Saki.

10.16 The passage S of Ku Shima is narrow between the shoals

that extend from each shore. 

10.16 Hokezu Wan is entered between Ora Saki and Hirabae Hana,

a conspicuous red point, about 3.8 miles NW. Takamori Yama,

635m high, rises conspicuously about 1.3 miles NE of the head

of the bay.

10.16 Anchorage.—Anchorage is available at Tawaratsu Ko, on

the N side of Hokezu Wan. Vessels anchor, in 12.8m, off the

village of Waki. Vessels with local knowledge can anchor in

Takayama Ko and Tamatsu Ko.

10.17 Osaki Hana (33°19'N., 132°22'E.) is a denselywooded promontory, lying about 5 miles W of Hokezu Wan.

The point is fringed by reefs extending about 0.1 mile offshore.

A light is shown from the point.

10.17 Okuchi Wan is entered between Muro Hana, about 1 mile

NNE of Osaki Bana, and Su Zaki, a projecting headland with

steep cliffs, about 1.5 miles farther NNE. The entrance to the

bay is about 0.6 mile wide. Taka Shima, the larger of a number

of islets on the S side of the entrance, shows two lights.

10.17 Nakano Ura, Minae Ura, and Kuranuki Ura lie on the S side

of the bay from W to E, respectively. Mikamie Ko lies in the

NE part of Okuchi Wan.

10.17 Anchorage.—Nakano Ura, sheltered by the islets on the S

side of the entrance of Okuchi Wan, affords a safe refuge anchorage for vessels of local knowledge. Mikamie Ko is also

sheltered.

10.17 In general, anchorage can be found according to the direction of the wind in the inlets on the S and E sides of the bay, but

they are restricted in the area due to the fact the depths are

somewhat great and the anchorage space is limited.

10.18 Jino O Shima (33°22'N., 132°21'E.), 128m high and

uninhabited, is located about 1.5 miles WNW of Su Zaki. A

light is shown from Ko Shima, which lies close off the NE extremity of Jino O Shima. O Shima, lying close N of the W end

of Jino O Shima, has a flat-topped summit.

10.18 Watariga Haya, a rock that dries 0.9m, lies about 0.8 mile N

of the N end of O Shima. A lighted buoy marks the NW side of

Watariga Haya.

10.18 Shitama Ko (33°26'N., 132°24'E.) is entered between Tatsu
Sector 10. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Iyo Nada and Bungo Suido 219

Pub. 159

Saki and Suwa Saki, about 1.5 miles to the N. The bay is unsuitable as an anchorage because of its exposure to W winds. A

light is shown from a rock close off Suwa Saki.

10.18 Sa Shima, a barren reddish-colored island, lies on the S side

of the main approach to Yawatahama Wan, about 0.8 mile W of

Suwa Saki. A light is shown from the W side of the island.

Kuro Shima and Karasu Shima lie to the W of the approach to

Yawatahama Wan.

10.18 A reef extends about 0.1 mile E from the E end of Sa Shima;

on its extremity is a rock with a depth of 2.2m. 

Yawatahama Ko (33°27'N., 132°25'E.)

World Port Index No. 62020

10.19 Yawatahama Ko is located at the head of the bay and

consists of a town and a small harbor, with anchorage and

berthing space for small vessels.

10.19 Tides—Currents.—The MHW interval at Yawatahama Ko

is 7 hours 20 minutes; spring tides rise 2.1m and neap tides rise

1.5m.

10.19 Depths—Limitations.—The maximum length vessel that

can be safely accommodated in the port is 70m. Oki-Shinden

Quay has a depth of 7m alongside and is situated along the N

side of the breakwater. In the inner harbor there is a depth of

5m alongside Yawatahama Jetty.

10.19 Aspect.—Suwa Saki is conspicuous on the S side of the

entrance. Sanuki Mine rises between the heads of Yawatahama

Ko and Kawanoishi Ko, about 2.3 miles NE of Suwa Saki; the

wooded summit is a good landmark. A radio tower, with an

obstruction light, stands on a hill about 0.5 mile E of the breakwater at the head of the harbor.

10.19 Anchorage.—Vessels anchor, in depths of 12 to 16m, mud,

W of the head of the breakwater at the mouth of Shin Kawa.

The anchorage is sheltered from all winds except from the W.

10.20 Kawanoishi Ko (33°28'N., 132°23'E.) is entered

between Yono Saki and Nihonmatsu Hana, about 0.4 mile to

the W. The town of Kawanoishi lies at the head of the harbor.

10.20 Kawanoishi Ko affords anchorage sheltered from all winds.

Vessels anchor in the E side of the harbor, in depths of 11 to

20m, mud; local knowledge is necessary.

10.20 Ikata Wan is the small bay W of Kawanoishi Ko. Muroga

Hana (Muro Saki), the W entrance point, shows a light and is

conspicuous. The depths in the bay are too great for convenient

anchorage.

10.20 Kucho Wan (33°28'N., 132°18'E.) is located about 3 miles

WSW of Ikata Wan. The shores of the bay are fringed with

reefs extending about 0.2 mile offshore in places, but landing

Osaki Hana Light

Muroga Hana Light
220 Sector 10. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Iyo Nada and Bungo Suido 

Pub. 159

can be effected at a wharf at Kucho, at the head of the bay. A

submarine cable projects out through Kuco Wan, laid SW

through Bungo Suido. 

10.20 Between Kuicho Shima and Ko-Kajiya Hana, about 10.5

miles to the SW, the coast is fringed with reefs in places, but

fairly close inshore. The only danger is a rock, awash, less than

0.5 mile SSE of Ko-kajiya Hana. A lighted buoy is moored

close S of the rock.

10.20 Misaki Ko (33°22'N., 132°05'E.) is located about 1.5 miles

NW of Ko-kajiya Hana, and is entered NW of Doji Hana

(33°22'N., 132°06'E.). The village of Misaki lies at the head of

the bay and shows a light. Sada Ura and Ino Ura are two coves

on the SE side of the bay.

10.20 Misaki Ko affords anchorage to vessels with local knowledge, except during W winds. When the wind is W, small vessels can obtain shelter in either Sada Ura or Ino Ura.

10.20 From the head of Misaki Ko, the shore trends SW for a distance of 6 miles to Sada Misaki. The point is shown by a light

and is a ramark signal station. There are no known offshore

dangers.

West Side of Bungo Suido and Off-lying Islands

10.21 Shibiko Se (32°57'N., 132°16'E.) is an isolated rock,

with a depth of 14m, lying almost in mid-channel in the S approach to Bungo Suido.

10.21 Mizunoko Shima is a small dark islet, 19.2m high, lying in

mid-channel, about 7.5 miles NW of Shibiko Se. Ko Bae,

about 0.2 mile S of the islet, is a brown, rounded rock, about

0.6m high. Hira Se, about 0.2 mile SE of the islet, has a depth

of 1.8m, rock. A light with racon is shown from Mizunoko

Shima.

10.21 Montonoma Kaikyo (32°57'N., 132°04'E.) separates the S

end of O Shima (32°58'N., 132°04'E.) from the N end of the

peninsula of which Tsurumi Zaki is the E extremity. The strait

is narrow and almost impassable because of rocks on either

side and the strong tidal currents. An overhead power cable,

with a vertical clearance of 26m, spans the channel. A light is

shown from the S side of the strait.

10.21 Sakino Se consists of three islets lying about 1.3 miles E of

the NE extremity of O Shima. The middle islet is dark in color

and shows a light.

10.22 Takate Shima (32°59'N., 132°04'E.), 42m high and

covered with dense growth, lies about 0.5 mile NNW of the N

extremity of O Shima; between them is Komo Shima, flattopped, with a growth of pine trees.

10.22 Saiki Wan is entered between Takate Shima and Kamado

Saki, about 5 miles to the NW. The shores of the bay are indented with coves and inlets. The several headlands within the

bay should all be given a wide berth, for off them lie dangerous

reefs and rocks.

10.22 Aspect.—Higashikuro Mine and Tonoue Yama, two high

peaks on the S side of the bay, are very conspicuous. Takahira

Yama, bare and dome-shaped, serves as a landmark on the N

side of the bay, about 2 miles W of Kamado Saki.

10.22 Caution.—Sunokoshi is a sandbank in the middle of the entrance of Saiki Wan. The S extremity of Takega Shima

(32°59'N., 131°59'E.) and Tsurumatsu Bana, the NW extremity

of a Ya Shima (32°58'N., 131°57'E.), in line bearing 240°,

leads close NW of Sunokoshi.

10.22 Takega Shima and Katashiro-jima, about 1.8 miles to the

WNW, lie on the E and W sides of the fairway, respectively.

Saiki Ko (32°58'N., 131°56'E.)

World Port Index No. 62175

10.23 Saiki Ko, the site of a naval air base and commercial

harbor, lies in the SW corner of Saiki Wan. Main commodities

handled include cement, wood chip, wood pulp, and general

cargo. About 100 vessels visit the port annually. 

The port consists of a town and a small natural harbor, with

anchorage and berthing for vessels up to 44,000 tons. 

10.23 Tides—Currents.—The MHW interval at Saiki Ko is 7

hours 8 minutes; spring tides rise 1.5m and neap tides rise

1.2m.

10.23 The tidal currents in the approach to the anchorages set E

and W between Takega Shima and Todo-jima, on the falling

and rising tides, respectively, but do not attain any great rate.

10.23 Depths—Limitations.—Vessels are limited to a maximum

draft of 12m in the channel. 

10.23 The Nihon Cement Pier has a permissible draft of 8.5m; the

Kokoku Jinken Pulp Pier allows a draft of 5m; and the Dolphin

Pier has a depth of 9m, with a 12,000 dwt capacity.

10.23 Me-jima Pier has an alongside depth of 10m, and there is a

mooring buoy in a depth of 12m able to accommodate vessels

of up to 20,000 grt. 

10.23 The lumber anchorage has a depth of 14m and is able to

handle four 10,000 dwt vessels.

10.23 Aspect.—A large chimney and four towers are good landmarks on Me Shima, on the S side of the entrance to the harbor.

The two chimneys of the cement factory, about 1.5 miles

WNW of the summit of Onyu Shima, are good marks for entering when S of Onyu Shima.

10.23 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory, but pilots are available and board at the quarantine anchorage; VHF channel 16 is

used.

10.23 Anchorage.—Anchorage is afforded large vessels in the

vicinity of the quarantine anchorage E of Todo Hana, in a depth

of about 20.1m. Anchorage can also be obtained ENE of the

cove on the W side of the harbor and between the W side of

Onyu Shima and the mainland shore; the bottom is mud and

sand. The latter anchorage is safest when the winds are E to S

during typhoons.

10.24 Hoto Shima (33°06'N., 132°01'E.) lies about 2.5

miles N of Kamado Saki, and has a pointed summit, sparsely

covered with shrubs. A light is shown from a white tower on

the N side of Hoto Shima. From its E extremity, a reef, on

which several above-water rocks lie, extends about 1 mile NE.

A light is shown from a rock near the end of the reef. A light is

shown from the head of a breakwater, on the SW side of Hoto

Shima.

10.24 Tsukumi Wan (32°06'N., 131°53'E.) is entered between

Kannon Zaki (33°06'N., 131°57'E.) and Kusuya Saki, about 2

miles to the NNW. A light is shown on Kusuya Saki. A light is

also shown from a white tower at a point 0.6 mile SW of Kannon Zaki. 
Sector 10. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Iyo Nada and Bungo Suido 221

Pub. 159

10.24 Steep cliffs mark the shores of Tsukumi Wan. The crumbling

white cliffs that back Tsukumi Ko at the head of the bay are

conspicuous.

10.24 Shira Ishi is a white rock, 5.2m high, lying in the entrance to

Tsukumi Wan, about 0.8 mile N of Kannon Zaki. A light is

shown from the rock. Kuro Iwa is a black rock lying about 1.8

miles W of Shira Ishi. A lighted buoy is moored close off the E

side of Kuro Iwa.

10.24 Kuro Shima (33°06'N., 131°54'E.), 92m high and wooded,

lies about 0.8 mile WSW of Kuro Iwa. Chinu Saki is the extremity of a promontory that extends NW from the S shore of

the bay. A light is shown from Chinu Saki, situated at the head

of a breakwater extending N from the point. 

Tsukumi Ko (33°05'N., 131°52'E.)

World Port Index No. 62170

10.25 Tsukumi Ko lies at the head of Tsukumi Wan and is

divided into two parts by a peninsula, the head of which lies

0.75 mile W of Chinu Saki. The port consists of a town and a

natural harbor with anchorage and berthage for large vessels.

The port is mainly used for the export of limestone and cement.

10.25 Tides—Currents.—The MHW interval at Tsukumi Ko is 7

hours 38 minutes; spring tides rise 1.8m and neap tides rise

1.5m.

10.25 The tidal currents W of Shira Ishi are slight; the direction

and velocity are uncertain.

10.25 Depths—Limitations.—The Onoda Cement Wharf, Berth

A through Berth D, have depths alongside from 13 to 16m. All

berths can accommodate vessels up to 60,000 dwt, except for

Berth C, which accommodates 2,000 dwt. There are five other

berths, with drafts of 7 to 10.5m, for vessels of 3,000 to 23,000

dwt.

10.25 Aspect.—The limestone quarries on the hills that back Tsukumi Ko are conspicuous from a distance and serve as landmarks for the harbor. Two chimneys of a cement factory on the

S side of the mouth of Aoe Kawa are conspicuous. A conspicuous cement factory stands at the head of the N part of the

harbor.

10.25 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory, but a pilot is available. It is recommended unless the master is aquainted with the

locality. The pilot boards at the anchorage in position

33°5'30"N, 131°54'E. The Pilots can be contacted on VHF

channels 12 and 16 (call sign: Tsukumi-ho-an}. There are no

restrictions to night berthing/sailing, but to avoid accidents

they are subject to master/pilot agreement. 

10.25 Signals.—A weather signal station stands on the S side of

the mouth of the Aoe Kawa, in a position about 0.5 mile SW of

No Shima, the E extremity of the peninsula that separates the

harbor into N and S parts. Weather signals are displayed by

flashing light from the signal mast.

10.25 Anchorage.—The anchorage lies between Kuro Shima and

Yokura Zaki, the point on the N side of the entrance to Tsukumi Ko.

10.25 Open to the NE, anchoring in Tsukumi Ko is impossible during strong NE to E winds; sea and swell enter the harbor with

these winds. Mountains on three sides of Tsukumi Ko afford

protection from winds from other directions; anchorage can be

obtained, in 9.2 to 29m, clay, to within about 0.1 mile of the

shores of the harbor. However, the inlet on the S side of Tsukumi Ko is exposed to NNW winds.

10.25 The quarantine anchorage lies SW of Kuro Shima.

Usuki Wan

10.26 Usuki Wan (33°10'N.,131°53'E.) is entered between

Kusuya Bana and Kushiga Hana, about 5.3 miles to the NNW.

10.26 Tsukumi Shima, a dark, wooded islet with a sharp summit,

lies about 0.8 mile off the S shore of Usuki Wan in a position

about 1.8 miles WNW of Kusuya Bana.

10.26 Two rocks, the N of which has a depth of 0.9m, with the

other drying 0.6m, lie between Tsukumi Shima and the shore

S. A beacon stands on the drying rock. A yellow light is shown

from the beacon. A lighted buoy is moored 0.7 mile E of Tsukumi Shima. 

10.26 Shitanoe Ko (33°10'N., 131°50'E.) is a small harbor on the

NW side of Usuki Wan, about 3.5 miles SW of Kushiga Hana.

Depths of 4.9 to 8.9m, mud, affords anchorage to small vessels

with local knowledge. A light is shown on the E entrance point

to Shitanoe Ko.

10.26 Usuki Ko is a local harbor at the head of Usuki Wan. A

basin, enclosed by breakwaters, lies on the S side of the head of

the harbor, depths of 3.1 to 4.9m in this basin affords shelter to

small vessels. A light is shown from the head of the SE breakwater, as well as from the breakwater on the N side of the

mouth of Usuki Kawa. 

10.26 The harbor is relatively safe from all winds except those

from the NE. A chimney at the head of the harbor is conspicuous.

Tsuta Shima (33°14'N., 131°54'E.) lies about 5.5 miles

NNE of Shitanoe Ko, and about 1.8 miles S of Jizo Misaki in

the approach to Shita Ura, which is the winter anchorage for

Saganoseki. A light is shown from a small breakwater on the

NE side of Shita Ura. A lighted buoy is moored about 0.2 mile

S of Tsuta Shima.

10.26 The Naikai pilots board vessels in the vicinity of Tsuta

Shima.
Pub. 159

11.The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Suo Nada and Kanmon Kaikyo

11.0Additional chart coverage may be found in NGA/DLIS Catalog of Maps, Charts, and Related Products (Unlimited Distribution).

SECTOR 11 — CHART INFORMATION
225

Pub. 159

SECTOR 11 

THE NAIKAI (INLAND SEA)—SUO NADA AND KANMON KAIKYO

11.0 Plan.—This sector discusses Suo Nada and Kanmon Kaikyo, the W entrance of the Naikai. The descriptive sequence

for Suo Nada is generally E to W, with the N coast described

first, followed by the S coast. Kanmon Kaikyo is described

from W to E. 

General Remarks

11.1 Suo Nada (33°50'N., 131°31'E.), the W section of the

Naikai, is bounded on the N by the coast of Honshu and on the

S and W by the coast of Kyushu. On the E, it is separated from

Iyo Nada by Naga Shima, Iwai Shima, and Hime Shima. On

the W it is separated from the Sea of Japan by Kanmon Kaikyo. Suo Nada is about 50 miles long, E and W, and about 20

miles wide.

11.1 Tides—Currents.—In general, the currents in Suo Nada

flow E during the ebb tide and W during the flood. It alternates

40 minutes after HW and LW. The velocity and direction of the

current may sometimes vary considerably, but is generally less

than 1.5 knots. 

11.1 Caution.—The depths of Suo Nada are about 51m in its E

entrance and gradually decrease toward the W, where depths of

less than 11m lie within 7 miles of the shore. Several dangerous

wrecks lie sunk on or near the main navigational track and can

best be seen on the charts. Care should be taken with regards to

submarine cables which are laid throughout the area.

Suo Nada—North Coast and Off-lying Islands

11.2 Naga Shima (33°48'N., 132°05'E.) is about 5 miles

long and irregular in shape. Its NW and SE sides are washed by

the waters of Suo Nada and Iyo Nada, respectively. The SW

part of the island is joined to the rest of the island by an isthmus.

11.2 Anchorage.—Vessels with local knowledge can obtain anchorage, sheltered from W winds, either off Shida, a village on

the SE coast, or in a bight off Kamai, a village about 1.8 miles

further NE.

11.2 Amata-jima lies about 0.4 mile S of the S extremity of Naga

Shima. Passage, between the two islands, is dangerous because of

sunken rocks. A light is shown from the S extremity of Amatajima. Usu Se are the two SW rocks of several rocks that lie on foul

ground extending SW from the SW side of Amata-jima.

11.2 Hanaguri To (33°47'N., 132°02'E.) is an islet that lies close

off the SW end of Naga Shima on the E side of Hanaguri Seto.

The islet is wooded and cliffy on all sides. A light is shown

from the W extremity of the island.

11.2 Iwai-jima lies on the N side of the E entrance to Suo Nada,

about 1.5 miles W of Hanaguri To Light. The island is mountainous and forms a tableland of nearly uniform height. Rocky

shoals lie within 0.15 mile of its shores. Eboshi Se, three

above-water rocks, lie at the outer end of a reef which extends

about 0.2 mile off the SE extremity of the island. A lighted

buoy marks the E end of Eboshi Se. The islets of Ko-iwai-jima

and Ko-jima lie off the W side of Iwai-jima.

11.3 Kaminoseki Seto (33°50'N., 132°07'E.) is the strait

between the NE end of Naga Shima and the SW extremity of

Murotsu Hanto. The narrowest part of the strait is about 0.2

mile long, in an E and W direction, with depths of 8.9 to

11.9m. The passage, which does not exceed 90m in width, is

reduced to a navigable channel of about 46m and a depth of

4.9m by the shoals on each side. Both sides of the strait are

marked by navigation lights. Yoko Shima lies about 0.5 mile S

of the entrance to Kaminoseki Seto. 

11.3 Kaminoseki Seto is spanned by the Kaminoseki Bridge, with

a vertical clearance of about 23m. A green fixed light marks

the center of the bridge and a red fixed light marks each side of

the clear passage. 

11.3 Sago-jima lies about 0.8 mile NNW of Koyamando Hana,

the N extremity of Naga Shima. The island forms the N side of

Zoshi Seto, which leads into Sago Wan. Ikada Se, showing a

light, is a black rock lying on a reef that extends 0.3 mile SW

from the SW point of Sago-jima.

Kame Iwa (33°52'N., 132°05'E.) consists of three heads and

lies on the S side of Zoshi Seto, about 0.3 mile NE of Kayomano

Hana. A light is shown from the S part of Kame Iwa.

11.3 Ushi-jima lies about 2 miles WSW of Sago-jima and is

triangular in shape, with four summits of nearly equal height.

A light is shown from Kaitsuke Hana, the N extremity of the

island, and from a breakwater on the NW side of the island.

11.3 Four submarine cables, one of which is a power cable, are

laid from the bay on the NW side of Ushi Shima to the mainland N. 

11.4 O Shima (33°52'N., 131°59'E.), located about 1 mile

NW of Ushi-jima, consists of two islets joined by drying rocks.

The S islet is the larger of the two.

11.4 Hirao Ko at the NW end of Sago Wan, is a long narrow bight

which makes a tortuous indentation to the NE, and has a width

of slightly more than 0.2 mile. The bight is protected from the

S by Atada Shima. In the S part of Hirao Ko the depths are 5.5

to 10.1m, mud.

11.4 Sagowan Hakuchi, on the S side of the peninsula, affords

anchorage, in depths from 7 to 13m, mud. There are a number

of mooring buoys in the N part of this anchorage; a submarine

cable is laid from the N end of Uma Shima to the W end of the

peninsula. 

11.4 Murozumi Hanto (33°55'N., 131°58'E.) lies about 3 miles

NNW of O Shima. The S face of the peninsula is cliffy and

conspicuous; the E side forms a bay, which is open to the SE.

The town of Murozumi is situated at the head of the bay. A

light is shown from the W entrance point to the bay.

11.4 Hikari Ko, located about 3 miles NW of Murozumi Hanto, is

a narrow basin on the SE side of Shimada Gawa. The basin is

about 700m long and from 90 to 140m wide. A light is shown
226 Sector 11. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Suo Nada and Kanmon Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

from the head of a breakwater forming the W side of the entrance.

11.4 A jetty berth, with a dolphin off each end and a depth of

11.3m, lies alongside the SE side of the entrance to the basin.

A lighted buoy is moored close S of the S end of the basin. 

11.4 O-Mizunase-jima (33°56'N., 131°56'E.) is located about 1

mile S of Hikari Ko, and consists of two hills of equal height.

Ko-minase-jima, two small islets, lie close NW of OMizunase-jima. The NW end of O-Mizunase-jima and the S islet of Ko-minase-jima are connected by a breakwater. A light is

shown from the S point of O-Mizunase-jima.

11.5 No Shima (33°56'N., 131°42'E.) lies about 3 miles

SW of the entrance of Tokuyama Wan and exhibits a light at its

S end. A light is also shown from a breakwater on the NW side

of the island. Hira Shima and Oki Shima, two islets, lie N of

No Shima. These three islets are joined by rocky ledges and

reefs. Omo Ze, a shoal which dries, lies about 0.6 mile SW of

the S extremity of No Shima. A light is shown from Omo Ze. A

submarine pipeline and three cables lead NNW from No Shima

to the shore of mainland; another submarine cable leads NNE

to Uma Shima.

11.5 Uma Shima and Otsu Shima are connected by a low isthmus.

Miyaichigo Shima and Itsutsu Shima, small islets, lie close off

the W side of Otsu Shima. A cable is laid from a position about

1 mile E of Itsutsu Shima, NW to the mainland.

11.5 A conspicuous radio mast is situated at Marusyama Saki on

the N headland of Otsu Shima. A light is shown from the

breakwater head at Hon Ura, a small harbor on the W side of

Otsu Shima. 

Tokuyama-Kudamatsu Ko

11.6 Tokuyama-Kudamatsu Ko (34°00'N., 131°48'E.) is

an important industrial and harbor complex. The extent of the

harbor is divided into four areas. Area No. 1 lies off the city of

Tokuyama at the head of Tokuyama Wan, and includes the E

part of Senshima Suido; Area No. 2 lies off the city of Kudamatsu at the head of Kasado Wan; Area No. 3 consists of the

areas to seaward of Area No. 1 and Area No. 2 , bounded SE by

Kasado Shima, SW and W by the harbor limit, and N by the

coastline E of Shinoki Hana; Area No. 4 lies E of Kasado

Shima, between the harbor limits and the coast.

11.6 Winds—Weather.—During typhoons in summer and autumn, the SE wind is the strongest, in winter the West Monsoon is strongest. Surges and waves enter Tokuyama Wan

when strong SSE winds blow during typhoons. Wind from any

other direction has little effect on vessels at anchor in the harbor, which is protected by the islands and peninsula.

11.6 Tides—Currents.—At the entrance to Tokuyama Wan, the

flood current flows W, and the ebb flows E, with a rate which

may reach more than 1 knot.

11.6 In the vicinity of the entrance to Kasado Wan the flood

current flows WNW, and the ebb flows SSE, with a rate which

may reach 1 knot.

11.7 Kasado Wan (33°58'N., 131°50'E.) lies between the

SE side of O Shima and the NW side of Kasado Shima. The W

approach to Kasado Wan is divided into two deep channels by

islets, and rocks and reefs, which lie W of the entrance to the

bay. The N channel has depths of 12.8 to 21.9m, and the S

channel 14.6 to 27m. Miyano Seto, between the N end of

Kasado Shima and Miyanosu Hana, is a deep-water channel,

0.1 mile wide with a depth of 12.8m.

11.7 Kudamatsu (34°00'N., 131°52'E.) (World Port Index No.

61675) stands at the head of Kasado Wan and contains a number of deep-water berths and anchorage space. An oil berth, E

of Miyanosu Hana, can accommodate large tankers with a draft

of up to 11.9m.

11.7 Anchorage.—Vessels can anchor in Kasado Wan, as convenient, in depths of 11 to 14.6m, mud.

11.7 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory, but is advisable for

those without local knowledge; it is available during daylight

hours only. The pilot boards in the quarantine anchorage.

Tokuyama Wan

11.8 Tokuyama Wan (34°02'N., 131°49'E.) lies between

O Shima and Sukumo-jima on the SE, Otsu Shima on the W,

and Kurokami-jima and Sen-jima on the NW.

11.8 Tides—Currents.—On a rising tide, the current divides

after entering the channel, one branch flows N through Nakayano Seto then NE, and the other branch flows W along the

coast. The two opposing flows meet N of Kurokami Shima

where the surface current diminishes. The spring rate of flow at

the entrance is 1.25 knots, but the rate in the middle of the bay

reduces to 0.25 knot.

11.8 Depths—Limitations.—The main deep-water channel into

Tokuyama Wan from the S lies between Su Shima and Iwa

Shima, and is 0.5 mile wide and with a least depth of 25m. 

11.8 Idemitsu Sea Berth, with nine mooring buoys, is situated

about 1 mile NE of the entrance channel to the bay. A submarine pipeline connects between the sea berth and the coast of

Oshima Hanto, and a special mark buoy is moored near the

seaward end of the pipeline. The sea berth has a depth for vessels with a draft of 19.5m, and it is equipped with a submersible oil boom, and can accommodate vessels between 70,000

and 275,000 dwt, with maximum length of 340m.

11.8 Nishiga Mori Jetty lies about 1.3 miles E of Iwa Shima,

which projects from the shore, and has an 11.9m depth alongside. Tank depot and oil installation occupy the NW side of

Osima Hanto. Jetty No. 2 through Jetty No. 7 are situated along

the NW coast, with mooring dolphins off Jetty No. 2, Jetty No.

3, Jetty No. 4, and Jetty No. 7. Jetty No. 3 has a depth of 11.7m

alongside; Jetty No. 5 has a depth of 12.3m along-side.

11.8 Aspect.—The S entrance to the bay lies between Iwa Shima,

which shows a light, and Su Shima, about 0.8 mile to the W.

Senshima Suido, the N channel into the bay, lies between the N

side of Sen Shima and the mainland N. Vessels also use Nakatanino Seto, between the N end of Otsu Shima and the W side

of Kurokami-jima.

11.8 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory; however, an Inland

Sea Pilot or the harbor pilot can be requested with a message to

Anjeir Moji, 24 hours in advance. Sea pilots board ship 3 miles

S of Seki Saki Light (33°13'N., 131°54'E.). Harbor pilots

board at the quarantine anchorage area (34°01'N., 131°46'E.),

in a depth of 11m. Pilots board deeper draft vessels 2 miles SW

of the anchorage.

11.8 Anchorage.—Anchorage can be taken in almost any part of
Sector 11. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Suo Nada and Kanmon Kaikyo 227

Pub. 159

Tokuyama Wan, in depths of 10 to 18.3m; however, submarine

pipelines and cables are to be avoided.

11.8 Caution.—Two submarine oil pipelines, marked by yellow

buoys, are laid NE from the N of oil installation to the oil refinery in Tokuyama.

11.9 Tokuyama (34°02'N., 131°49'E.) (World Port Index

No. 61680) lies at the head of Tokuyama Wan. The public

wharves have depths of 4 to 12.2m and can accommodate

vessels of up to 40,000 dwt. 

11.9 The oil installation occupies the NE side of the bay, N of

Osima Hanto. It consists of a large harbor with berthing

facilities for vessels of up to 50,000 grt and a deep draft of

11.9m. There are also a number of buoy berths in depths of up

to 20m for vessels of up to 250,000 dwt. 

11.9 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory, but pilots are

available and board at the quarantine station when requested.

11.9 Mitajiri Ko (34°01'N., 131°36'E.) lies about 9 miles W of

Tokuyama-Kudamatsu Ko, and is entered between Edomari

Hanto and Muko Shima. The harbor is divided into two areas,

Mitajiri Ko and Nakanoseki Ko. 

11.9 The channel leading into the port is about 122m wide and

7m deep. The channel is marked by lighted buoys. A berth,

with depths of 3.7 to 7m alongside, lies on the W side of the

channel.

11.9 There is a wharf, with depths of 5.7 to 7.8m, across from

Heiwa Wharf. Nakanoseki No. 2 Quay has alongside depths of

7.5 to 8.2m. 

11.9 Muko Shima forms the E side of Nakanoseki Ko and the SW

side of Mitajiri Ko. Tazuno Hana, its S extremity, lies about 1.5

miles SE of Nishidomari Saki, and in its center, Nishiki Yama,

attains a height of 354m and is a good landmark. Kuro Se, a

rock marked by a lighted buoy, lies 0.2 mile off the SW extremity of Muko Shima.

11.9 Saba Shima (33°58'N., 131°31'E.), 32m high, is thickly

covered with trees and lies about 2.5 miles SW of Kuro Se. A

shoal bank, with two above-water rocks, extends almost 0.5

mile to the SE. A light is shown on the W side of the bank,

close to the island.

11.9 Omi Wan is available to small vessels only, the bay being

mostly shoal. Its shores are mainly sandy beaches fringed with

a drying sand bank. The bay lies about 3 miles NNW of Saba

Shima. Navigational lights mark the shores of the bay.

11.9 Aio Wan (34°00'N., 131°25'E.), a shallow bay used by small

craft, is located about 3 miles W of Omi Wan. A boat basin lies

at the head of the bay and is protected by breakwaters. Take

Shima lies in the S approach to Aio Wan. Iruka Se, marked by

a lighted buoy, is located 0.75 mile SSW of Take Shima.

The bay close W of Aio Wan is encumbered with numerous

islets and rocks and is shoal. The shores of the bay are fringed

with sandbanks that dry. The village of Azisu stands on the W

side of the bay, and is protected by a breakwater.

11.9 Between Maruo Saki (33°58'N., 131°21'E.) and Ube Ko,

about 7 miles WSW, the coast is backed by low hills with no

conspicuous features.

11.9 Seaweed nurseries, containing steel piles, extend up to 0.2

mile offshore for 1 mile W of the entrance to Ube Ko.

Ube Ko (33°56'N., 131°14'E.)

World Port Index No. 61690

11.10 Ube Ko occupies the whole of a bight between Motoyama Misaki and Ube Misaki. The port consists of three harbors, namely, East Harbor, Main Harbor, and West Harbor. The

harbors are made up mainly of reclaimed land, constructed

from coal slag.

11.10 A bridge, with a vertical clearance of about 25m, spans the

entrance to West Harbor. A fixed white light on the bridge

marks the mid-channel approach which leads into West Harbor. The channel is also marked by fixed red and green lights

on each side.

11.10 Winds—Weather.—The climate is generally mild and as a

rule the wind direction is frequently E. During the winter, there

are frequently W or NW winds, but there is rarely wind from

the SE.

11.10 Tides—Currents.—The seas are generally low and the

adverse effects of tidal currents and drifting silt are not to be

seen, but there is a danger of abnormal high tides caused by

typhoons. It is necessary to maintain course at the entrance to

the various fairways as the tidal currents may be strong across

the fairways.

11.10 Depths—Limitations.—The principal berths have alongside depths of 7.5 to 13.0m. Shibanaka West Wharf can accommodate vessels up to 50,000 dwt. 

11.10 Seibusekiyu Sea Berth consists of a large mooring buoy

equipped with a light, a horn, and a radar reflector. The berthing capacity is up to 250,000 dwt, in a depth of 20m. The buoy

is situated about 6 miles SSE of Motoyama Misaki.

11.10 Aspect.—Motoyama Misaki is a salient point terminating in

a cliff. Three chimneys at a power station about 2 miles NE of

Motoyama Misaki are conspicuous.

11.10 Shimofuriga Daki, located about 5.5 miles N of Ube Misaki,

appears as three peaks and is conspicuous because of the

surrounding low land.

11.10 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory, but is recommended.

Inland sea pilots are available at Seisaki or Hesaki. Pilots are

available during daylight hours only and can be contacted on

VHF channels 12 and 16. Harbor pilots board at the quarantine

anchorage, which lies about 1.5 miles WSW of the light tower

on Montoyamano Su. Pilots for Seibusekiyu Sea Berth board

about 0.3 mile NE of the sea berth. 

11.10 Anchorage.—There is anchorage for four ships, two of 500

grt and two of 1,000 grt, in depths of 3.5 to 7.3m.

11.10 A quarantine anchorage lies 3 miles SE of Motoyama

Misaki. Vessels also anchor SE of the sea berth buoy. 

11.10 Caution.—Reclamation work was reported (2001) to be in

progress in East Harbor. 

11.11 Between Motoyama Misaki and the entrance to

Kanmon Kaikyo, about 10 miles WNW, the coast forms a large

shallow bight at the head of which is a drying sand bank that

dries out about 1 mile in places.

11.11 Onoda Ko (33°58'N., 131°10'E.), located about 2.5 miles N

of Motoyama Misaki, extends about 2 miles N from the foothills

of Ryuo Zan, and consists of a harbor enclosed by breakwaters.

A light is shown at the head of the N breakwater. Permission to

enter the harbor must be obtained prior to entry.
228 Sector 11. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Suo Nada and Kanmon Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

11.11 Depths—Limitations.—The harbor has depths of 4 to 7m.

It is approached by a channel, marked by lighted buoys, which

has depths of 4.9 to 7m. Caution is necessary because there are

places on both sides of the channel where the water rapidly

becomes shallow. Large vessels normally wait for high tide.

11.11 Aspect.—Two chimneys E of the N breakwater, and four

chimneys S of the S breakwater are conspicuous.

11.11 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not mandatory, but recommended. 

11.11 Regulations.—Vessels are permitted to arrive and depart

during daylight hours only. 

Suo Nada—South Coast—Takedazu Ko to Kanda Ko

11.12 Takedazu Ko (33°41'N., 131°34'E.), a small fishing

harbor, lies between two cliffy points, Biwa Saki, on the W,

and Kame Saki on the E. A small basin protected by

breakwaters is located on the W side of this shallow bay.

11.12 Naga Saki is a salient cliffy point, covered with trees, and

located about 2 miles W of Biwa Saki. Near the extremity of

the point is a rock covered with a few trees, and resembles a

boat under sail when viewed from the E or W. A light is shown

from the point.

11.12 Takada Ko (33°35'N., 131°26'E.), located about 7.8 miles

SW of Naga Saki, is a small harbor between a curved breakwater and the entrance of Katura Kawa. The town of Takada is

about 1 mile S of the entrance to the river. A light is shown

from the head of the breakwater.

11.12 Nagasu Ko, a small port, is located about 3 miles W of

Takada Ko. The town stands on the E side of the mouth of the

Yakkan Kawa. The port is protected by a breakwater from

which a light is shown.

11.13 Nakatsu Ko (33°36'N., 131°12'E.), at the mouth of

Yamakuni Kawa, lies about 9.5 miles WNW of Nagasu Ko.

The river has two entrances,; the W entrance, with depths of

1.5 to 2.1m is the deeper of the two and is protected by training

walls, which are covered at HW. Entrance buoys have been established at Nakatsu Ko. Two chimneys on the right bank of the

river are conspicuous. Another chimney, about 48m high,

stands on the foreshore 1.5 miles SE of the mouth of Yamakuni

Kawa. 

11.13 A light is shown from a white tower, 7m high. 

11.13 Unoshima Ko, a harbor protected by breakwaters, is available to small vessels with local knowledge, and lies about 3

miles W of Nakatsu Ko. A detached breakwater, exhibiting a

yellow light at its W end, lies about 230m N of the quayed

breakwater on the E side of the harbor entrance. An approach

channel, 1.25 miles long and dredged to 7.5m, leads S from

230m outside the harbor limit to the harbor entrance.

11.13 A pier, with dolphins on each side, lies on the NE corner of

reclaimed land, 0.2 mile WNW of the W breakwater. There are

depths of 6.1 to 7m alongside the pier. A lighted buoy is

moored 1.5 miles NNE of the pier; lighted buoys mark the

channel to the pier.

11.13 Mino Shima (33°44'N., 131°01'E.), 60m high and wooded,

lies about 9 miles NW of Unoshima Ko and lies on a drying

sandbank that extends from the shore to which the latter is

joined by a causeway. A signal station is situated at the N end

of Mino Shima.

Kanda Ko (33°47'N., 131°01'E.)

World Port Index No. 62145

11.14 Kanda Ko is an open harbor located about 10 miles S

of the E entrance to Kanmon Kaikyo. The port is used primarily for the shipment of coal and cement. The harbor is protected by Kono Shima and a breakwater to the N. 

11.14 Winds—Weather.—Throughout the year, the most frequent

wind is from the E. During strong E winds, the sea enters the

port. From autumn through winter there are frequent W and

NW winds, but they have no great effect on the harbor because

of the mountains to the W of the port. In spring and winter, fog

may effect visibility, but is not persistent.

11.14 Tides—Currents.—The tidal current flows in an E and W

direction. The rate of the current in the harbor entrance is about

0.5 knot.

11.14 Depths—Limitations.—A buoyed channel, dredged to

12m, leads to the harbor entrance. A rectangular area, marked

by lights, is being reclaimed N of the entrance channel. The

channel continues, dredged to 10m, from a position within the

harbor limits and leads SE of Kono Shima to the S basin. To

the S of this channel lies a detached breakwater. A large area

on the SE side of the S basin is being reclaimed. 

11.14 The port has berthing space for vessels up to 40,000 grt, with

up to 13m alongside. An area, marked by buoys to the W of

Kono Shima, has been dredged to a depth of 7.3m. 

11.14 Aspect.—Kono Shima, on the E side of the harbor, is long

and narrow in an NE and SW direction. Two large chimneys in

the central part of the inner harbor are the most conspicuous

marks.

11.14 Matsu Yama, 128m high on the N side of the harbor, is very

conspicuous.

11.14 Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory. Inland Sea pilots are

available, however, from Sekisaki or Matsure. A harbor pilot

may be boarded at the anchorage in position 33°48'09 N,

131°02'30E until nightfall. 

11.14 Caution.—Due to the possiblity of explosives on the sea

bed, a prohibited area is centered on approximate position

33°47.1'N, 131°00.5'E.

11.14 Vessels should exercise caution due to the promimity of the

fairway to the airport traffic approach routes. 

11.15 Inoura Ko (33°50'N., 130°59'E.) is a small harbor located about 3.5 miles N of Kanada Ko. The harbor is protected

on its SE side by a breakwater and on its NE side by reclaimed

land. A light is shown from the head of the breakwater.

11.15 There are some red cliffs on the W side of the harbor, which

are conspicuous from E. 

11.15 A basin, in which there is a wharf with a depth of about 5.2m

alongside, lies between two reclaimed areas, 1.25 miles N of

the head of Inoura Ko Breakwater. The basin is approached by

a buoyed channel, dredged to a depth of 6.1m. There is a pier,

with a depth of 6.1m alongside its head, N of the entrance to

the basin, and is approached from the S by a narrow channel.

11.15 He Saki lies on the S side of the E end of Kanmon Kaikyo,

about 6 miles N of Inoura Ko. A light is shown from the point.

A signal station stands close by the light and transmits information on traffic, tidal current, and berthing. Vessels can

communicate with the station by day or night.
Sector 11. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Suo Nada and Kanmon Kaikyo 229

Pub. 159

Kanmon Kaikyo

11.16 Kanmon Kaikyo is the channel which forms the W

entrance to the Naikai. The straits are about 15 miles long from

a position E of Mutsure Shima to a position E of He Saki. The

E entrance is divided into North Channel and Middle Channel

by Nakano Su; the W entrance is divided into E and W

channels by Mutsure Shima, Uma Shima, and Kata Shima.

11.16 Depths within Kanmon Channel are generally over 10.1m,

except for Kamatokono Se, with a depth of 6.7m, and several

other depths of 8.2 to 9.5m.

11.16 Kanmon Kaikyo is narrow and winding, with a navigable

width in the wide places of 1 mile, and no more than 0.25 mile

in the narrowest part. 

11.16 Caution is necessary because of strong tidal currents and

extremely heavy traffic. The largest vessel to transit the straits was

reported to be of 92,112 grt, 340m long, and had a deep draft of

9.5m. A draft of 9.2m can transit the straits at any stage of the tide.

11.16 Small or medium size vessels should enter the strait during

daytime and about 1 hour before the tidal current in Hayatomo

Seto turns from an adverse current to a following one. When it

is SW in Hayatomo Seto, an eastbound vessel should be in the

vicinity of Nakano Su, and a westbound vessel should be near

Fukuura Wan. Passage through the strait between midnight and

dawn is not recommended, as the W side is sometimes enveloped in thick fog or mist.

11.16 A vessel should, if possible, avoid transiting the strait or

entering or departing harbors on either side of the strait with a

following tidal current, but if this is unavoidable vessels should

not do so when the tidal current is running at full strength.

11.16 It is not safe for large vessels to transit the strait with any

appreciable following current, or at SW when numerous local

craft encumber the fairways.

11.16 Large vessels with sufficient power should pass through

Hayatomo Seto with an adverse current of more than 2 knots

and less than 4 knots; about 3.5 knots is reported to be

advantageous, as by this time the possibility of meeting any

ocean-going vessels proceeding in the opposite direction will

be at a minimum. When a current exceeding 4 knots is running,

the strait should not be attempted as strong eddies may cause a

dangerous shear.

11.16 Vessels passing though the strait are instructed to navigate at

speeds of 10 to 12 knots, increasing to 15 knots through Hayatomo Seto narrows, about 1 mile either side of Moji Saki. If salvage operations are in progress, it will be necessary to reduce

speed to about 5 knots.

11.16 Winds—Weather.—The wind direction in the strait is influenced by the topography, but throughout the year E winds

are the most frequent, followed by ENE, and WNW, in that order. During the night, there is generally an E wind until about

0900, thereafter, it blows from the W. In fair weather this phenomenon, constituting the land and sea breezes, occurs with

regularity.

11.16 Fog is most frequent in the strait from early spring to July or

the end of the rainy season. The fog develops mainly at sunrise

when the wind is light and disperses as the sun ascends higher.

Fog rarely occurs when the speed of the wind is over 10 knots.

11.16 When the winds are E to S, the smoke from the various

factories on the Kyushu side covers the interior of the strait,

particularly in the western part. On some rare occasions it may

extend as far as Futadi-jima (34°06'N., 130°48'E.), which lies

NNW of the W entrance of the strait. However, as soon as the

wind shifts to the W, the smoke clears and the visibility becomes good.

11.16 Tides—Currents.—The maximum velocities obtained in

the straits can reach 13 knots. The current is weakest at about

midway between HW and low water. Slack water lasts only a

few minutes. The straits require careful navigation and slow

vessels need to be aware that at times they may be unable to

make way over ground.

11.16 Tidal signal stations within the straits are situated at Daiba

Hana, He Saki, and from a position on the NW shore of Kanamon Kaikyo, about 685m NE of the Kanmon Bridge.

11.16 Tidal current signals are displayed from an electric sign

board mounted on a quadrangular metal framework structure;

they indicate the direction, rate, and expected change of rate of

the tidal current in Hayatomo Seto.

11.16 The signals consist of symbols, as follows:

1. The letter E or W, indicating the direction of the current.

2. A digit or digits, from 0 to 13, indicating the rate of

the current in knots. The digits symbol is omitted if the rate

cannot be measured.

3. An arrow pointing up or down, indicating that the rate

of the tidal current is expected to increase or decrease, respectively.

11.16 The symbols are white and are flashed in succession continuously.

11.16 Pilotage.—Pilotage is compulsory for the following vessels

and should be requested no less than 2 hours before arrival at

the Hesaki Anchorage or the Mutsure Shima Anchorage:

1. All vessels 10,000 grt and over passing through Kanmon Kaikyo.

2. Vessels 3,000 grt and over entering or departing Kanmon Ko.

3. Japanese vessels 1,000 grt and over, not engaged in

international navigation, entering or departing Wakamatsu

Ko Sections 1 to 4. 

4. Japanese vessels 1,000 grt and over, not engaged in

international transits, entering or departing Kanmon Ko

loaded with dangerous cargo.

5. Vessels 300 grt and over on international navigation

or foreign vessels, entering or departing Wakamatsu Ko Sections 1 to 4. 

6. Vessels 300 grt and over on international navigation

or foreign vessels, entering or departing Kanmon Ko loaded

with dangerous cargo.

11.16 Pilots board, as follows:

1. West Entrance.—Vessels with a draft of more than

14m or with a length of over 250m board the pilot 1.5 miles

N of Mutsure Shima Light (33°58'N., 130°52'E.). Other

vessels board the pilot 1 mile NNE of the same light.

2. East Entrance.—Vessels board pilots approximately

1.3 miles SE of He Saki Light.

11.16 Regulations.—Vessels should maintain continuous contact

with Kanmon Kaikyo Vessel Traffic Service Center on VHF

channel 16 when navigating Kanmon Kaikyo, the approaches

to the passage, and the adjacent sea areas. 

11.16 A vessel traffic service, the Traffic Advisory Service Center

(TASC), operated by the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) in Kanmon
230 Sector 11. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Suo Nada and Kanmon Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

Kaikyo, provides traffic control and information about vessels

entering, departing, and navigating within the strait. 

11.16 Kanmon MARTIS may be contacted as follows: 

1. Telephone numbers:

(a) +81(0)93 3720099

(b) +81(0)93 3720090

2. Facsimile number: +81(0)93 381449 

11.16 Specified vessels should report to and comply with guidance

provided by TASC, call sign MARTIS. Specified vessels are

defined as follows: 

1. Vessels of 50m and more in length that navigate on

the traffic routes designated by the Maritime Traffic Safety

Act and the vicinity of these traffic routes.

2. Vessels more than 300 grt that navigate Kanmon

Kaikyo Passage, Kanmon Kaikyo Passage 2, and the vicinity

of these passages.

3. Vessels of 10,000 grt and over and tankers of 3,000 grt

and over intending to navigate the Haytoma Seto Fairway.

Vessels intending to navigate Haytoma Seto Fairway should

contact Kanmon MARTIS by noon of the day prior to entry

into the fairway. 

11.16 Information provided by the Traffic Advisory Service

Centers include:

1. Traffic routes.

2. Traffic obstacles.

3. Dangerous sea areas.

4. Information regarding vessels restricted in their

ability to maneuver.

5. Information regarding other specified vessels in closequarter situations. 

6. Other information as necessary for safety of

navigation. 

Vessels navigating in designated traffic routes or the port

areas should enter their JCG-designated destination codes

into the AIS to communicate their intended course to other

vessels. 

11.16 Additional information is available at the following website: 

11.16 Vessels of 10,000 grt and above and tankers of 3,000 grt and

above should report to Kanmon MARTIS on VHF channel 16

or 13 when crossing any reporting line descibed in the

following table.

Kanmon Kaikyo Traffic Advisory Service

Kanmon MARTIS

www6.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/kanmon

Reporting Lines

Name of 

Reporting 

Lines

Abbreviation Description

North of 

Mutsure 

Shima 

MN

A line bearing due N 

for a distance of 3.7 

miles from Mutsure 

Shima Light then 

drawn due E to 

Kurumino Se lighted 

beacon

South of Aino-Shima AS

A line joining the S 

point of Ai-no-Shima 

with the N point of 

Kata Shima
Sector 11. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Suo Nada and Kanmon Kaikyo 231

Pub. 159

11.16 Kanmon Ko Port Regulations Law.—The following are

extracts from Port Regulations Law, Section V, for vessels in

Kanmon Ko:

Article 42.—Vessels of more than 500 grt (300 grt for

Wakamatsu Quarter) will use two anchors when anchoring in

the Port of Kanmon. Section 5 of Wakamatsu Quarter, with

the exception of Tobata Anchorage, is exempt from this requirement.

Article 44.—

1. Vessels proceeding W through Kanmon Kaikyo

from the E must enter Yayatomo Seto N of a line joining

Moji Saki Lighted Buoy and the highest peak on Manju

Shima before reaching a line joining Hino Yama with

Tobigasu Hama. Vessels proceeding E through Hayatomo

Seto must take a course passing N of a line joining Moji

Saki Light and the S tip of Ganryu Shima before reaching

a line joining Shimonoseki Range Light and the summit of

Sankaku Yama. Vessels of less than 100 grt are exempt

from this rule. They may sail as close to Moji Saki as

possible and when sailing as such, the vessels when

meeting opposing vessels shall pass starboard to starboard

when the current is running E and port to port when the

current is running W.

2. Large vessels sailing E through Hayatomo Seto

must keep vessels of 100 grt to starboard and when sailing

W to port

3. Vessels sailing through Hayatomo Seto against the

current must maintain a speed of at least 3 knots in excess

of the speed of the current.

4. Vessels sailing through Hayatomo Seto are to sound

three long blasts on the whistle or siren as the occasion

demands from the time a position 0.5 mile from Moji Saki

is reached until the vessel has passed Moji Saki.

5. Vessels proceeding in Kanmon Passage may

overtake other vessels where there is adequate sea room to

safely pass. When one vessel intends to overtake another

vessel along its starboard side, it is to sound one long

blast, followed by one short blast, on the whistle or siren,

and when it intends to overtake along the other vessels

port side, it is to sound one long blast, followed by two

short blasts.

6. In Wakamatsu Passage, vessels of above 500 grt

will proceed near the middle of the channel while vessels

of less than 500 grt will proceed on the starboard side of

larger vessels.

7. The whole area of Kanmon Passage has been designated a restricted area. When visibility falls to 1,000m or

less “precaution against poor visibility” will be ordered.

Vessels navigating in the restricted area are advised to

navigate with great caution and maintain a good lookout.

When visibility falls to 500m or less “requisition to avoid

entering the passage” will be ordered. Vessels intending to

transit the restricted area are prohibited from entering and

should wait until restrictions are lifted. Vessels underway

in the restricted area when the order is made should navigate with great caution or wait in a suitable area outside

the fairway informing “KANMON MARTIS” on VHF

channel 16 and continuing communication on VHF

working channels 13, 14, and 22. 

Restrictions will be ordered either by KANMON

MARTIS, MOJI SEA PATROL RADIO/JNR, or patrol

craft stationed in the area. 

Article 46—Part 1.—Vessels which intend to anchor will

display in a prominent place a blackball or shape by day and

a red light at night, in addition to the other standard lights

prescribed by International Rules for Preventing Collisions

at Sea.

Article 46—Part 2.—Vessels of over 300 grt intending to

South of 

Shira Su SS

A line bearing due S 

from Shira Su Light to 

the shore

North of 

Shin Moji SN

A line drawn from 

Takeno Hana to a 

point due E and a 

distance of 1.2 miles 

from Shin Moji 

Hakuchi breakwater 

light.

East of Shin 

Moji SE

A line from a point 

due E and 1.2 miles 

distant from Shin Moji 

Hakuchi breakwater 

light to a point 4.4 

miles due E of this 

light

Southeast of 

He Saki HS

A line from a point 

due E and 4.4 miles 

distant from Shin Moji 

Hakuchi breakwater 

light to a point 

bearing 215° and 

distant 2.1 miles from 

Ryuo San 

Triangulation Point 

West of 

Onoda OW

A line from a point 

215° and 2.1 miles 

distant from Ryuo 

San Triangulation 

Point to a point 

bearing 240° and 2.3 

miles distant from the 

same point

South of 

Chofu CS

A line joining Manju 

Shima Light and the S 

point of Kanju Shima

Wakamatsukita WA

A line joining a point 

bearing 232° and 

distant 0.9 mile from 

Wakamatsu Dokai 

Bay entrance light to a 

point bearing 222°45' 

and 0.9 mile distant 

from the same light

Reporting Lines

Name of 

Reporting 

Lines

Abbreviation Description
232 Sector 11. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Suo Nada and Kanmon Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

depart Wakamatsu Quarter and vessels over 500 grt intending to depart through Seitetsu Tobata Hakuchi are to sound

two long blasts on the whistle or siren and by day, show the

International Flag Signal for getting underway, and by night

hoist two white lights in a vertical line, 30 minutes before

getting underway.

Article 48.—Vessels sailing to and from the port of

Kanmon Ko will, between Mutsure Shima on the W side and

He Saki on the E side, display on the foremast or at another

conspicuous place the International Flags in accordance with

the table below to indicate their destinations:

1. Proceeding to E entrance of Kanmon Kaikyo—Flag

E below first repeater.

2. Proceeding to W entrance of Kanmon Kaikyo—

Flag W below first repeater.

3. Proceeding to Moji Quarter, port of Kanmon Ko—

Flag M below first repeater.

4. Proceeding to Shimonoseki Quarter, port of

Kanmon Ko—Flag S below first repeater.

5. Proceeding to Tanoura Quarter, port of Kanmon

Ko—Flag T below first repeater.

6. Proceeding to Kokura Quarter, port of Kanmon

Ko—Flag K below first repeater.

7. Proceeding to Nishiyama Quarter, port of Kanmon

Ko—Flag N below first repeater.

8. Proceeding to Wakamatsu Quarter, port of Kanmon

Ko—Flag Y below first repeater. 

9. Proceeding through port of Kanmon Ko—Flag K

over flag P over flag K.

11.16 Anchorage.—Anchoring is not permitted within the

Kanmon Kaikyo channel. 

11.16 Caution.—Numerous dangers and hazards exist in Kanmon

Kaikyo, and great caution must be exercised during the transit

of the strait. The vast majority of the accidents and disasters

within this area are caused by violations of the rules, with most

of these occurring near the entrance of Wakamatsu Ko, in O

Seto, and in Hayatomo Seto. 

11.16 When passing E of Mutsure Shima in the W approach, a

large number of vessels may be found anchored here. These

vessels may be waiting the turn of the tidal current, in

quarantine, or weather bound.

11.16 When in the vicinity of Daiba Hana, a lookout must be kept

for vessels leaving Wakamatsu Ko.

11.16 When rounding the S end of Hiro Shima in O Seto, which is a

blind corner, special care must be exercised. The many accidents

which occur here are mainly due to the frequent changes of

course that have to be made, to the fact that vessels approaching

one another are on converging courses, to the short cuts taken by

small vessels making it impossible to pass port to port, and to the

large number of sailing vessels and vessels in tow that are

sometimes encountered. This latter case is especially so in the

vicinity of the approach to Wakamatsu Ko.

11.16 In the vicinity of Shimonoseki and Moji, a lookout must be

kept because of the numerous ferryboats, sailboats, and vessels

turning into the above harbors.

11.16 In Hayatomo Seto, the narrowest and most congested part of

Kanmon Kaikyo, every effort should be made to keep in the

main current, and try not to meet other vessels here. There are

numerous fishing boats to the E of Hayatomo Seto and in the

vicinity of O Seto. Alterations of course to the right or left by

large vessels in order to avoid them is dangerous and it is better

to reduce speed and arouse their attention by sounding the

whistle.

11.16 In Kita Suido, eastbound vessels must exercise caution when

crossing the track of westbound vessels entering the main

fairway from Chuo Suido. Care must also be used because of

the tidal currents at the E end of Kita Suido, where there is a

large change of course.

Kanmon Kaikyo—West Approach

11.17 Shira Shima (34°00'N., 130°44'E.) consists of two

islets, O Shima and Me Shima, and lies about 7 miles NW of

the W entrance of Kanmon Kaikyo. O Shima has a high cliff on

its N side and is the larger of the two islets. The NW extremity

of Me Shima is a steep-to precipitous cliff.

11.17 An oil storage facility and harbor have been constructed on

the E side of O Shima. A T-head pier extends NE from the

center of the N side of the new harbor.

11.17 Depths of less than 4m extend about 0.5 mile S from O

Shima; a shoal with a least depth of 2.1m extends about 1.5

miles SSE of Me Shima.

11.17 Aino Shima, located about 4 miles ESE of Shira Shima, is a

low, flat, and densely-wooded island. Two small islets lie on

the reef extending from the N end of the island; one small islet

lies on the reef extending from the S end of the island. A light

is shown from the SW side of the island.

11.17 Koshiki Iwa (33°59'N., 130°50'E.) is a small square rock,

4m high, located about 0.6 mile ENE of the S end of Aino

Shima. Shoal banks extend about 0.5 mile to the NW and about

0.2 mile to the S of the rock. A lighted buoy is moored 0.3 mile

E of Koshiki Iwa.

11.17 Omoji Iwa lies about 0.5 mile N of Aino Shima, and shows a

light. Hiro Iwa, 0.6m high, lies on a shoal about 0.4 mile WSW

of Omoji Iwa.

11.17 Shira Su (33°59'N., 130°48'E.) lies in the middle of a sand

and gravel bank located about 1.5 miles SW of the NW

extremity of Aino Shima. A light is shown from the middle of

the bank. The channel between Shira Su and Aino Shima could

not be attempted without local knowledge.

11.18 Mutsure Shima (33°58'N., 130°52'E.) (World Port

Index No. 62065), a flat-topped island, showing a light from

the NE extremity, is located about 2 miles SE of Aino Shima. 

11.18 Depths—Limitations.—There is a tanker berth on the SE

side of the island, consisting of dolphins and a mooring buoy,

with depths of up to 18m.

11.18 Tankers up to 260m long, with a draft of 15.5m, can be

accepted. Vessels berth heading either N or S.

11.18 Pilotage.—Pilotage is compulsory for berthing.

11.18 Anchorage.—Two quarantine anchorages lie E of Mutsure

Shima. Vessels anchoring temporarily should anchor, in about

11.9m, sand and mud, E of the fairway, where the pilot normally

comes on board.

11.18 Ko-mutsure is a group of islets which lies about 0.5 mile off

the SW side of Mutsure Shima. They include Uma Shima, the

largest islet; Kata Shima, with the remains of a lighthouse; and

Wagora Shima, marked by a lighted buoy off its S end.
Sector 11. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Suo Nada and Kanmon Kaikyo 233

Pub. 159

Honshu Coast

11.19 Murasaki Hana (34°02'N., 130°55'E.) is a low headland located about 3.25 miles NNE of the N extremity of

Mutsure Shima. The point projects to the SW and is covered

with an abundance of pine trees. A light is shown from the

head of a breakwater on the E side of the point.

11.19 Kuro Saki is a flat headland of steep cliffs located about 2.5

miles NE of Mutsure Shima Light. The point is conspicuous because of the low cultivated land which lies on its N side. The coast

S of Ko Seto, a distance of 2.5 miles, is foul for about 0.4 mile

offshore. In a compound of a railroad station about 1.5 miles SE of

Kuro Saki, is a gray tower on which are bright powerful lights.

These lights are very conspicuous and make a good landmark for

vessels approaching Kanmon Kaikyo from the W.

11.19 Ko Seto (33°57'N., 130°55'E.), a shallow tortuous channel,

about 0.1 mile wide, separates Hiko Shima from the mainland,

and is located about 2.5 miles S of Kuro Saki. Its E end has been

diverted by reclamation works, and there is access to the harbor of

Shimonoseki through a lock and dredged channel of 4.9m.

11.19 An overhead power cable, with a vertical clearance of 42m,

spans Ko Seto nearly 0.5 mile from the W entrance. A light is

shown on the S side of the W entrance to Ko Seto.

11.19 Daiba Hana (33°57'N., 130°53'E.) lies on the E side of the

W entrance of Kanmon Ko, about 1.5 miles W of Ko Seto. It is

part of the SW extremity of Takenoko-jima and the site of a

tidal signal station.

Kanmon Ko

11.20 Kanmon Ko (33°55'N., 130°56'E.), occupying the

major part of Kanmon Kaikyo, is a specified port, a port of entry,

and a quarantine inspection port. It is divided into districts as

follows: 

1. Wakamatsu Ko

2. Moji Ko

3. Shimonoseki Ko

4. Kokura Ko

5. Nishi-yama Ko

6. Tanoura Ko

11.20 The urban area on the S side of Kan-mon Kaikyo is now known

as Kitakyushu Port (33°55'N., 130°56'E.), one of the nation’s

largest industrial complexes.

11.20 Regulations.—General regulations prescribed by the Port

Regulations Law apply. Additionally, except with the permission of the Port Captain, vessels may not approach within 30m

of a tanker loading inflammable materials, nor within 50m of a

tanker loaded with LNG.

11.20 Vessels entering or departing Kitakyushu Port should report

the following to Port Radio on VHF channel 16:

1. A Prior Report, 2 to 3 hours before arrival at the outer

harbor.

2. An Entrance Report, upon arrival at the outer harbor.

3. An Entrance Report, when anchoring in the outer harbor.

4. A Shifting Report, when weighing anchor.

5. A Docking Report, at the time of docking.

6. A Departure Report, at the time of departure.

Wakamatsu Ko (33°54'N., 130°49'E.)

World Port Index No. 62120

11.21 Wakamatsu Ko lies on the S side of the W entrance of

Kanmon Kaikyo, and consists of the cities of Wakamatsu-Ku,

Tobata-Ku, and Yahata-Ku. The whole area is under a combined harbor authority and is called Dokai Ko.

11.21 Winds—Weather.—The E wind is most frequent in summer

and seas are moderate. In the winter, the NW wind dominates,

occasionally accompanied by heavy swells.

11.21 During or after strong NW winds, deep-draft vessels must

make allowances for the heavy swells when approaching the

head of the breakwater or when anchoring in the outer harbor.

The entrance across the bar, which is difficult, may be dangerous at this time. The swell does not, as a rule, reach the main or

inner harbor.

11.21 Tides—Currents.—During the ebb tide, the tidal current

sets off the inner harbor along the breakwater, and then curves

toward Kanmon Kaikyo. In the main and outer harbors, the

velocity does not appear to exceed 1 knot. During the flood, the

tidal current sets in the opposite direction and is somewhat

weaker, attaining a velocity of 0.75 knot in the outer harbor. In

the vicinity off the N extremity of the breakwater, a current

setting NW is sometimes experienced during the flood.

11.21 Depths—Limitations.—The Wakamatsu Passage, which

branches off from Kanmon Kaikyo, has depths of 7 to 10m; the

Tobata Pass, which branches off from Wakamatsu Passage and

runs to Seitetsu Tobata Hakuchi, has depths of 7 to 10m. The

Okudokai Passage, which branches off the Wakamatsu Passage

and runs to the inner end of Dokai Wan, has depthsof 8 to 10m;

and the Anse Passage, which runs from the W entrance to

Kanmon Kaikyo to the Anse Hakuchi, has a depth of 12.8m.

11.21 The port consists of a number of alongside berthing facilities

and dolphin moorings. There is also a large number of mooring

buoys for use by both large and small vessels. The deepest

alongside berths are found in Seitetsu Tobata Hakuchi, with

depths of 10.1 to 17.1m alongside. Most mooring berths have

no limit on grt capacity.

11.21 There is a new container terminal in progress along the N

coast of Wakamatsu. The new Hibiki Port (33°56'N.,

130°48'E.) is operating two container berths on the N side with

a total length of 700m and alongside depths of 15m. An

additional two berths on the E side have a total length of 500m

and alongside depths of 10m. 

11.21 Phase 2, which has a completion date of 2020, will add a

total of eight more container berths. Four of these will add

1,400m of quayage, and will have depths of 15 to 16m

alongside. The other four will add 1,000m of quayage and have

an alongside depth of 12m. 

11.21 Pilotage.—Pilotage for the above areas is compulsory. Pilots

will board vessels in the quarantine anchorages about 0.5 mile E

of Mutsure Shima and about 1 mile SE of He Saki, respectively.

Pilots can be contacted on VHF channels 16 and 12. Berthing is

allowed only during daylight hours. Pilots are not available after

sunset. 

11.21 Regulations.—Berthing and unberthing operations are

controlled by the harbormaster; movements are dependent

upon daylight, vessel size, tidal conditions, and wind

conditions.
234 Sector 11. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Suo Nada and Kanmon Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

11.21 Wakamatsu Traffic Security may be contacted as follows: 

1. Telephone number: +81(0)93 8712482

2. Facsimile number: +81(0)93 8816094 

11.21 Vessels of 300grt and over intending to navigate

Wakamatsu Passage or Okudokai Passage should contact

Wakamatsu Traffic Security by noon of the day prior to entry

into the fairway.

11.21 In addition to the regulations for vessels in Kanmon Ko,

there are local regulations which are also in force. The

following regulations apply to Wakamatsu Ko:

1. Vessels under way in Kanmon Kaikyo have right of

way over vessels leaving Wakamatsu and Anse Passages.

2. Vessels over 100 grt are to sound three long blasts

occasionally while proceeding off Wakamatsu Breakwater

to their berths and on their way out.

3. No vessel is to anchor, stop, or otherwise obstruct the

passage.

4. Vessels at buoys are to secure bow and stern, or if they

secure the stern only they are also to moor.

5. A vessel crossing a fairway is to give way to one

proceeding along it. Vessels are not to proceed abreast or to

overtake in a fairway

11.21 The Wakato Ohashi Suspension Bridge restricts a vessel’s air

draft to 42m in the center of the fairway. 

11.21 Signals.—Traffic signals regulating passage in the Wakamatsu Passage and Okudokai Passage are shown from Maki

Yama (33°53'N., 130°49'E.), and Hutazima Signal Stations

(33°53'N., 130°47'E.). The signals and their meanings are

given in the accompanying table below. 

11.21 Anchorage.—There are quarantine anchorages on the SE

side of He Saki and to the E of Mutsure Shima. The dangerous

cargo anchorage is an area as specified by the harbormaster in

Area No. 5. Anchorage for vessels under 300 grt is in Area No.

2 and Area No. 3, and all of Area No. 6 anchorages are designated by the harbormaster. Vessels are not permitted to anchor

in the main or inner harbors without special permission.

11.21 Caution.—Vessels bound for Wakamatsu Ko from the W

should pass S of Funa Se, and those from the E should pass N

of Kasa Se. Eastbound vessels leaving the harbor should alter

Traffic Signals for Wakamatsu Passage and Okudokai Passage

Signal Meaning

Flashing letter I All inbound vessels and outbound vessels of less than 300 grt may proceed.

Outbound vessels of more than 300 grt stop and wait.

Flashing letter O

All outbound vessels and inbound vessels of less than 300 grt may proceed.

Inbound vessels of more than 300 grt wait outside the entrance and clear of the fairway, keeping out of

the way of outbound vessels.

Vessels of more than 300 grt moving between berths in Area No. 1 and Area 2 stop and wait.

Flashing letter F

Inbound and outbound vessels of less than 500 grt may proceed.

Inbound vessels of more than 500 grt wait outside the entrance and clear of the fairway, keeping out of

the way of outbound vessels.

Outbound vessels of more than 500 grt stop and wait.

Letters X and I, X and

O, or X and F flashing

alternately

Inbound and outbound vessels of less than 300 grt navigating in the fairway may proceed.

Inbound vessels of more than 300 grt outside the fairway wait outside the entrance and clear of the

fairway, keeping out of the way of outbound vessels in the fairway.

Vessels intending to get under way outbound wait. Signal will soon change to flashing letter I, O, or F.

Letters I and Y flashing alternately

Inbound vessels may proceed, except that vessels of more than 300 grt proceeding to a berth in Area

No. 2 S of a line drawn 288.5° from Maki Yama Signal Station, wait clear of the fairway NE of a line

drawn 315° from the signal station, keeping clear of vessels moving from Area No. 2 to Area No. 1.

Outbound vessels of less than 300 grt may proceed.

Outbound vessels of more than 300 grt stop and wait, except that vessels proceeding from a berth in

Area No. 2 S of a line drawn 288.5° from Maki Yama Signal Station to Area No. 1 may proceed.

Letters O and K flashing alternately

Outbound vessels may proceed, except that vessels of more than 300 grt intending to proceed outward

from a berth in Area No. 2 S of a line drawn 288.5° from Maki Yama Signal Station, stop and wait.

Inbound vessels of less than 300 grt may proceed. Inbound vessels of more than 300 grt wait

outside the entrance and clear of the fairway, keeping out of the way of vessels in the fairway. 

Vessels moving from Area No. 1 to a berth in Area No. 2 S of a line drawn 288.5° from Maki Yama

Signal Station, may proceed.

Flashing letter X

Inbound and outbound vessels navigating in the fairway may proceed.

Inbound vessels outside the fairway wait outside the entrance and clear of the fairway, keeping out of

the way of outbound vessels in the fairway.

Vessels intending to get under way outbound wait. Signal will soon change to fixed letter X.

Fixed letter X All movements are prohibited except for a vessel instructed by the Captain of the Port. 
Sector 11. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Suo Nada and Kanmon Kaikyo 235

Pub. 159

course SE into the main fairway as soon as possible if sighting

a vessel approaching from Moji Ko. This is necessary in order

that the two vessels may pass port to port. Extra caution is

necessary in the fairways because of the heavy traffic.

11.21 A spoil ground, best seen on the chart, lies in Area No. 5. 

Kokura Ko (33°53'N., 130°54'E.)

World Port Index No. 62130

11.22 The port of Kokura Ko consists of all the wharf basins

between the dredged channel leading to Sakaikawa Wharf and

the Alasaka Wharf located about 2.5 miles SE.

11.22 The deep-draft facilities are in Sunatu Hakuchi Basin and on

the W side of the approach to the basin 0.5 mile farther W.

These facilities are approached via Sunatu Passage. The facilities on either side of the reclaimed land in the NW part of the

port are approached via separate channels; Hiagari Basin is the

SE of the latter two.

11.22 Winds—Weather.—During winter months, the strong

Northwest Monsoon makes it almost impossible for small vessels in Sunatu Hakuchi to handle cargo.

11.22 Tides—Currents.—The current in Sunatu Passage reaches

a maximum of 3 to 4 knots at times.

11.22 Depths—Limitations.—The Sunatsu Passage, which

branches off from Kanmon Kaikyo, has depths of 8 to 10.1m,

and is marked by lighted buoys. The fairway leading to Hiagari

Basin has depths of 10.1 to 11.9m and is also marked by lighted buoys.

11.22 Depths alongside the berths at Kokura Wharf (Hiagari Wharf)

range from 5.5 to 12m at Berth No. 7. Berth No. 7 can accommodate vessels up to 22,000 grt. All other berths can accommodate up to 14,000 grt. In Sunatsu Hakuchi, the deepest depth

alongside is 8m. 

11.22 Pilotage.—Pilotage for Kokura Ko is compulsory and is obtained as stated in paragraph 11.21. The pilots can be contacted

on VHF channel 16.

11.22 Anchorage.—Anchorage may be taken at the Mutsure

quarantine anchorages; see Section 11.19 for details. 

11.23 Nishiyama Ko (33°56'N., 130°54'E.) lies between the

W extremity of Hiko Shima and Kabutoyama Misaki, on the

SW side of Hiko Shima. The town of Nishiyama stands at the

head of the harbor, which consists of a docking basin with

depths of 4 to 4.9m. There is a pier, with a depth of 12.5m

alongside, close W of the basin entrance. Two piers project

from reclaimed land close SE of the basin.

11.23 Berthing signals are displayed at the port signal station, as

follows:

Kitakyushu—Kokura Ko—Kokura Wharf (Hiagari Wharf)

Signal Meaning

N3 Moor to Nisiyama Wharf Quay 3

N4 Moor to Nisiyama Wharf Quay 4
236 Sector 11. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Suo Nada and Kanmon Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

11.23 In each case, the vessel should acknowledge the berthing

signal by a flag hoist of 2nd Substitute over N3 or N4, as

appropriate. 

11.23 A light is shown at the W entrance point of the basin. A red

light is shown at the head of Nishiyama Ku Breakwater.

11.23 Fukuura Wan, about 1.3 miles SSE of Nishiyama, is entered

S of Kabutoyama Misaki. The town of Fukuura stands on the

NW shore on this inlet. 

11.23 A breakwater extends S from the S end of Kabutoyama

Misaki, and a short detached breakwater protects a timber

storage area.

Kitakyushu—Tanoura Ko—Tanoura Wharf

Kitakyushu—Tachinoura Wharf
Sector 11. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Suo Nada and Kanmon Kaikyo 237

Pub. 159

11.23 In the outer part of the bay, between the entrance and the

detached breakwater protecting the timber storage area, there

are depths of 7.3 to 7.6m; elsewhere, depths are less than 3.4m.

Moji Ko (33°57'N., 130°57'E.)

World Port Index No. 62140

11.24 Moji Ko is on the Kyushu side of the E part of Kanmon Ko, opposite Shimonoseki Ko. Tanoura Ko, which extends about 1.8 miles E from Moji Saki, is included within this

port.

Winds—Weather.—Throughout the year, the wind blows

most frequently from the E, followed by ENE, and then WNW,

in that order. Dense fog frequently prevails in spring and

autumn. On occasions, there may be smog persisting for part of

the day, due to the many factories and chemical plants in the

area.

11.24 Tides—Currents.—Currents near the entrance of the port

set W at flood and E at the ebb. The current in the vicinity of

the narrowest section of the straits will at times reach a rate of

7 to 8 knots. Close off the port, the current is about 1 to 3

knots.

11.24 Depths—Limitations.—The controlling draft in the channel

is 11m. 

11.24 There are a number of berths that can moor vessels in the

10,000 grt class simultaneously, in depths from 8 to 11m at

Nishikaigan Wharf, Quays No. 1 to No. 7. Quays No. 8 to

No.10 have depths of 9.5 to 10.5m, with 14,000 ton capacities. 

11.24 Shinhama Wharf (Berth No. 11 to Berth No. 13), has depths

of 9 to 9.5m, with a 14,000 ton capacity.

11.24 Tanoura Oil Berth, in a depth of 13m, can accommodate

vessels of up to 33,000 dwt. www.portguide.com

11.24 The Kanmon Bridge, crossing the NE entrance to Kanmon

Passage, allows for a maximum air draft of 63m.

11.24 Pilotage.—Pilotage is compulsory for vessels at Moji Ko.

Vessels 200m loa and greater and LNG/LPG vessels 25,000

gross tons and greater board pilots in position 33°14'N,

132°06'E when entering through Bungo Suido. For general

cargo vessels entering Bungo Suido, pilots board in position

33°13'N, 131°58'E. Vessels may enter or leave the port area 24

hours, but docking and undocking at night is at the discretion

of the pilot. The pilots can be contacted on VHF channel 16.

11.24 Signals.—A berthing signal, using the special flags displayed at Moji Signal Station at the NE end of Foreign Trade

Quays, is, as follows:

11.24 Flag signals assigning an alongside berth comprise the

Berthing Flag above the berth number.

11.24 In every case, the ship should acknowledge the berthing signal with a flag hoist substituting the Answering Pennant for the

Designation or Berth Flag. 

11.24 Anchorage.—The anchorage off Moji Ko provides good

holding ground for large vessels in depths of 9 to 11m. 

11.24 When there are vessels berthed at Pier No. 1 and Pier No. 2 ,

it is prohibited to anchor in the area E of Mooring Buoy No. 9.

When there are no ships berthed at the piers, temporary anchorage is permitted, provided the vessel is leaving the same

day.

11.24 Caution.—When entering, leaving, or shifting berth in Moji

Ko, special care is necessary because the tidal currents are very

complex, especially during the W current, when eddies are

formed in the harbor.

11.24 Vessels anchoring and turning must avoid remaining longer

than necessary in the fairway near Ganryu Shima.

11.24 After anchoring, cross bearings marking the position must be

communicated to the harbor office.

11.24 Vessels must try to avoid entering or leaving the harbor during the middle period of the tidal current.

11.24 Vessels anchored near the harbor limits must not show any

light that might interfere with the safe navigation of other vessels.

Kitakyushu—Hibiki Port—Hibaki Container Terminal (Future)

Signal Meaning

MA Anchor S of Kajiga Hana
238 Sector 11. The Naikai (Inland Sea)—Suo Nada and Kanmon Kaikyo 

Pub. 159

11.24 No vessel may have more than two lighters secured alongside or astern simultaneously.

Shimonoseki Ko (33°56'N., 130°56'E.)

World Port Index No. 61700

11.25 Shimonoseki Ko lies on the N side of Kanmon Kaikyo

Passage, between Kanenoturu Misaki and the E limits of Kanmon Ko, about 5.5 miles NNE. The SW part of Shimonoseki

Ko is mostly shoal and on it lies Ganryu Shima.

11.25 Winds—Weather.—Throughout the year, the wind direction is mostly from the ENE, followed by E winds, and then

WNW, in that order.

11.25 Tides—Currents.—Between Hiko Shima and Ganryu

Shima, the N current flows at the same time as the E current in

Hayatoma Seto and the S current at the same time as the W

current in Hayatomo Seto. The velocity in its center is almost

half that in Hayatomo Seto. When these currents meet the main

currents through the strait, whether N or S of Ganryu Shima,

the countercurrents causes eddies.

11.25 Depths—Limitations.—The minimum depth in the

entrance channel is 13m. 

11.25 The harbor consists of a number of berths with alongside

depths of up to 13m for vessels of up to 20,000 grt. 

11.25 Hananocho Wharf has four berths for vessels up to 15,000

grt, with a depth of 11m alongside. 

11.25 Arukapoto Quay, in the E port area, is a passenger terminal.

The quay is 335m long with a depth alongside of 12m; vessels

of up to 50,000 dwt can be accommodated. 

11.25 Pilotage.—Pilotage is compulsory. Pilots board at the Mutsure Anchorage or the Hesaki Anchorage. Kitakyushu Port

Radio, VHF channel 16 is used for initial contact, VHF

channels 12 and 14 are the working frequencies, and VHF

channel 13 is used for the pilots. Port entry is restricted to

daylight hours only. 

11.25 Signals.—Storm signals and local weather signals are displayed at the conspicuous meteorological station on the hill

about 1.3 miles NNE of Ganryu Shima.

11.25 Anchorage.—Anchorage may be taken off the No. 1 Jetty,

near the Maritime Office, in a depth of 11m, depending on

vessel traffic. 

11.25 Anchorage can be obtained in the harbor, but caution must

be exercised because of the high velocity of the current and

poor holding ground.

Kanmon Kaikyo—East Approach

11.26 He Saki (33°57'N., 131°02'E.) is the S entrance point

of the E entrance to Kanmon Kaikyo. Pilotage is not compulsory

for vessels transiting Kanmon Kaikyo, but are recommended for

vessels without local knowledge. The pilot will board vessels off

He Saki, and at the quarantine anchorage, close SE of He Saki.

11.26 Nakano Su is a large sand bank, about 1 mile in length and

better than 0.25 mile wide, lying in the middle of the E

entrance to Kanmon Kaikyo. The bank is marked by a number

of lighted buoys. Vessels entering or leaving Kanmon Kaikyo

may pass either N or S of Nakano Su, using the standard

courses shown on the charts.

11.26 Manju Shima (Manzyu Shima) (34°00'N., 131°02'E.), an

islet, lies on the N side of the E entrance to Kanmon Kaikyo,

about 1 mile N of Nakano Su. A breakwater extends 870m

NNE from a position 0.3 mile WNW of the W extremity of the

islet. A light is shown from the S side of Manju Shima.

11.26 Kanju Shima (Kanzyu Shima), a thickly-wooded islet, lies

about 1 mile W of Manju Shima. A shoal bank, on which lie

several above-water rocks, extends about 0.2 mile S and SE

from Kanju Shima. Numerous fish havens lie on the edge of

the coastal bank SE of Kanju Shima.

11.26 North Channel, with a least depth of 10.4m, marks the N side

of Nakano Su.

11.26 Shoal patches, with a least depth of 10.1m, have been reported close N of North Channel, 0.4 mile SSE of Kushi Saki. 
Pub. 159

Glossary 239

Glossary

Japanese

JAPANESE English

A

abura.................................................................................oil

asai............................................................................shallow

asase .................................................................. ledge, shoal

B

bae (see hae)..............................................bank, shoal, rock

bakufu..................................................................... waterfall

bana (see hana)....................................................cape, point

bashi .................................................................bridge, point

byochi...................................................... anchorage, harbor

C

chiiasi ................................................................. little, small

cho ..........................................................................township

chu ............................................................................. middle

D

dai....................................................................... large, great

daiba ............................................................................... fort

dake (see take)................................................hill, mountain

dashi ......................................................................rock, reef

F

fukai...............................................................................deep

futo ......................................................................wharf, pier

G

gaiko..................................................................outer harbor

gake ................................................................................cliff

gan ................................................................................. rock

ganpeki ................................................ quay, wharf, seawall

gata ............................................................lagoon, bay, inlet

gawa (see kawa) ............................................................river

genya ...................................................................field, plain

genyu ...................................................................... crude oil

guchi (see kuchi) ............................ entrance, strait, channel

gun............................................................................. district

gunto................................................................. island group

guri ....................................................reef, rock, shoal, bank

gyoko..............................................................fishing harbor

H

hae (see bae)..............................................bank, shoal, rock

hakuchi ............................................... roadstead, anchorage

hama ..................................................................beach, coast

hana .....................................................................cape, point

hanto......................................................................peninsula

hashi .................................................................bridge, point

hatoba ..........................................................................wharf

heigen ..................................................................plain, field

higashi ............................................................................east

hikui................................................................................ low

hira......................................................................... flat, level

hiro ............................................................................ fathom

hiroi....................................................................wide, broad

ho......................................................................... cove, peak

hoku.............................................................................. north

I

ikari ............................................................................anchor

ike.........................................................................lake, pond

ishi................................................................................. rock

iso................................................................reef, rock, shoal

iwa.......................................... rock, island, shoal, mountain

J

jima (see shima) .........................................island, rock, reef

jorikusho ......................................................... landing place

ju ............................................................................... middle

juyu ........................................................crude oil, heavy oil

K

kai.................................................................................... sea

kaiho................................................................................fort

kaikyo............................................................. strait, channel

kaiwan ....................................................... gulf, inlet, sound

kaku.....................................................................point, cape

kami............................................................................. upper

kawa guchi ................................................................estuary

kawa .............................................................................. river

kei.................................................................................. river

ki .................................................................................... tree

kita................................................................................ north

ko........................................................................harbor, port

ko............................................................ lagoon, lake, small

kubi .................................................................cape, isthmus

kuchi..........................................mouth of channel, entrance

kuri ........................................................................ reef, rock

kuro, kuroi....................................................................black

M

machi.............................................................................town

matsu ................................................... cape, point, pine tree

michi ............................................................................. road

mijikai .......................................................................... short

minami .........................................................................south

minato ................................................................harbor, port

mine..............................................................peak, mountain

misaki.................................................cape, point, peninsula

mizu..............................................................................water

mori...................................................................forest, wood

mura ...........................................................................village

myaku.................................................. chain (of hills, reefs)

N

nada.........................................................................sea, gulf

nagai.............................................................................. long

naikai.................................................................... inland sea

JAPANESE English
Pub. 159 

240 Glossary

naiko..................................................................inner harbor

naka ........................................................................... middle

nan ................................................................................south

ne ............................................................... rock, reef, island

nishi ...............................................................................west

nobori .................................................................... mountain

numa.............................................................. marsh, swamp

nupuri .................................................................... mountain

O

o.......................................................................... great, large

o....................................................................................small

oka .............................................................hill, land, mound

oki.........................................................offing, offshore, bay

okii...................................................................... great, large

P

pii...................................................................................cape

R

ressho......................................... chain of islets, archipelago

reto.......................................... chain of islands, archipelago

retsugan ..........................................................chain of rocks

S

saki ......................................................................cape, point

sambashi.........................................................................pier

san .............................................................mount, mountain

satai ....................................................................... sandbank

sawa.......................................................marsh, swamp, lake

se ....................................................... bank, islet, reef, shoal

sei ..................................................................................west

seki .............................................................cape, point, rock

sekiyu ...............................................................................oil

sen .................................................................................peak

sendan...........................................................................shoal

seto .................................................................strait, channel

sha .................................................................................sand

shi ................................................................................... city

shima ......................................................... island, rock, reef

shimo ........................................................................... lower

shio ....................................................................current, tide

shiri......................................................................cape, point

JAPANESE English

sho................................................... bank, reef, shoal, small

sho.......................................................................island, reef

shoto..............................................archipelago, island chain

shu................................................... country, province, state

sima (see shima).........................................island, rock, reef

son..............................................................................village

sone .....................................................................rock, shoal

su................................................................ bank, reef, shoal

sui............................................................... water, waterway

suido............................................................... channel, strait

suna ............................................................................... sand

syoto (see shoto) ...........................archipelago, island chain

T

ta.............................................................................. ricefield

tai..................................................................bank, sandbank

takai........................................................................ high, tall

take................................................................. hill, mountain

taki.......................................................................... waterfall

to .......................................................island, islet, east, rock

toge............................................................... mountain, pass

torii............................................... gateway of shinto temple

tsu.......................................................................harbor, port

U

uchi..................................................................................bay

umi .........................................................................in, inside

unga.............................................................................. canal

ura ............................................................. bay, bight, beach

W

wan..................................................................................bay

Y

yama.................................................... mountain, hill, range

Z

zaki (see saki)..................................... cape, point, headland

zan........................................................ peak, mountain, hill

ze.................................................................................. shoal

zeikanjo............................................................customhouse

zen......................................................................... mountain

zone, zono .................................................................... shoal

JAPANESE English
Sec. 

Para.

241

Pub. 159

How to use the Index—Gazetteer

Geographic names of navigational features are generally those used by the nation having sovereignty and are listed

alphabetically. Diacritical marks, such as accents, cedillas, and circumflexes, which are related to specific letters in certain foreign

languages, are not used in the interest of typographical simplicity.

Geographic names or their spellings do not necessarily reflect recognition of the political status of an area by the United States

Government. Positions are approximate and are intended merely as locators to facilitate reference to the charts.

To use as a Gazetteer note the position and Sector number of the feature and refer to the Chart Information diagram for the

Sector. Plot the approximate position of the feature on this diagram and note the approximate chart number.

To use as an Index of features described in the text note the paragraph number at the right. To locate this feature on the best

scale chart use the Gazetteer procedure above. 

Index—Gazetteer

Position

° ' ° '

Position

° ' ° '

Sec. 

Para.

 A

ABA SHIMA 34 19 N 132 58 E 8.36

ABURA YAMA 33 30 N 130 22 E 5.6

ABUTONO SETO 34 22 N 133 21 E 8.19

AGANO GAWA 37 58 N 139 08 E 2.17

AI SAKI 37 30 N 137 21 E 2.42

AI SHIMA 34 30 N 131 17 E 3.39

AI-JIMA 34 04 N 132 43 E 9.10

AIKAPPU MISAKI 43 31 N 141 22 E 1.13

AIO WAN 34 00 N 131 25 E 11.9

AIOI KO 34 46 N 134 28 E 7.15

AIURA WAN 33 10 N 129 38 E 5.29

AJI IWA 34 04 N 132 51 E 9.2

AJIRO SHOTO 37 27 N 133 42 E 7.53

AKA NE 39 51 N 139 51 E 2.8

AKA SAKI 37 21 N 137 16 E 2.39

AKA SHIMA 32 36 N 128 55 E 5.46

AKA SHIMA 33 12 N 128 59 E 5.63

AKASHI KAIKYO 34 37 N 135 01 E 6.25

AKASHI KO 34 38 N 135 00 E 7.6

AKASHI SETO 34 12 N 132 53 E 8.40

AKASI KAIKYO 34 37 N 135 01 E 6.25

AKITA-FUNAKAWA KO 39 50 N 140 00 E 2.8

AKO KO 34 43 N 134 23 E 7.6

AKO KO 34 44 N 134 22 E 7.17

AMAGASAKI KO 34 41 N 135 23 E 6.23

AMARUBE SAKI 35 40 N 134 32 E 3.26

AMOURA WAN 33 10 N 129 38 E 5.29

ANNYOMON GURI 37 11 N 136 38 E 3.5

ANTO SAKI 36 15 N 136 07 E 3.7

AO SHIMA 33 25 N 129 41 E 5.20

AO SHIMA 33 44 N 132 30 E 10.2

AO SHIMA 33 55 N 134 43 E 6.8

AOKATA KO 32 59 N 129 03 E 5.56

AOKATA WAN 32 59 N 129 02 E 5.56

AOMORI KO 40 50 N 140 45 E 1.44

AONAE MISAKI 42 03 N 139 27 E 1.25

ARA SAKI 39 04 N 139 52 E 2.11

ARI KARI 41 49 N 140 39 E 1.36

ARIFUKU SHIMA 32 56 N 128 56 E 5.53

ARIKAWA WAN 33 00 N 129 07 E 5.59

ASA GURI 35 37 N 135 35 E 3.22

ASHIBE URA 33 48 N 129 46 E 5.14

ASO WAN 34 20 N 129 18 E 4.3

ATADA-JIMA 34 11 N 132 18 E 9.22

AWA SHIMA 38 27 N 139 15 E 2.16

AZIRO SYOTO 34 25 N 133 46 E 7.53

AZU KO 34 13 N 129 18 E 4.14

B

BAGAURA SAKI 37 10 N 137 02 E 2.37

BAKUCHI MISAKI 35 33 N 135 21 E 3.16

BEESHO TAKE 37 11 N 136 51 E 2.34

BENKEI MISAKI 42 49 N 140 12 E 1.21

BENTEN SHIMA 41 25 N 140 06 E 1.31

BEPPU KO 33 19 N 131 31 E 10.11

BEPPU WAN 33 18 N 131 35 E 10.9

BESHI MISAKI 45 15 N 141 14 E 1.7

BESSHOGA TAKE 37 11 N 136 51 E 2.34

BUNGO SUIDO 33 08 N 132 08 E 10.13

C

CHIBURI SHIMA 34 32 N 134 10 E 7.32

CHIKA SAKI 33 31 N 129 50 E 5.18

CHOKAI SAN 39 06 N 140 04 E 2.10

D

DAIBA HANA 33 57 N 130 53 E 11.19

DAIGA HANA 37 58 N 138 15 E 2.21

DE SAKI 34 31 N 134 00 E 7.32

DENTARO HANA 34 06 N 132 27 E 9.30

DOGO 36 15 N 133 17 E 3.33

DOJI HANA 33 22 N 132 06 E 10.20

E

E SAKI 34 36 N 135 00 E 7.1

EBISU ZAKI 37 11 N 137 01 E 2.34

EBOSHI-JIMA 33 41 N 129 59 E 5.17

ECHIZEN MISAKI 35 59 N 135 58 E 3.8

EMUKAE WAN 33 18 N 129 36 E 5.25

ENO SHIMA 33 00 N 129 21 E 5.58

ESAKI KO 34 39 N 131 39 E 3.36

ESAN MISAKI 41 49 N 141 11 E 1.34

ESAN SAKI 41 49 N 141 11 E 1.34

ESASHI KO 41 52 N 140 07 E 1.29

ESASI KO 41 52 N 140 07 E 1.29

ETA UCHI 34 15 N 132 26 E 9.36

ETOMO KO 35 31 N 132 58 E 3.30

F

FUKE KO 34 19 N 135 08 E 6.18

FUKU SE 33 05 N 129 26 E 5.58

FUKU SHIMA 32 55 N 129 38 E 5.37

FUKUDA WAN 34 33 N 134 22 E 7.21

FUKUE KO 32 42 N 128 52 E 5.48

FUKUI KO 36 11 N 136 06 E 3.7

FUKUSHIMA KO 41 28 N 140 16 E 1.38

FUKUURA KO 37 05 N 136 44 E 3.5

FUKUURA SAKI 41 19 N 140 48 E 1.40

FUKUYAMA 34 29 N 133 22 E 8.18

FUKUYAMA KO 34 26 N 133 27 E 8.18

FUNO ISO 33 53 N 134 43 E 6.7

FUSHIKI 36 47 N 137 04 E 2.30

FUSHIKI-TOYAMA KU 36 46 N 137 08 E 2.31

FUTADI-JIMA 34 06 N 130 48 E 11.16

FUTAGAMI SHIMA 33 36 N 129 33 E 5.12

FUTAGO SHIMA 32 39 N 129 45 E 5.40
242 Index—Gazetteer

Pub. 159

Position

° ' ° '

Position

° ' ° '

Sec.

Para

Sec.

Para

FUTAGO SHIMA 34 20 N 130 53 E 3.44

FUTAGO YAMA 33 35 N 131 36 E 10.11

FUTAOI-JIMA 34 06 N 130 47 E 3.45

G

GAMODA MISAKI 33 50 N 134 45 E 6.6

GAMODA MISAKI LIGHT 33 49 N 134 45 E 6.1

GANNENO HANA 34 16 N 132 23 E 9.35

GENTATSU SE 35 13 N 135 45 E 3.7

GENTATU SE 35 13 N 135 45 E 3.7

GOGO SHIMA 33 54 N 132 41 E 9.8

GOKEN SAN 34 21 N 134 09 E 7.28

GONGEN HANA 33 46 N 129 48 E 5.14

GONOURA KO 33 44 N 129 41 E 5.16

GOTSU KO 35 01 N 132 14 E 3.34

GUNCHU KO 33 45 N 132 42 E 10.6

H

HA SHIMA 32 37 N 129 44 E 5.42

HABU KO 34 17 N 133 11 E 8.31

HABUSHI IWA 34 20 N 133 43 E 7.25

HACHIBUSE YAMA 34 38 N 135 06 E 6.22

HACHIGA MINE 34 23 N 133 08 E 8.22

HACHIRO TAKE 32 40 N 129 51 E 5.40

HADAKA-JIMA 34 30 N 129 25 E 4.19

HADO MISAKI 33 33 N 129 51 E 5.11

HAGI KO 34 25 N 131 24 E 3.38

HAKATA 33 36 N 130 24 E 5.6

HAKODATE KO 41 47 N 140 43 E 1.36

HAKODATE KO 41 46 N 140 37 E 1.35

HAMADA KO 34 53 N 132 04 E 3.35

HAMANOKURI WAN 32 45 N 128 42 E 5.49

HAMI SAKI 35 37 N 135 15 E 3.21

HANAGURI SAKI 40 52 N 140 50 E 1.44

HANAGURI TO 33 47 N 132 02 E 11.2

HANAGURI ZAKI 40 59 N 140 57 E 1.45

HANAKURI ZAKI 40 59 N 140 57 E 1.45

HANNAN KO 34 28 N 135 21 E 6.19

HARIMA NADA 34 30 N 134 35 E 7.1

HARIMA NADA BUOY 10 34 38 N 134 49 E 7.6

HARIMA NADA BUOY NO. 1 34 28 N 134 02 E 7.33

HARIMA NADA BUOY NO. 2 34 31 N 134 02 E 7.33

HARIMA NADA NORTH BUOY 3 34 33 N 134 08 E 7.6

HASEDENO HANA 33 54 N 135 04 E 6.3

HASHIHAMA 34 06 N 132 58 E 8.12

HASHIRA-JIMA 34 01 N 132 25 E 9.19

HASHIRI-JIMA 34 20 N 133 26 E 8.17

HASIRI SHIMA 34 20 N 133 26 E 8.17

HATAKE SONE 32 04 N 128 26 E 5.44

HATIBUSE YAMA 34 38 N 135 06 E 6.22

HATSU SAKI 33 53 N 130 34 E 5.2

HAYAFUKU SE 33 14 N 129 23 E 5.27

HAYASE SETO 34 09 N 132 30 E 9.31

HAZIKI SAKI 38 20 N 138 31 E 2.19

HE SAKI 33 57 N 131 02 E 11.26

HE SAKI QUARANTINE 33 57 N 131 02 E 6.1

HEBO SHIMA 32 50 N 129 00 E 5.53

HEBURI SHIMA 33 58 N 132 14 E 9.14

HEGURA SHIMA 37 51 N 136 55 E 3.4

HEIGUN-JIMA 33 48 N 132 13 E 10.3

HEKURA-JIMA 37 51 N 136 55 E 3.4

HENASHI SAKI 40 37 N 139 52 E 2.3

HENASI SAKI 40 37 N 139 52 E 2.3

HIBI KO 34 27 N 133 56 E 7.35

HIBIKI PORT 33 56 N 130 48 E 11.21

HIGASHI-HARIMA KO 34 42 N 134 50 E 7.8

HIGI SHIMA 34 03 N 133 06 E 8.6

HIJIRI ZAKI 34 19 N 132 20 E 9.23

HIKETA KO 34 14 N 134 25 E 7.4

HIKI SHIMA 34 03 N 133 06 E 8.6

HIME SAKI 38 05 N 138 34 E 2.20

HIME SHIMA 33 44 N 131 40 E 10.12

HIMEJI KO 34 46 N 134 38 E 7.7

HIMEJI KO 34 46 N 134 41 E 7.9

HIMEKAWA KO 37 02 N 137 51 E 2.28

HIMI KO 36 52 N 137 00 E 2.32

HIMI SAKI 33 53 N 132 11 E 9.16

HINO MISAKI 33 53 N 135 04 E 6.2

HINO MISAKI LIGHT 35 54 N 135 03 E 6.1

HINO SHIMA 32 55 N 128 58 E 5.54

HINOURA 33 21.5 N 129 34.8 E 5.24

HIRA SE 33 22 N 129 30 E 5.27

HIRA SHIMA 33 42 N 129 38 E 5.15

HIRAJO KO 32 59 N 132 30 E 10.13

HIRO SE 33 23 N 129 34 E 5.23

HIRO WAN 34 12 N 132 36 E 9.28

HIROSHIMA 34 21 N 132 28 E 9.24

HISAKA-JIMA 32 48 N 128 52 E 5.50

HOAGENO SE 33 07 N 129 25 E 5.26

HODAKA SHIMA 34 04 N 132 24 E 9.19

HOGOSHI MISAKI 42 16 N 139 47 E 1.24,

1.27

HOJO KO 33 58 N 132 46 E 9.5

HOKOSHI SAKI 42 16 N 139 47 E 1.24

HON SHIMA 34 23 N 133 47 E 7.40

HONSHIMA KO 34 22 N 133 47 E 7.40

HORIE KO 33 54 N 132 45 E 9.6

HOSHI SAKI 33 51 N 132 13 E 10.3

HOTAKA SHIMA 34 04 N 132 24 E 9.19

HOTO SHIMA 33 06 N 132 01 E 10.24

HOTOKE ZAKI 33 34 N 130 05 E 5.7

HOZO SAKI 33 44 N 129 41 E 5.15

HUKE KO 34 19 N 135 08 E 6.18

HUKU-YAMA 34 29 N 133 22 E 8.18

HUSIKI 36 47 N 137 04 E 2.30

HUTAZIMA SIGNAL STATIONS 33 53 N 130 47 E 11.21

HYAKKAN SHIMA 34 18 N 133 17 E 8.20

HYAKKAN-JIMA 34 18 N 133 17 E 8.3

HYOTAN SHIMA 34 17 N 133 03 E 8.33

I

IBUKI-JIMA 34 08 N 133 32 E 8.4

ICHINOE BAE 33 56 N 135 04 E 6.3

IESHIMA GUNTO 34 40 N 134 35 E 7.10

IIDA KO 37 26 N 137 16 E 2.41

IKARI SHIMA 34 18 N 132 53 E 8.37

IKEDA WAN 34 28 N 134 13 E 7.24

IKI SHIMA 33 47 N 129 43 E 5.14

IKITSUKI SETO 33 21 N 129 26 E 5.27

IKUJI HANA 36 54 N 137 25 E 2.30

IKUZI HANA 36 54 N 137 25 E 2.30

IMABARI KO 34 04 N 133 01 E 8.12

IMARI 33 17 N 129 53 E 5.22

IMARI GAIWAN 33 23 N 129 44 E 5.21

INAHO MISAKI 42 15 N 139 34 E 1.25

INGE SHIMA 34 39 N 134 26 E 7.13

INGE-JIMA 34 39 N 134 26 E 7.13

INOKUCHI KO 34 16 N 133 03 E 8.35

INOURA KO 33 50 N 130 59 E 11.15

INUSHIMA SHOTO 34 34 N 134 06 E 7.30

IO ZAKI 33 07 N 129 43 E 5.30

IRUKA HANA 34 14 N 132 23 E 9.35

ISEGA HANA 34 16 N 133 12 E 8.31

ISHIKARI WAN SHIN KO 43 13 N 141 17 E 1.14

ITSUMI-OTSU OSHASHI BRIDGE 34 31 N 135 24 E 6.20

IWAGI KO 34 14 N 133 09 E 8.34

IWAKUNI KO 34 11 N 132 15 E 9.21

IWANAI KO 42 59 N 140 31 E 1.20

IWASAKI WAN 40 34 N 139 55 E 2.4

IZUHARA 34 12 N 129 18 E 4.13

J

JINO O SHIMA 33 22 N 132 21 E 10.18

JINO SHIMA 34 07 N 135 06 E 6.5

JINZU GAWA 36 45 N 137 13 E 2.30

JIO SAN 34 17 N 133 01 E 8.37

JIZO MISAKI LIGHT 33 15 N 131 54 E 6.1

JIZO SAKI 34 25 N 134 14 E 7.25

JORYUJI YAMA 34 30 N 134 55 E 7.2

K

KA SHIMA 33 58 N 132 46 E 9.4

KABE SHIMA 33 33 N 129 53 E 5.11

KABUKOSHI SAKI 34 15 N 134 23 E 7.4
Index—Gazetteer 243

Pub. 159

Position

° ' ° '

Position

° ' ° '

Sec.

Para

Sec.

Para

KABUTOGA SAKI 35 38 N 135 54 E 3.11

KABUTO-JIMA 34 07 N 132 19 E 9.22

KADO SAKI 34 14 N 134 40 E 6.14

KAFUKAI BYOSHI 45 20 N 141 03 E 1.6

KAHUKAI BYOTI 45 20 N 141 03 E 1.6

KAI SAKI 41 09 N 140 46 E 1.42

KAI ZAKI 41 09 N 140 46 E 1.42

KAIMOCHI HANA 37 12 N 136 55 E 2.37

KAJI SHIMA 34 07 N 133 10 E 8.2

KAJINO HANA 34 20 N 133 12 E 8.21

KAJITORINO HANA 34 07 N 132 54 E 9.2

KAKETSU-JIMA 33 49 N 132 15 E 10.4

KAKOGAWA 34 42 N 134 55 E 7.8

KAKUDA MISAKI 37 47 N 138 49 E 2.24

KAKUI SHIMA 34 43 N 134 19 E 7.18

KAMA SHIMA 34 25 N 133 50 E 7.49

KAMABUTA SE 34 14 N 129 20 E 4.15

KAME IWA 33 52 N 132 05 E 11.3

KAME SHIMA 36 07 N 136 03 E 3.8

KAMEGAKUBI 34 07 N 132 36 E 9.29

KAMEYANNA HANANA ASARI 34 23 N 133 48 E 7.49

KAMI SHIMA 34 41 N 134 43 E 7.10

KAMI-NINAI SHIMA 33 50 N 132 12 E 10.3

KAMINOSEKI SETO 33 50 N 132 07 E 11.3

KAMI-SHIZUMO 34 42 N 134 30 E 7.12

KAMO KO 38 46 N 139 44 E 2.13

KAMOI MISAKI 43 20 N 140 21 E 1.17

KAMOSE SHIMA 33 55 N 132 32 E 9.12

KAMUI MISAKI 43 20 N 140 21 E 1.17

KAMUI SAN 42 09 N 139 27 E 1.25

KAMUI YAMA 42 09 N 139 27 E 1.25

KANAWA-JIMA 34 20 N 132 29 E 9.24

KANAZAWA KO 36 37 N 136 36 E 3.6

KANDA KO 33 47 N 131 01 E 11.14

KANEGA SAKI 34 45 N 134 29 E 7.14

KANEGA SAKI 35 31 N 135 20 E 3.18

KANIDA GAWA 41 03 N 140 39 E 1.43

KANISE SHOSHO 33 05 N 129 36 E 5.35

KANITA GAWA 41 03 N 140 39 E 1.43

KANMON KO 33 55 N 130 56 E 11.20

KANNON SAKI 34 12 N 132 34 E 9.27

KANNON ZAKI 33 06 N 131 57 E 10.24

KANNON ZAKI 34 19 N 132 30 E 9.25

KANNON ZAKI 34 21 N 133 13 E 8.20

KANNON ZAKI 37 06 N 137 04 E 2.33

KANNONJI KO 34 07 N 133 38 E 8.13

KANOKAWA KO 34 11 N 132 27 E 9.34

KANOKAWA UCHI 34 11 N 132 26 E 9.33

KANON YAMA 34 24 N 129 23 E 4.17

KARASAKI SE 34 44 N 129 28 E 4.11

KARASU SAKI 34 22 N 129 14 E 4.3

KARASU SHIMA 33 55 N 132 08 E 9.17

KARATO SHIMA 34 04 N 132 33 E 9.29

KARATSU 33 29 N 129 58 E 5.9

KASADO WAN 33 58 N 131 50 E 11.7

KASANO MISAKI 36 21 N 136 18 E 3.7

KASHIRA SHIMA 33 58 N 132 21 E 9.20

KASHIWA SHIMA 33 32 N 129 58 E 5.10

KASHIWAZAKI KO 37 22 N 138 32 E 2.25

KASUMI KO 35 39 N 134 38 E 3.25

KATA SHIMA 33 55 N 132 28 E 10.2

KATSURA SHIMA 34 28 N 133 46 E 7.51

KATURA SHIMA 34 28 N 133 46 E 7.51

KAWACHI WAN 33 19 N 129 32 E 5.25

KAWANOISHI KO 33 28 N 132 23 E 10.20

KAWASHIRI MISAKI 34 26 N 130 59 E 3.42

KAYA SAN 33 34 N 130 10 E 5.7

KEBUTA SE 33 12 N 129 09 E 5.60

KI SHIMA 34 40 N 134 13 E 7.19

KIBA 34 46 N 134 44 E 7.7

KIKUMA KO 34 02 N 132 50 E 9.3

KIMPOKU SAN 38 06 N 138 21 E 2.18

KIN WAN 34 33 N 129 28 E 4.20

KINPOKU SAN 38 06 N 138 21 E 2.18

KISHUKU URA 32 46 N 128 46 E 5.49

KITAGI SHIMA 34 23 N 133 32 E 7.57

KITAKYUSHU PORT 33 55 N 130 56 E 11.20

KITAURA KO 39 57 N 139 47 E 2.5

KITSUKI WAN 33 23 N 131 40 E 10.11

KO SAKI 34 05 N 129 13 E 4.2

KO SETO 33 57 N 130 55 E 11.19

KO SHIMA 34 20 N 133 39 E 7.41

KO SHIMA 41 22 N 139 49 E 1.32

KO YAMA 34 39 N 131 37 E 3.36

KOBE KO 34 40 N 135 13 E 6.24

KOBE KO LIGHT 34 39 N 135 10 E 6.24

KOBE LIGHT 34 39 N 135 10 E 6.1

KOETOI SAKI 45 25 N 141 45 E 1.3

KOGO ZAKI 33 06 N 129 40 E 5.29

KO-JIMA 41 22 N 139 49 E 1.32

KO-KAKUMA SHIMA 34 19 N 132 24 E 9.37

KOKURA KO 33 53 N 130 54 E 11.22

KOKURO SHIMA 33 11 N 129 04 E 5.62

KOMATSU KO 33 56 N 132 11 E 9.16

KOMATSU SE 34 05 N 129 09 E 4.2

KOMATSUSHIMA KO 34 00 N 134 36 E 6.9

KOMATSUSHIMA KO 34 02 N 134 37 E 6.8

KOME SAKI 34 34 N 134 03 E 7.31

KOME SE 33 11 N 129 29 E 5.26

KOMO SAKI 32 54 N 132 29 E 10.13

KOMOBUCHI BYOCHI 33 10 N 132 25 E 10.15

KONE SHIMA 34 19 N 133 05 E 8.23

KONO SE 34 07 N 132 59 E 8.9

KONO SHIMA 34 27 N 133 31 E 7.54

KONOMINATO URA 33 52 N 130 30 E 5.3

KONOSE HANA 37 55 N 138 30 E 2.18

KOREI SAN 34 41 N 129 26 E 4.8

KO-SEI SHIMA 34 22 N 133 51 E 7.26

KOSHIKI IWA 33 59 N 130 50 E 11.17

KOSHU ZAN 37 23 N 136 57 E 3.2

KO-TSUKUE SHIMA 33 40 N 130 13 E 5.5

KOZUMO IWA 32 51 N 129 40 E 5.38

KUCHO WAN 33 28 N 132 18 E 10.20

KUDAKO SUIDO 33 59 N 132 35 E 9.11,

9.12

KUDAMATSU 34 00 N 131 52 E 11.7

KUMIHAMA WAN 35 38 N 134 55 E 3.23

KUNOSHITA ZAKI 33 43 N 129 27 E 4.9

KURA SAKI 37 30 N 137 09 E 3.2

KURA SHIMA 33 12 N 128 55 E 5.63

KURAHASHI-JIMA 34 07 N 132 31 E 9.29

KURE KO 34 14 N 132 33 E 9.26

KURINOKAMI SHO 33 48 N 130 16 E 5.4

KURO SAKI 41 11 N 141 05 E 1.46

KURO SHIMA 33 06 N 131 54 E 10.24

KURO SHIMA 34 36 N 134 10 E 7.19

KUROKAMA SAKI 32 57 N 129 38 E 5.36

KUROKO SHIMA 33 22 N 129 34 E 5.24

KUROSE WAN 32 36 N 128 44 E 5.46

KUROSE WAN 33 03 N 129 38 E 5.32

KUROTSUCHI SETO 34 26 N 133 31 E 7.53

KUROTSUNO HANA 33 32 N 131 45 E 10.11

KURU SHIMA 34 07 N 132 58 E 8.10

KURUSHIMA KAIKYO 34 07 N 133 00 E 8.5

KUSHI-JIMA 32 57 N 128 59 E 5.55

KUSHINO URA 33 31 N 129 51 E 5.18

KUSUYAGA TAKE 35 33 N 135 44 E 3.12

KYOGA SAKI 35 46 N 135 14 E 3.21

KYONOJORO SHIMA 34 29 N 133 59 E 7.33

KYUROKU SHIMA 40 32 N 139 30 E 2.3

KYUROKU-JIMA 40 32 N 139 30 E 2.3

M

MAE SHIMA 34 00 N 132 16 E 9.20

MAE SHIMA 34 36 N 134 11 E 7.19

MAEHAMA KO 44 25 N 141 20 E 1.9

MAIZURU KO 35 31 N 135 20 E 3.17

MAIZURU WAN 35 22 N 135 20 E 3.16

MAKI YAMA 33 53 N 130 49 E 11.21

MAMO SHIMA 35 32 N 135 16 E 3.18

MANJU 34 00 N 131 02 E 11.26

MANZYU 34 00 N 131 02 E 11.26

MARUGAME KO 34 18 N 133 47 E 7.45

MARUO SAKI 33 58 N 131 21 E 11.9

MARUYAMA MISAKI 43 17 N 140 39 E 1.18

MARUYAMA SHIMA 34 13 N 133 37 E 8.13

MASHIKE KO 43 51 N 141 32 E 1.11

MATSU SHIMA 32 56 N 129 37 E 5.37

MATSU SHIMA 33 35 N 129 50 E 5.12

MATSUGA HANA 33 56 N 132 22 E 9.13

MATSUGA HANA 33 57 N 132 26 E 9.13

MATSUGA HANA 34 10 N 132 29 E 9.31
244 Index—Gazetteer

Pub. 159

Position

° ' ° '

Position

° ' ° '

Sec.

Para

Sec.

Para

MATSUGA SAKI 34 02 N 132 50 E 9.4

MATSUGA SAKI 35 40 N 136 05 E 3.10

MATSUGA SAKI LIGHT 39 30 N 140 03 E 2.9

MATSURE SHIMA LIGHT 33 58 N 130 52 E 6.1

MATSUSHIMA KO 32 56 N 129 36 E 5.37

MATSUYAMA KO 33 51 N 132 42 E 9.7

ME SHIMA 31 59 N 128 21 E 5.43

MEKARI SETO 34 21 N 133 11 E 8.20

MENEKO SHIMA 34 12 N 132 51 E 8.39

MI SAKI 34 15 N 133 34 E 8.13

MI SAKI 34 44 N 134 25 E 7.16

MI SAKI 39 07 N 139 52 E 2.9

MI SE 34 42 N 129 29 E 4.10

MI SHIMA 34 46 N 131 09 E 3.41

MIHARA KAWA 34 20 N 134 44 E 7.3

MIKAWA 36 29 N 136 29 E 3.7

MIKURIYA SAKI 35 30 N 133 30 E 3.27

MINAMI HIRASAWA 39 52 N 139 51 E 2.8

MINE WAN 34 27 N 129 17 E 4.6

MINO SHIMA 33 44 N 131 01 E 11.13

MIOMOTE KAWA 38 14 N 139 27 E 2.14,

2.15

MIRA SHIMA 33 10 N 128 54 E 5.63

MISAKI KO 33 22 N 132 05 E 10.20

MISHIMA UCHI 34 15 N 132 59 E 8.24

MISHIMA-KAWANOE KO 34 00 N 133 33 E 8.14

MITAJIRI KO 34 01 N 131 36 E 11.9

MITARAI SETO 34 11 N 132 52 E 8.41

MITSU SHIMA 34 43 N 129 27 E 4.11

MITSUGO SASHI 34 22 N 133 49 E 7.25

MITSUGO SHIMA 34 22 N 133 49 E 7.49

MITUGO SHIMA 34 12 N 132 31 E 9.31

MIUDA URA 34 40 N 129 30 E 4.23

MIYANOURA KO 34 15 N 132 59 E 8.25

MIYASAKINO HANA 34 04 N 135 05 E 6.5

MIYASAKINO HANA 34 05 N 135 05 E 6.5

MIYAZAKI HANA 36 58 N 137 35 E 2.29

MIYAZU KO 35 32 N 135 12 E 3.20

MIZUSHIMA KO 34 30 N 133 45 E 7.51

MODORO MISAKI 34 32 N 131 28 E 3.37

MOHEJI KO 41 46 N 140 37 E 1.35

MOJI KO 33 57 N 130 57 E 11.24

MOMO SHIMA 34 22 N 133 16 E 8.30

MONTONOMA KAIKYO 32 57 N 132 04 E 10.21

MORISIGE SAKE 33 56 N 132 12 E 1.

MORO SHIMA 33 57 N 132 30 E 9.12

MOROYOSE KO 35 37 N 134 26 E 3.26

MU SHIMA 34 18 N 133 32 E 7.42,

8.1

MUKU SHIMA 33 29 N 129 47 E 5.19

MUKUCHI-JIMA 34 25 N 133 46 E 7.53

MURASAKI BANA 34 01 N 130 54 E 3.45

MURASAKI HANA 34 02 N 130 55 E 11.19

MUROZUMI HANTO 33 55 N 131 58 E 11.4

MUSHI-JIMA 34 07 N 133 01 E 8.9

MUTSURE SHIMA 33 58 N 130 52 E 11.18

MUZUKI-JIMA 33 58 N 132 40 E 9.8

MYOJIN HANA 33 57 N 132 11 E 2.

MYOKEN 33 28 N 129 57 E 5.9

MYOKEN SAKI 33 56 N 130 41 E 5.2

MYOKEN SAKI 34 33 N 134 16 E 7.22

N

NA SHIMA 33 44 N 129 52 E 5.17

NAGA SAKI 34 25 N 129 24 E 4.17

NAGA SHIMA 33 48 N 132 05 E 11.2

NAGAHAMA KO 33 37 N 132 29 E 10.6

NAGAO HANA 35 32 N 134 00 E 3.27

NAGASAKI HANA 33 16 N 129 10 E 5.62

NAGASAKI KO 32 43 N 129 51 E 5.40

NAGASENO HANA 34 06 N 133 02 E 8.6

NAGATE SAKI 37 27 N 137 22 E 2.40

NAGATO SAKI 33 22 N 129 37 E 5.23

NAGOYA URA 33 32 N 129 53 E 5.11

NAIIN WAN 34 06 N 129 14 E 4.12

NAKA SUIDO NAKATO-JIMA 34 07 N 133 00 E 8.7

NAKA UMI 35 28 N 133 12 E 3.27

NAKAENO SHIMA 33 22 N 129 28 E 5.28

NAKA-JIMA 33 58 N 132 37 E 9.9

NAKANO SE 33 05 N 129 39 E 5.29

NAKANO-KAJIKAKI 33 07 N 129 39 E 5.29

NAKATO SHIMA 34 07 N 133 00 E 8.7

NAKATSU KO 33 36 N 131 12 E 11.13

NAMIKATA OIL TERMINAL 34 07 N 132 54 E 8.6

NANAO KO 37 03 N 136 59 E 2.36

NANATSU SHIMA 37 36 N 136 53 E 3.4

NANATSUGAMA URA 33 00 N 129 39 E 5.36

NANATU SHIMA 37 36 N 136 53 E 3.4

NANORI SE 32 59 N 129 14 E 5.58

NANRYU SAKI 33 21 N 129 34 E 5.24

NAOETSU KO 37 11 N 138 15 E 2.26

NARUTO KAIKYO 34 14 N 134 39 E 6.11

NARYU ZAKI 35 36 N 135 28 E 3.16

NEBUTONO HANA 34 24 N 134 07 E 7.36

NEKO SAKI 35 40 N 134 46 E 3.24

NEKO SETO 34 12 N 132 40 E 8.39

NESHIKO WAN 33 18 N 129 26 E 5.27

NIHAMA KO 33 59 N 133 17 E 8.15

NIIGATA 37 55 N 139 03 E 2.17

NIIGATA-HIGASHI 37 55 N 139 03 E 2.17

NIMA KO 35 09 N 132 25 E 3.34

NINO SHIMA 34 18 N 132 26 E 9.37

NINOJI DAKE 37 54 N 139 30 E 2.15

NINOZI TAKE 37 54 N 139 30 E 2.15

NISHI SAKI 35 45 N 135 11 E 3.23

NISHIDOMARI WAN 34 39 N 129 29 E 4.22

NISHIHA SHIMA 33 58 N 133 15 E 8.15

NISHIURA ZAKI 33 40 N 130 13 E 5.5, 5.7

NISHIYAMA KO 33 56 N 130 54 E 11.23

NITA WAN 34 32 N 129 19 E 4.6

NO MISAKI 34 23 N 133 54 E 7.37

NO SHIMA 33 56 N 131 42 E 11.5

NO. 3 POWER PLANT 34 41 N 135 23 E 6.23

NOBORIIWA YAMA 34 46 N 134 33 E 7.14

NOBU WAN 34 21 N 129 20 E 4.4

NOGITA-TODAI SE 33 39 N 130 07 E 5.7

NOJI SHOTO 34 27 N 133 45 E 7.50

NOKOGIRI ZAKI 35 33 N 135 40 E 3.14

NOMO SAKI 32 34 N 129 45 E 5.42

NOSHAPPO MISAKI 45 27 N 141 39 E 1.8

NOSHAPPU MISAKI 45 27 N 141 39 E 1.3

NOSHIRO KO 40 13 N 140 01 E 2.5

NOSIRO KO 40 13 N 140 01 E 2.5

NOTORO YAMA 34 13 N 132 25 E 9.35

NOZI SYOTO 34 27 N 133 45 E 7.50

NUWA-JIME 33 59 N 132 33 E 9.12

NYU SAKI 38 12 N 138 20 E 2.23

NYUDO SAKI 40 00 N 139 42 E 2.6

O

O ISO LIGHT 33 57 N 132 10 E 2.

O SAKI 33 29 N 129 49 E 5.18

O SAKI 41 48 N 140 05 E 1.30

O SHIMA 32 03 N 128 24 E 5.44

O SHIMA 32 34 N 128 54 E 5.46

O SHIMA 32 58 N 132 04 E 10.21

O SHIMA 33 02 N 129 37 E 5.33

O SHIMA 33 29 N 129 33 E 5.28

O SHIMA 33 44 N 129 38 E 5.15

O SHIMA 33 52 N 131 59 E 11.4

O SHIMA 33 54 N 130 26 E 5.3

O SHIMA 34 25 N 131 16 E 3.39

O SHIMA 34 30 N 131 25 E 3.37

O ZONE 34 01 N 132 20 E 9.19

O-ASAHI DAKE 38 15 N 139 56 E 2.15

OBAMA KO 35 30 N 135 45 E 3.13

OBATAKE SETO 33 57 N 132 11 E 9.15

OBE WAN 34 06 N 132 54 E 9.2

OFUYU MISAKI 43 43 N 141 20 E 1.12,

1.15

OGAWA SHIMA 33 36 N 129 54 E 5.13

OGE SHIMA 34 11 N 132 56 E 8.28

OGI SHIMA 34 25 N 134 04 E 7.29

O-GUSHI SAKI 34 22 N 134 13 E 7.35

OHAMA TIDAL SIGNAL STATION 34 05 N 133 00 E 8.5

OHANA ZAKI 41 44 N 140 43 E 1.35

OHIKI SHIMA 32 52 N 129 34 E 5.37

OHUYU MISAKI 43 43 N 141 20 E 1.12

OIBANA SAKI 39 54 N 139 54 E 2.8

OISHI SAKI 34 16 N 134 57 E 6.15
Index—Gazetteer 245

Pub. 159

Position

° ' ° '

Position

° ' ° '

Sec.

Para

Sec.

Para

OISO SAKI 34 11 N 134 39 E 6.12

OITA KO 33 15 N 131 40 E 10.8

OITSUKAMI SHIMA 33 06 N 132 20 E 10.14

OJIKA SETO 33 14 N 129 06 E 5.60

OJIKA SHIMA 33 12 N 129 03 E 5.62

OJIKA SHIMA 33 12 N 129 09 E 5.60

O-JIMA 34 00 N 133 22 E 8.13,

8.15

OKADO HANA 34 26 N 134 20 E 7.2

OKAJI SAKI 34 13 N 129 20 E 4.14

OKAJI ZAKI 34 13 N 129 20 E 4.14

OKAYAMA KO 34 36 N 133 59 E 7.32

OKI GUNTO 36 10 N 133 10 E 3.32

OKIKAMURO SHIMA 33 51 N 132 22 E 10.3

OKINAMI HANA 37 11 N 137 01 E 2.34

OKINO ISHI 35 35 N 135 47 E 3.12

OKINO SHIMA 34 09 N 132 26 E 9.32

OKINO SHIMA 34 14 N 130 06 E 5.17

O-KUNO SHIMA 34 17 N 133 00 E 8.25

O-KUROKAMI SHIMA 34 10 N 132 24 E 9.35

OKUSHIRI KO 42 11 N 139 31 E 1.25

OMA SAKI 41 33 N 140 55 E 1.39

OMA ZAKI 41 33 N 140 55 E 1.39

OMI SHIMA 34 25 N 131 12 E 3.41

O-MINASE SHIMA 33 48 N 132 25 E 10.2

OMINATO KO 41 15 N 141 09 E 1.46

O-MIZUNASE-JIMA 33 56 N 131 56 E 11.4

OMODAKA KO 33 04 N 129 40 E 5.32

O-NASABI-JIMA 34 16 N 132 22 E 9.36

O-NASAMI-JIMA 34 16 N 132 22 E 9.36

ONDONO SETO 34 12 N 132 32 E 9.27

ONIWAKI KO 45 09 N 141 19 E 1.7

ONODA KO 33 58 N 131 10 E 11.11

ONO-KAME HANA 38 19 N 138 28 E 2.23

ONOMICHI 34 24 N 133 12 E 8.29

ONOMICHI-ITOSAKI KO 34 23 N 133 10 E 8.28

ORISE HANA 34 18 N 129 24 E 4.16

ORONO SHIMA 33 52 N 130 02 E 5.17

OSAKA KO 34 39 N 135 26 E 6.21

OSAKA KU 34 39 N 135 25 E 6.21

OSAKA WAN 34 30 N 135 10 E 6.16

OSAKI BANA 34 13 N 130 55 E 3.44

OSAKI HANA 33 19 N 132 22 E 10.17

OSAKI HANA 33 20 N 129 33 E 5.25

OSAKI HANA 33 57 N 132 17 E 9.14

OSAKI HANA 33 59 N 133 04 E 8.16

OSAKI WAN 34 19 N 129 15 E 4.3

OSAKI-SHIMO SHIMA 34 10 N 132 50 E 8.42

OSAKI-SIMO SHIMA 34 10 N 132 50 E 8.42

OSE SAKI 32 37 N 128 36 E 5.46

OSHIMA SAKI 38 23 N 139 27 E 2.15

OSUMI BANA 34 08 N 132 57 E 8.10,

8.11

OSUMI HANA 34 08 N 132 57 E 8.11

OTAKE KO 34 14 N 132 14 E 9.22

OTANI ISO 34 18 N 133 05 E 8.24

OTARU KO 43 12 N 141 01 E 1.19

O-TATEBA-JIMA 34 02 N 132 35 E 9.10

OTOBE KO 41 58 N 140 08 E 1.28

OTONA SE 32 49 N 129 05 E 5.57

OTONA SE 33 13 N 129 31 E 5.26

OTOSE SAKI 40 46 N 140 03 E 2.3

OTSU KAWA 34 30 N 135 23 E 6.21

OTU KAWA 34 30 N 135 23 E 6.21

OUCHINOUMI KO 34 28 N 134 19 E 7.23

OZU SETO 34 17 N 132 26 E 9.37

OZUCHI SHIMA 34 25 N 133 55 E 7.27

OZUKURI YAMA 41 19 N 140 52 E 1.40

O-ZUTI SHIMA 34 25 N 133 55 E 7.27

P

POMMOSHIRI MISAKI 42 08 N 139 55 E 1.28

PONMOSHIRI SAKI 42 08 N 139 55 E 1.28

PORTOPIA HOTEL 34 39.7 N 135 13.0 E 6.24

R

RAIDEN MISAKI 42 55 N 140 24 E 1.21

REBUN SHIMA 45 22 N 141 01 E 1.5

REBUN TO 45 22 N 141 01 E 1.5

RISHIRI TO 45 11 N 141 15 E 1.7

ROKKO SAN 34 46 N 135 16 E 6.22

ROKUGO SAKI 37 32 N 137 20 E 3.2

RUMOI KO 43 57 N 141 38 E 1.10

RUMOI SAKI 43 57 N 141 38 E 1.10

RYOSEI SHIMA 32 55 N 128 58 E 5.54

RYOTSU WAN 38 05 N 138 34 E 2.20

RYOTU WAN 38 05 N 138 34 E 2.20

S

SABA SHIMA 33 58 N 131 31 E 11.9

SADA MISAKI 33 20 N 132 01 E 10.6

SADO MISAKI LIGHT 33 20 N 132 01 E 6.1

SADO SHIMA 38 00 N 138 25 E 2.18

SAGANO SHIMA 32 44 N 128 36 E 5.49

SAGANOSEKI KO 33 15 N 131 52 E 10.7

SAGI SHIMA 34 20 N 133 07 E 8.23

SAGO WAN 34 39 N 129 20 E 4.6

SAIGO KO 36 12 N 133 20 E 3.33

SAIKA SAKI 34 11 N 135 09 E 6.5

SAIKI KO 32 58 N 131 56 E 10.23

SAKA URA 34 27 N 129 23 E 4.18

SAKAI KO 35 33 N 133 15 E 3.28

SAKAIDE KO 34 20 N 133 51 E 7.37

SAKAI-SENBOKU KU 34 33 N 135 26 E 6.20

SAKATA KO 38 56 N 139 49 E 2.12

SAKATA KO LIGHT 38 55 N 139 49 E 2.12

SAKATE KO 34 27 N 134 19 E 7.23

SAKI 33 58 N 133 15 E 8.15

SAKITO KO 33 01 N 129 34 E 5.34

SAKITO SHIMA 33 00 N 129 33 E 5.35

SAKOSHI WAN 34 45 N 134 27 E 7.16

SALZAKI 34 20 N 133 02 E 8.25

SANNOSE SETO 34 11 N 132 41 E 8.44

SAO BANA 32 49 N 129 04 E 5.57

SARAKI MISAKI 41 42 N 140 32 E 1.37

SARUYAMA ZAKI 37 20 N 136 44 E 3.5

SASANAMI SAKI 36 59 N 137 03 E 2.33

SASEBO 33 10 N 129 43 E 5.30

SASUNA KO 34 38 N 129 23 E 4.7

SAWA SAKI 37 49 N 138 13 E 2.21

SAWANE 38 00 N 138 17 E 2.22

SAWAZAKI BANA 37 49 N 138 13 E 2.21

SEI-JIMA 34 21 N 133 51 E 7.37

SEIZIMA 34 21 N 133 51 E 7.37

SEKI SAKI LIGHT 33 13 N 131 54 E 11.8

SEKI SAKI LIGHT 33 16 N 131 54 E 6.1

SEKIZEN YAMA 34 15 N 133 09 E 8.34

SEN SAN 34 21 N 134 49 E 7.3

SENBYOMAKI YAKA 34 39 N 129 21 E 4.6

SENSUI SHIMA 34 23 N 133 24 E 8.17

SENZAKI KO 34 23 N 131 12 E 3.40

SETANA KO 42 27 N 139 50 E 1.24

SETANAI KO 42 27 N 139 50 E 1.24

SETODO KO 34 19 N 133 06 E 8.32

SETOYAMA HANA 33 58 N 132 11 E 9.20

SHAKOTAN MISAKI 43 22 N 140 28 E 1.18

SHIBIKO SE 32 57 N 132 16 E 10.21

SHICHIYAMA SAKI 35 34 N 134 17 E 3.27

SHIIYA HANA 37 29 N 138 37 E 2.24

SHIJIKI WAN 33 12 N 129 23 E 5.26

SHIKIMI KO 32 47 N 129 46 E 5.38

SHIMAKAGE WAN 35 34 N 135 16 E 3.19

SHIMONOSEKI KO 33 56 N 130 56 E 11.25

SHIMO-SHIZUMO 34 42 N 134 30 E 7.6,

7.10

SHIMOTSU KO LIGHT 34 07 N 135 05 E 6.5

SHINMINATO KU 37 52 N 136 59 E 2.31

SHIN-YODO KAWA 34 41 N 135 24 E 6.21

SHIO SAKI 34 11 N 134 44 E 6.13, 4.

SHIODE ISO 34 01 N 132 48 E 9.4

SHIOGA MISAKI 39 51 N 139 45 E 2.7

SHIOKUBI MISAKI 41 43 N 140 58 E 1.34

SHIOKUBI SAKI 41 43 N 140 58 E 1.34

SHIOMAKI 34 25 N 130 48 E 3.43

SHIOSE SAKI 39 51 N 139 45 E 2.7

SHIRA SAKI 33 58 N 135 04 E 6.4

SHIRA SHIMA 34 00 N 130 44 E 11.17

SHIRA SU 33 59 N 130 48 E 11.17
246 Index—Gazetteer

Pub. 159

Position

° ' ° '

Position

° ' ° '

Sec.

Para

Sec.

Para

SHIRAISHI SETO 34 25 N 133 31 E 8.18

SHIRAITO MISAKI 42 40 N 139 52 E 1.23

SHIRAKAMI MISAKI 41 24 N 140 12 E 1.38

SHIRAKAMI SAKI 41 24 N 140 12 E 1.38

SHIRIBA SAKI 43 13 N 140 47 E 1.18

SHIRIYA SAKI 41 26 N 141 28 E 1.33,

1.39

SHIRIYA ZAKI 41 26 N 141 28 E 1.39

SHIRO HANA 32 50 N 129 42 E 5.38

SHIRO SE 33 11 N 128 48 E 5.63

SHISHI YAMA 34 15 N 132 31 E 9.25

SHITAKA URA 34 29 N 129 24 E 4.19

SHITAMA KO 33 26 N 132 24 E 10.18

SHITANOE KO 33 10 N 131 50 E 10.26

SHODO SHIMA 34 30 N 134 16 E 7.21

SHUSHI WAN 34 37 N 129 28 E 4.21

SIIYA HANA 37 29 N 138 37 E 2.24

SIN-YODO KAWA 34 41 N 135 24 E 6.21

SOMBOMMATSU KO 34 15 N 134 21 E 7.4

SOYA MISAKI 45 31 N 141 56 E 1.2

SUGE SAKI 33 04 N 132 25 E 10.14

SUGO SAKI 40 26 N 139 56 E 2.4

SUMOTO KO 34 21 N 134 54 E 6.17

SUMOTO-OKI LIGHT BUOY 34 21 N 135 01 E 6.15

SUNEGO MISAKI 41 48 N 140 05 E 1.30

SUNEKO MISAKI 41 48 N 140 05 E 1.30

SUO NADA 33 50 N 131 31 E 11.1

SUSA KO 34 38 N 131 36 E 3.37

SUTSU 42 47 N 140 14 E 1.22

SUTTSU KO 42 47 N 140 14 E 1.22

SUZUNO URA 32 50 N 128 55 E 5.51

SYAKOTAN MISAKI 43 22 N 140 28 E 1.18

T

TACHIBANA KO 33 52 N 134 40 E 6.7

TADANOUMI KO 34 20 N 133 00 E 8.26

TADOTSU KO 34 17 N 133 45 E 7.46

TAIMA YAMA 34 49 N 132 01 E 3.36

TAIMA ZAN 34 29 N 134 14 E 7.21

TAINO URA 32 56 N 129 07 E 5.57

TAISHA KO 35 24 N 132 40 E 3.34

TAIZA KO 35 44 N 135 05 E 3.23

TAKA SHIMA 32 40 N 129 45 E 5.41

TAKA SHIMA 33 16 N 131 57 E 10.7

TAKA SHIMA 33 26 N 129 45 E 5.20

TAKA SHIMA 34 01 N 135 07 E 6.4

TAKA SHIMA 34 38 N 134 32 E 7.12

TAKA SHIMA 34 50 N 131 50 E 3.36

TAKADA KO 33 35 N 131 26 E 11.12

TAKAHAMA SETO 33 53 N 132 42 E 9.6

TAKAIKAMI-JIMA 34 11 N 133 16 E 8.4

TAKAIKAMI-JIMA 34 18 N 133 16 E 8.2

TAKAMATSU KO 34 21 N 134 03 E 7.36

TAKANO ZAKI 41 14 N 140 33 E 1.41,

1.48

TAKANO ZAKI 41 14 N 140 34 E 1.42

TAKAO YAMA 35 33 N 133 14 E 3.29

TAKASHIMA MISAKI 43 14 N 141 01 E 1.18,

1.19

TAKASU YAMA 37 23 N 136 57 E 3.2

TAKATE SHIMA 32 59 N 132 04 E 10.22

TAKEDAZU KO 33 41 N 131 34 E 11.12

TAKEGA SHIMA 32 59 N 131 59 E 10.22

TAKENOKO SHIMA 33 56 N 130 52 E 6.1

TAKESHIKI KO 34 18 N 129 19 E 4.3

TAKI SAKI 36 55 N 136 45 E 3.5

TAKI ZAKI 36 55 N 136 45 E 3.5

TAKOMA HANA 34 23 N 133 15 E 8.29

TAKUMA KO 34 15 N 133 40 E 7.48

TAKURA SAKI 34 16 N 135 04 E 6.5

TAMANOURA WAN 32 41 N 128 38 E 5.48

TAMASHIMA KO 34 31 N 133 41 E 7.52

TAMASHIMA LIGHT 34 31 N 133 40 E 7.52

TAN SE 33 09 N 129 08 E 5.59

TANGA SHIMA 34 40 N 134 35 E 7.11

TANKA-JIMA 34 40 N 134 35 E 7.11

TAPPI SAKI 41 15 N 140 21 E 1.33,

1.48, 

2.2

TAPPI ZAKI 41 15 N 140 21 E 1.48

TATEBA-JIMA 34 27 N 133 51 E 7.35

TATEISHI SAKI 35 46 N 136 01 E 3.11

TATEISI SAKI 35 46 N 136 01 E 3.11

TATSUNO SETO 33 21 N 129 26 E 5.27

TATSUNO ZAKI 34 08 N 129 17 E 4.12

TENGU YAMA 34 17 N 133 11 E 8.31

TERA SHIMA 33 02 N 129 38 E 5.33

TERA SHIMA 34 28 N 133 59 E 7.34

TO SAKI 34 14 N 134 40 E 6.14

TO SHIMA 33 12 N 132 22 E 10.15

TOBI SHIMA 33 24 N 129 47 E 5.21

TOBI SHIMA 39 12 N 139 33 E 2.10

TOKUSHIMA KO 34 03 N 134 37 E 6.10

TOKUYAMA 34 02 N 131 49 E 11.9

TOKUYAMA WAN 34 02 N 131 49 E 11.8

TOKUYAMA-KUDAMATSU KO 34 00 N 131 48 E 11.6

TOMAMAE SAKI 44 19 N 141 39 E 1.8

TOMIE 32 37 N 128 46 E 5.47

TOMIE WAN 32 38 N 128 48 E 5.46

TOMINO HANA 33 56 N 130 41 E 5.2

TOMIOKA KO 33 55 N 134 42 E 6.8

TOMO KO 34 23 N 133 23 E 8.17

TOMO SAKI 33 33 N 129 55 E 5.10

TONO SAKI 34 31 N 129 19 E 4.6

TONOSHO KO 34 30 N 134 10 E 7.24

TORAGA HANA 34 20 N 134 16 E 7.5

TORAZU YAMA 34 42 N 129 28 E 4.10

TORI SHIMA 32 14 N 128 06 E 5.44

TORIGAKUBI SAKI 37 10 N 138 06 E 2.27

TOTTORI KO 35 32 N 134 11 E 3.27

TOYO KO 33 56 N 133 09 E 8.16

TOYO SHIMA 34 10 N 132 47 E 8.43

TSU SHIMA 34 09 N 133 00 E 8.10

TSUBA SAKI 33 24 N 129 33 E 5.28

TSUBANA ZAKI 41 28 N 140 53 E 1.40

TSUBOKE SE 33 05 N 129 04 E 5.56

TSUBUNE HANA 34 08 N 135 08 E 6.5

TSUDA WAN 34 18 N 134 15 E 7.5

TSUGANOMARU YAMA 34 27 N 133 31 E 8.18

TSUGARA SHIMA 34 22 N 133 23 E 8.19

TSUIYAMA KO 35 39 N 134 51 E 3.24

TSUKUGA SHIMA 34 15 N 133 00 E 8.38

TSUKUMI KO 33 05 N 131 52 E 10.25

TSUKUMI WAN 32 06 N 131 53 E 10.24

TSUNA SHIMA 34 25 N 129 16 E 4.5

TSUNEKAMI SAKI 35 38 N 135 49 E 3.12

TSUNO SHIMA 34 21 N 130 51 E 3.43

TSURUGA KO 35 39 N 136 04 E 3.10

TSURUGI HANA 33 40 N 131 40 E 10.12

TSURUMI SAKI 32 56 N 132 05 E 10.1

TSURUSAKI HARBOR 33 15 N 131 41 E 10.8

TSURUSHIMA HANA 34 14 N 134 42 E 6.13

TSURUSHIMA KAIKYO 33 56 N 132 39 E 9.8

TSUSHIMASE HANA 33 18 N 129 08 E 5.61

TSUTA SHIMA 33 14 N 131 54 E 10.26

TSUYAZAKI HANA 33 48 N 130 27 E 5.4

TUDA WAN 34 18 N 134 15 E 7.5

TUNEKAMI SAKI 35 38 N 135 49 E 3.12

U

U SHIMA 34 11 N 133 05 E 8.36

U ZAKI 34 35 N 135 02 E 6.17

UBE KO 33 56 N 131 14 E 11.10

UCHINOUMI KO 34 28 N 134 18 E 6.24

UCHIURA WAN 35 33 N 135 29 E 3.15

UJI SHIMA 34 19 N 133 28 E 8.3

UJINA-JIMA 34 20 N 132 28 E 9.24

UKAWA KO 37 15 N 137 05 E 2.38

UKI SE 34 21 N 129 18 E 4.4

UKU SHIMA 33 16 N 129 07 E 5.61

UNO KO 34 29 N 133 57 E 7.34

UOKONO SHIMA 33 25 N 129 43 E 5.20

UOMI HANA 35 36 N 133 06 E 3.30

UOTSURI SAKE 33 51 N 129 46 E 5.15

UPPURUI WAN 35 28 N 132 45 E 3.30

USETSU KO 37 18 N 137 09 E 2.39

USHIGAKUBI 33 22 N 129 34 E 5.23

USHIMADO KO 34 37 N 134 10 E 7.20,

7.30

USIMADO KO 34 37 N 134 10 E 7.20
Index—Gazetteer 247

Pub. 159

Position

° ' ° '

Position

° ' ° '

Sec.

Para

Sec.

Para

USU SHIMA 33 34 N 129 54 E 5.10

USUKI WAN 33 10 N 131 53 E 10.26

UTA SHIMA 34 34 N 131 29 E 3.37

UTINOMI KO 34 28 N 134 19 E 7.23

UWA-JIMA 33 44 N 132 02 E 10.5

UWA-JIMA KO 33 13 N 132 34 E 10.16

UWA-JIMA WAN 33 14 N 132 28 E 10.15

W

WADA MISAKI QUARANTINE 34 38 N 135 11 E 6.1

WADANO HANA 34 00 N 134 38 E 6.8

WA-JIMA KO 37 24 N 136 54 E 3.3

WAKAMATSU KO 33 54 N 130 49 E 11.21

WAKAMATSU URA 32 53 N 129 01 E 5.55

WAKAMATU DOKAI WAN 33 56 N 130 51 E 6.1

WAKAYAMA-SHIMOTSU KO 34 12 N 135 08 E 6.5

WAKIGA HANA 33 55 N 132 10 E 9.16

WAKKANAI KO 45 25 N 141 41 E 1.4

WAKUDO SE 33 29 N 129 50 E 5.18

WANI URA 34 42 N 129 26 E 4.8

WASHI ZAKI 35 40 N 135 18 E 3.21

WASI SAKI 35 40 N 135 18 E 3.21

Y

YA SHIMA 32 58 N 131 57 E 10.22

YA SHIMA 33 44 N 132 09 E 10.5

YAGOSI SAKI 41 25 N 140 51 E 1.40

YAKEYAMA MISAKI 41 15 N 140 47 E 1.40

YAKEYAMA ZAKI 41 15 N 140 47 E 1.40

YAKUSHI YAMA 34 12 N 132 58 E 8.11

YAKUSI YAMI 34 12 N 132 58 E 8.11

YAMA SHIMA 33 24 N 129 47 E 5.21

YAMAURA TAKE 34 06 N 132 28 E 9.30

YANAGINO SETO 34 18 N 132 54 E 8.36

YANAI KO 33 57 N 132 07 E 9.18

YANGESHIRI SHIMA 44 26 N 141 25 E 1.9

YATAKA ISHI 32 18 N 132 29 E 9.25

YAWATAHAMA KO 33 27 N 132 25 E 10.19

YO SHIMA 34 23 N 133 49 E 7.39

YOKO SHIMA 32 56 N 132 24 E 10.13

YOKO SHIMA 33 22 N 129 36 E 5.23

YOKO SHIMA 34 14 N 132 46 E 8.37

YOKOZOE HANA 33 51 N 132 10 E 9.17

YOME GURI 37 40 N 137 12 E 3.4

YONEYAMA SAKI 37 19 N 138 26 E 2.25

YORI SHIMA 32 01 N 128 22 E 5.43

YORI SHIMA 34 28 N 133 36 E 7.54

YOSHIDA KO 33 15 N 132 31 E 10.16

YOSHINO GAWA 34 04 N 134 38 E 6.10

YUNOMOTO WAN 33 50 N 129 40 E 5.16

YURA KO 33 57 N 135 06 E 6.3

YURA KO 34 17 N 134 57 E 6.17

YURA KO 38 43 N 139 41 E 2.13

YUU URA 33 56 N 132 27 E 10.3

Z

ZAIMOKU HANA 41 28 N 140 53 E 1.40

ZIZO SAKI 35 34 N 133 20 E 3.29

ZYORYUZI YAMA 34 30 N 134 55 E 7.2