The Asia Pacific Superyacht Association has announced that the process for Japan luxury yacht charters has been significantly simplified, making cruising through the region easier than ever before.

M/Y A visits Japan – Photo courtesy of Asia Pacific Superyacht Association

Previously, luxury yacht charters in Japanese waters took place under rules more closely aligned with commercial shipping:  A Crew Pass only lasted 14 days, and vessels had to complete full customs, immigration and other clearance declarations for every leg of a cruise.

Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate – Photo courtesy of Asia Pacific Superyacht Association

Now, privately owned and commercially registered superyachts have no time limit for staying in Japan, and crews will be issued with a Multiple Landing Permit (also known as a Crew Pass) which only expires when the crewmember leaves on the yacht or by flight. Certain nationalities are also eligible for the benefit of a 90-day ‘tourist visa waiver’ which will allow them to travel and see the country on their own time.

Yokohama Bay Marina – Photo courtesy of Asia Pacific Superyacht Association

Moreover, luxury yachts can apply for and receive a ‘Naikosen’, which is essentially a cruising permit that allows the vessel to operate as if a domestic Japanese vessel, cruising from one port to the next in Japan without going through the cumbersome customs and immigration clearances of the past.

Yacht cruising in Japan – Photo courtesy of Asia Pacific Superyacht Association

To receive these benefits, luxury yachts will need to use the services of a recognised yachting agent that has the experience and government permissions to apply for yacht entry into Japan. For the country’s accelerated post-pandemic economic recovery, private jets and luxury domestic travel such as private limousines also have fewer restrictions.

The relaxation of restrictions has already had a positive effect on cruising in the region and Super Yacht Logistics Japan (SYL Japan) has declared that a number of luxury yachts are already planning to cruise there in 2022.