Japan luxury yacht charters are virtually unheard since sea adventurers immersing themselves in the incredible vistas and myriad cultural delights have so far kept its secret all to themselves: That the countless seaside towns have a passion for the waves and it would take little to enhance their marinas with state-of-the-art facilities to attract international superyachts.
As South East Asia has recently awakened to the possibilities of luxury yacht charters, Japan is also realising the strength of its maritime infrastructure and the potential of becoming a major superyacht destination.
Japan’s carefully preserved history can be traced back through the millennia and impresses charter groups of all ages with tales of geisha and samurai, the streets of Tokyo filled with electric colours and a modern but very different vibe than anything you would find in Paris or New York. Added to this are the clear blue waters and fine sand beaches to be discovered on the main coast as well as far-flung uninhabited islands, and you have one of the world’s most incredible luxury yacht charter destinations that has yet to reach its peak popularity.
So why is Japan suddenly becoming known? In 2019, 20 superyachts over 50m/164ft will be attending the Rugby World Cup and the 2020 Olympic Games, as revealed by the local superyacht agent Superyacht Logistics, and will bring even more international luxury yacht charterers to its shores. The Superyacht Association is working in conjunction with the Japanese government to promote the region’s luxury yachting lifestyle, and for next year a new megayacht marina is being built in Yokohama next to Tokyo that will be able to accommodate mega yachts up to 400m/1312ft in length.
Yokohama connects directly to Tokyo, and while there is plenty of cultures to experience, the city has an extensive choice of Michelin-starred restaurants to mark a noteworthy occasion or simply pamper the group.
International airports cover the islands to provide quick and easy arrivals and departures from your vessel, and a year-round cruising season ensures that you can time your visit with specific events and festivals.
Japan is comprised of four large islands – being Honshū, Hokkaidō, Kyūshū and Shikoku – and several thousand smaller islands replete with sandy beaches and secluded coves. Volcanic activity has created fertile soil and mountainous peaks home to diverse wildlife, and in the north, the snowy climate around Hokkaidō makes for an attractive winter wonderland before cruising south exchange skiing and boarding on land to over the water.
The Southern Islands are an archipelago running from Ishigaki near Taiwan up to Kyushu, and the sub-tropical climate has been compared to the Caribbean for its coral reefs and soft sandy coasts as well as its sunny weather, of which islands Miyako, Okinawa and Yakushima see plenty.
In contrast, Kyūshū is surrounded by isles in a radial pattern to remain in relatively one area. Those coming to experience the main island’s hot springs and hiking trails will also have plenty of opportunities to marvel at the decorative temples and savour the local cuisine. Nagasaki, in particular, is ready to receive motor yachts and sailing yachts, and the shops, temples, museums, galleries and gardens will give everyone in the group more than enough to fill the days.
The Inland Sea, or ‘Setonaikai’, is sheltered from sea winds and swells to form an excellent place for young family members to practise their swimming, snorkelling and other new activities. Within the 300-mile stretch, there are towering green mountains on both sides, and the thousands of islands within this national park vary in providing golf courses, art galleries, restaurants and a complete escape from modern life.
If cruising up the southern coast from Osaka to Tokyo, Ise is a magnificent example of ancient Japanese architecture, with alleyways featuring buildings of the Edo and Meiji eras while some of the shrines are more than a millennia old. The breath-taking coast changes dramatically from mega-city to wild landscape, and there are plenty of anchorages for a night of peaceful sleep.
Extended charters could take visitors on a tour of the Okhotsk Islands to the north and into Russian waters for hot springs, volcanic activity, scenic waterfalls and remote villages, while the Korean and Chinese coastline have their own wonders to divulge. The Philippines, Indonesia and other South East Asian destinations have a fantastic charter reputation, particularly for water sports and nature tours, while in the South Pacific distractions are few and you can take life at your leisure.
Below is an example of some of the luxury yachts available for the Rugby World Cup 2019 and the Olympic Games 2020: Contact CharterWorld for the updated list of motor yachts or sailing yachts tailored to your interests.
LADY E
Superyacht builders Amels are known for their quality, and 68.5m/224.9ft luxury yacht LADY E was ahead of her time back when she was constructed in 2006. A refit in 2014 further updated her facilities, and the timeless on board styling is apt to serve as a cosy family abode or a memorable setting for a special event. Wheelchair access and a lift (elevator) accessing all decks means that everyone is included on the adventure.
Whether you intend to share her with others and hold a large party or keep her all to yourselves, there is a wealth of onboard amenities to impress and occupy everyone, including a cinema, a spa room with a hammam, a heated Jacuzzi pool with swim jets and an extensive range of water toys to go with her well-equipped gym and status as an Approved RYA Water Sports Centre. Rendezvous diving can be arranged and after a sensational day, there are six pristine cabins – and a seventh for staff – to rest and re-energise for the next exciting day.
MORE ABOUT LADY E…
INDIGO
For a more intimate, family-focused motor yacht during the Rugby World Cup, INDIGO has a fantastic crew of four and accommodation for seven guests across three en-suite cabins. Built-in 1999 and completely updated in 2018, her she has an excellent variety of water toys and status as an Approved RYA Water Sports Centre to ensure that you are always busy and entertained at the beautiful beaches you encounter.
The classic interiors have everything you need to celebrate your team’s victory with a large bar offering a wide selection of spirits, a formal dining area filled with light and tons of alfresco space for catching some sunshine during a nap after lunch.
Stay fit on board while cruising with the gym, and even extend your stay and make use of the office for working remotely in the evenings and while cruising between destinations.
MORE INFO ABOUT INDIGO…
INVICTUS
66m/216ft superyacht INVICTUS from Delta Marine is available for charter in Japan during the 2020 Olympic Games, and with five decks of amenities on offer to guests she is the perfect choice for living life to the fullest for a week or even extending your charter and sailing to remote islands without leaving the luxury behind.
On board there is a massive sundeck Jacuzzi, a movie theatre, fully-equipped gym with glass sliding doors outside, a beach club, an extensive selection of water toys to go with her Approved RYA Water Sports Centre status, and a private Owners’ deck complete with its own spacious lounge and circular dining table to seat 12. The bridge deck has a ‘Parisian style’ nightclub and after a night of partying on board or on dry land, guests will return to nine luscious en-suite staterooms that sleep up to 12.
Wheelchair access and the all-decks lift ensures that everyone has quick and efficient access to all facilities on board.