Japan Welcomes Superyachts with New Cruising Rules

As of December 16, 2021, Japan has introduced groundbreaking changes to its regulations for foreign-registered superyachts, making it simpler and more inviting for superyachts to cruise around the country. The new policies, designed to ease entry requirements and eliminate complex paperwork, were announced by Super Yacht Logistics (SYL) Japan. Nigel Beatty, founder of SYL Japan, highlights that Japan’s superyacht cruising rules are now “simpler than the USA or Europe,” an attractive update for global yacht owners and charterers alike.

Under the new guidelines, superyachts that complete their initial customs clearance can immediately apply for a “Naikosen” cruising permit. This permit treats superyachts as domestic vessels within Japan, so captains and crews no longer need to file extensive customs, immigration, or clearance declarations for each internal movement. Previously, superyachts faced time-consuming processes to navigate Japan’s waters, but now they can sail freely from island to island, making exploration far more accessible.

Benefits of the New Superyacht Regulations:

• Extended Crew Permits

Crew members now receive a Multiple Landing Permit (Crew Pass) that remains valid for the entire time the superyacht is in Japan. This pass only expires if the crew member departs Japan, either by flight or on the yacht.

• Tourist Visa Options

Eligible crew members may also apply for a 90-day tourist visa waiver, giving them additional freedom to explore Japan’s onshore attractions while not on the yacht.

• Simplified Bureaucracy

By separating superyachts from commercial vessels and smaller cruising yachts, Japan has made the process of cruising within its waters more efficient, cutting down on red tape and costs for international yachts.

SYL Japan President Kenta Inaba sees this change as a major leap forward, both for Japan’s hospitality and tourism sectors and for the global superyacht industry. “The new rules essentially make superyachts a separate class of visiting vessels with their own rules,” he noted, adding that the updated regulations will greatly benefit domestic tourism and yachting in Japan.

A Superyacht-Ready Destination

Japan offers nearly 7,000 islands and a coastline that’s 50% longer than that of the United States, creating endless opportunities for superyachts to explore. From vibrant cities like Osaka and Tokyo to the serene beauty of the Shakotan Peninsula in Hokkaido, Japan provides a diverse range of experiences for yachters. SYL Japan is fully equipped to support superyacht visits with offices in key locations, including Yokohama, Osaka, and satellite offices across regions like Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Okinawa.

SYL Japan anticipates an influx of superyachts planning to visit in 2022, with Japan’s new, yachting-friendly policies attracting high-end vessels from around the world. Japan’s government has also extended its support for luxury travel, including favorable regulations for private jets, enhancing the nation’s appeal to affluent travelers.