Hirado Sailing Guide for Yachts

Hirado Sailing Guide for Yachts. Hirado sits on the northwest side of Kyushu and provides a sheltered harbour with predictable depths and simple vessel movement. The town is compact and the harbour is easy to read from the approaches. This Hirado sailing guide for yachts sets out the operational details for approaches, berthing, fuel, provisioning, and local procedures.

Hirado is not a port of entry. Yachts arriving from overseas complete formalities at Sasebo or Fukuoka before entering the area. Once cleared, movement into Hirado is straightforward and the harbour provides a calm and protected stop.

Hirado Sailing Guide for Yachts - Approaches

Approaches to Hirado are fully charted. Offshore depths range from 40 to 70 metres and shoal gradually toward the entrance of Hirado Seto. The channel between Hirado Island and Kyushu carries 15 to 25 metres with no unmarked hazards. The final approach into the harbour basin carries 6 to 10 metres and remains wide enough for steady yacht handling.

Traffic consists of small ferries and local fishing vessels. They follow predictable tracks. AIS is recommended when entering Hirado. Daylight arrival provides the clearest view of the entrance channel

Hirado Sailing Guide for Yachts - Anchorage

Anchoring is not used by visiting yachts inside the harbour. Depths in the basin range from 6 to 12 metres and the seabed contains infrastructure associated with local vessel movements. Visiting yachts proceed to the public pontoons or the assigned quay.

Hirado Sailing Guide for Yachts - Entry Formalities

Hirado is not a port of entry. Yachts complete Quarantine, Customs, Immigration, and Port Authority procedures at Sasebo or Fukuoka before arrival. No additional paperwork is required in Hirado. Local officials expect predictable vessel movement and adherence to harbour rules.

Hirado Sailing Guide for Yachts - Marina Facilities

Visiting yachts berth at the public pontoons on the inner side of the harbour. Depths at the pontoons are 3 to 5 metres with an approach channel carrying 6 to 8 metres. The pontoons provide secure access, water, and basic shore power. Larger yachts may be directed to the main quay which carries 6 to 9 metres alongside.  There is no yacht specific fuel pontoon. Fuel is obtained at commercial wharves with depths of 5 to 7 metres. Movement between berths and fuel wharves is direct.

Hirado Sailing Guide for Yachts - Local Weather

Hirado is sheltered by surrounding hills and the shape of the harbour. Conditions inside remain calm even when the outer coast is unsettled. Spring brings moderate winds. Summer is influenced by humid south westerlies and occasional typhoon activity offshore. Autumn is settled with light winds. Winter brings north westerlies and short seas outside the harbour while the basin remains calm. Tidal streams in Hirado Seto can reach 2 knots in the narrowest sections but are weaker inside the harbour.

Hirado Sailing Guide for Yachts - Provisioning

Supermarkets. Maruwa Hirado. Main full service supermarket in Hirado. Stocks vegetables, fruit, meat, seafood, dairy, frozen food, noodles, sauces, dry goods, snacks, bakery items, household supplies, and a small imported goods section. YouMe Mart Hirado. Regional supermarket with vegetables, fruit, meat, prepared foods, rice, noodles, sauces, packaged goods, frozen items, and everyday staples. Coop Hirado. Agricultural cooperative supermarket. Strong in local produce, tofu, miso, dairy, Kyushu grown vegetables, and basic dry goods. Convenience stores including Lawson, FamilyMart, and 7 Eleven are located around the town centre and carry packaged meals, drinks, snacks, bread, milk, eggs, and basic dry goods.

Markets. Farmers Market Hirado Area. Retail friendly farmers market offering Kyushu vegetables, citrus, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, herbs, and seasonal specialties. Primary source of local agricultural produce. Local Weekend Markets. Small weekend markets and occasional pop up stalls around central Hirado. Stock includes local produce, baked goods, and regional food items. Frequency varies by season. Small greengrocers in the town centre carry vegetables, fruit, tofu, pickled goods, dried goods, and basic pantry items.

Fish Markets. Hirado Fish Market Retail Area. Main seafood hub in Hirado with a public retail section. Sells fresh fish, shellfish, and seasonal local catch. Turnover reflects daily landings. Hirado Port Coastal Vendors. Small coastal stalls near the port selling local catch including mackerel, squid, sardines, and seasonal species. Stock varies by day. Castle Town Fish Shops. Long established fishmongers within the castle town shopping streets. Sell everyday seafood in retail quantities including whole fish, fillets, and processed items.

Hirado Sailing Guide for Yachts - Fuel Supplies

Diesel is obtained at commercial wharves within the harbour. Alongside depths are 5 to 7 metres. Fuel is dispensed by hose from fixed pumps. Petrol is purchased ashore in approved containers.

Hirado Sailing Guide for Yachts - Water Supplies

Potable water is available at the public pontoons with stable pressure.

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Hirado Sailing Guide for Yachts - Marine Services

Hirado has limited marine services. Basic mechanical and electrical work can be arranged through local contractors. Specialist support including engine diagnostics and electronics is available in Sasebo. Haul out facilities are limited to small local vessels.

Hirado Sailing Guide for Yachts - Local Customs

Hirado follows standard Japanese harbour etiquette. Vessel movement is steady and predictable. Fishing vessels have priority in narrow areas. Waste is sorted and disposed of at designated points. Local officials expect punctuality and clear communication.

Hirado Sailing Guide for Yachts - Summary

Hirado provides a calm harbour with reliable depths, straightforward berthing, and a complete provisioning footprint that includes supermarkets, farmers markets, and fish markets. Fuel and water are accessible and the harbour remains sheltered in all conditions. This Hirado sailing guide for yachts provides the operational detail required for a safe and uncomplicated stop on the northwest coast of Kyushu. Hirado Sailing Guide for Yachts for all you need to know.