Soma Matsukawaura Sailing Guide
Soma Matsukawaura Sailing Guide. Fukushima Prefecture. Soma, is centred around the sheltered lagoon of Matsukawaura, is one of the quietest and most dependable refuges along Fukushima’s long, exposed Pacific coastline. While smaller and less serviced than Onahama, it offers a calm, protected basin that becomes invaluable for yachts moving north or south between major ports. The surrounding landscape is low‑lying, peaceful, and shaped by fishing culture, giving the port a gentle, understated character that contrasts with the rugged exposure of the outer coast.
For cruising yachts, Soma functions as a strategic waypoint rather than a destination port. Its value lies in its reliable shelter, simple access, and low‑stress environment, especially when swell or weather makes the outer coastline uncomfortable. Matsukawaura’s lagoon provides a rare pocket of calm water along a stretch where natural protection is scarce, making it a practical overnight stop or weather‑delay harbour for crews transiting the Fukushima–Miyagi corridor.
Soma Matsukawaura Sailing Guide - Navigation
Approaching Soma is straightforward in settled conditions, though the entrance requires some attention.
- Narrow entrance but is a clearly marked channel into the lagoon
- A long‑period swell can make the entrance uncomfortable
- Entrance channel is typically 2–4 m depending on tide and silting. The inner harbour and fishing port basins are generally 2–3 m. The Matsukawaura lagoon area is shallower, often 1–2 m, with some spots less at low tide (consult your charts!). Commercial wharf areas are deeper, 4–6 m, but not usually accessible to yachts. Vessels drawing <2m can usually enter and berth without difficulty. Deeper‑draft yachts (>2.2 m) should time arrival near high tide and confirm berthing with the port office or fishing cooperative. Silting can occur after storms, so local confirmation is essential.
- Once inside, the lagoon becomes calm almost immediately, offering excellent protection.
- Light fishing traffic, and radar and AIS is helpful in fog, personally keep both on all the time plus good watch keeping.
- Night entry is possible but not recommended for first‑timers
Soma Matsukawaura Sailing Guide - Berthing & Shelter
Soma provides outstanding shelter once inside Matsukawaura.
- Limited small‑craft berths available with prior arrangement
- Fishing harbour berths possible with permission
- Anchoring is often permitted and has good holding in mud
- Lagoon is protected from swell and wind in nearly all conditions
This is one of the safest small refuges along the Fukushima coast.
Soma Matsukawaura Sailing Guide
- Provisioning
Soma covers the essentials without being a full‑service port.
Supermarkets: Aeon Town Sōma. The city’s main full‑service supermarket. Reliable for fresh produce, meat and poultry, dry goods, noodles, sauces. Best option for full provisioning before heading to Matsukawaura. York Benimaru Sōma is a large regional chain with strong produce, meat, seafood, and prepared foods. High turnover and very yacht‑friendly. Local Independent Supermarkets are smaller stores around Sōma offering vegetables, fruit, tofu, noodles, snacks, and daily staples. Good for topping up fresh items. Convenience Stores such as Lawson, FamilyMart, and 7‑Eleven throughout Sōma are useful for quick top‑ups, alcohol, ice, snacks, and emergency supplies.
Traditional Markets: Sōma City Shopping Streets have local greengrocers, fruit vendors, tofu shops, bakeries, and small specialty stores. High turnover and reliable for fresh produce. Matsukawaura Local Shops are small coastal shops selling dried fish, tsukudani, pickles, miso, and regional specialties. Not a full provisioning source but excellent for local flavors.
Farmers Markets: Local Farm Stalls (Sōma / Matsukawaura Area) have seasonal stalls offering fresh vegetables, Fukushima fruit (peaches, pears, apples), herbs, greens, mushrooms, homemade pickles and miso, all high‑quality and very local. Roadside Stations (Michi‑no‑Eki) sell regional produce, seafood products, packaged foods, and local specialties. Useful when passing through by road.
Fish Markets (Region’s Strength): Hama‑no‑Eki Matsukawaura is the area’s primary seafood hub. Offerings include fresh fish and shellfish, seasonal species such as flounder, sea bream, mackerel, sardines, squid, octopus, shellfish including scallops, clams, crab, sea urchin. Dried seafood and processed products. High turnover and excellent quality. Sōma Fishing Port. Active coastal fleet landing mixed species daily. Retail access varies, but local shops source directly from here. Local Fish Shops (Sōma City) have small fishmongers selling same‑day catch in retail quantities.
Soma Matsukawaura Sailing Guide –
Fuel and Water
Diesel Fuel. There is no dedicated marine fuel dock. Visiting vessels typically refuel by use of jerry cans from nearby roadside gas stations in Soma City. Coordinating with local fishing‑cooperative staff, who may assist with access to commercial fuel points depending on activity and availability. Fuel stations are close to the harbour area, making jerry‑can runs practical. Bring jerry cans; expect land‑based refuelling.
Potable Water. Potable water is generally available at through Fishing‑port taps, cooperative offices, designated hose points used by local boats. Water access may require a request to the port office or co‑op staff, and a small fee or simple registration. Water quality in Fukushima’s coastal ports is municipal‑grade and safe. Water: Readily available but not always signposted, ask locally. Matsukawaura is a working fishing harbour; staff are helpful but English is limited. A polite request goes a long way.
Mechanical and Electrical Repairs
Resource
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Soma Matsukawaura Sailing Guide -Repairs & Services
Basic mechanical assistance through the local fishing cooperatives. Limited electrical support. No haul‑out facilities for yachts. Major repairs available in Onahama (south) or Shiogama (north). Yanmar marine‑engine support is available in the Tohoku region, with the primary authorised service base located in Ōfunato, Iwate. Authorised Yanmar Marine Service – Tohoku Region. Ōfunato City, Iwate Phone: +81 192‑26‑2930. Diesel engine diagnostics & repair, Genuine Yanmar parts supply. Maintenance for commercial and recreational vessels. Other ports (Aomori, Hachinohe, Kesennuma, Ishinomaki, Sendai) have local mechanics, but they are not listed as official Yanmar service points. For major repairs, parts, or warranty‑related work, Ōfunato is the recommended port.
Soma Matsukawaura Sailing Guide
- Weather & Seasonal Notes
- Spring: Fog is common. The entrance is manageable in calm seas
- Summer: Typhoon swell affects the entrance but the lagoon remains calm
- Autumn: Best season when it is clear, stable and predictable
- Winter: Expect strong northerlies outside but excellent protection inside
Soma Matsukawaura Sailing Guide -Cultural Notes
The Tohoku region is known for its warm but understated hospitality, and visitors who move with calm respect are always well‑received. People here value politeness, quiet communication, and patience, especially in small fishing towns where daily life follows long‑established rhythms. A simple bow, a soft greeting, and taking time to listen go a long way. In markets and cooperatives, it’s customary to wait your turn, avoid haggling, and show appreciation for local products. Many communities are still shaped by the legacy of the 2011 tsunami, so sensitivity around disaster‑related topics is important. When visiting shrines, memorials, or working harbours, behave modestly, avoid blocking pathways, and always ask before entering restricted areas. Overall, Tohoku rewards visitors who move gently, observe local cues, and show genuine respect for the people who live and work along Honshu’s northeast coast
Soma Matsukawaura Sailing Guide
- Summary
Soma Matsukawaura is a small but strategically important refuge along Fukushima’s exposed coastline. It offers calm, reliable shelter, simple provisioning, and a peaceful environment that makes it ideal for overnight stops or weather delays. While not a full‑service port, its lagoon provides one of the safest pockets of water between Onahama and Miyagi, giving cruising yachts a dependable waypoint along a challenging stretch of Japan’s Pacific coast. Soma Matsukawaura Sailing Guide offers great advice for this voyage.