Category Archives: Boating in Japan

Sailing with Kids: An Adventure of a Lifetime

Boating in Japan, News, Education Activities

Sailing with kids is an experience that blends excitement, learning, and unforgettable moments. While there are certainly a few challenges along the way, the joys and rewards of exploring the open sea as a family far outweigh them. From introducing your kids to the wonders of sailing to watching their confidence grow, every journey on the water helps nurture their spirit of adventure and builds lasting memories that will stay with them forever.

Embracing the Challenges

Sailing with kids comes with its own set of challenges, but they’re part of what makes the adventure so special. Kids are naturally curious, and while the boat provides plenty of space to explore, it also requires some attention and supervision. Keeping them safe while maintaining focus on sailing can feel like a juggling act at times, but with patience and a little creativity, it’s easy to keep everyone engaged and happy.

Weather can be unpredictable, and kids may not always be thrilled by rough seas, but teaching them how to roll with the changes builds resilience and helps them develop a positive attitude towards the elements. And while boat space may be limited, the opportunity to teach kids how to stay organized and work together as a team is a valuable life lesson that will serve them in many areas beyond sailing.

The Adventure of Exploration

The challenges are quickly forgotten once the adventure begins! Imagine waking up to the sound of the waves and the fresh ocean breeze, knowing that a day full of exploration lies ahead. Whether it’s discovering hidden coves, spotting dolphins, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the open water, there’s no shortage of excitement. Kids are eager to learn, and sailing offers a fantastic hands-on way to teach them about teamwork, navigation, and the beauty of nature. From raising the sails to steering the boat, they’ll feel like true sailors, gaining a sense of accomplishment with every task they complete.

As they learn to navigate the boat, they also learn to navigate the world around them—developing an appreciation for the environment and a deeper connection with the natural world. The lessons they learn on the water will stay with them long after the trip ends, fostering a sense of responsibility and a passion for protecting the oceans.

Growing the Sailor Spirit

One of the most rewarding aspects of sailing with kids is watching them grow into confident, independent individuals. The challenges they face on the water teach them valuable life skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. Sailing also encourages them to take initiative, build their confidence, and become active participants in the journey, helping them develop a sense of pride and accomplishment.

As they master new sailing skills, kids begin to develop their own sailor spirit—a sense of adventure and a love for the sea that will stay with them for life. They’ll share the excitement of each successful tack, the thrill of catching the wind just right, and the joy of discovering something new, all while growing into capable sailors with a deep connection to the water.

Creating Lasting Memories

Sailing together is not just about the destinations; it’s about the moments you share along the way. It’s about laughing together, learning together, and conquering challenges as a team. Each trip on the water strengthens the bond between family members, creating memories that will be treasured for years to come.

The adventures you experience while sailing with your kids aren’t just fun—they are transformative. Every journey is an opportunity to teach your children about resilience, teamwork, and the wonders of the world around them. The joys of sailing are endless, and the lessons learned on the water will last a lifetime. So, set sail with your family and discover the magic of the sea. The adventure awaits, and it’s more exciting than ever!

Set Sail with TSPS Japan: Your Gateway to the Sea!

If you’ve always dreamed of learning how to sail, there’s no better time to start than now with TSPS Japan! Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, our expert instructors and welcoming community are here to help you navigate the world of sailing. Sailing with family is an adventure like no other, and at TSPS Japan, we believe that everyone—young or old—can experience the thrill of the open water.

Join us and start your journey toward becoming a confident sailor. With our top-notch training, hands-on experience, and a passion for sharing the joy of sailing, we’ll help you unlock the sailor spirit in you.

Ready to set sail? TSPS Japan is waiting for you!

We Got a Boat! What Now? Registering the Boat in Japan

Boating in Japan, News, , ,

Make your dream a reality

So, you’ve finally got your dream boat! Now comes the exciting part—registering it in Japan. Yes, there’s paperwork and a bit of bureaucracy involved, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.

Agreement and Title Transfer

First things first, you need to agree with the current owner on the sale terms, including the price. Once you’ve shaken hands (or exchanged emails), the current owner must fill out the 譲渡証明書 (Joto Shomeisho or “Certificate of Title Transfer”). This document has sections for both the current owner (譲渡人) and the new owner (譲受人). The current owner will use their registered stamp (実印, jitsuin) to seal the deal. Make sure the address on the document matches the address on the Certificate of Registered Stamp (印鑑証明書, inkan shoumeisho). If not, the current owner must also provide a Certificate of Residence (住民票, Jyuminhyo).

Documents from the Current Owner

Here’s what you need to collect from the current owner:

  • Completed 譲渡証明書 (Joto Shomeisho) sealed with the current owner’s registered stamp.
  • The current owner’s 印鑑証明書 (Inkan Shoumeisho) not older than three months.
  • The current owner’s 住民票 (Jyuminhyo) if their registered residence differs from the address on the Inkan Shoumeisho, also not older than three months.
  • 船舶検査証書 (Ship’s Certificate of Inspection).
  • 船舶検査手帳 (Ship’s Booklet of Inspection).

Payment to JCI

Next, you need to pay JPY 2,950 to the JCI via Yucho or another bank, either at a branch or online. If you pay at a bank branch, get the payment receipt and submit it with your documents. For online banking, note the payment date, amount, and payee name in the remarks section of the 変更・移転登録申請書 (Application for Changing Registered Information and Title Transfer).

Application for Boat Transfer

Now, fill out the 変更・移転登録申請書 (Application for Changing Registered Information and Title Transfer) following the instructions provided. This form must be sealed with your registered stamp or signed with a certificate of signature if you are a non-Japanese resident.

You can find more information in English at Application form | JAPAN CRAFT INSPECTION ORGANIZATION (jci.go.jp).

Documents to Prepare as the New Owner

Here’s what you need to prepare:

  • Completed 変更・移転登録申請書 (Application for Changing Registered Information and Title Transfer) sealed with your registered stamp or signed with a certificate of signature.
  • Your 印鑑証明書 (Inkan Shoumeisho) or certificate of signature not older than three months.
  • Your 住民票 (Jyuminhyo) if your registered residence differs from the address on the Inkan Shoumeisho, also not older than three months.

Submission of Documents

You can submit all the documents either by visiting the respective JCI office where the boat is registered or by sending them via postal mail.

Notification of Completion

Once your application is processed, you will receive a Notification of Completion. If you visit the JCI office, you will receive this notification along with the updated 船舶検査証書 (Ship’s Certificate of Inspection) and 船舶検査手帳 (Ship’s Booklet of Inspection) on the same day.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process for registering your boat in Japan.

Ready for the Next Steps?

Secure Boat Insurance and contract with Marina

Just like with a car, having insurance for your boat is essential. It shields you from liability and covers any damages to your vessel. Be prepared for a lot of paperwork, often in Japanese, that you’ll need to carefully review. Contracting with a respectable marina for boat mooring is another story.

Let me tell you about those in another post.

Gratitude for turning our dream into reality 

A big thank you to Toshi Tanaka from TSPS for co-authoring this article and helping with the preparation for boat registration process. Also, a heartfelt thanks to my good friend and fellow boating enthusiast, Nemanja, for all the support in getting the dream boat. Your contributions made this journey smoother and more enjoyable! 🚤🌊