United States Steam-Frigate Mississippi,
At Sea, July 20, 1854.
This splendid and beautiful bay, which for accessibility and safety is one of the finest in the world, lies on the north side of the straits of Sangar, which separate the Japanese islands of Nippon and Yeso, and about midway between Cape SirijaSaki[5] (the N. E. point of Nippon), and the city of Matsmai. It bears from the cape N. W. ½ W., distant about 45 miles, and is about 4 miles wide at the entrance, and 5 miles deep.
The harbor is the southeastern arm of the bay, and is completely sheltered, with regular soundings and excellent holding ground. It is formed by a bold-peaked promontory, standing well out from the high land of the main, with which it is connected by a low sandy isthmus, and which, appearing at a distance as an island, may be easily recognised.
The town is situated on the northeast slope of the promontory, facing the harbor, and contains about 6,000 inhabitants.
Approaching from the eastward, after passing Cape Suwu Kubo, named on our chart Cape Blunt, which is a conspicuous headland 12 miles E. by S. from the town, the junks at anchor in the harbor will be visible over the low isthmus.
FOR ENTERING THE HARBOR.
Rounding the promontory of Hakodadi, and giving it a berth of a mile, to avoid the calms under the high land, steer for the sharp peak of Komaga daki, bearing about N., until the east peak of the Saddle, bearing about N. E. by N., opens to the westward of the round knob on the side of the mountain, then haul up to the northward and eastward, keeping them open until the centre of the sandhills on the isthmus bears S. E. by E. ¾ E.; these may be recognised by the dark knolls upon them. This will clear a spit which makes out from the northwestern point of the town in a north-northwesterly direction two thirds of a mile; then bring the sandhills a point on the port bow, and stand in until the northwestern point of the town bears S. W. ½ W., when you will have the best berth, with 5½ or 6 fathoms water. If it is desirable to get nearer in, haul up a little to the eastward of S., for the low rocky peak which will be just visible over the sloping ridge to the southward and eastward of the town. A vessel of moderate draught may approach within a quarter of a mile of Tsuki point, where there is a building-yard for junks. This portion of the harbor, however, is generally crowded with vessels of this description; and, unless the want of repairs, or some other cause, renders a close berth necessary, it is better to remain outside.
If the Peak or Saddle is obscured by clouds or fog, after doubling the promontory, steer N. by E. ½ E., until the sandhills are brought upon the bearing above given, when proceed as there directed.
A short distance from the tail of the spit is a detached sandbank, with 3½ fathoms on it. The outer edge of this is marked by a white spar-buoy. Between this and the spit there is a narrow channel with 5 or 6 fathoms water. Vessels may pass on either side of the buoy, but it is most prudent to go to the northward of it.
Should the wind fail before reaching the harbor, there is good anchorage in the outer roads, in from 25 to 10 fathoms.