Marine leisure sports are on the rise in Japan, and as this industry develops, support facilities such as refueling and provisioning stations, known as Umi no Eki, or "Sea Stations," in various parts of Japan are also increasing in number and sophistication.

Seven years ago there was only one port that provided everyday necessities and supplies for leisure boats, but this has now risen to 114 "Umi no Eki" ports and facilities in the Tokyo-Kanto area, Nagoya-Chubu district, and Tohoku region in northeastern Japan.

"Sea Station" promotion groups in Kanto, Chubu, and Tohoku see a fast developing opportunity to diversify into the marine leisure industry by converting or establishing new facilities in old fishing villages and ports throughout the country.

As facilities are opened or upgraded there are four areas of economic development that accompany the "Sea Stations'" expansion -- 1) increasing rentals of leisure boats for fishing, 2) cruising between "stations" to explore different areas of the coastlands, 3) waterfront amusement areas that offer rides and games for a family outing, and 4) yatching and canoe schools that offer varying experiences to learn about the sea.