Samurai Fishing Written by Shina-Hiro

Japan Experience: Fishing and Dining in Fukui Paradise

boat fishing

Fishing. It is a traditional Japanese culture that only those who know Japan well would know about.

If you come to Japan, why not try a traditional Japanese experience rather than just visiting tourist spots?
In fact, fishing is one of Japan’s traditional outdoor pastimes. The experience of fishing in the beautiful ocean is a special pleasure known only to those in the know.
The fishing experience at “Shinryomaru” in Wakasa-Wada, Fukui, is about a 12-minute walk from JR Wakasa-Wada Station
(or roughly 15 minutes by car from Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway “Ooi-Takahama” IC).
Here, you can enjoy a special day of catching fresh fish yourself—and then savoring them at the partnered inn “Ryokan Uranishi” nearby!

Regional Characteristics

Wakasa Wada Beach is a flagship local attraction and one of Japan’s first Blue Flag–certified beaches.
Its crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and gentle waves make it perfect for swimming and SUP in summer,
while the wide shoreline invites peaceful strolls and photography year-round.
At sunset, the sun melts into the Sea of Japan, painting the horizon in brilliant colors—an unforgettable scene to pair with a day of fishing.
With easy access by train and car, it’s a must-visit stop alongside your Shinryomaru trip.

Recommended fishing boat

Access

In Fukui Prefecture, we recommend a fishing experience with Shinryomaru.
Access is simple: about a 12-minute walk from JR Wakasa-Wada Station,
or around 8 km by car from the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway “Ooi-Takahama” IC (about 15 minutes).
It’s easy to fit into your travel schedule.

Features

Shinryomaru is run with a warm, welcoming spirit:
“We want first-timers, those with little experience, and women to enjoy fishing with peace of mind.”
That kindness shows in everything—from easy, bring-nothing charters to friendly guidance from the captain and crew.
You can choose a private charter with your group, or join a shared trip if you prefer.
Either way, questions are answered patiently and clearly, so families with children can relax and have fun together.

Beginners need not worry.

If you’re wondering, “I’ve never fished—will I be okay?”, don’t worry at all.
Shinryomaru offers rental rods, reels, and essentials so you can join hands-free.
A spacious deck and clean restroom help everyone feel comfortable—even those new to fishing, women, and kids.
With gentle support from staff, you’ll be smiling as you reel in your first catch.

Let’s start fishing!

Shinryomaru aims to delight every angler.
Popular options include mixed-bag “gomoku” trips close to port,
where seasonal targets vary from horse mackerel and squid to sea bream, amberjack, mackerel, and more.
Every species brings its own thrill—fun to catch and delicious to eat!

After fishing, head to one of our partner restaurants!

After fishing with Shinryomaru, walk about 10–15 minutes (or a few minutes by taxi) to the partnered “Ryokan Uranishi.”
Your catch can be prepared on site—sashimi, tempura, simmered dishes, and more—so you can taste peak freshness the same day.
Overnight stays are available, turning your fishing, dining, and lodging into one seamless experience.
If that feels a bit far, please reach out via the form at the end—we’ll find a closer place that can cook your catch!
And if you feel hesitant to contact a venue yourself, I’ll be happy to handle the arrangements for you!

Fresh fish dishes and delicious sake

The freshness of the fish means that it doesn’t have that fishy smell, and the fresh, shiny flesh is mouth-watering.
The sight of the fresh fish being cut up by the chef’s knife and transformed into sashimi,
which combines the best of both worlds, is a wonderful work of art that you can enjoy with your eyes!

The sushi chef in Japan will cut up the fish you’ve caught and serve it to you!
Is there any greater luxury than being able to fully enjoy and experience Japan? As far as I know, there isn’t.
If you consult with the manager in advance, it should be possible to have them make sushi for you!
By all means, please enjoy Japanese culture and sushi to your heart’s content!

Finally

Fishing is not just about catching fish – you can also enjoy the refreshing feeling of being in nature
and the sense of fulfillment that comes from obtaining your own ingredients.
Then, while reminiscing about the day’s experience and enjoying a conversation with your family or friends who went fishing with you,
you can enjoy eating the delicious, freshly-cooked fish.
This is a luxurious experience that can only be enjoyed in Japan!
Why not make the day you and your family or friends spend at Wakasa-Wada in Takahama, Fukui Prefecture,
a special one by adding a fishing experience with Shinryomaru?

Link

The fishing plan and restaurant we introduced this time can be found here (Japanese website)
—Shinryomaru—
—Ryokan Uranishi—

Fishing difficulty

Easy. Suitable for beginners and families

*We cannot guarantee the success of your fishing trip because you are dealing with Mother Nature.

Budget scale

Approximately $397 (day charter) / $450 (evening charter) per boat.

Discounts are available for women and children,

*1 dollar = 150 yen

Process image

Gather early in the morning and board a boat to enjoy fishing.
After having your catch cooked at a partner restaurant and enjoying a delicious meal, the tour will be dismissed in the afternoon.

What you should prepare on the day

In summer, it is very hot, so be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks.
In winter, it is even colder than on land, so please bring warmer clothes than usual.
Please refer to the list of other things you should bring with you here!
(If it is too much trouble to prepare these items by yourself, we can deliver them to your accommodation.)

All the items you need for fishing are listed here!
Spring/Summer
Autumn/Winter!

I want to fish, what should I do?

Please leave the arrangements to me!
I was working to let tourists visiting Japan know the fun of fishing in Japan
and the joy of eating fish caught by yourself!
I am probably the only person in Japan who specializes in guiding foreign tourists fishing!

I’m going to the XXXX area, is there any fishing spots nearby that I can enjoy?

Please leave it to me!
We will make a proposal based on your desired area and schedule!

We are going on a family trip with our children, is there a fishing boat where they can enjoy fishing in peace?

Please leave it to me!
I will introduce you to a boat that has a friendly captain, clean restrooms, and is safe for women and children!

I don’t understand Japanese, so I’m not sure if I will be able to enjoy fishing on the day of the tour.

It’s okay! No problem!
We will tell you how to get there and how to register in advance!

Since you’ve come all the way to Japan, I hope you’ll make lots of wonderful memories!
We’ll also be happy to help you with sightseeing plans other than fishing!
If you would like to discuss a fishing trip, please fill out this form!
I will contact you with a plan that suits your needs.
–Form Link is here–
Please refer to this for the basic flow of a day of fishing!
–Click here!–

We’d love to share with you some of the rare experiences that only the most knowledgeable people about Japan know about!