Discover Hidden Oarai: A Unique Fishing Adventure in Japan
Table of Contents
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.
At “BLUE DRAGON” in Oarai, Ibaraki, you can enjoy a special day: catch fresh fish yourself and later savor it at a partner restaurant.
Access tip: from Oarai Station it’s about 20 minutes on foot (or 2 minutes by taxi); by car it’s roughly 10 minutes from Mito-Oarai IC.
Regional Characteristics
Oarai’s icon is Oarai Isosaki Shrine, famed for its “Kamiiso no Torii” gate set on wave-washed rocks. At sunrise the torii glows against the Pacific, creating a mystical scene that blends raw ocean power with quiet spirituality. It’s a compact stop near town, perfect to pair with a morning or afternoon fishing trip, and makes for striking photos and a memorable cultural moment.
Recommended fishing boat
Access
In Ibaraki Prefecture, we recommend a fishing experience with BLUE DRAGON in Oarai.
From Oarai Station it’s a 20-minute walk or 2 minutes by taxi; by car, about 10 minutes from the Mito-Oarai IC, with parking next to the pier—easy to fit into any itinerary.
Features
The captain runs trips with a warm, welcoming spirit: “I want beginners, first-timers, and women to relax and enjoy fishing with peace of mind.” Since opening, they’ve focused on hands-free trips where you can come as you are. You’ll feel the kind personality of the captain throughout the day. Charter trips are available so friends and family can enjoy privately, and shared rides are also offered. If you’re unsure about anything, the captain and staff explain patiently—ideal for women and families with children.
Beginners need not worry.
If you’ve never fished before, don’t worry. BLUE DRAGON offers a full set of rentals—rods, reels, and more—so you can join hands-free. A spacious deck and clean restrooms make the trip comfortable even for newcomers, letting you focus on the fun.
Let’s start fishing!
The crew is dedicated to guest satisfaction. Popular styles include jigging, SLJ, and tai-rubber for a variety of seasonal targets: red sea bream, amberjack/yellowtail, cutlassfish, squid, and more—fun to catch and delicious to eat.
After fishing, head to one of our partner restaurants!
After fishing with BLUE DRAGON, drive to our partner restaurant Country House Tuberi in Asahi, Chiba. It’s a scenic coastal drive of roughly 2 hours 30 minutes (about 150 km) by car from Oarai. Have your fresh catch prepared with local ingredients for a truly special meal.
If you feel that’s a bit far, please reach out via the Form at the end—we’ll find a closer spot that can cook your fish near the fishing port! And if you’re hesitant to contact the restaurant yourself, I’ll be happy to make the arrangements for you!
Fresh fish dishes and delicious sake
The freshness means no fishy smell, and the translucent flesh is mouth-watering. Watching a chef transform your catch into sashimi, tempura, or sushi is culinary art you can taste and see.
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 in Oarai, Ibaraki, a special one by adding a fishing experience at BLUE DRAGON?
Link
The fishing plan and restaurant we introduced this time can be found here (Japanese website)
—BLUE DRAGON (Oarai)—
—Country House Tuberi (Asahi, Chiba)—
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 $110–130 per person (popular ¥12,000 plan + $30/+$50, rentals & meal concept).
Approximately $117–137 per person (¥13,000 plan + $30/+$50).
Discounts may apply 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!
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