Samurai Fishing Written by Shina-Hiro

Herbie, a boat that charters out the Japanese Venice

boat fishing

Fishing: a traditional Japanese culture known only to Japan experts

If you’re visiting Japan, why not try something a little more adventurous than the usual sightseeing and experience some of Japan’s traditional culture?
Fishing is a traditional Japanese activity that only a limited number of Japan experts know about.

Today we’ll be introducing a little-known fishing spot that’s about an hour by bus from Iwatakiguchi Station in Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture, which is famous for the Miyazu Lantern Floating and Fireworks Festival!

Regional Characteristics

Ine-cho is located in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture, and is famous for its beautiful natural scenery and rich seafood. In particular, the “Ine no Funaya” houses, which are a combination of a boat and a hotel, are unique houses that face the Ine Bay, with the first floor being a boat storage area and the second floor being a residence. This area is also known as “the Venice of Japan”, and its beautiful scenery attracts many tourists. The area has a unique charm, with its boat taxis and other features that reflect the area’s history of living alongside boats! Also, the Tango Peninsula, which includes Ine Town, is a popular destination for those who want to enjoy the area’s beautiful nature on a trip around the peninsula by rental bike! Why not explore the hidden corners of this area, which still retains a distinctly Japanese feel, at your own pace on an electric bicycle?

Recommended fishing boat

Access

What we would like to recommend in Ine Town this time is the fishing experience at Herbie.
Access is 60 minutes by bus from Miyazu City, which is famous for the Miyazu Lantern Floating Ceremony and Amanohashidate. Since you are on vacation, we recommend exploring the surrounding area by bicycle, so that you can enjoy the travel time to your destination as well.

Features

Herbie is designed for groups to charter and for guests to enjoy, so even beginners can enjoy themselves with peace of mind. And the feature of Herbie’s boats is the boat inn! It is called the Venice of Japan, and because the first floor is a boat storage area and the second floor is a residence, you can go fishing straight away from your accommodation by simply going down the stairs! Of course, rental equipment is available, so you can easily participate without having to bring anything with you, and even if you are not used to fishing, you can enjoy it in peace on the spacious deck. This sea is also known for being able to catch high-class fish, and depending on the fish you catch, you can look forward to a very splendid meal afterwards!

Let’s start fishing!

Herbie’s captain is really kind! There are many times when you can catch the high-class fish known as “tilefish”, but the captain will accurately identify where the fish are so that the anglers can be satisfied!
In addition to sea bream, you can also aim for various other high-class fish such as scorpion fish and sea bream, which is very attractive! You can rent fishing bait for free, and the captain, who knows the sea inside out, will choose the bait that will be most effective on that day!

After fishing, head to one of our partner restaurants!

After fishing at Herbie, you can rest in your room and enjoy a delicious meal of fresh fish!
If you fish in the morning, they will cook it for dinner that day, and if you fish in the evening, they will cook it for breakfast the next day! The owner has lived with the sea as his friend, and he is very good at preparing fresh fish! He will serve the fish you catch in the most delicious way, judging by its freshness and size!

Fresh fish dishes and delicious sake

Freshly caught fish has no fishy smell and its fresh, shiny flesh whets the appetite.
The way fresh fish is transformed into sashimi with the best flavor by the skillful knife work of the chef is a wonderful work of art to behold!

This area is particularly famous for being able to catch high-quality fish such as sea bream and rockfish, but it is also famous as a producer of delicious sake. Mukai Shuzo is particularly popular in the local town of Ine, and is known as the “sake brewery closest to the sea”, and is known for its sake made from locally grown rice. As a representative example, “Ine Mankai” is a sake made using red rice, an ancient variety of rice, and is known for its unique red color and fruity flavor, which gives it a taste similar to rosé wine, and it goes very well with the fish you catch!

Finally

Fishing is not just about catching fish, but also about the sense of refreshment you get from being in nature and the satisfaction of obtaining your own food. 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 deliciously prepared fresh 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 Ine Town something special by adding a fishing experience at Herbie?

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 $180-230 per person including rentals and meals, accommodation.

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 have any questions, please feel free to contact us. –DM 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!