Samurai Fishing Written by Shina-Hiro

Hidden Gem in Fukuoka: Fishing the Genkai Sea with Locals

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.
At “Yushomaru (DREAM)” in Munakata’s Kaminato Port, you can spend a special day: catch your own fish on the rich Genkai Sea, then enjoy them freshly prepared at a partner shop!
Access (for the eye-catch section): JR Togo Station → taxi about 20–25 min. By car: from Koga IC about 30 min / from Wakamiya IC about 35 min. Meeting point: Kaminato Paid Parking No.3 (¥200/12h).

Regional Characteristics

Munakata is home to the UNESCO World Heritage “Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites,” centered on Munakata Taisha. The main Hetsu-miya shrine lies a short drive from Kaminato and offers tranquil forested grounds, ancient rituals, and maritime lore. Visiting here before or after your trip adds cultural depth—linking the sea you fish to centuries of seafaring faith and history in northern Kyushu.

Recommended fishing boat

Access

For Fukuoka travelers, we recommend a fishing day with Yushomaru (DREAM) at Kaminato Port. It’s easiest by car (see times above), and the meet-up is right on the quay at the paid parking area—perfect for smooth boarding and an early start.

Features

The captain welcomes everyone—first-timers, those with little experience, and women anglers—to relax and enjoy fishing with peace of mind. Ever since opening, they’ve kept things “come as you are,” so you can fish hands-free. Their gentle personality sets the tone on board, and charter trips are available so your group can share the fun freely (shared trips are offered, too). If you’re unsure about anything, the captain and crew explain kindly and clearly, so women and families with children feel totally comfortable.

Beginners need not worry.

If you’re wondering, “I’ve never fished—will I be okay?”, rest easy. Yushomaru provides plenty of rental gear (rods, reels, and more), so you can join empty-handed. With a spacious deck and clean restrooms, even guests new to fishing can enjoy a safe, comfortable day at sea.

Let's start fishing!

The captain is totally dedicated to satisfying anglers! Popular targets change by season, from amberjack and yellowtail to red sea bream, squid, and more—plenty that are thrilling to catch and delicious to eat.

After fishing, head to one of our partner restaurants!

After your trip, drive about 60 minutes to Yasunaga Suisan in Kasuga City. A pro will prepare your catch so you can savor ultra-fresh dishes. Highways make the route smooth from Kaminato to Kasuga. If the restaurant is busy, advance contact is essential. If the distance feels a bit far, please reach out via the form at the end—we’ll find a closer spot that cooks your fish near the port! And if contacting the shop feels daunting, I’ll gladly arrange it 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 Rinku Port Kita in Tajiri-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka Prefecture, a special one by adding a fishing experience at JACK?

Link

The fishing plan and restaurant we introduced this time can be found here (Japanese website)
---Yushomaru (DREAM) Official---
---Yasunaga Suisan (Partner shop)---

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 $103–137 per person including rentals and meals.

Approximately $123–157 per person including rentals and meals.

*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!