Japan Highlight Ishigaki Island Fishing and Authentic Dining
Table of Contents
Fishing. It is a traditional Japanese culture that only those who know Japan well would know about.
Experience Ishigaki’s Yahomaru—catch big game by day, then savor your fresh catch at a partner izakaya for a truly memorable Japan travel experience.
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.
This article features “Yahomaru,” a charter boat based at Ishigaki Fishing Port on Okinawa’s Ishigaki Island. From central Ishigaki it’s about 10 minutes by car (no trains on the island), about 8–10 minutes on foot from the Ishigaki Bus Terminal, and about 30 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport. With hotel pick-up available, access is easy for travelers!
Regional Characteristics
Kabira Bay is Ishigaki’s signature postcard view—powder-white sand curving around bands of emerald and sapphire sea. While swimming is prohibited to protect the reef, glass-bottom boats glide over coral gardens alive with reef fish, letting you admire the underwater world without getting wet. The surrounding lane offers relaxed cafés and small craft shops, making it perfect for a slow half-day between flights or after fishing. Come for the scenery, stay for the gentle island rhythm, and feel why Ishigaki is loved by travelers from around the world.
Recommended fishing boat
Access
On Ishigaki Island, we recommend a fishing experience with Yahomaru.
Meet at Ishigaki Fishing Port—about 10 minutes by car from the city center, 8–10 minutes on foot from the Bus Terminal, and roughly 30 minutes by car from the airport. Hotel pick-up is available, and taxis or rental cars are easy.
Features
The captain’s philosophy is warm and simple: “I want beginners, first-timers, and women to enjoy fishing with peace of mind.” With that in mind, Yahomaru has offered easy, hands-free trips since opening—just come as you are and have fun. Charter trips let your group enjoy the day at your own pace (shared rides are also available), and the captain’s gentle personality shines through. If you’re unsure about anything, the captain and crew explain kindly and carefully, so families with children can relax and enjoy the day.
Beginners need not worry.
If you’re wondering, “I’ve never fished before—will I be okay?”, don’t worry. Yahomaru offers well-stocked rentals for rods, reels, and more, so you can join empty-handed. Along with a spacious deck, there’s a clean restroom on board, making the trip comfortable even if you’re new to fishing.
Let’s start fishing!
Yahomaru is totally dedicated to delivering a satisfying catch!
They target exciting seasonal species—think yellowfin/bigeye tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi, amberjack, and more.
Choose a half-day (morning/afternoon) or full-day charter to match your schedule.
After fishing, head to one of our partner restaurants!
One joy of Ishigaki is enjoying your own catch the same day. The nearest partner in Misaki-dori is Ichigo Ichie—about a 5-minute walk from the port—where chefs turn your fish into sashimi, tempura, or sushi. Prefer Okinawa Main Island later in your trip? That’s also possible—just ask.
If you’re uncomfortable contacting the restaurant, please reach out and I’ll gladly arrange everything 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)
—Yahomaru (Ishigaki Port)—
—Ichigo Ichie (Misaki-dori, Ishigaki)—
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 $543–$563 per boat (base plan + $30 / +$50 options). If 5 share, about $110–$113 per person.
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!
#fishing #Japanculture #Okinawa #sushi #TasteJapan #traditional Japanese #TravelMemories