Munakata Japan: Hidden Gem for Fishing & Seafood Fun
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.
The fishing experience at “Daini Daifuku Maru,” based at Kaminato Port in Munakata, offers a special day: catch your own fish and enjoy them freshly prepared at a partner shop!
Access (nearest station & by car): from JR Togo or Akama Station it’s about ~20 minutes by bus to “Kominato Port (Kominato-hato)” and a short walk; by car it’s roughly ~30–35 minutes from Koga or Wakamiya IC.
Regional Characteristics
Munakata’s standout attraction is Munakata Taisha, a revered Shinto shrine complex linked to ancient sea travel. Together with sacred Okinoshima, it forms the UNESCO site “Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region.” Stroll tranquil precincts, learn about maritime faith, and pair culture with ocean adventure in a single day—easy from Fukuoka or Kitakyushu, making it a perfect add-on to your itinerary.
Recommended fishing boat
Access
In Fukuoka Prefecture, we recommend a fishing experience with Daini Daifuku Maru.
Access is easy: from JR Togo/Akama Station take a bus about 20 minutes to “Kominato Port” and walk to the pier. If you drive, it’s about 30–35 minutes from Koga or Wakamiya IC, with paid parking by the pier.
Features
The captain’s warm motto is simple: “I want beginners, first-timers, and women to relax and enjoy fishing with peace of mind.” Since opening, they’ve focused on show-up-light trips so you can come almost empty-handed. Private charters are available for carefree time with friends, and of course shared trips run daily. With the captain’s gentle personality and staff who explain everything kindly, families with children and women can feel comfortable from start to finish.
Beginners need not worry.
If you're worried because you’ve never fished before—don’t be. Daini Daifuku Maru offers convenient rentals for rods and (electric) reels, so you can join hands-free. A spacious deck and clean flush toilet are on board, making it easy to enjoy even if you’re new to boat fishing.
Let's start fishing!
The captain is totally dedicated to satisfying guests!
The boat runs a variety of trips, with popular gomoku (multi-species) by day and yodaki squid at night. Seasonal targets include sea bream, amberjack/yellowtail, cutlassfish, grunt, horse mackerel, mackerel, rockfish, and more—fun to catch and delicious to eat!
After fishing, head to one of our partner restaurants!
After your trip, head to Yasunaga Suisan in Kasuga City (about 60–70 minutes by car from Kominato Port). By public transport, ride JR from Togo/Akama toward Kasugabaru and walk ~3 minutes to the shop—easy! A professional chef will prepare your fish as sashimi, tempura, or sushi right away. If the shop is busy, contact in advance to ensure they can handle your request. If that feels a bit far, please reach out via the Form at the end—we’ll find a closer restaurant that can cook your catch! And if you feel shy about contacting the shop, 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)
---Daini Daifuku Maru (Plans)---
---Yasunaga Suisan (Kasugabaru)---
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 $117–$137 per person (Night-squid plan + $30/$50; rentals & meals included).
Approximately $130–$150 per person (Day drop-in plan + $30/$50; rentals & meals included).
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!
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