Why You Should Never Visit Atami When Traveling to Japan
boat fishing fishing restaurant Sea to Table
Because once you fish, feast, and relax in Ajiro’s hidden coast — every other “tourist spot” will feel forgettable
Table of Contents
Introduction
I almost hesitate to recommend Atami & Ajiro — not because they’re bad, but because they’re
too good. At dawn, the quiet fishing port of Ajiro glows in soft light, the air thick with salt and anticipation.
You step aboard
Mori Ryumaru,
grip the rod for the first cast, and minutes later the drag screams as your fish runs.
That very evening, your catch is plated overlooking the sea — not as a generic “chef’s special,” but as
your story on a plate.
Once you experience this full arc — catch → bring in → feast — it becomes dangerously hard to go back to ordinary sightseeing and restaurant-hopping.
Why Visit Atami & Ajiro – Japan’s Hidden Gem
Why spotlight Atami & Ajiro? Because it’s that rare sweet spot: easy to reach from Tokyo, yet still feeling like a locals’ coastal hideaway.
- ✅ Around an hour and a half from Tokyo via shinkansen + local train, yet worlds away from the crowds.
- ✅ A classic onsen resort town hiding a working fishing port where real offshore action starts.
- ✅ A natural “from sea to table” flow: board
Mori Ryumaru,
then dine nearby with your own catch.
Fishing Experience – Step by Step
This time, we introduce
Atami & Ajiro’s renowned offshore boat Mori Ryumaru
.
-
🛠️ Preparation –
We provide the boat, guidance, and coordination so even first-timers feel secure stepping onto the deck at Ajiro Port. -
🎣 Cast Your Line –
You drop your lure into the open Pacific off the Izu coast and wait for that first hit beneath the swells. -
✨ The Rod Tip Shakes –
A sudden pull, the rod bends, and your heartbeat syncs with the drag as your fish takes off. -
💪 Reeling in Your Catch –
You work the reel under the captain’s guidance and bring a powerful bluefish or snapper to the net —
your own victory on a single line. -
🍽️ From Sea to Table –
Unlike generic tours, this experience is designed so your catch can be enjoyed the very same day at our trusted partner restaurant.
✨ This isn’t just fishing.
It’s a hands-on immersion into Japan’s coastal culture, told through your own catch.
Eat Freshly Caught – From Sea to Table
This time, we introduce
the renowned restaurant Yakiniku TONGARASHI, where skilled chefs serve your freshly caught fish at its peak.
-
👨🍳 From Sea to Kitchen –
Your fish arrives straight from the port. The chef checks its condition and turns it into sashimi, grilled cuts, or soup,
depending on what you’ve landed. -
🍣 Japan-Style: From Sea to Table –
You savor seafood that was still swimming only hours before —
a level of freshness that’s impossible to fake. -
🥢 Cultural Experience –
You dine among locals in a relaxed setting, sharing stories about your catch and feeling, for a moment,
like part of the community.
✨ Unforgettable Memories –
Eating a fish you caught yourself, prepared with Japanese technique, is not just “a good meal”.
It becomes the chapter everyone asks you about when you’re back home.
🗣️ Participant Feedback – Why This Experience is Chosen
🗣️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I was nervous at first — new country, new boat, zero Japanese.
But from the station meetup to stepping on
Mori Ryumaru, everything was explained in clear English.
When my rod suddenly bent and everyone started cheering, I wasn’t ‘a tourist on a tour’ anymore —
I was the one who caught dinner.
That feeling is the story I tell first when people ask about Japan.”
— Claire (USA)
🗣️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Our two kids wouldn’t stop talking about ‘their fish’.
They helped reel it in with the crew, watched it come out of the cooler at the restaurant,
and then saw it arrive as sashimi and grilled fillets.
When our son proudly said ‘I caught this one’, the whole room clapped.
It wasn’t just a fun day — it became one of those rare memories we’ll talk about at every family dinner.”
— Daniel & Elise (Australia)
🗣️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’ve fished around the world, but this hit different.
Offshore jigging in the morning, then sitting above the sea at Yakiniku TONGARASHI at sunset,
tasting that same fish seared over charcoal.
The contrast between the raw power on deck and the quiet satisfaction at the table was perfect.
This is the kind of day you plan an entire Japan trip around.”
— Luka (Croatia)
Link ✨
Official sites for the featured boat & restaurant:
--- Mori Ryumaru (Official Site) ---
--- Yakiniku TONGARASHI ---
Warning!
Read this all the way through before making your reservation! Otherwise, you'll mess it up!
Budget Guide 💴
✅ Approximately $190–240 per person (fishing + “cook your catch” style meal included)
✅ Discounts available for women & children
1 USD ≈ 150 JPY
Fishing Difficulty 🎯
Easy · Beginner-friendly · Perfect for families
No experience needed
Note: Catch depends on nature. Success is not guaranteed!
Schedule 🕘
Morning: Depart from Tokyo or Osaka and arrive in the Atami / Ajiro area
Late Morning: Meet at Ajiro Port and board Mori Ryumaru
Midday–Afternoon: Offshore fishing off the Izu coast (targets depend on season and conditions)
Late Afternoon–Evening: Take your catch to Yakiniku TONGARASHI (or another partner) for a sea-to-table dinner
Night: Enjoy Atami’s hot springs, or take a late train back to Tokyo depending on your schedule
What to Bring 🎒
☀️
In summer, it is very hot, so be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat.
For more details, see this link.
Spring/Summer
❄️
In winter, it is even colder than on land, so please bring warmer clothes than usual.
For more details, see this link.
Autumn/Winter!
🚚
For busy travelers: We can arrange delivery to your accommodation.
Why Leave Booking & Language Support to Me
Most Japanese fishing boats accept reservations only in Japanese.
Partner restaurants typically do not list “cook-your-catch” courses on public menus.
That’s why I handle direct negotiations and arrangements for a seamless experience.
- I contact the captain directly in Japanese to secure your spot.
- Before departure, I carefully explain the detailed procedures for the day so you can set off without worries.
- This isn't just booking. I know the captains, safe boats, and restaurants that genuinely welcome international guests.
- If weather cancels fishing, I’ll suggest alternative sightseeing options so you don’t waste your day.
-
And most importantly: I’m the only guide in Japan specializing in fishing + dining packages
specifically designed for international travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
“I want to fish in Japan but don't know where to start.”
👉 Don’t worry — guiding foreign tourists is my specialty. -
“I'm staying in the ___ area. Are there nearby fishing spots?”
👉 Yes! Share your dates and I’ll propose the best options. -
“Is there a safe boat for kids?”
👉 Absolutely. I’ll recommend boats with friendly captains and family-ready facilities. -
“I don't understand Japanese. Can I still enjoy it?”
👉 Of course! I’ll brief you in advance and coordinate with the captain.
How to Access
-
🚄
From Tokyo: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami (about 40–50 min),
then the JR Ito Line to Ajiro (about 15 min),
then walk about 9 min to Ajiro Port. -
🚅
From Osaka/Kyoto: Take the Shinkansen to Atami (about 3 hours),
then JR Ito Line to Ajiro,
then walk to the port.
💴 Approximate Transport Costs:
Tokyo ⇄ Ajiro: around ¥8,000–10,000 total (about US$55–67)
Osaka/Kyoto ⇄ Ajiro: around ¥24,000–30,000 total (about US$160–200)
Summary
Japan offers countless unforgettable moments, but few match a day that fuses offshore adventure,
local culture, and a meal built around your own catch in Atami & Ajiro.
From the instant your lure hits the water 🎣 to the first bite of your sea-to-table dish 🍣,
this journey becomes uniquely yours.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’ve visited Japan many times, but this was the only experience where fishing and dining flowed together so naturally.
When they helped me find a place to stay by the water, I fell asleep to the sound of gentle waves and woke up still thinking about that meal.
Now, every trip I plan starts with one question: ‘Can it beat that night in Ajiro?’”
— Adrian (UK)
Ready to design your own “From Sea to Table” story in Japan?
👉
For tailored plans and full booking support, please reach out via the form below.
#Atami #FishingExperience #HiddenJapan #JapanTravel #SeaToTable