Fishing on the Genkai Sea & Aged-Fish Gastronomic Tasting Course (2 Parts)
Shikanoshima is land-tied island located in Fukuoka City known for its bountiful waters, stunning coastal views, and shrines and temples with deep historic roots. It is easily accessible from Fukuoka Airport and is just a 30-minute ferry ride from Hakata Port.
In this two-part experience, guests will first hop aboard a fishing boat and head out into the waters around Shikanoshima. Under the guidance of an experienced fisherman, learn how to cast a line into the waters. Later in the evening, settle down for a cozy meal at Maruryo, a local restaurant on the island that is famous for its aged-fish dishes. During the course meal, the fish caught in the morning will be served alongside Maruryo’s carefully aged fish. Savor the different flavors in this exciting, one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience.
- ● Embark on a fishing boat and fish in Shikanoshima's abundant waters!
- ● Enjoy a special meal that showcases the differences between fresh sashimi and aged fish.
- ● Hear about the intricate and time-consuming aging process that Maruryo is known for.
- ● All of the necessary items to fish will be provided.
- Fishing boat, Gulf
- Gulf is a 12-meter-long charter fishing boat based at Hiro Port on Shikanoshima. Tetsuya Sonada is an experienced captain that provides friendly instructions so even beginners feel welcome.
- Maruryo
- A restaurant that specializes in aged-fish dishes that is unique even to Fukuoka. Fish caught from the waters around Shikanoshima are carefully prepared and aged to produce specialty flavors, umami and textures.
Fishing on the Waters of Shikanoshima
In the first part of this two-part experience, guests will embark on the fishing boat, Gulf, and head out to sea. Under the instruction of an experienced fisherman, learn the basics of casting and try your luck fishing in the waters off Shikanoshima. All materials for fishing will be provided and even beginners are welcome to join.
Course Dinner at Maruryo
In the evening, meet at Maruryo for a special course meal. Enjoy sampling the restaurant’s specially aged fish alongside the morning’s catch. Maruryo’s aged fish is processed using the “Tsumoto Bloodletting Method,” which involves removing the blood from the fish’s capillaries using fresh water. After being cleaned and vacuum-sealed, the fish is immersed in ice water to age for an average of 7-10 days. Depending on the species of fish, however, aging can last closer to 20 days! When aged fish is prepared as sashimi, it has a pleasant chewy texture. When grilled, simmered, or fried, it is flaky and tender.
*The menu changes based on the season and ingredients on hand. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any allergies. At this time, we unfortunately cannot accommodate special dietary restrictions.
Shikanoshima: The Historic Gateway to Kyushu and Beyond
Shikanoshima is a scenic island renowned for its bountiful waters, stunning coastal views, and shrines and temples with deep historic roots. Easily accessible from Fukuoka Airport and central areas like Tenjin and Hakata, the island is also near a variety of lodging and dining options. Guests who visit can savor seafood caught right from neighboring waters, stroll along a beach famous for its panoramic sunsets, and discover the spiritual practices of local shrines and temples. Since this tour begins early in the morning, we recommend guests stay on Shikanoshima or at the nearby Saitozaki area.
| Tour Code | GFFK06 |
|---|---|
| Dates | Dates: Late September to early June. Mon, Thur, Sat, Sun. ※Tours are scheduled by request. Please submit your preferred dates at least 14 days in advance. We will check availability and get back to you. ※Tours outside of the above time frames may be possible. Please contact us for inquiries. |
| Duration | Morning Fishing: Begins between 6:00 and 8:00 am. Fishing can be arranged for 2-4 hours. Please notify us of your desired start time and duration at the time of booking. After the morning fishing, guests are free to explore Shikanoshima in the afternoon on their own. Transportation is not provided Evening Dinner: Please meet at Maruryo at 18:00 for the dinner portion of the tour. (2 hours) *Depending on weather conditions, the morning fishing portion may not be possible. In this case, the program will consist solely of dinner at Maruryo. (Featuring just aged fish, rather than a comparison of fresh and aged fish). 12,000 yen will be refunded. |
| Schedule |
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| Meeting Place |
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| Language | Japanese ※ Written English reference materials can be provided. |
| Participants | Minimum 2 / Maximum 10 |
| Reservation Deadline | Up to 14 days prior to the experience
For larger groups, please contact at least 1 month in advance.
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| Payment Method | Advance payment by credit card (VISA, Master, Amex, JCB) using a form once the request has been confirmed. |
| Attire | Please wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable to walk in. Safety flotation devices must be worn while on the boat. We also recommend bringing sun protection, hydration, and seasickness medicine if needed. |
| Notes |
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| Cancellation Policy | 7 to 2 day(s) preceding the tour start date: 40% of the tour fee 1 day preceding the tour start date: 100% of the tour fee Before departure on the day of the tour: 100% of the tour fee No-show without prior notification or cancellation after the start of tour: 100% of the tour fee |
Travel Planning: Implementation
- UNA Laboratories Inc. (Fukuoka Prefectural Governor Registration #2-951)
- 3-12-22-302 Yakuin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture 810-0022
- TEL: 092-982-7956E-MAIL: tour@unalabs.jp
- Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors:
Aya Tamura, Noriko Yahata, Rei Watanabe - Business Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays) - *Requests received outside of business hours will be processed the following business day.
- *Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors are responsible for transactions held at the sales office that processes customers’ travel. Please do not hesitate to contact the aforementioned Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors with any questions or concerns regarding the travel contract.
Tour Information
- Dates
- Dates: Late September to early June. Mon, Thur, Sat, Sun.
Morning Fishing: Starts between 6:00 and 8:00 am. (2-4 hours)
Evening Dinner: 18:00~ (2 hours) ※Tours are held by request.
- Duration
- 4-6hours
- Recommended Age
- Elementary school students and older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Price
- 23,000yen (tax included)
- Remarks
- Included in tour price:
* Boat riding fee.
* Fishing materials.
* Dinner course meal.
* 1 drink (non-alcoholic). Please pay separately for additional drinks.
Not included:
*Transportation between the two activities.
*Depending on the weather, the fishing portion may be cancelled.