How boat fishing works in Japan
Japan is surrounded by sea, and almost every fishing port has fishing boat operators, called funayado (่นๅฎฟ). The easiest way for a visitor to fish is a noriai-bune (ไนๅ่น), a shared boat: it leaves at a fixed time for a fixed target fish, and you can book a seat even if you are on your own. You fish alongside other customers. Groups can also charter a whole boat (shitate-bune, ไป็ซ่น).
Many funayado are only 1โ2 hours by train or car from Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka or Kobe, so it is easy to fit a full day or half day of fishing into a trip. For an idea of where to go, see our Japanese guides to Tokyo Bay, Sagami Bay and Osaka Bay (in Japanese).
Do I need a fishing licence?
For recreational fishing with a rod in the sea, you generally do not need a licence or permit in Japan. You do need to follow a few rules:
- Abalone, turban shells (sazae), spiny lobster, sea cucumber and similar species are usually covered by local fishing rights. Taking them is poaching, even for tourists. Stick to fish, and to squid or octopus when the boat is targeting them.
- Each prefecture can set rules on minimum sizes, seasons and gear. On a shared boat the captain follows these rules, so just follow the captain's instructions.
- Rivers and lakes have different rules and often require a day ticket.
Typical costs
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Shared boat, half day | about 7,000โ10,000 yen |
| Shared boat, full day | about 10,000โ15,000 yen |
| Rental rod and reel | about 1,000โ2,000 yen |
| Bait and ice | often included |
| Rigs (hooks, line) | a few hundred to 1,000 yen (usually sold on site) |
Prices vary a lot by target fish, area and operator. Tuna and deep-water trips cost more. Always check the operator's official website.
Many funayado still accept cash only, so bring Japanese yen.
Booking and the day itself
- Check the target fish, departure time, meeting time and price on the operator's official website.
- Book in the way the operator accepts: phone, booking form or LINE. If you are not confident in Japanese, use the ready-to-send message in How to book a fishing boat.
- Check the day before whether the boat is going out. In Japan, boats are cancelled for safety when wind or waves are strong, so keep some flexibility in your plans.
- On the day, arrive about 30 minutes before the meeting time, fill in the passenger list (name and contact details) at reception and pay.
Learn the words the captain uses on board with our Japanese phrasebook for boat fishing.
Safety
- Recreational fishing boats in Japan must be registered with the authorities, and operators are required by law to carry liability insurance. Travel insurance is still a good idea.
- Wearing a life jacket on board is mandatory. Most operators lend them, but check when you book.
- Boats usually meet early, around 5โ7 a.m. The first train may be too late for some ports, so consider staying near the port the night before, or using a rental car or taxi.
- If you get seasick, bring motion sickness tablets; Japanese pharmacies sell them too. See our seasickness tips and packing list (in Japanese).
Which fishing to try first
If you already know which fish you want, Where to catch which fish in Japan lists the ports and boats with recent catches of each fish, grouped by nearby cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.
For a first trip, or a short break during your holiday, these are easy, light-tackle options with a good chance of a catch (guides in Japanese):
- Horse mackerel (aji): caught all year, even close to Tokyo and Osaka.
- Largehead hairtail (tachiuo): a long, shining silver fish and a popular Japanese target.
- Japanese whiting (shirogisu): caught in shallow water in summer, good for families.
- Thread-sail filefish (kawahagi): a tricky, fun target in autumn and winter.
What to do with your catch is an important question for travellers, so also read Taking your catch home and eating it.