Dive into Japan's most celebrated seafood market where Shimonoseki's legendary fugu (puffer fish) is served fresh to order — a once-in-a-lifetime culinary ritual just 10 minutes from the pier.
What to expect
Karato Market is the undisputed capital of fugu in Japan — Shimonoseki supplies over 80% of the nation's puffer fish, and this market is where the finest specimens are auctioned and sold. On weekends and holidays the market transforms into a buzzing open-air sushi fest, with stalls laden with tuna, sea bream, and the prized blowfish. Savor paper-thin fugu sashimi (tessa) and the collagen-rich fugu skin salad (yubiki) while gazing across the Kanmon Strait to Kyushu. Pair it with a glass of local Yamaguchi sake for a full sensory experience.
Good to know
Market is liveliest Fri–Sun and on public holidays (10:00–15:00). A 10-minute taxi from the pier costs approx. JPY 1,000. Pre-book premium fugu kaiseki at adjacent restaurants for an elevated sit-down experience.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Shimonoseki — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Shimonoseki
- Shimonoseki & Moji Port Full-Day Private Trip with Licensed Guide
- Tsunoshima Island & Ohashi Bridge Scenic Drive Private Tour
- Kaikyokan Aquarium: Shimonoseki's World-Class Marine Showcase
- Akama Shrine & Heike History: Private Cultural Deep-Dive
- Kanmon Undersea Human Tunnel: Walk Beneath a Living Strait