Japan, being an Island nation, is famous for it’s incredible seafood and consequently, it’s fishing fleet. There are thousands of fishing villages and towns on the coast of Japan, and many of these offer sports fishing, as well as commercial fishing activities. One of the more famous fishing towns in the vicinity of Tokyo, is Ohara, on the Pacific Ocean side of the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture (widely known for the Ohara Hadaka Matsuri (Naked-Man Festival) which takes place during the third weekend of September) and is the regular destination for many Kanto area sports fishing enthusiast.
To organize a fishing trip in Ohara contact Chofukumaru, a local fishing guide outfit. (Japanese only)
They are situated right on the port and have several boats available and can provide all necessary tackle and bait (although many people prefer to bring their own). A variety of fish can be caught depending on the time of year. For example, Tai (Red Snapper), Fugu (Puffer Fish) and Hirame (Flounder) can be caught from January to April (and Hirame again from October to December), Ika (squid) from February to July and Aji (Horse Mackerel) in July and August. Prices are roughly 10,000 yen per person/day. A whole boat can be reserved for larger groups and discounts are available for women and children (Jr. High School age and under).
Last August during Obon, My wife Kyoko and I went out Aji fishing with our friend Michael and his son Nicolas, who were visiting from Tokyo. We met at Chofukumaru where we were provided with the necessary tackle. With about 20 other people we headed out of Ohara Port and along the coast for about 30 minutes, before we started fishing. The boat was equipped with fish detecting sonar so we were kept very busy for the entire three hours fishing (from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM). Our rods were each fitted with 5 hooks and a small red bead provided the bait. Several times we reeled up a fish on every hook! Between the four of us we caught 82 fish, primarily Aji. It was great fun! The cost; 4,000 yen for the adults and 2,000 for Nicolas, was worth every penny. We took the fish back to my house and had an absolute feast. Fresh Aji is delicious either BBQed, deep fried or as sashimi, and we had more than enough fish to try all three. All in all, it was a truly wonderful and memorable day on the brine.
Accommodation
Chofukumaru offer accommodation (futon beds in a large communal tatami room) for 2,000 per person.
Reef Break Resort, which offers a large yurt available for daily rental with a Rotemburo, private cabana etc.It is about 8 minutes drive from Ohara Fishing Port.
