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  6. You can hear the secrets of the deliciousness of the fish and the hardships they face from veteran fishermen who catch the fish lined up at Toyosu Market. A private tour to see the fishing industry up close and personal, where you can experience the spectacular work of fixed net fishing, where a variety of fish species are caught (Minami Awaji City, Hyogo)
Product #271489
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Experienced fisherman demonstrates fixed net fishing in Minamiawaji, Hyogo, pulling a net full of diverse catch from the sea, while visitors observe closely from the boat, experiencing authentic maritime life.
A heartwarming scene from a private fixed net fishing tour in Minamiawaji, Awaji Island, where a father and son joyfully hold up a large, freshly caught red snapper on the fishing boat.
A couple on the Minamiawaji fishing port dock proudly displaying a large, fresh red snapper caught during their fixed net fishing experience, highlighting the bountiful catch.
On a Minamiawaji fishing boat, a visitor captures a photo with their smartphone as an experienced fisherman expertly retrieves a large, fresh fish from the onboard livewell.
At the Minamiawaji, Hyogo fishing port, fishermen and visitors collaborate to sort the abundant fixed net catch into blue crates on the dock, experiencing the bustling port life.
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You can hear the secrets of the deliciousness of the fish and the hardships they face from veteran fishermen who catch the fish lined up at Toyosu Market. A private tour to see the fishing industry up close and personal, where you can experience the spectacular work of fixed net fishing, where a variety of fish species are caught (Minami Awaji City, Hyogo)

Japan-Hyogo
Booking confirmed within 3 working day(s)
Free cancellation 11 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site
  • Fish caught in the Nada area, on the south side of Awaji Island, are eaten in sushi restaurants in Tokyo and other places. You will board a fishing boat with a veteran fisherman who makes a living from set net fishing. He usually unloads his catch at 15 locations a day, but on this tour you will visit one of them. It is a valuable experience to learn how set net fishing works, hear about the secrets of the deliciousness of the fish caught here, and hear about the hardships they face, and how the fish that usually end up on your table is delivered from the producers. You can also purchase the fish caught that day.
[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

Product Info

The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.

You can board a fishing boat with a fisherman and observe set net fishing up close. When you arrive at the fishing ground where the set nets are set, the fisherman will pull up the nets called box nets with the fish caught in them. He uses machines part way through, but at the end he pulls up the heavy rope by hand, one by one. Normally, he does this work at 15 locations a day.

Once the talk has finished, you'll get to hear trivia, such as how to tell the difference between male and female fish caught that day and the species they are made of, as well as the secrets to their deliciousness and stories of the hardships they endured.

Some of the requests are quite unusual, coming from affiliated aquariums who say, "If you catch this fish, please let me know!"

After that, they return to port and unload the fish into the tanks at the landing area. This is hard work, but you can see the cool fishermen unloading the fish with ease.

After the experience, you can also purchase any fish caught that day to take home.

[What is a fixed net?]
Nets are set on the ocean floor using the unique know-how accumulated by previous fishermen, such as information on what kind of fish can be caught where each season, the habits of the targeted fish, and coastal tides. In contrast to chasing and catching fish with fishing boats, this fishing method involves reading the fish's movements themselves, and is therefore also known as "waiting and fishing." (Please refer to the diagram in the photo section.)

[Video explanation of fixed nets] https://youtu.be/ak5Rh3Yc1yI?si=PuVrIi49Fz1ZBNP8

■Meeting time: 10:00 (This may change depending on the tides on the day. In that case, the Awaji Island Tourism Association will contact you.)

■Time required: Approximately 2 hours

■Price (Number of people: 2 to 5)
*Elementary school students must be accompanied by at least one parent/guardian (parents must also pay the experience fee)
*Junior high school students must be accompanied by a guardian (guardian must also pay the trial fee)
2 people 15,863 yen/person
3 people 10,928 yen/person
4 people 8,460 yen/person
5 people 6,933 yen/person

■ Experience Schedule
Meeting time: 10:00 (This may change depending on the tides on the day. In that case, the Awaji Island Tourism Association will contact you.)
10:05 Briefing (about fixed net fishing and safety precautions)
10:15 Depart from Nada Fishing Port (Depart for fishing experience)
11:15 Return to Nada Fishing Port
11:20 Fish landing and sorting
Scheduled to end at 12:00

Intro

Purchase Notice


Elementary school students must be accompanied by at least one parent/guardian (parents must also pay the experience fee)
Junior high school students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian (parent/guardian must also pay the trial fee)
The meeting time may change depending on the tides on the day. In that case, the Awaji Island Tourism Association will contact you.
Please park at the Nada Civic Center. There are no customer-only toilets at Nada Fishing Port, but there is a public toilet nearby (Numashima Kisen Habu Port Pier Waiting Room, address: 1-10 Nada Habu, Minami Awaji City).
In order to ensure a safe tour, if the wind speed during the tour is expected to be 6m or more, we will cancel the tour at our discretion the day before. Also, if the weather suddenly changes on the day and the wind speed exceeds 6m, the tour may be canceled on the day. If the tour is canceled, we will provide a full refund.
Please follow the instructions of the fishermen while on board. There are dangerous areas, so please do not approach during fishing.
There is a step of about 50 cm between the fishing boat and the land.
There may be times when you just can't catch enough fish on the day.
We do not store valuables or other items on board. If you bring a bag or other item onto the ship, it may get wet, so please take measures to waterproof it, such as putting it in a plastic bag.

Includes/Excludes

  • Guide fee
  • Boarding fee
  • Life jackets
  • Takeaway fish fee
  • Others not specified

Reminders

  • Wear rain gear (we recommend wearing rain pants as the inside of the ship will be wet with seawater), boots, and gloves.

  • Cooler box (for those who purchase fish)

  • If you are using a handheld camera, we recommend attaching a string to prevent the camera from falling.

  • If you suffer from motion sickness, please take motion sickness medication.

How to Redeem Your Voucher

How to Use Your Voucher

  • Please present the e-voucher on-site

Meeting Point

Location Name: Nada Civic Center Parking Lot

Address: 1-1 Nadadobu, Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, 656-0551

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • For cancellations made 8 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
  • For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
  • For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

FAQ

1. What specific operational activities can visitors observe during the Minami Awaji fixed net fishing tour?

During the Minami Awaji fixed net fishing tour, visitors can witness the intricate process of fixed net fishing firsthand. This includes observing veteran fishermen retrieving their catch from the nets, which are strategically placed to capture various fish species. You'll see the daily unloading of fish, understanding the careful handling required to maintain quality, and gain insight into the scale of operations that supply fish to major markets. The experience provides a direct look at a vital part of the fishing industry.

2. What specific skills and experiences define the veteran fishermen participating in the Minami Awaji fixed net fishing activities?

The veteran fishermen in Minami Awaji's fixed net fishing industry possess a deep understanding of marine ecosystems, weather patterns, and the precise placement and maintenance of complex fixed nets. Their skills include expert navigation, meticulous net repair, efficient fish handling to preserve freshness, and a profound knowledge of different fish species and their behaviors. Their extensive experience allows them to sustainably manage their catch and endure the physical demands and unpredictable nature of sea work.

3. What are some of the current challenges and difficulties faced by veteran fishermen in Minami Awaji's fixed net fishing industry?

Veteran fishermen in Minami Awaji face various challenges, including the unpredictability of weather and sea conditions, which directly impact catch volumes and operational safety. They also navigate fluctuating market demands and prices for their catch. Maintaining and repairing the extensive fixed net systems requires significant effort and resources. Additionally, generational succession and the need for new entrants to learn complex traditional skills pose ongoing difficulties for the long-term sustainability of the industry.

4. What unique aspects define the fixed net fishing experience offered in Minami Awaji?

The fixed net fishing experience in Minami Awaji is unique because it offers a rare, up-close look at an active, traditional fishing method that supplies high-quality fish to renowned markets. Unlike other fishing methods, fixed net fishing captures a diverse array of species without actively chasing them, providing a unique glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the Nada area. Visitors also gain direct insights from veteran fishermen, hearing personal stories about their trade and the journey of their catch, making it an authentic cultural and educational immersion.

5. How does Minami Awaji's fixed net fishing contribute to the broader socio-economic landscape and culinary culture, such as supplying fish to markets like Toyosu?

Minami Awaji's fixed net fishing significantly supports the local economy by providing livelihoods for fishermen and related industries. It contributes to Japan's culinary culture by supplying fresh, high-quality seafood, including species highly sought after in prestigious sushi restaurants and major markets like Toyosu in Tokyo. The industry maintains a vital link in the food supply chain, connecting producers directly with consumers and upholding the reputation of Japanese seafood excellence. This sustainable practice also preserves local traditions and marine heritage.

6. What is the process of unloading the day's catch from fixed net fishing boats in Minami Awaji, and where does the fish typically go?

After fixed net fishing, boats typically unload their catch at specific points, sometimes as many as 15 locations daily. The process involves carefully transferring the freshly caught fish from the nets to crates on the boat, then swiftly moving them ashore. From there, the fish are sorted and prepared for distribution. A significant portion of these high-quality catches from the Nada area, on the south side of Awaji Island, is destined for major markets, including renowned seafood hubs like Toyosu Market in Tokyo, supplying sushi restaurants and other culinary establishments.

7. What variety of fish species are typically caught through the fixed net fishing operations in Minami Awaji's Nada area?

Fixed net fishing in Minami Awaji's Nada area is known for catching a wide variety of fish species due to the nature of this passive fishing method. While specific catches can vary by season and environmental conditions, common species include various types of snapper, horse mackerel, sardines, squid, and occasionally larger migratory fish. This method allows for a diverse haul, reflecting the rich biodiversity of the waters around Awaji Island, and contributes to the array of fresh seafood available in local markets and beyond.

8. What does a typical day look like for a veteran fisherman conducting fixed net fishing operations in Minami Awaji?

A typical day for a veteran fixed net fisherman in Minami Awaji begins early, often before dawn, to check and retrieve the day's catch from the fixed nets. This involves navigating to various net locations, carefully hauling in the nets, and expertly handling the fish. The remainder of the day is dedicated to sorting, preparing, and unloading the catch, which can occur at multiple points. Beyond the daily harvest, their routine also includes constant maintenance and repair of the nets and equipment, adapting to sea conditions, and planning for future fishing activities, reflecting a demanding and skilled profession.

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