Yobuko: Morning Market and Live Squid Sashimi — A Genkai Sea Seafood Tour

A gourmet course savoring the seafood of Yobuko (呼子), a port town facing the Genkai Sea in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. Start your morning at Yobuko Morning Market (呼子朝市), ranked among Japan's three great morning markets, snacking your way along streets filled with vendors' calls, overnight-dried squid, and seasonal seafood. Board the sightseeing boat Ikamaru (イカ丸) for a close approach to Nanatsugama (七ツ釜), sea caves carved into basalt cliffs. For lunch, head to Kawataro (河太郎), the birthplace of live squid sashimi, and indulge in translucent Yobuko squid sashimi followed by crispy tempura made from the leftovers. In the afternoon, cross the white harp-shaped Yobuko Bridge (呼子大橋) to Kabeshima Island (加部島), then take in a sweeping panorama of the Genkai Sea from Wind View Hill Park (風の見える丘公園) with its white windmill. The bustle of the morning market, the thrill of the sea, and freshly caught squid — the charm of Yobuko packed into a single day.