Yobuko, a small fishing port on Saga’s northern Genkai Sea coast near Karatsu, is famous throughout Japan for one thing above all: its squid. The waters here yield superb squid, and Yobuko’s signature dish is ika no ikizukuri — ‘live squid’ sashimi, served so fresh that the flesh is still translucent and glistening, sliced while the squid is barely out of the tank and prized for its clean sweetness and crunchy texture. The legs are often served again lightly tempura-fried. Yobuko is also known for one of Kyushu’s ‘three great morning markets’, a lively street lined with stalls selling fresh and dried seafood each morning. Come here to eat squid at its absolute freshest, and soak up the atmosphere of a working fishing town.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Yobuko, Saga |
| Hours | Restaurants; morning market ~7:30–12:00 |
| Admission | Varies by dish |
| Time needed | Half day |
| Best time | Year-round; morning for the market |
What to Try
- Translucent ‘live squid’ sashimi (ika no ikizukuri).
- Tempura-fried squid legs to follow.
- One of Kyushu’s three great morning markets.
- The atmosphere of a working fishing port.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Karatsu Castle nearby.
- Pair with the Nanatsugama sea caves on the coast.
- Read our Saga overview .
Getting There
- By car/bus: to Yobuko port from Karatsu.
- On foot: the market and restaurants line the harbour.
Tips
Come to eat the famous live squid sashimi at a harbourside restaurant, where it is served at its absolute freshest, and have the legs done as tempura afterwards. Visit the lively morning market (roughly 7:30 to noon) for fresh and dried seafood, come by car as public transport is limited, and combine it with Karatsu’s castle and coast.
