Key points about pufferfish at Shimonoseki Port
- Shimonoseki City boasts the highest volume of pufferfish handling in Japan. Locally, it's called "fuku" (meaning "good fortune") as a superstition.
- At Karato Market, located near the port, the "Ikiiki Bakan-gai" event is held on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, where you can easily enjoy sushi, seafood bowls, fugu soup, and more.
- For fugu sashimi (tessa) and fugu hot pot, it's recommended to enjoy them at a specialty restaurant in the city.
Last verified: September 29, 2026 (Source at the end of this page)
What kind of dishes are made with pufferfish?
Shimonoseki is a major center for pufferfish, boasting the Haedomari Market, where both wild and farmed pufferfish are gathered. Locally, they call it "fuku" rather than "fugu," and it's cherished as a fish that brings good fortune.
Typical ways to enjoy fugu include "fugu sashimi," where thinly sliced fugu is arranged like a flower on a large plate; "fugu hot pot (chiri)," where the flesh and bones are simmered together; and "fugu karaage," which is fragrant and crispy.
If you're going to eat from the port
| Karato Market "Ikiiki Bakan-gai" | Open Friday and Saturday 10:00-15:00, Sunday and public holidays 8:00-15:00 (as of 2026). You can buy and eat nigiri sushi, seafood bowls, fried food, fugu soup, etc. from the stalls inside the market. Approximately 10 minutes by bus from JR Shimonoseki Station, get off at "Karato" bus stop, then about 6 minutes on foot. |
|---|---|
| Pufferfish specialty restaurants in and around Karato City | For fugu sashimi and fugu hot pot courses, go to a specialty restaurant. Some restaurants also offer lunch menus. |
For details on the docking location and access, see "Shimonoseki Port Cruise Port of Call GuidePlease see "".
Store Map
Clicking on a store on the map will allow you to check its opening hours and customer reviews (Google Maps).
Tips for enjoying your port call
- "Ikiiki Bakan-gai" is not open on weekdays (Monday to Thursday). Please check the day of the week on the port of call.
- Many shops in the market close in the early afternoon, so it's best to go earlier in the day.
- When eating pufferfish, make sure it's prepared by a licensed chef at a restaurant.
Please tell me what you found delicious.
If you ate fugu (pufferfish) at Shimonoseki Port on your cruise's port call day, please share the name of the restaurant and your review using the "Write a Review" link at the bottom of this page. It will be helpful for future visitors. Posts in languages other than Japanese, such as English, are also welcome.
FAQ
Q1How can I easily eat pufferfish in Shimonoseki?
At the "Ikiiki Bakan-gai" event held at Karato Market on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, you can enjoy fugu soup, sushi, and other dishes in a street food style. For authentic fugu sashimi and fugu hot pot, we recommend visiting specialty restaurants in the city.
Q2Why is it called "fuku" in Shimonoseki?
This is because it is a popular and auspicious name in the local area, as it is similar to the word "fuku" (fortune).
Source/Reference Information
- Welcome to Yamaguchi (Yamaguchi Prefecture Tourism) "Karato Market"
- Shimonoseki City "Shimonoseki City Local Wholesale Market"
Last updated: September 29, 2026. Business hours and services are subject to change. Please let us know of any issues through reviews or inquiries.
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