Photo: gtknj / CC BY 2.0Open in Google Maps · Directions from your berth
Checked · Researched, not yet visited · times from official timetables and our estimates · Takumi Yamada
Yobuko calls itself the squid town. Along its harbour street, stalls sell dried squid, fish, vegetables and sweets every morning of the year but one. The Ika-maru boat to the Nanatsugama sea caves leaves from Marine Pal Yobuko nearby, and the squid restaurants open from 10:00 or 11:00.
Three things the plaques won't tell you
- Take the bus back from Yobuko at 12:35 on an 08:00–15:00 call; the next one is an hour later.
- The Ika-maru sails hourly 09:30–16:30; rough seas cancel it.
- Bus fares are not printed on the timetable: carry coins.
The Ika-maru boat to the Nanatsugama sea caves leaves from Marine Pal Yobuko nearby, and the squid restaurants open from 10:00 or 11:00.
Questions people ask here
Can I visit Yobuko on a Karatsu cruise call?
Yes, if the ship arrives at 08:00: the morning market runs 07:30–12:00. Walk about 25 minutes to Nishi-Karatsu-ekimae and take the Showa bus, 25 minutes, or a taxi, about ¥6,300 each way by our estimate.
What time does Yobuko morning market close?
At 12:00. It opens at 07:30 every day except New Year’s Day.