Sushi Food Tour at Karato Market! Tuna Head, Kama-toro & O-toro Were Absolutely Amazing

Sushi Food Tour at Karato Market! Enjoying Fresh Seafood by the Sea

I visited Karato Market in Shimonoseki!
It’s a lively seafood market where you can buy sushi on the spot and enjoy it while looking out at the ocean.
On sunny days, the sea sparkles beautifully — the view is stunning.
Eating sushi with the sea breeze makes it taste even better.

Must-Try Sushi at Karato Market: Tuna Head, Kama-toro & O-toro!

Every stall offers big, thick, and beautiful sushi toppings.
Especially the tuna head (nōten), kama-toro, and o-toro — incredibly rich and melt-in-your-mouth.
They were so fatty that even o-toro tasted light in comparison.
The striped jack (shima-aji) was also delicious, full of umami, so I couldn’t resist getting more.

So Many Sushi Choices! The Fun Is in Picking What to Eat

Karato Market has rows of sushi — sea urchin, salmon roe, shrimp, eel, pufferfish, and more.
Staff use tongs to serve your choices, which adds a little excitement.
It’s so fun to decide what to get, though with people waiting behind, you might feel a bit rushed — that’s part of the lively charm!

Karato Market Isn’t Just Sushi! Try the Pufferfish Soup and Fried Shrimp

Don’t miss the pufferfish miso soup — the fish pieces are generous, and the broth is rich.
The fried shrimp were plump and juicy, and the tartar sauce made them perfect.

Eat-In Options: Sushi Restaurants and Cafeterias Inside

Besides stalls, there are also sushi restaurants and casual eateries inside Karato Market.
You can enjoy a meal while watching the market bustle, or eat outside by the sea — both are great experiences.

When to Visit Karato Market? Fridays Are Best!

I went on a Friday, and it was already quite busy.
Weekends get even more crowded, so weekdays are best.
Many stalls close around 3 PM, but you might find discounted sushi later in the day.
If you go early in the morning, it’s quieter and easier to look around.

Getting There from Hakata: About 1 Hour via Train & Ferry

It’s easier than it sounds!
・Shinkansen: Hakata → Kokura
・Train: Kokura → Mojikō
・Ferry: Mojikō → Karato Market
The ferry ride is short but scenic — it feels like a mini trip.
Taking the Shinkansen saves time (15 min vs. 50 min by regular train).
There’s parking nearby too, so driving is an option — even eating in the car on rainy days works fine.

Poké Lids Too! Perfect Spot for Pokémon Fans

Both Mojikō Station and Karato Market have Poké Lids (Pokémon manhole covers) —
Empoleon near Karato, and Gardevoir near Mojikō.
The Pokémon GO stamp rally started on November 7,
but as of November 8, it’s only available in Kyushu and Okinawa,
so I couldn’t stamp the Empoleon one yet.

Summary

Karato Market is the perfect place to enjoy fresh sushi and a beautiful sea view.
Eating sushi by the ocean felt special and refreshing.
It’s an easy day trip from Hakata — definitely worth visiting!
Next time, I’ll go early in the morning to try even more sushi.