Station Ushibuka Kaisaikan

Dive into the Freshness of Kyushu’s Coastal Heart

Ushibuka Kaisaikan, a vibrant roadside station nestled along National Route 266 in the port town of Ushibuka, Kyushu, offers a gateway to the rich maritime heritage of Amakusa. Overlooking the pristine waters of the Ushibuka Harbor, this seaside destination is celebrated for its crystal-clear sea, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant tropical fish—making it a premier spot for scuba diving and glass-bottom boat tours. The station’s lively atmosphere blends local culture with oceanic charm, where visitors can savor the day’s catch or browse fresh seafood and regional specialties.

At the heart of Ushibuka Kaisaikan lies a bustling fish market, a modern restaurant serving daily fresh catches, and a seafood processing hall showcasing traditional Kyushu delicacies like dried fish and kamaboko. The newly revitalized dining space ensures guests experience the true taste of Ushibuka’s ocean bounty, with fish sourced directly from local fishermen each morning. Whether exploring the underwater world, sampling local flavors, or discovering the region’s history at the Fisheries History Museum, every visit feels like a journey through Kyushu’s living coastline.

Visit Ushibuka Kaisaikan to experience the only roadside station in the region where you can witness live fish swimming in a large pond just steps from the dock, directly overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Ushibuka Marine Park. This is the only place where you can taste freshly caught fish from the day’s first haul, expertly prepared into signature dishes like the Ushibuka Seafood Donburi, made with fish pulled from the sea just hours earlier. The station also offers the only on-site, artisanal kama-boko (fish cake) made using traditional methods from the local fishing community.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM on weekdays to access the fresh fish selection at the fish market before the daily catch is fully sold out, as the fish are delivered fresh daily from the port.

• Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter in the merchandise hall for the limited-edition dried fish snacks made from locally caught mackerel, available only during the summer months and often sold out by noon.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the fishing history museum between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM to see the live demonstrations of traditional fishing net weaving by local artisans, held every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 AM.

• Best Time to Buy Seafood: Purchase the daily fresh fish at the fish market between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM, when the fish from the morning catch are first displayed after being inspected by the on-site fish buyer.

• Actionable Tip for Travelers: Use the information terminal in the visitor center to check real-time ferry schedules from the ferry ticket booth, as the schedule changes frequently due to weather and inspections, and the booth is open from 6:30 AM to 6:40 PM.

• Café Timing: Order the signature “Ocean View Coffee” at the café by 11:00 AM to guarantee a seat with a view of the harbor, as the café fills up quickly after lunchtime and the best tables are reserved for early visitors.

• Specialty Product: Buy the “Ushibuka Sea Breeze” canned tuna, a locally produced product with a distinctive flavor, at the merchandise hall before 2:00 PM, as it is only restocked once per week and often sells out by late afternoon.

Spring (March–May): Visit during the April牛深ハイヤ祭り to enjoy local festivals and fresh bamboo shoots from the market.

Summer (June–August): Ideal for scuba diving in the clear waters of the牛深海域公園 and attending the August教会の見える﨑津みなとフェスティバル.

Autumn (September–November): Not mentioned in content; no specific seasonal activities or products noted.

Winter (December–February): Experience the December牛深あかね市 and sample seasonal dried seafood and processed fish products.