Discover the Sea’s Greatest Bounty at Takara Island
Takara Island, nestled at the gateway to the scenic Ōmachi Bridge on the island of Taka-shima in Sasebo Bay, is a vibrant roadside station where the rich bounty of Nagasaki’s coastal waters comes to life. Renowned as Japan’s top producer of farmed tuna and fugu, the station offers visitors an unparalleled taste of the sea—fresh from the ocean to your table. Highlights include daily tuna deboning demonstrations, seasonal fish markets, and signature dishes like the famed Taka-shima-style tempura fish burger and tuna bowl.
Beyond its world-class seafood, Takara Island celebrates local craftsmanship and tradition with an array of regional specialties, from delicate dried fish to handcrafted stone goods. Whether sampling the silk-like texture of its premium farmed tuna or savoring a crispy, freshly frozen tempura fish sandwich, every visit is a journey into the heart of coastal Nagasaki’s culinary heritage.
Why Visit
Takara Island roadside station is the only place in Japan where you can experience the full cycle of premium, sustainably raised tuna from harvest to table. Every morning, divers use electric shock rods to harvest fresh tuna directly from offshore pens, immediately bleeding and processing each fish underwater to preserve its unmatched freshness—resulting in silky, buttery meat with no fishy aroma. The station’s signature offering, the live tuna deboning show, allows visitors to witness the entire process and purchase rare cuts like the prized "kama" and "hoho" while they’re still available.
Equally unique is the station’s one-of-a-kind frozen fresh sashimi-grade mackerel, caught daily and flash-frozen at peak freshness, then served as a thick-cut, crispy-fried burger using the same mackerel—delivering an unparalleled balance of tender, rich flesh and crunch. This is not just a roadside stop—it’s the only place in Japan where you can taste the difference between truly fresh, sustainably raised tuna and mackerel, processed with precision and served with local pride.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh seafood and local specialties at Takara Island roadside station, where daily catches meet expert preparation.
Takara Island Specialty Food Stall
鷹ら島特産品販売所
Specialty
Freshly caught and processed seafood from the waters of the Genkai Sea
A food stall offering a variety of fresh seafood and local specialty products, including grilled fish, fish cakes, and traditional local dishes. The stall is known for its seasonal offerings and high-quality ingredients sourced directly from local fishermen.
Takara Island Seafood Restaurant
鷹ら島海鮮料理
Specialty
Fresh seafood and local cuisine from the Genkai Sea
A restaurant specializing in fresh seafood and local dishes from the Genkai Sea. The menu features a variety of grilled fish, seafood soups, and traditional local dishes. The restaurant is known for its high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local products and regional treasures at Takara Island’s roadside station, perfect for gifts and souvenirs.
Takara Island Seafood Market
鷹ら島海鮮市場
A market specializing in fresh seafood and local produce from the Genkai Sea. The market offers a variety of fresh fish, shellfish, and other seafood products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh tuna
Takara Island Dry Fish Shop
鷹ら島干物屋
A shop specializing in dried fish and seafood products from the Genkai Sea. The shop offers a variety of dried fish, including mackerel, sardines, and squid.
Products
Must-Try Item
Dried mackerel
Takara Island Tuna Shop
鷹ら島マグロ専門店
A shop specializing in tuna and other seafood products from the Genkai Sea. The shop offers a variety of fresh tuna, dried fish, and other seafood products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh tuna
Featured Products
Explore signature items like sustainably raised tuna, crispy ajifurai, and traditional dried fish—crafted with island pride.
Takara Island Fresh Tuna
鷹ら島養殖本マグロ
Fresh tuna raised in the Genkai Sea, known for its rich flavor and smooth texture. The tuna is harvested daily and is available in various cuts and sizes.
Takara Island Tuna Sashimi
鷹ら島まぐろ刺身
Fresh tuna sashimi served with soy sauce and wasabi. The tuna is known for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
Takara Island Tuna Steak
鷹ら島まぐろステーキ
Grilled tuna steak served with a side of vegetables and rice. The tuna is known for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
Takara Island Tuna Donburi
鷹島まぐろ丼
A rice bowl topped with fresh tuna, served with a side of pickled vegetables and miso soup. The tuna is known for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
Takara Island Tuna Chirashi
鷹島ちらし
A mixed rice bowl with fresh tuna, vegetables, and seaweed, served with a side of miso soup. The tuna is known for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
Takara Island Tuna Soup
鷹島まぐろスープ
A rich seafood soup made with fresh tuna and vegetables. The soup is known for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
Takara Island Dried Mackerel
鷹ら島干しマグロ
Dried mackerel from the Genkai Sea, known for its rich flavor and smooth texture. The mackerel is dried using traditional methods and is available in various sizes.
Takara Island Dried Sardines
鷹ら島干しサバ
Dried sardines from the Genkai Sea, known for their rich flavor and smooth texture. The sardines are dried using traditional methods and are available in various sizes.
Takara Island Dried Squid
鷹ら島干しイカ
Dried squid from the Genkai Sea, known for its rich flavor and smooth texture. The squid is dried using traditional methods and is available in various sizes.
Takara Island Tuna Sashimi Set
鷹ら島まぐろ刺身セット
A set of fresh tuna sashimi served with soy sauce and wasabi. The tuna is known for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
Takara Island Tuna Steak Set
鷹ら島まぐろステーキセット
A set of grilled tuna steak served with a side of vegetables and rice. The tuna is known for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
Takara Island Tuna Donburi Set
鷹島まぐろ丼セット
A set of rice bowls topped with fresh tuna, served with a side of pickled vegetables and miso soup. The tuna is known for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
Takara Island Tuna Chirashi Set
鷹島ちらしセット
A set of mixed rice bowls with fresh tuna, vegetables, and seaweed, served with a side of miso soup. The tuna is known for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
Takara Island Tuna Soup Set
鷹島まぐろスープセット
A set of rich seafood soups made with fresh tuna and vegetables. The soup is known for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge at Takara Island roadside station with picnic greens, rest areas, and essential amenities.
Parking
There is a parking area available at the roadside station.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Restroom
Restrooms are available for visitors. There is also a separate restroom for people with disabilities.
Near the information corner and shop
Information Center
The information center provides road information, nearby roadside station details, tourism guides, medical information, and weather updates through bulletin boards and brochures.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Play Area
A green rest area with a playground is available for children and families.
Adjacent to the green rest area
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to use.
Near the shop
Activities & Experiences
Engage in seasonal events, live tuna demonstrations, and hands-on experiences celebrating island heritage.
Tuna Cutting Show
本マグロの解体ショー
Witness the on-site cutting and selling of fresh, non-frozen tuna caught that morning. The show features rare cuts like kama, chūochi, and hōhō, which sell out quickly.
Duration
60 min
Fresh Tuna Tasting Experience
本マグロの解体ショー
Participate in a hands-on tasting experience of freshly cut tuna, learning how to properly thaw and prepare it at home for optimal flavor and texture.
Duration
45 min
Local Seafood Festival
鷹島モンゴルまつり
Join the annual festival celebrating the region's maritime heritage with traditional performances, local food stalls, and cultural activities.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor event; check weather conditions before attending.
Tuna Farming Tour
鷹島養殖本マグロの解体ショー
Take a guided tour of the tuna farming facility located offshore, learning about the unique marine environment and sustainable farming practices.
Duration
90 min
Tours may be suspended during typhoon season or extreme weather.
Local Fish Market Experience
鷹島町リレーマラソン大会
Explore the daily fish market where fresh catches from the morning haul are displayed and sold, offering insight into local fishing traditions.
Duration
30 min
Fugu and Seafood Cooking Workshop
とらふぐ生茶漬け
Learn how to prepare traditional local dishes such as fugu tea-miso and other seafood delicacies using fresh ingredients from the region.
Duration
120 min
Indoor activity; suitable for all weather conditions.
Fishing and Catching Demonstration
本マグロ養殖に最適な荒海育ちだから活きがいい！
Observe divers using electric shock rods to catch tuna from sea cages, followed by a demonstration of the immediate blood removal and preservation process.
Duration
45 min
Demonstration may be canceled in case of rough seas or storms.
Insider Tips
Visit on weekends for fresh ajifurai burgers and tuna deboning shows—arrive early to secure rare cuts.
- Best Arrival Time for Fresh Maguro: Visit between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM on Saturdays to witness the live maguro deboning show and purchase the first available cuts of the day, as the most sought-after parts like the kamaboko and hoho are often sold out by mid-morning.
- Hidden Gem at the Deli Counter: Look for the "Maguro Zuke Don" (maguro marinated rice bowl) near the front counter—each 85g pack contains a blend of medium and large toro, plus red meat, all marinated in a special sweet soy sauce made by Nishioka Soy Sauce Brewery in Imari, which enhances the rich flavor of the maguro.
- Weekend Special Food: On weekends, order the "Ajifurai Burger" at the restaurant counter—this burger features four pieces of fresh, non-frozen ajifurai (fried mackerel) served on a soft bun, a signature item unique to Takara Island roadside station.
- Best Time to Buy Frozen Ajifurai: Purchase frozen ajifurai in 4-piece packs (200–240g) from the shop counter before 11:00 AM on weekdays, as the stock is replenished daily from the morning catch and is often sold out by lunchtime.
- Optimal Purchase for Maguro Lovers: Buy the "Toro and Medium Toro Combo (400g)" frozen pack from the online shop for a taste of premium cuts—this is the most popular set for home consumption and includes a detailed guide on how to properly thaw and drain excess moisture for maximum flavor.
- Information Counter Tip: Use the information counter between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM to request the latest map of nearby attractions, as new signage and updated directions are posted daily and only available at the start of the day.
- Best Time to Visit the Fish Market: Arrive just after 8:30 AM on weekdays to see the fresh catch of local fish like saba, aji, and squid displayed at the fish counter—these are delivered fresh from the morning haul and are priced lower before 10:00 AM.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for fresh mackerel and sardines, with the annual mackerel deboning show held weekly.
Summer (June–August): Fresh bluefin tuna and sardines available daily, with the largest catch of the year.
Autumn (September–November): Prime time for grilled mackerel and fresh tuna, coinciding with the annual Mongol Festival.
Winter (December–February): Best for premium frozen tuna and seasonal fugu tea steep, with the annual relay marathon in February.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a green rest area and park for children to play. Features kid-friendly food like the popular fried fish burger and fresh fish. Facilities include stroller-friendly paths and accessible restrooms. Educational value comes from the weekly tuna dissection demonstrations.
Food Lover Review
Provides exceptional variety with fresh local seafood, including top-quality farmed tuna, mackerel, and squid. Offers unique specialties like the fried fish burger and tuna donburi. Features high-quality frozen cuts and local products like fermented fish and pickled dishes.
Car Camping Review
Has clean restrooms and vending machines available. Offers a quiet, open green space suitable for overnight parking. No explicit overnight parking policy is listed, but the spacious grounds allow for short-term stays with minimal noise disruption.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers scenic views of the surrounding ocean and the nearby bridge. Features a well-maintained green space with good photo opportunities. Seasonal beauty is enhanced by coastal landscapes and nearby historical sites. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and inviting.