Yobuko is a a small fishing and farming village with a population of around 6000, and is particularly famous across Kyushu (and possibly even the rest of Japan) for its squid. So much so, that there will often be huge queues at the various famous squid eateries during the weekend.

Who’s here?

• There is one ALT based in Yobuko who covers a number of elementary and junior high schools in the area and on nearby islands.

Places of interest

When you think Yobuko, you think squid. It’s so famous for squid, that people queue to get into restaurants here. Even the boats look like squids!

Don’t like squid? Don’t fret! There’s more than just squid in Yobuko.

• Yobuko Big Bridge (呼子大橋) – a very large bridge connecting the mainland to a smaller island it has proved to be a popular attraction for many people since it open in the late 1980s.

• Yobuko Port- the port services access to Kakara, Ogawa, Madara Islands (Madara being the biggest island in the Prefecture with a unique historic Catholic history) and many other small islands. You can catch a number of ferries to explore the outer islands.
• Eat squid – Yobuko is famed for its fresh squid (ika), which is offered sashimi style, or it can be eaten while the squid is still alive.
• Yobuko Morning Market – if you get to the town early enough you can check out the Yobuko morning market. It’s open every morning from 7:30 and sells fresh seafood and vegetables on a shopping street called Asaichi-dori (Morning Market Street).
• Marine sightseeing – sightseeing service that takes you out around on a glass bottomed boat around Karatsu’s coastline and caves (including the famous Nanatsugama). You can usually choose between the pink or blue whale ship or the giant squid shaped boats.
• Festivals – Yobuko’s most famous festival is Yobuko Ouzunabi (呼子大綱引), or the Yobuko Big Rope Pull, which takes place annually on the first Saturday and Sunday of June. The event involves a big tug-o-war between two factions in the town, and local legend says that if the hills (farmers) faction wins, there will be a good harvest that year; and if the sea faction (fishermen) wins, there will be a good fishing harvest that year. Between events you can visit the rope museum on the same street as the Morning Market.

Getting around

Yobuko is connected to Karatsu by a regular bus service between Oteguchi Bus Centre and Yobuko Bus Centre near the town port. It’s about a 25 minute trip. Outside the main market and port area, Yobuko is probably best explored by car.