Oma Tuna Fishing in Aomori: A Real Experience at Japan’s Northern Sea

If you ever visit northern Japan, this is one experience you shouldn’t miss. We joined the Oma Tuna Fishing Experience and managed to catch a glimpse of what life at sea is really like for the fishermen of the Tsugaru Strait.

The Tsugaru Strait is the narrow stretch of sea that separates Aomori Prefecture on Japan’s main island of Honshu from Hokkaido. Known for its strong currents and deep waters, it is one of Japan’s richest fishing grounds and home to the famous Oma tuna, prized for its quality and taste.

Read on to find out how our day out on the water went.

Morning at the Port

We reached the port in the morning, and thankfully the weather was good. The night before had been pouring, but the sky had cleared by the time we arrived. The fishing experience depends heavily on the weather and sea conditions, so we were lucky it was calm enough to go out. As we stood by the dock, we could smell the salt in the air and hear the steady sound of waves against the boats.

That morning, we met Ito-san, a local fisherman who would be our guide for the day. Before setting off, everyone gathered for a short briefing about the fishing process and safety.

Ito-san then showed us how live bait is used to attract larger tuna. He scooped up a lively yellowtail from the tank, baited the hook, and cast it into the water with practiced ease. Watching him work up close gave us a sense of how much skill and focus the job really takes.

Out at Sea

Once we boarded the fishing boat, the reality of life at sea quickly set in. The waves rocked the boat and the cold wind hit our faces. Ito-san worked calmly, preparing his lines and checking his equipment with the steady focus of someone who knows the sea well.

During the ride, he shared a bit about his story. He has been fishing for 17 years, and during his apprenticeship, he once caught a 305 kg tuna. Since starting out on his own, his largest catch has been 220 kg. When we asked if the size of the fish mattered, he smiled and said, “Tuna isn’t about size. Its value depends on the fat.”

We learned that in Oma, every fisherman follows a strict catch quota, and even when a large tuna is caught, its true value is only known after checking the fat content. Sometimes the results are better than expected, and sometimes they are not. That uncertainty between the sea, the market, and luck is what makes the life of a fisherman so demanding.

Unfortunately, we did not manage to catch any tuna that day. We used live yellowtail as bait and moved around several spots, but the sea remained quiet. Because of the strong morning wind, many boats had stayed at the port, so it almost felt like we had the sea to ourselves. The waves were a bit rough, and one of us even got seasick. We also watched the areas where seagulls were flying, since that is said to be a sign that tuna might be nearby, but none appeared in the end.

One of the fishermen told us that tuna are extremely cautious and sensitive creatures, so it is never easy to encounter one. Even so, the experience gave us a real look at the patience and respect that define the work of fishermen here.

We could see Ito-san’s enthusiasm and passion in the way he spoke, and how much he wanted us to understand what it’s really like to live as a fisherman.

When to Visit

We were told that the best time to join the Oma Tuna Fishing Experience is from June to October, when the weather is more stable and the sea conditions are calmer. This period gives you a higher chance of being able to head out.

From November onward, the sea becomes rough during winter, and there are more days when boats cannot go out.

Final Thoughts

Our day at sea in Oma was eye-opening. The experience wasn’t just about catching fish, but about witnessing the daily life of fishermen who face the sea every day, no matter the conditions. We also learned that this was only the fifth time the experience had been held in two years, as everything depends on the weather and sea conditions.

Standing on the boat and feeling the cold wind of the Tsugaru Strait, we began to understand why Oma tuna and the fishermen who catch it are so deeply respected in Japan.

If you are visiting Aomori or planning to join this activity, it is one you should not miss. It offers a chance to see the real side of Japan’s northern coast and understand the people who live by the sea.

Click here if you need help planning your trip to Aomori or to find out more about the Oma Tuna Fishing Experience.