I went there hungry, but because it was a long weekend, the streets were overflowing with cars, and naturally, restaurants and other places were so crowded that I hesitated to even go near them. I bought some fried horse mackerel from a food truck that was operating in the parking lot and ate it there. It was really tough because it was scorching hot outside with the sun beating down and there was nowhere to cool off.
Manbo-san's restaurant is under renovation, so I had squid from Yobuko at Kawataro-san's.
It was delicious.
Yoruko was an important whaling base during the Edo period 🐳. Although most of the houses you see now are dilapidated and old,
it was actually a very prosperous place back then, with an entire street of "yūkaku" (entertainment districts) for people to eat, drink, and have fun 👩❤️
(These ruins are said to still exist; those interested can walk up the mountain.)
Later, with the international ban on whaling, it lost its former glory.
Now, almost everyone who remains here is an elderly person with a thick Saga accent, and their peculiar Japanese is hard to understand... 🤔 Despite having the title of one of the three major morning markets,
it doesn't actually attract many tourists because it's so rural, and there's no direct JR line.
By the time you arrive by bus, the morning market is already closed 😭. If you have the chance to come, be sure to try the local specialty, "live squid" 🦑🔪. However, it depends on the condition of the catch that day. If they're out of stock, the vendors will ask if you want thawed squid. No discounts... 💸
A tranquil fishing village. Tickets can be purchased at the harbor for a boat trip to see the sea caves.
It's relaxing.
People fishing, couples on dates, etc.
