“Spending a Relaxed Moment by the Sea with SUKUI and the ‘SUKUI Festival'”

SUKUI (known as ishihimi or ishihibi in some regions) is a traditional fishing method that involves building a semicircular enclosure by stacking stones in shallow areas like tidal flats or coral reefs. This technique uses the ebb and flow of the tides to trap fish inside the enclosure. The Ariake Sea, famous for having Japan’s greatest tidal range, has seen this method of fishing flourish.

Since it relies solely on natural forces without the use of machinery, SUKUI fishing places minimal strain on the environment, making it a potentially sustainable practice.

[It’s Official!] SUKUI Festival 2025

It will be held on Saturday, May 10. For more details, please check this page.

https://sukui-shimabara.studio.site/info/sukuifes2025

The “SUKUI Festival,” typically held around May each year, releases fish from the Ariake Sea into the stone enclosures, attracting crowds—especially families—for a lively event.

SUKUI Festival (held once a year around May)

約1,000人が参加したスクイまつり2023

放流した有明海の魚を捕まえます

まつりの前に海岸清掃を行います

ファミリーを中心に大勢でにぎわいます

● Can we catch the creatures inside the SUKUI ?

Anyone is free to enter the SUKUI enclosures. You can catch creatures with your bare hands or a small dip net, but the use of fishing gear like cast nets or the capture of protected species is not allowed.

Since the tidal flow slows down inside the stone enclosures, it’s a relatively safe place for families to enjoy playing in the sea.

● [Creatures prohibited from capture due to fishing rights]

• Seaweeds: amanori, igisu, tengusa, hijiki, hitoegusa, mozuku, wakame
• Shellfish, crustaceans, and others: asari (clams), kaki (oysters), mategai (razor clams), uni (sea urchins), emushi, shako (mantis shrimp), namako (sea cucumbers)

Creatures in the SUKUI (Examples)

マダコ

アマモ（養生エリアには侵入禁止）

アメフラシ

海ソーメン（アメフラシのたまご）

ニシ貝

Caution: Hazardous Creatures (Beware of Poisonous Animals)

ヒョウモンダコ

エイ

ゴンズイ

Conservation Efforts for SUKUI

The SUKUI at Nagahama Beach in Shimabara City is maintained and managed by the voluntary group “Let’s Build SUKUI Together,” which also organizes the annual “SUKUI Festival” typically held around May.

They are currently recruiting members to help preserve this nationally significant historical asset for future generations.