A new takeout sashimi specialty shop, Iwaya Sengyo (岩屋鮮魚), is set to open on April 3, 2026, inside the tourism hub "Tacost" (タコステ) in Iwaya, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture. The shop was established in partnership with the Iwaya Fisheries Cooperative to give tourists a reliable way to purchase genuine Awaji Island–caught fish.
Why Tourists Struggle to Buy Local Fish on Awaji Island
Despite being known for its rich fishing grounds, much of the seafood landed on Awaji Island flows directly to markets, hotels, and high-end restaurants in urban areas through intermediary buyers. As a result, visitors who want to seek out locally caught fish often find it surprisingly difficult to do so efficiently on their own.
Ryoji Yasui, CEO of ENJI Co., Ltd. — an Italian wine importer who has lived in Iwaya for three years — frequently welcomed guests to the island and heard the same requests: visitors wanted to buy and eat fish actually caught in local waters. Many found themselves spending valuable time searching for local fish without success, leaving them with less time to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere the town has to offer.
Concept: Turning Search Time into Town-Exploring Time
Iwaya Sengyo aims to eliminate the time tourists spend hunting for local fish, freeing them up to visit attractions such as Ejima Island, Ishiya Shrine, and the historic fishing village streets.
The shop's model rests on three pillars:
- Direct supply from the port via partnership with the Iwaya Fisheries Cooperative, guaranteeing authentic Awaji Island–caught fish
- Advance reservation and pre-payment so customers can pick up their order immediately upon arrival, with no waiting
- Maximizing visitors' time on the island
Menu Highlights
Awaji Island Sashimi Platter (serves 2–3) — ¥3,240 (tax included)
Fresh fish sourced directly from Iwaya Port is arranged on a custom-made plate crafted from Awaji roof tile (Awaji Kawara), a traditional local craft. In addition to the standard condiments, the shop offers a unique pairing of Italian-produced custom olive oil with Awaji Island salt as an alternative way to enjoy the sashimi.
The Awaji Kawara plate itself is a keepsake — visitors can take it home as a souvenir and repurpose it for serving charcuterie or cheese, or as an incense holder.
Takeout orders are handed over in a branded tote bag sized to fit the Awaji Kawara plate. Optional cold packs are available for purchase to keep the sashimi fresh on the journey home.
Fishermen's Breakfast (weekends only) — ¥1,000 (tax included)
Available on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM (limited quantities), this set includes:
- Miso soup with wild red sea bream broth
- Dried seaweed (nori) sourced directly from a seaweed farmer in Higashi-ura, Awaji — guests toast it themselves over Japanese white charcoal (binchōtan)
- Eggs delivered directly from Kitasaka Poultry Farm in Kita-Awaji
- Awaji Island rice (Hinohikari variety)
Iwaya Ara Yaki Set (weekends only) — ¥1,500 (tax included)
Fishermen's Breakfast plus charcoal-grilled wild red sea bream head and collar (ara and kama).
Iwaya Sashimi Set (weekends only) — ¥2,000 (tax included)
Fishermen's Breakfast plus sashimi of wild red sea bream and Japanese Spanish mackerel from Awaji Island.
The Road to Opening: Building a Partnership with the Iwaya Fisheries Cooperative
The path to opening was not straightforward. Initial negotiations over tenant terms and renovation costs broke down more than once. Yasui spent two years visiting vacant properties in Iwaya one by one, continuing discussions until an arrangement came together. Along the way, he built connections with people in the community, eventually earning the cooperation of the Iwaya Fisheries Cooperative.
That collaborative relationship now forms the backbone of Iwaya Sengyo's direct-from-port supply chain.
Shop Details
Shop name: Iwaya Sengyo (岩屋鮮魚)
Address: 1414-27 Iwaya, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture (inside Tacost)
Grand opening: April 3, 2026
Hours: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Regular closing days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Weekend morning hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM ("Fishermen's Breakfast")
Official website: https://www.enji-wine.jp/iwayasengyo/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwayasengyo
