Unique One-Day Goldfish Experience in Yamato-Koriyama

Come with us to Yamato-Koriyama to visit its old town and learn more about Japanese goldfish! We start the day with the castle of Koriyama (12th century), feudal military vestige of the city. We then walk around the city. Traditional houses and small streams welcome us and offer us a glimpse of the Edo period (16th-19th century). We can have an indigo dyeing experience in Hakomotakan Konya. This shop teaches us ancestral know-how. We can then try our luck at goldfish fishing, a traditional Japanese summer activity, in Kochikuya. Here we can practice all year round! Finally, we visit the Goldfish Museum. We are learning more about the unique culture of these fish in the city. After this day, you will learn more about Japanese history and goldfish, part of Japanese culture. Are you coming? We are waiting for you!

This castle was built in the 12th century. At that time, it was a stronghold of Nara and its region. Today, its ruins remain a popular tourist spot. Visitors come especially for their garden and cherry blossoms in April!

The city is simple and quiet, you can feel the history of Japan. The atmosphere changes depending on the street where you are, streets with old traditional Japanese houses, street in which runs a small stream, etc. In the 16th century, Hidenaga Toyotomi, master of the place, established the sharing. He invited several artisans to come and settle in Yamato-Koriyama and then grouped them according to their professions. I'll give you all the references.

Yamato-Koriyama is certainly famous for its goldfish... But it’s not just that! This city is also famous for its traditional Japanese indigo blue dye, which has been passed down from generation to generation and can be experienced today. Walking 10 minutes east from Kintetsu Koriyama Station, we find ourselves in the Konyamachi district, literally the dyers’ district. We go to the “Hakomotokan Konya” shop and practice indigo blue dyeing on fabric tissues.

If you go to Japan in summer, you will see a lot of people in yukatas (light kimonos) at festivals having fun fishing goldfish (kingyo sukui). This is very representative of summer Japan and it is to be done at least once when visiting this country. It is possible to practice this fishing year round at the “Kochikuya” shop in Yamato-Koriyama.

This building is administered by the breeders’ association “Yamato Kingyoen” (literally “the gold-colored fish fields of the Yamato”). Masaji Shimata, the founder of the association, had the building built with his own money. He wanted to popularize the history and culture of these goldfish. So this is an opportunity for us to visit it.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

• Koriyama
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  Pickup included

• Guide and guide fees (transport, lunch, entrance fees)

• Indigo Blue Experience: 1500JPY/person (optional)

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Nara Guide.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Tokyo.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 8 Travelers is accepted for booking.