Anyone fish Japan?

mcswny

mcswny

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I’m laid up post op and dreaming…

The family and I are in the preliminary stages of planning a 2-3 week trip to Japan for next year and I’d really love to get in a day or two of fishing for yamame or amago if the opportunity presents itself. Has anyone done any small stream fishing in Japan? What general region were you in and where would you suggest I start my research? Any cool Japanese fly shops you’d suggest I put on my list (generally speaking if it’s Japanese and fly fishing related, I’m into it)

Thanks!
Tim
 
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Try contacting Chris Stewart at Tenkara Bum, and ask him about where, and guides!
www.tenkarabum.com

Contact Us

Your comments, questions and suggestions are welcome, and will help us build a site that provides the information you want.
www.tenkarabum.com www.tenkarabum.com
 
Also Keiichi Okushi owner of Tenkara-Ya, speaks English

Tenkara Fishing Tackle Shop Tenkara-ya

"Tenkara-ya" offers fine Japanese Tenkara fishing tackles from Japan to the world. We also introduce Tenkara tackles with recommendation of some famouse Japanese Tenakara masters.
www.tenkaraya.com
 
Brian Miller said:
Try contacting Chris Stewart at Tenkara Bum, and ask him about where, and guides!
www.tenkarabum.com

Contact Us

Your comments, questions and suggestions are welcome, and will help us build a site that provides the information you want.
www.tenkarabum.com www.tenkarabum.com
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Awesome thank you.

For what it’s worth, I’m generally against the idea of guides for a myriad of reasons.
 
mcswny said:
Awesome thank you.

For what it’s worth, I’m generally against the idea of guides for a myriad of reasons.
Click to expand...

I've fished over there a bunch of times - it's one of my favorite places to fish. It's all been unguided except for fly fishing on Tokyo Bay for seabass. If you'll be in the Tokyo area, I highly recommend it. Pretty affordable with the current exchange rate and highly productive fishery for some fun fish that can reach large size. Google Seakuro and it will get you to a reputable service.

There are yamame, amago, and iwana in many places from Kyushu and Shikoku through Honshu and up into Hokkaido. For the most part amago are south and west and yamame and east and north. Hokkaido also offers amemasu and even itou (Japanese taimen) in a few spots.

For the most part, fishing over there is managed by local cooperatives. You typically need a daily license from the coop. These can be picked up in a variety of places - sometimes convenience stores near the river and sometimes from the coop office.

There are a number of spots that are reasonably close to Tokyo - Tanzawa national park (southwest about 90 minutes - I like Yozukugawa), Izu peninsula (some nice amago streams), and the Katsuura River on the way towards Fuji (spring creek like fishing for stocked rainbows, yamame, iwana, and even some browns). Yosawa River near Musashi-Itsukaichi has a cool pay to play spot (reachable by train and a short bus ride) with lots of yamame and rainbows. I'm not normally a fan of pay to play, but it's close (about 1 hour 10 minutes on the train plus maybe 10 more on the bus) and beautiful and definitely scratches the itch if you need to get out.

If I was going to fish, rather than general sightseeing/exploring with some fishing in, I would definitely go to Tohoku or Hokkaido. Many fewer people and lots of wild rivers and streams.
 
Sakuramasu said:
I've fished over there a bunch of times - it's one of my favorite places to fish. It's all been unguided except for fly fishing on Tokyo Bay for seabass. If you'll be in the Tokyo area, I highly recommend it. Pretty affordable with the current exchange rate and highly productive fishery for some fun fish that can reach large size. Google Seakuro and it will get you to a reputable service.

There are yamame, amago, and iwana in many places from Kyushu and Shikoku through Honshu and up into Hokkaido. For the most part amago are south and west and yamame and east and north. Hokkaido also offers amemasu and even itou (Japanese taimen) in a few spots.

For the most part, fishing over there is managed by local cooperatives. You typically need a daily license from the coop. These can be picked up in a variety of places - sometimes convenience stores near the river and sometimes from the coop office.

There are a number of spots that are reasonably close to Tokyo - Tanzawa national park (southwest about 90 minutes - I like Yozukugawa), Izu peninsula (some nice amago streams), and the Katsuura River on the way towards Fuji (spring creek like fishing for stocked rainbows, yamame, iwana, and even some browns). Yosawa River near Musashi-Itsukaichi has a cool pay to play spot (reachable by train and a short bus ride) with lots of yamame and rainbows. I'm not normally a fan of pay to play, but it's close (about 1 hour 10 minutes on the train plus maybe 10 more on the bus) and beautiful and definitely scratches the itch if you need to get out.

If I was going to fish, rather than general sightseeing/exploring with some fishing in, I would definitely go to Tohoku or Hokkaido. Many fewer people and lots of wild rivers and streams.
Click to expand...
This is such a helpful starting point, thank you so much. If I have anymore specific questions are you ok if I pm you?

Thinking a 4wt glass rod is sufficient for the small stream stuff, what wt rod are you using for the seabass in Tokyo bay?
 
Sakuramasu said:
I've fished over there a bunch of times - it's one of my favorite places to fish. It's all been unguided except for fly fishing on Tokyo Bay for seabass. If you'll be in the Tokyo area, I highly recommend it. Pretty affordable with the current exchange rate and highly productive fishery for some fun fish that can reach large size. Google Seakuro and it will get you to a reputable service.

There are yamame, amago, and iwana in many places from Kyushu and Shikoku through Honshu and up into Hokkaido. For the most part amago are south and west and yamame and east and north. Hokkaido also offers amemasu and even itou (Japanese taimen) in a few spots.

For the most part, fishing over there is managed by local cooperatives. You typically need a daily license from the coop. These can be picked up in a variety of places - sometimes convenience stores near the river and sometimes from the coop office.

There are a number of spots that are reasonably close to Tokyo - Tanzawa national park (southwest about 90 minutes - I like Yozukugawa), Izu peninsula (some nice amago streams), and the Katsuura River on the way towards Fuji (spring creek like fishing for stocked rainbows, yamame, iwana, and even some browns). Yosawa River near Musashi-Itsukaichi has a cool pay to play spot (reachable by train and a short bus ride) with lots of yamame and rainbows. I'm not normally a fan of pay to play, but it's close (about 1 hour 10 minutes on the train plus maybe 10 more on the bus) and beautiful and definitely scratches the itch if you need to get out.

If I was going to fish, rather than general sightseeing/exploring with some fishing in, I would definitely go to Tohoku or Hokkaido. Many fewer people and lots of wild rivers and streams.
Click to expand...
Wow! Great information, thanks for posting.
 
mcswny said:
I’m laid up post op and dreaming…

The family and I are in the preliminary stages of planning a 2-3 week trip to Japan for next year and I’d really love to get in a day or two of fishing for yamame or amago if the opportunity presents itself. Has anyone done any small stream fishing in Japan? What general region were you in and where would you suggest I start my research? Any cool Japanese fly shops you’d suggest I put on my list (generally speaking if it’s Japanese and fly fishing related, I’m into it)

Thanks!
Tim
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Sansui is THE shop in Tokyo… may be worth sending an email to them. Nice guys but communicating is definitely a challenge.

maps.app.goo.gl

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
maps.app.goo.gl maps.app.goo.gl
IMG_0565.jpegOk
 
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mcswny said:
This is such a helpful starting point, thank you so much. If I have anymore specific questions are you ok if I pm you?

Thinking a 4wt glass rod is sufficient for the small stream stuff, what wt rod are you using for the seabass in Tokyo bay?
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Happy to provide more info. A pm is great.

I've primarily used a 3 wt for most of my trout fishing over there. A 4 would be fine.

Anything 6-8wt should be good for Tokyo Bay. It can get windy, but you're typically throwing pretty small minnow type patterns so no need for anything too heavy.
 
mcswny said:
The family and I are in the preliminary stages of planning a 2-3 week trip to Japan for next year and I’d really love to get in a day or two of fishing for yamame or amago if the opportunity presents itself. Has anyone done any small stream fishing in Japan? What general region were you in and where would you suggest I start my research? Any cool Japanese fly shops you’d suggest I put on my list (generally speaking if it’s Japanese and fly fishing related, I’m into it)

Thanks!
Tim
Click to expand...
I fished small and remote mountain streams awhile back. This was on the main island of Honshu. Sorry, I can't share what exact area it was, because my Japanese hosts spend countless hours researching, and are very protective of their environment.

I used an 8ft. 3 wt. Redington Classic Trout, 6 pc., lined with a 4 wt. dry line to load the rod for extremely short casts.

Be bear aware. There are quite a few attacks on humans by medium-small but aggressive black bears in rural areas of northern Honshu. Hokkaido is another ball of wax. They have large brown bears, which I believe are the same or a close relative to our grizz. There's deep wilderness on that island, from what I've been told.

If you don't speak and read Japanese, connecting with a Japanese specialist who's fluent in English will be very useful. You could start here: https://www.maxtreamfly.com/media-article-trout-fishing-in-Japan.html

Be prepared for over-tourism crowding nowadays, but I'm sure their traditional graciousness is still strong. I'll try to visit again, while I'm still walking. Of the dozens of countries I've visited, Japan is number one for me. Happy holidays!
 
themissionflymag.com

YAMAME – WISH LIST FISH | The Mission Fly Fishing Magazine

Ichiro Takeuchi of Japanese fly fishing streetwear brand Shaku Hunter tells us about his native fish the yamame trout.
themissionflymag.com themissionflymag.com
These yamame look fun (land locked cherry salmon) and incredibly beautiful. This thread has opened my eyes to some very interesting fishing in Japan!

www.ginkandgasoline.com

Trout Of Japan - Fly Fishing | Gink and Gasoline | How to Fly Fish | Trout Fishing | Fly Tying | Fly Fishing Blog

Trout Species Of Japan
www.ginkandgasoline.com www.ginkandgasoline.com
 
Otter said:
I fished small and remote mountain streams awhile back. This was on the main island of Honshu. Sorry, I can't share what exact area it was, because my Japanese hosts spend countless hours researching, and are very protective of their environment.

I used an 8ft. 3 wt. Redington Classic Trout, 6 pc., lined with a 4 wt. dry line to load the rod for extremely short casts.

Be bear aware. There are quite a few attacks on humans by medium-small but aggressive black bears in rural areas of northern Honshu. Hokkaido is another ball of wax. They have large brown bears, which I believe are the same or a close relative to our grizz. There's deep wilderness on that island, from what I've been told.

If you don't speak and read Japanese, connecting with a Japanese specialist who's fluent in English will be very useful. You could start here: https://www.maxtreamfly.com/media-article-trout-fishing-in-Japan.html

Be prepared for over-tourism crowding nowadays, but I'm sure their traditional graciousness is still strong. I'll try to visit again, while I'm still walking. Of the dozens of countries I've visited, Japan is number one for me. Happy holidays!
Click to expand...

Totally understand, not looking for rocks to stand on. Just looking for general areas that I can then try to look into. It's one thing researching stuff in your home State/country, another halfway across the world.

Thank you so much.
tim
 
DimeBrite said:
themissionflymag.com

YAMAME – WISH LIST FISH | The Mission Fly Fishing Magazine

Ichiro Takeuchi of Japanese fly fishing streetwear brand Shaku Hunter tells us about his native fish the yamame trout.
themissionflymag.com themissionflymag.com
These yamame look fun (land locked cherry salmon) and incredibly beautiful. This thread has opened my eyes to some very interesting fishing in Japan!

www.ginkandgasoline.com

Trout Of Japan - Fly Fishing | Gink and Gasoline | How to Fly Fish | Trout Fishing | Fly Tying | Fly Fishing Blog

Trout Species Of Japan
www.ginkandgasoline.com www.ginkandgasoline.com
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Little small for you, no? ha!
 
mcswny said:
Little small for you, no? ha!
Click to expand...
I used to do quite a bit of technical trout fishing and really enjoyed it. I've never visited Japan, and will be interested in your trip report.
 
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DimeBrite said:
I used to do quite a bit of technical trout fishing and really enjoyed it. I've never visited Japan, and will be interested in your trip report.
Click to expand...

We're a ways out :).

We've been trying to get to Asia the past couple years but always balked as we were scared by the amount of walking and moving we'd want to do wouldn't be worth it with the kiddo (little legs get tired). So we've gone to Mexico (usually CDMX, Guadalajara, Oaxaca, and one of the various beach towns) as something easy. But we just got back last week from Mexico, the kid turned 7, and she was good for 6-8 miles of walking a day (for 9 days) depending on our meal and break schedule. It gave us the confidence that now is the time to head East (not to mention she'll be at an age where it will be more memorable for her). It won't be the last time, but definitely the first (for her--not us).

Planning on Summer 2026 so just kind of getting the ball rolling now.
 
mcswny said:
I’m laid up post op and dreaming…

The family and I are in the preliminary stages of planning a 2-3 week trip to Japan for next year and I’d really love to get in a day or two of fishing for yamame or amago if the opportunity presents itself. Has anyone done any small stream fishing in Japan? What general region were you in and where would you suggest I start my research? Any cool Japanese fly shops you’d suggest I put on my list (generally speaking if it’s Japanese and fly fishing related, I’m into it)

Thanks!
Tim
Click to expand...
Friend Maki-san is a solid guy and is professional guide. https://www.caenisflyfish.com/
 
westwakefield said:
Friend Maki-san is a solid guy and is professional guide. https://www.caenisflyfish.com/
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Mcswny, on Maki-san’s website, click “Places to have fun”, then “Mountain stream”. The top video shows the type of stream terrain I fished in Japan. You can see how sketchy the footing is in those streams. Some of the places I fished were much more dangerous, like clinging to the side of a high boulder the size of a house, that’s perched above the stream. One angler clinging to it at a time, with another angler holding your rod. Should have been roped up! But we were young….not! No trails, and with canyon walls very steep and tight in, we mostly moved within the stream itself.
Not a place for a child, but Japan also has stream fishing in gentler, safer places, if you’re planning on yours joining you.

Couple of tips; They drive on the left, it’s a cash society (at least it was in 2012), and of course, metric (like every country except USA, Liberia, and Myanmar). June is hot and humid, with rain common, moreso toward July. Typhoons are pretty common in summer, which may stop the trains.

Hope this info helps.
 
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