Nagasu Town: Exploring One of Japan’s Premier Goldfish Breeding Grounds
For goldfish enthusiasts, here’s a special treat. Nagasu Town is celebrated as a hub for goldfish enthusiasts, bustling with 15 fish farming enterprises. Families here dedicate themselves to nurturing goldfish and koi. You’ll find attractions ranging from a goldfish and koi park to delightful goldfish-shaped sweets! A must-visit for anyone passionate about goldfish.
Today, I visited Nagasu Town in the northern part of Kumamoto Prefecture, right on the border with Fukuoka Prefecture—just about an hour’s drive from Kumamoto City.
Nagasu Town is nationally renowned as a hub for goldfish breeding, home to around 15 aquaculture businesses.
I had the pleasure of visiting the Nagasu Nishikigoi Center (長洲錦鯉センター), one of these local establishments.
A unique aspect of Nagasu’s aquaculture is that fish ponds are interspersed throughout residential areas, integrating goldfish breeding seamlessly into the daily lives of residents.
The Miyaji family run their fish farm in Nagasu Town, cultivating both goldfish and koi with a personal touch.
When Ms. Miyaji goes to feed the fish, they all gather around, seemingly recognizing her presence!
During my visit, I was shown the various goldfish and koi they breed and learned a great deal about their craft.
The cultivation of goldfish in Nagasu Town began about 100 years ago. It started with a local who brought home the then-exotic goldfish and experimented until he successfully bred them, spreading the practice throughout the town.
One major challenge they faced in the early days involved feeding the newborn goldfish, which were too small for the naked eye. Without access to modern information and unable to find suitable food for the tiny fry, the solution eventually came from harvesting eggs of water fleas found in rice paddies.
This painstaking process led to the flourishing of the goldfish farming industry in Nagasu Town.
I visited this particular location where the general public can also purchase goldfish. It’s best to call ahead as they might not always be available.
Nagasu Nishikigoi Center (長洲錦鯉センター)
Address: 2460-3 Nagasu, Nagasu Town, Tamana-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県玉名郡長洲町長洲2460-3)
Phone: 0968-78-0228
Next, I headed to a delightful place known as “Kingyo no Yakata” (金魚の館, lit. Goldfish Pavilion).
You’re greeted by a giant goldfish sculpture upon arrival, which is also carried as a mikoshi (portable shrine) during the “Noshikora Matsuri”, a local festival every year in August.
The sculpture is usually outside, though it can sometimes be found inside the pavilion.
Here’s a fantastic photo from the festival:
Inside the pavilion, various types of goldfish swim in tanks.
Even some quite large ones.
This one’s named Sunny.
Outside the pavilion, there’s a pond.
The koi in the pond are quite enthusiastic and will swarm towards anyone they suspect might feed them.
They almost seem like they might leap out of the water…
The area also serves as a park, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll.
Kingyo to Koi no Sato Hiroba (金魚と鯉の郷広場)
Address: 3150 Nagasu, Nagasu Town, Tamana-gun, Kumamoto (熊本県玉名郡長洲町長洲3150)
During my travels, I made a stop here.
Nagasu Town might conjure images of shipyards for some, given its industrial reputation. Although the weather was dreary during my visit, I was told that the area becomes quite atmospheric at night, making it a recommended route for evening drives!
Even as I moved around, I was constantly reminded that I was in a town obsessed with goldfish!
At the train station…
Even on license plates!
Amidst this goldfish-crazed town is a store dedicated to these aquatic beauties, Yone Mura Confectionery.
The shop is filled with sweets inspired by goldfish!
I made bought this:
The packaging features a delightful goldfish design!
Goldfish monaka!
They’re shaped like goldfish! These sweets, subtly sweet and delicious, are a unique treat indeed!
Okashi No Yonemura (お菓子のよね村)
303 Nagasu, Nagasu Town, Tamana-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県玉名郡長洲町長洲303)
TEL: 0968-78-0102
Closed on the first, third and fifth Monday of every month.
Nagasu truly lives up to its reputation as a town immersed in goldfish culture—it was my first experience being surrounded by so many!
Spending a day amidst a variety of goldfish and exploring different fish farms can be quite the adventure.
Just an hour’s drive from Kumamoto City, it’s a perfect getaway for a day trip. Why not venture out and see it for yourself?
Until next time!
The above was translated and adapted from an article on our Japanese sister website ALT Kumamoto, titled “熊本県北西部、全国有数の金魚の産地、長洲町でたくさんの種類の金魚に出会い、その歴史を学び、金魚に囲まれた町を堪能してきました！” For the original content, visit https://akumamoto.jp/archives/97441.
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