[Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture] The long-awaited season has arrived! Ayu (sweetfish) fishing in the Kamanashi River and Shiokawa River will finally open on Saturday, June 6th!

With its superb location overlooking a magnificent mountain, and thanks to meticulous stocking by the Kyohoku Fisheries Cooperative, the area is ready to welcome anglers from both within and outside the prefecture this year!

Ayu fishing for this season will open simultaneously on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in the Kamanashi River and Shiokawa River, which flow through Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture.

Surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Mt. Fuji and the Yatsugatake Mountains, these two rivers are among the prefecture’s most popular fishing spots, attracting many anglers every year thanks to their abundant water quality and excellent accessibility. This year, the local Kyohoku Fisheries Cooperative has successfully released juvenile fish, and the season for “tomozuri” (a type of fly fishing), a quintessential early summer activity, is about to begin.

■ A fishing spot with breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji! A battle of wits with ayu fish in the miraculous clear stream blessed by the majestic mountain.
The Kamanashi River and Shiokawa River, which flow through the center of Nirasaki City, are characterized by their cold, clear water flowing in from the Southern Alps and Yatsugatake Mountains. High-quality moss grows on the stones of the riverbed, and the ayu (sweetfish) that feed on it are known to be highly territorial and active.

The main appeal of these two rivers is undoubtedly the magnificent natural scenery surrounding them.

On a clear day, you can enjoy the ultimate luxury of casting your line while listening to the beautiful murmur of the river, with Mount Fuji and the Houou Sanzan mountains as your backdrop.

■ Careful stocking activities by the Kyohoku Fisheries Cooperative. This year too, high-quality naturally migrating and stocked ayu will welcome you.
As the best season for ayu fishing approaches, the Kyohoku Fisheries Cooperative has released juvenile ayu multiple times since early spring. The young ayu have successfully adapted to the river environment and are now forming territories in preparation for the opening day, ready to provide the thrill of “tomozuri” (a type of ayu fishing) with their strong pull.

Since river conditions change daily, it is recommended to check the latest information before your fishing trip. Detailed information about the local river conditions, as well as the locations where you can purchase bait ayu (sweetfish) and fishing licenses (fishing tickets, etc.), can be found in advance on the official website or dedicated information pamphlet of the fishing cooperative.

Kyohoku Fisheries Cooperative Association

https://kyohoku-gyokyo.com/

■ It’s not just sweetfish! In mountainous areas, we also recommend stream fishing targeting char and cherry salmon.
The depths of the rivers in Nirasaki are not limited to ayu (sweetfish). If you venture further upstream into the mountainous areas, you can also enjoy serious stream fishing, targeting char, cherry salmon, and amago trout amidst the beautiful scenery.

Enjoy a special holiday while feeling the refreshing breeze of early summer and seriously engaging with the bounty of the river. While respecting the rules and manners, why not try your hand at encountering the beautiful ayu fish nurtured by the clear waters of Nirasaki?
Overview of Ayu fishing (Kamanashi River/Shiokawa River)]
Release Date: From Saturday, June 6, 2026 until the end of the season

Target rivers: Kamanashi River system and Shiokawa River system (various locations within Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture)

Regarding fishing licenses (river fishing permits):

Fishing in rivers requires the purchase of a fishing license.

*In addition to designated local retailers (fishing tackle shops, convenience stores, bait shops, etc.), you can also purchase them online in advance.

[Contact information for inquiries regarding this matter]

Nirasaki City Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association)

Official information site (Nirasaki Tourism Navi): https://www.nirasaki-kankou.jp/kankou_spot/sangaku_outdoor/fishing/4217.html

Kyohoku Fisheries Cooperative Association
Telephone number: 0551-27-2580

*For the latest local information and details on fishing licenses, please check the website of the ” Kyohoku Fisheries Cooperative Association “.

After enjoying ayu fishing in the clear streams of Nirasaki, why not stop by some of the city’s charming spots and fully enjoy a day in early summer?

Takeda no Sato Hakusan Onsen: A famous hot spring to soothe the fatigue of fishing.

Easily accessible from the Kamanashi River and Shiokawa River, this day-trip hot spring facility is perfect for soothing your body and recuperating after a day of fishing. It features emerald green, free-flowing hot spring water, and the open-air bath offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Yatsugatake Mountains.

“Delicious souvenirs & gourmet food” to fill your stomach with Nirasaki’s specialties.

For souvenirs, we recommend sweets that can be bought around “Lazawalk Nirasaki,” a traditional confectionary that has been loved since the days of the Koshu Kaido post town, or at long-established shops in the city, as well as “Ginga no Eki Nirasaki,” which offers a wide selection of fresh local specialties.

For lunch between fishing trips, there are many excellent restaurants scattered throughout the city where you can enjoy Yamanashi’s specialty “houtou” noodles or smooth, handmade soba noodles.

Galaxy Station Nirasaki

Enjoy the magical sight of fireflies in Odagawa until nightfall.

The opening of the ayu fishing season in early June coincides perfectly with the firefly viewing season.

In the Odagawa district of Nakata Town, which has been selected as one of the “100 Best Hometowns for Wildlife” by the Ministry of the Environment, you can enjoy the gentle light of Genji fireflies as dusk falls, and spend a quiet and magical night that is quite different from daytime fishing.

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