Yamatokoriyama is a castle town that has bred goldfish for over 300 years, and today it wears the fish as its identity — from ponds and shops to quirky goldfish vending machines and a famous summer scooping championship. It’s a fun, offbeat half-day beside a historic castle.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Yamatokoriyama, Nara Pref. |
| Hours | Town anytime; shops daytime |
| Admission | Free (some attractions small fees) |
| Time needed | Half day |
| Best time | Summer (scooping championship, Aug) |
What to See & Do
- Goldfish everywhere — ponds, shops and even a former phone-box aquarium.
- Quirky goldfish vending machines and photogenic spots around town.
- The National Goldfish Scooping Championship each August.
- Koriyama Castle ruins and cherry blossoms in spring.
Combine Your Visit
- Great for kids — see our Nara family trip guide .
- Try pottery nearby — Akahada ware guide .
- More offbeat ideas in our Nara hidden gems guide .
Getting There
- From Kintetsu: Kintetsu Kashihara Line to Kintetsu-Koriyama Station.
- From JR: JR Yamatoji Line to Koriyama Station; ~15 min from Nara.
Tips
Spring adds cherry blossoms at the castle; summer brings the scooping championship — pick your season for the best of both.
