Meeting Point

Kintetsu Koriyama Station

Yamato-Koriyama Castle ruins

This castle was built in the 12th century. At that time, it was a stronghold for Nara and its region. Nowadays, its ruins remain a very popular tourist spot. The visitor comes especially for its garden and its cherry blossoms in April!

Old town

The city is simple and calm, you can feel the history of Japan. The atmosphere changes depending on the street, streets with old traditional Japanese houses, street along 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 will give you all the references.

Aizome, blue indigo dying experience

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 dying 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” store and practice indigo blue dyeing on handkerchiefs.

Kingyo sukui, Goldfish fishing experience

If you go to Japan during summer, you will see a lot of people wearing yukatas (light kimonos) at festivals having fun fishing for goldfish (kingyo sukui). They are very representative of summer Japan and should be done at least once when visiting this country. Fishing can be practiced all year round at the "Kochikuya" shop in Yamato-Koriyama.

Goldfish Museum

This museum is administered by the "Yamato Kingyoen" herders association (literally "the golden-robed fish fields of Yamato"). Masaji Shimata, the founder of the association, had the building constructed with his own money. He wanted to popularize the history and culture of these goldfish. It is therefore the opportunity for us to visit it.

Ending Point

Kintetsu Koriyama Station