Travelling to Japan, any thoughts...

[rockman]

I happen to be travelling to Japan for two weeks later this month, probably spending one week in Kyoto area.

Any thoughts on Koi farms, gardens, etc... to visit? I am currently doing a lot of reading and planning what I want to see (there is quite a lot!). I might even try to buy a Koi while I am there, who knows? I do not speak any Japanese, unfortuntely.

[Minster49]

I was fortunate enough to spend a couple days in Kyoto a few years back and I think you will enjoy it. It has some of the most beautiful temples and gardens I've ever seen. I don't think you will have any trouble finding literature on the internet on what you'll need to see. I was on a tour so I didn't have to find my way around with the subways an such. If it's like any of the other Japanese cities that I've been to, I'm sure it will be very easy for you to get around. The Gold Pavilion is probably one of my favorite places to visit there. I've found that many of the Mom and Pop's sushi places in Japan is actually quite good and cheaper than sushi restaurants in the States. My friend and I ate all the toro and ama ebi that we wanted for less than $40 total at each of the sushi shops that we went to. Don't be scared to sit down at any of the ramen noodle shops even though you don't speak Japanese, they are awesome and pretty easy to order since it's really just ramen. Have a great trip.

[dick benbow]

The Kyoto area is probably the best concentration of japanese gardens you will ever see. keep in mind that English is taught in the schools there and while there is often a hestancey to speak it many understand it it pretty well. But out of respect for the culture you'll need to practice up on some phrases...there are tapes out and would be worth purchasing and spending some time with. Take lots of photos for us please. I think when it comes to purchasing koi there and getting them back home it would be best to have someone like a local dealer who knows the ropes. It might be worth a call to Pan intercorp which is not that far from home here in the states and see what Joel has to say...I'm excited for you...It's always wonderful to visit Japan...maybe this year the gardens and next year Niigata. The Mountains are so incredibly beautiful this time of year. have fun.....

[Russell Peters]

I think the biggest problem for a hobbiest buying Koi in Japan now is getting them out. The new restrictions will porbably make it impossible for you, so I would recommend going through a knowledgeable, connected dealer.

[EmeraldKoi]

You will have a ball if you like koi. If you do buy fish, use an agent for sure. Quarantine and transport etc is just too much if you are not set up there, and the agent does not charge a lot for what they do, mostly about 10%. Speak to them or get connected before you leave, it is not easy to make contact once you are there if you dont know where to look.

My bet is think of what you want to spend, and allow for much more. If you do buy a fish, I bet you come back with a box full. It is too tempting to just buy one ... if you do have that restraint let me know. I will take off my hat to you (and eat it!). I went to buy a good breeding pair , and came back with 41 fish! Explain that to the wife now. You will see more than one fish you want for sure, so plan for it. you will not be disapointed, it is a fantastic opportunity.

Eat lots of sushi.

Enjoy!

[rockman]

Quote: Originally Posted by EmeraldKoi You will have a ball if you like koi. If you do buy fish, use an agent for sure. Quarantine and transport etc is just too much if you are not set up there, and the agent does not charge a lot for what they do, mostly about 10%. Speak to them or get connected before you leave, it is not easy to make contact once you are there if you dont know where to look. My bet is think of what you want to spend, and allow for much more. If you do buy a fish, I bet you come back with a box full. It is too tempting to just buy one ... if you do have that restraint let me know. I will take off my hat to you (and eat it!). I went to buy a good breeding pair , and came back with 41 fish! Explain that to the wife now. You will see more than one fish you want for sure, so plan for it. you will not be disapointed, it is a fantastic opportunity. Eat lots of sushi. Enjoy!

Thanks for the comments folks, I am indeed planning on using aan agent, in fact Joel at Pan Intercorp will be in Japan at the same time and I will probably plan a day trip to visit him in Hiroshima.

As for the 41 fish ...that indeed would be hard to explain to my wife, especially since that would mean a substantial expansion of our pond!

[Akai-San]

Autumn in Japan is very colorful. Later this month you should be able to experience the changing of the colors (trees leaves). There maybe several festivals going on in Kyoto during your stay. With all the gardens and temples set within the landscapes, don't forget to bring your camera. The weather now is already cooling down and the light breezes even make it a little chilly.

Much like spring time, I think October is one of the nicest times to visit Japan....especially with ALL the Koi HARVEST! Hahaha...I hear that when they bring in the koi for wintering from the mudponds during October, the koi showings are spectacular! May even drive-up the price a little...Have fun!

[rockman]

My wife and I got back back from our two week stint in Toyko and Kyoto, and a day in Nara. Gardens in Kyoto and Nara were goegeous, and I did see quite a lot of Koi.

However, I didn't manage to get around to visiting a Koi farm (sigh), oh well, I will have to save that for another trip. I am thinking maybe next time I might have someone to go with me who could help wiht the purchase process and the language.

We did have an excellent time in Japan, and I managed to pick up a tiny bit of Japanese (staying for two days with an old friend and his familiy in Tyoko was a totally immersion into the Japanese culture!).

In Kyoto, we stayed at a hotel right next to Takaragaike Pond. There were lots of koi in the pond, mostly wild type, but also a number of decent colorful ones including kohaku and sanke. I made fishy friends by feeding them bread in the mornings and I swear after several days there were ready to greet me every morning at the same spot in the pond!

[rockman]

My wife and I got back back from our two week stint in Toyko and Kyoto, and a day in Nara. Gardens in Kyoto and Nara were goegeous, and I did see quite a lot of Koi.

However, I didn't manage to get around to visiting a Koi farm (sigh), oh well, I will have to save that for another trip. I am thinking maybe next time I might have someone to go with me who could help wiht the purchase process and the language.

We did have an excellent time in Japan, and I managed to pick up a tiny bit of Japanese (staying for two days with an old friend and his familiy in Tyoko was a totally immersion into the Japanese culture!).

In Kyoto, we stayed at a hotel right next to Takaragaike Pond. There were lots of koi in the pond, mostly wild type, but also a number of decent colorful ones including kohaku and sanke. I made fishy friends by feeding them bread in the mornings and I swear after several days there were ready to greet me every morning at the same spot in the pond!