Yamato-Koriyama Castle and Goldfish Small-Group Tour from Nara

Nara Prefecture , Japan

Yamato-Koriyama Castle and Goldfish Small-Group Tour from Nara

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About this experience

Just a short train ride from Nara lies Yamato-Koriyama a hidden gem full of history, samurai legacy, and unexpected charm. Famous for its elegant castle ruins and goldfish culture, this small-group walking tour blends beautiful tradition with whimsical touches like goldfish scooping and indigo-dyed crafts. It’s a relaxed and photogenic escape from the crowds of Nara.

・Explore Koriyama Castle and enjoy panoramic views, seasonal colors, and stone walls steeped in samurai history
・Stroll through nostalgic shopping arcades and discover goldfish-themed treats, crafts, and fun hands-on experiences
・Visit one of Japan’s largest goldfish farms and museum, a quirky highlight unique to Yamato-Koriyama

Available options

Yamato-Koriyama Castle and Goldfish Small-Group Tour from Nara

What's included

Local guide

Local taxes

Detailed itinerary

We will first visit Koriyama Castle, the pride and symbol of the city. The castle was built in the 16th century, and is known as one of the most famous cherry blossoms viewing spots in Japan. Depending on the season, here you can enjoy cherry blossoms (spring) or vivid fall colors (autumn). Koriyama Castle will wow you not only in terms of the stunning stone walls and architecture, but also in terms of the spot’s glorious harmony with nature, as well as its splendid exterior gate that was relocated from Negoriji in Wakayama. And let’s not forget - a breathtaking view from the top that overlooks the town of Yamato-Koriyama.

Pay a visit to this restored indigo dyer's house. Inside you'll find a small museum of art and antiques related to the city's heritage of goldfish breeding. You can also buy hand-dyed accessories should they take your fancy.

Just off the shopping street lies this Shinto shrine. Funnily enough, this shrine is popular with baseball fans all over Japan. When one local man donated baseball mitts for the shrine to give to the disadvantaged, it started somewhat of a trend, and more locals joined in. Eventually some famous pro-baseball players contributed, and now people visit to pray for good results in their games.

At our final stop on the tour, we explore the goldfish production center known as "Kingyoda," just outside the center of the city. Yamato-Koriyama hosts one of Japan's leading goldfish production sites, distributing approximately 60 million goldfish nationwide, or about 40% of the national share. Here on the outskirts of the city, the Kingyoda facility maintains about 50 hectares of goldfish culturing ponds, and the visuals of seeing such great numbers of goldfish swimming about in such a large area is something unforgettable. You’ll also visit "Koriyama goldfish museum" where you will find goldfish-related memorabilia and reproductions of Edo-era prints, along with a garden area with tanks of rare goldfish.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Taxi / Private Car or Bus

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

A maximum of 9 people per booking

Meeting point

Your guide will pick you up at the ticket gate.

Important notes

• Please wear comfortable walking shoes

About Nara Prefecture

Nara Prefecture, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. As the first permanent capital of Japan, it boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the famous Nara Park with its friendly deer and the iconic Todai-ji Temple housing the Great Buddha.

Top Attractions

Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous temples. It houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a massive bronze statue of Buddha that is a symbol of Nara.

Historical/Religious 1.5 to 2 hours ¥600

Nara Park

Nara Park is famous for its friendly wild deer, which are considered messengers of the Shinto gods. The park is a beautiful green space with scenic walking paths and historic temples.

Nature/Cultural 1 to 2 hours Free (¥200 for deer crackers)

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Kasuga Taisha is a renowned Shinto shrine with a history dating back to 768 AD. It is famous for its lanterns, which are donated by worshippers and hang from the shrine's buildings.

Religious/Cultural 1 to 1.5 hours Free (¥500 for the Treasure Museum)

Nara National Museum

The Nara National Museum houses a vast collection of Buddhist art and artifacts, providing insight into Japan's religious and cultural history.

Museum/Cultural 1 to 1.5 hours ¥700

Isuien Garden

Isuien Garden is a beautiful traditional Japanese garden with a history dating back to the Edo period. It offers stunning views of Mount Wakakusa and the surrounding city.

Nature/Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour ¥310

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kakinoha-zushi

Sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, a traditional Nara delicacy with a unique flavor and aroma

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and rice, may contain allergens

Miso-ni

A comforting miso-based soup with tofu, vegetables, and sometimes meat, reflecting Nara's Buddhist culinary traditions

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available, may contain soy

Kudzu-mochi

A traditional Japanese sweet made from kudzu starch, often served with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup)

Dessert Vegetarian, may contain gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in Mount Yoshino Cycling around Nara Park Tea ceremony at a traditional tea house Strolling through Isuien Garden Visiting historic temples and shrines Participating in a traditional craft workshop Visiting hot springs (onsen) in nearby areas Enjoying winter illuminations at temples

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November)

Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn offers stunning fall foliage. These seasons provide comfortable weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Expect large crowds and higher prices for accommodations.

10°C to 25°C 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Nara is a very safe destination with low crime rates. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour guides and vendors

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 50 km from Nara city center
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 35 km from Nara city center

By train

Nara Station, Kintetsu Nara Station

By bus

Nara Station Bus Terminal, Kintetsu Nara Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The Nara City Loop Bus is a convenient and affordable way to get around. Buses are frequent and easy to use, with English announcements and signage.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Nara Park and Todai-ji Area Nakatanicho Sanjo Dori

Day trips

Asuka Village

15 km from Nara • Half day to full day

Asuka Village is a historic site with ancient tombs, temples, and ruins, offering a glimpse into Japan's ancient past. It is known as the birthplace of Japanese civilization and the first permanent capital of Japan.

Mount Yoshino

25 km from Nara • Full day

Mount Yoshino is famous for its stunning cherry blossoms in the spring and beautiful autumn foliage. It is also a sacred site with numerous temples and shrines, including the famous Kinpusen-ji Temple.

Osaka

40 km from Nara • Full day

Osaka is a vibrant city with a mix of modern attractions, historic sites, and delicious street food. It offers a diverse range of experiences, from shopping and dining to cultural and historical exploration.

Festivals

Nara Tokae Shogyo Festival • April 1st Nara Matsuri • October (second weekend) Shinji-kawase Festival • July 14th-15th

Pro tips

Visit Todai-ji Temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere
Buy deer crackers (shika senbei) to feed the friendly deer in Nara Park, but be cautious and follow the park's guidelines
Consider purchasing a Kintetsu Railway Pass for unlimited travel on Kintetsu lines, which can be cost-effective for tourists
Explore Nara-machi, the old town, for a glimpse into traditional Japanese architecture and local crafts
Try kakinoha-zushi, a unique Nara delicacy made with sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves