Koi Fish Canals: Hida Furukawa’s Great Charm!

Do you usually think that beautiful fish like Japanese carp only live in elegant garden ponds at old houses or in water gardens at aquariums? You’re right—that’s a prevalent image regarding these vibrant koi fish! But seeing them swimming in drainage canals? That’s something quite rare and unusual, even in Japan!

Hida Furukawa is one of the few towns where you might spot a wonderful surprise: colorful carp swimming in the town’s drainage canals! Keep reading to discover more about this fun and unexpected sight!

Where is Hida Furukawa? 

Hida Furukawa is a small, beautiful town tucked away in the tranquil mountains of northern Gifu Prefecture. The town has a calm and old-fashioned feel with white-walled buildings, old wooden houses, and tiny rivers running through the streets. It’s like a place that hasn’t changed much over time!

Long ago, Hida Furukawa became known for its strong timber and excellent carpenters. The people here were so good at building with wood that their skills helped create important temples around Japan. Today, you can still see this talent in the detailed wooden houses and carvings around town. You can even make wooden items at places like the Hida Craftsman Culture Hall. 

Moreover, Hida Furukawa is also full of fun things to do all year round. In January, the snowy town glows with candlelight during the Santera-Mairi Festival. In April, huge drums shake the streets during the Furukawa Festival. You can walk by three notable temples and enjoy the quiet charm of winter. Looking for something tasty? Hida Furukawa also has yummy food made with herbs and sweet, smooth sake from its local breweries.

While walking along the peaceful Setogawa Canal lined with shirakabe dozo (white-walled storehouses), don’t miss a little surprise! Colorful koi fish are gently swimming right next to the street. This is one of the special sights that make Hida Furukawa truly magical.

Why can koi fish be found in the drainage canals of Hida Furukawa?

These stunning koi fish live in the town’s drainage canals, which were built over 400 years ago using water from the old moat of Masushima Castle. In the past, locals used the canal water to clean vegetables. But during fast economic growth, the canals became dirty and weren’t nice for people or fish.

However, the people of Hida Furukawa didn’t give up. In 1968, they cleaned the canals and added koi fish to help keep them clean and pretty. Koi need clean water to live, so their presence shows the town’s care for its rivers and history. 

These lovely carp also symbolize strength and never giving up as they always swim upstream. Like the people of Hida Furukawa, the koi keep moving forward, no matter what!

Are you looking for great snacks while walking around canals? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers the latest Japanese snacks, sweets, drinks, candy, and noodles from Japan directly to your door!

What is special about these koi fish canals?

From April to November, about 1,000 bright and shiny koi fish swim in the clear water, all lined up in one direction, like they’re in a parade! They don’t even break formation when people throw food at them. They’re also big, some over 80 cm (31 in)  long and weighing over 10 kg (22 lb)! It’s funny and amazing to watch!

In winter, the koi get a little vacation. On the last Saturday of November, local people and even tourists help gently carry them to Tenjin Pond, near the castle ruins, to keep them safe from the cold.

And in spring, everyone gathers again to bring the fish back to the canal, like a happy homecoming to welcome the new season. Soft pink cherry blossoms bloom along the canal. The petals sometimes fall into the water and float gently beside the fish. Plus, the traditional white-walled buildings and wooden homes around the canal make the whole place feel like a dreamy painting!

If you visit, you can buy koi food (only 100 yen!) and feed them yourself. You’ll love how they glide through the water between the old buildings and under little bridges.

Why should you visit the koi fish drainage canals in Hida Furukawa?

Watching the colorful koi calmly swim in clear water in the middle of the town feels both simple and special. It’s not just fun; it’s a way to appreciate how people and nature can live together with care and respect. These canals show how a community came together to protect their water and traditions in a very traditional way.

But koi aren’t the only surprise here. The town has its rhythm, with old wooden homes, peaceful shrines, handmade crafts, and local food full of flavor and history. From seasonal festivals to the quiet charm of the streets, there’s something warm and meaningful in every corner. Visiting the koi fish canals is a chance to be part of that. Would you like to stroll these koi-filled streets someday? Let me know in the comments!

Cited Sources

• Japan National Tourism Organization. “Hida Furukawa“.
• Visit Gifu. “Hida Furukawa: Town of White-Walled Storehouses along the Seto River“.
• Hida Travel. “Japanese Carp In Hida Furukawa“.