Kiyotaki Fishing Pond is a fishing facility surrounded by the deep mountain forests of Kawauchi, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture. Set in a peaceful natural environment filled with lush greenery and fresh mountain air, it offers an easy and enjoyable way to fish for freshwater species such as rainbow trout.
Far from the noise of the city, visitors can enjoy an atmosphere that feels almost like fishing beside a mountain stream. The facility is popular with families and beginners as well as experienced anglers.
In addition to its fishing ponds, the facility has fish-rearing ponds and a restaurant. One of its greatest attractions is the opportunity to have fish caught on site prepared and served as a meal. Fresh river fish dishes include Ginhikari, a premium Gunma-branded rainbow trout, as well as rainbow trout, yamame trout, and char.
The fishing ponds at Kiyotaki are man-made, but the surrounding environment is rich in nature, with mountains all around and clear water flowing through the area.
Fishing rods and bait can be rented on site, so visitors do not need to bring their own equipment. The facility is therefore easy to enjoy even for first-time anglers and travelers who simply want to try fishing during their trip.
There are two main fishing options: weight-based fishing and timed fishing.
With weight-based fishing, you pay according to the total weight of the fish you catch, allowing you to catch only as much as you want. Timed fishing allows unlimited fishing for a set period of one hour and is suitable for visitors who want to spend more time enjoying the experience.
No reservation is required for weight-based fishing, and visitors are served in the order they arrive. After receiving a fishing rod with bait, you can head directly to the fishing pond.
Once you have finished fishing, the fish you caught are weighed and you pay according to their total weight.
Your catch can then be prepared in a variety of ways, including salt-grilled, deep-fried, fried as a fillet, tempura, or sashimi. River fish grilled over charcoal are especially appealing, with a fragrant aroma and tender, flaky meat that makes the fishing experience even more enjoyable.
One of the highlights of Kiyotaki Fishing Pond is the opportunity to taste Ginhikari, a premium fish developed in Gunma Prefecture.
Ginhikari is a high-quality variety of rainbow trout developed through more than 10 years of selective breeding at the Gunma Fisheries Experiment Station. It was registered as a trademark in 2002.
Ordinary rainbow trout generally reach maturity at around two years of age, while Ginhikari belongs to a strain that matures for the first time in its third year. This characteristic helps reduce deterioration in meat quality as the fish grows larger.
As a result, Ginhikari can reach a substantial size while retaining excellent flavor and is highly regarded as a freshwater fish that can even be enjoyed as sashimi.
It has a beautiful silvery exterior and vivid reddish flesh similar in appearance to salmon. Its meat is fine-textured and smooth, and the fish is known as a nutritious food containing high-quality protein, relatively little fat, and nutrients such as EPA and DHA.
Because relatively few restaurants and facilities in Gunma serve Ginhikari, tasting it can be a special culinary experience for visitors to the region.
The restaurant attached to the fishing pond serves a variety of river fish dishes as well as udon noodles, tempura, and other Japanese meals.
Visitors can have fish they caught prepared for them, but it is also possible to visit the restaurant simply to enjoy a meal without fishing.
Popular dishes include Ginhikari sashimi and fried Ginhikari, along with salt-grilled rainbow trout and yamame trout. The fresh flavors of the fish can be enjoyed in a peaceful setting surrounded by the mountains.
Mori Udon / Kake Udon
Tempura Udon / Shrimp Tempura Udon / Curry Udon
Salt-Grilled Rainbow Trout
Salt-Grilled Yamame Trout
Salt-Grilled Char
Ginhikari Sashimi
Fried Ginhikari
Assorted Tempura
Soft drinks and beer are also available, making it possible to relax and enjoy a leisurely meal after fishing.
Kiyotaki also offers barbecue experiences by advance reservation. Charcoal and cooking grills are provided, and visitors may bring their own ingredients, making this a fun option for families and groups who want to enjoy an outdoor meal surrounded by nature.
Catch-and-grab activities are also available, allowing visitors, especially children, to experience the excitement of catching fish directly. These hands-on activities are a popular part of a family visit.
Kiyotaki Fishing Pond is located deep in the mountains away from central Kiryu. The journey to the facility takes visitors along mountain roads, some sections of which are quite narrow.
However, this secluded setting is also part of the attraction. Upon arrival, visitors can enjoy an atmosphere reminiscent of a hidden mountain retreat, surrounded by forests, clear air, and peaceful scenery.
Fishing ponds and fish-rearing ponds are scattered throughout the grounds, while the surrounding mountains provide a quiet backdrop. It is an ideal place to slow down, enjoy nature, and take a refreshing break from everyday life.
Opening hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (May close at 3:00 p.m. on weekdays)
Restaurant service: From 10:00 a.m.
Closed: Thursdays except public holidays, and the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month
Fishing: Bait fishing, with weight-based and timed options
Capacity: Approximately 20–25 people
Parking is available, and all seats are non-smoking. Reservations are also accepted.
Kiyotaki Fishing Pond offers the chance to combine a relaxing fishing experience with freshly prepared river fish in the mountains of Kiryu.
Its opportunity to taste Ginhikari, Gunma’s premium rainbow trout, is another special attraction. Catching a fish yourself and then enjoying it freshly prepared at the same facility is an experience that combines outdoor recreation with local cuisine.
When visiting Kiryu City, consider making the journey into the mountains to experience Kiyotaki Fishing Pond, where you can enjoy fresh mountain air, fishing, and delicious freshwater fish in a peaceful natural setting.