Kanto · TochigiFood
On Mountain Day, a side-channel of the Naka River is penned off and filled with sweetfish for children to catch by hand — then grill on the spot.
Overview
The Nakagawa ayu catching event is a community day on the Naka River in northern Tochigi, held each year on 11 August, Japan’s Mountain Day holiday. Live ayu (sweetfish) are released into pens set in a calmed side-channel of the river, and participants wade in and catch them by hand.
It is organised by a local council for inland fisheries and regional revitalisation, using ayu from the Naka River itself — a river with a serious reputation among Japanese anglers. The catch is grilled and eaten on site.
When and Where
11 August, annually. In 2026 the event ran on Tuesday 11 August with reception from 08:00, an opening ceremony at 09:00 and catching from 10:00.
The venue is the right-bank riverbed of the Naka River in the Ogawa (Funato) district of Nakagawa Town, Nasu District.
What to Expect
- Separate pens for elementary school, junior high school and general participants
- Ten large household pools set up for preschool children
- Food stalls selling Nakagawa Town brand yakisoba, salt-grilled ayu, Japanese black beef, skewers and draft beer
- Special vehicles brought by the Japan Self-Defense Forces, with games for children
- A go/no-go decision announced at 06:00 on the morning of the event
Admission and Practicalities
Everyone entering the pens pays, including accompanying adults. Published rates: preschool free (accompanying guardian ¥1,000); elementary ¥500; junior high ¥1,000; elementary child plus one adult ¥2,000; junior high student plus two adults ¥2,500; high school ¥2,000; general adult ¥3,000.
Advance online booking was capped at 500 people, with remaining places available on the day. The first 500 advance registrants of junior high age and under received grilled beef skewers.
Tips for Visitors
The 2026 edition has already taken place. The next is expected on 11 August 2027, but has not been announced — check the official site before planning around it.
It is held in light rain but cancelled for bad weather or high water, so watch for the 06:00 announcement on the day.
Access is essentially by car: about 30 minutes from Yaita IC on the Tohoku Expressway. Bring a change of clothes and river shoes.
Access and Map
| Dates | 11 August (annual; 2026 edition has finished) |
|---|---|
| Times | Reception 08:00; opening ceremony 09:00; catching from 10:00 |
| Venue | Naka River right bank, Ogawa (Funato), Nakagawa Town, Nasu District, Tochigi |
| Access | Approx. 30 min by car from Yaita IC, Tohoku Expressway |
| Admission | ¥500–¥3,000 depending on age; preschool free |
| Official site | Nakagawa Ayu no Tsukamidori (Nakagawa Town) |
Source: Nakagawa Ayu no Tsukamidori official site
Image: Photo: Σ64 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0) — the Naka River, the event venue
