For anyone interested in catching their own fish but would like to try a more “hands-on” approach, we here at RocketNews24 have some good news for you. There’s a place located in the Kiso District of Nagano Prefecture in Japan which allows you to get down to a bit of barehand fishing. The spot is a shallow flowing river, located deep in a charming forest and is a retreat haven for anyone interested in catching and cooking their own fish on site. The type of fish that can be caught are landlocked salmon and while there’s plenty for everyone, catching the wriggly fellas with your bare hands could prove harder than it first looks.
A place where children as well as adults can have a lot of fun!
Not only does the river boast enchanting surroundings within the Akazawa Natural Recreation Forest but it’s also shallow enough for anyone to enjoy regardless of their age. In this way, you can feel at ease in bringing the little ones along with you as well.
It’s a fight between you and the salmon
Strictly speaking, you can catch as much landlocked salmon as you like but you might have to put up a bit of a fight for it. Even if it does take a lot of time and patience, the satisfaction of cooking your own fish has got to be second to none!
▼ Getting ready to catch some salmon! No shoes required.
▼ There are a lot of them out there!
A catch isn’t guaranteed, but the emphasis is more on having fun!
As our writers from the editing department found out, despite the shallowness of the river, catching the fish was much harder than it first appeared. It saddens us to say that they all went away empty handed but admittedly with smiles on their faces from how much fun they’d had in the process.
What more could you ask for?
While getting this hands-on experience doesn’t come for free, even if you aren’t lucky enough to catch a fish yourself you are still guaranteed a freshly cooked salmon to eat among the tranquil surroundings! The best part about it all is that the fresh outdoor air adds a fuller and richer flavor to the fish that whets the appetite like you wouldn’t imagine.
▼ Cook your own fish on the outside grill!
▼ Looks like it’s just about done!
▼ Now it’s time to get down to the tasting, and the conclusion: absolutely delicious!
▼ To help you find your way around the forest there’s a course map both in Japanese and English
▼ After lunch, why not take a ride on the train to see more of the sights!
▼ The forest is located in an area that boasts spectacular views and is a place where you can feel truly at one with nature.
There you have it folks, if you’re planning a trip to the Kiso District or happen to be close by, why not check it out!
[ Read in Japanese ]
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Japan’s Human Washing Machine pods are now on sale for home use, and they’re not cheap
Which convenience store onigiri rice balls are the most popular? Survey reveals surprising results
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Japan’s Human Washing Machine pods are now on sale for home use, and they’re not cheap
Which convenience store onigiri rice balls are the most popular? Survey reveals surprising results
Japanese Twitter user shares a genius-level tip for drawing manga characters in skirts【Pics】
5 things about Japanese customer service that surprise foreign visitors
Chance to play Tetris on a massive staircase in Kyoto Station coming in March
You can now buy a Japanese train station clock in Japan
Sushi Pokémon Tatsugiri inspires real-life Pokémon sushi and Japanese kitchenware line【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japanese restaurant chain serves Dragon Ball donuts and Senzu Beans this spring
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 1]
Japan’s craziest burger chain takes menchi katsu to new extreme levels
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 2]
Is Tokyo Station’s startlingly expensive wagyu bento boxed lunch worth its high price?[Taste test]
Japanese drugstore sells onigiri at pre-stupid era prices, but how do they compare to 7-Eleven?
Viral Japanese cheesecake from Osaka has a lesser known rival called Aunt Wanda
Lawson adds doughnuts to its convenience store sweets range, but are they good enough to go viral?
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japanese Twitter user shares a genius-level tip for drawing manga characters in skirts【Pics】
5 things about Japanese customer service that surprise foreign visitors
Chance to play Tetris on a massive staircase in Kyoto Station coming in March
You can now buy a Japanese train station clock in Japan
Sushi Pokémon Tatsugiri inspires real-life Pokémon sushi and Japanese kitchenware line【Photos】
Tour a stylish, minimalistic Muji House in new downtown Tokyo showroom
Gacha capsule toy machine sells Casio watch rings in Japan, and we try to get all of them
Explore Japan’s volcanic beauty at Hakone’s latest attraction
What’s Your National Stereotype? Japanese Sinking Ship Joke Has Got You Pegged
Sakuramochi festival sweetens things up at Tokyo’s Seibu Ikebukuro this season
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Sailor Moon, Outer Senshi are ready to watch over your phone with earphone jack accessories