Taking ayu with a spear is, as a rule, prohibited across Japan. But from the end of summer, the rivers of Higashiyoshino open to spearfishing. During this precious window, CALMA guides you on the river so you can feel the value of a clear stream for yourself.
CALMA encourages hunting and fishing in the sea and rivers as a form of ART. You cannot understand nature's awe just by looking at it — and as humans grow more distant from nature, we keep making foolish decisions. Catching food and hunting fish are primal acts that connect us to nature as closely as people a thousand years ago. To know a living creature is an exchange of life. Taste the essence of that primal experience here — one that will never disappear from the future. It is a primitive yet sophisticated game of one body and one tool. By placing yourself in it, you engage deeply with creatures, environment and weather. Beyond the act of spearing an ayu waits an understanding of nature and of people, a river current your body learns by heart, the feeling of your own temperature — and above all, release from the everyday. Whether you spear a fish or not, an astonishing, unreal experience is waiting. Please join us.
Beginners can rarely catch an ayu — though people with exceptional instinct sometimes do. You are welcome to aim for other fish as well.
Whatever you catch, you must take it home and eat it. Don't forget something to carry it in — we provide ice and zip-lock bags.
* Fishing permit fees go entirely to the fishery cooperative, funding the work that keeps this river and its fish alive.
Prepare your lunch before coming to the village — there is nowhere to buy lunch in the village itself.
The last convenience stores and roadside station are marked in orange on this map. There is nowhere else to shop — please plan ahead:
https://bit.ly/RRPtakamigawa
Destination: CALMA WATER CLUB — 660 Ogawa, Higashiyoshino-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara 633-2421
Parking: There is now a parking lot just before CWC, across from the wagashi (sweets) shop. If it is full, use the Higashiyoshino Village Office parking lot and walk to CWC.
By train: From the station, the very affordable community bus "Furusato-go" is available.
Inquiries: Higashiyoshino Village Office 0746-42-0441
Community bus information