The last time I stayed in Kyoto, I woke up with the first rays of light, and something told me it was a good idea to go for a walk along the Kamo river and take my camera with me. There, an old man was fishing in the river, and I decided to take a closer look. He greeted me with a smile and I felt I couldn't move from the riverside anymore. We talked and waited patiently for the fish to appear, always lively and happy. When I asked him about his fishing hobby, he told me he wasn't going to eat the fish, just catch and release, and that he went to the river every morning. Chances are, if you walk along the Kamo river early in the morning, you'll find the happy old fisherman.
- 1 min read
The Happy Fisherman at Kamo River
Photo story of a fish capture

Community writer

Kamo river in Kyoto, crossing the Ohashi bridge

Found the happy fisherman

Took my spot and waited patiently for the capture.

Another passerby along the Kamo river joined our small group

Finally, the capture of the morning appears

Cheering and helping the happy fisherman

First contact with the fish

With a great smile, the fisherman completed his morning capture

Time to get the fish back to the river, see you tomorrow
Join the discussion
Elena Lisina
8 years ago
I saw big fish in Kamo, but didn't know that people catch them!
It was really early in the morning, around 5AM. During the day I've never seen anyone fishing in Kamo river.
Shri Bhagwan Sharma
8 years ago
fishing is my hobby. any time when i visit Japan I will sure do Fishing, self cooking and eating of world famous tuna fish.
Reynald Ventura
8 years ago
This is nice, Joseph. Aren't the fish in Kamo River edible? Can't you make nice sashimi out of them?
The old man told me he wasn't gonna eat the fish because it wasn't ok to do so. And because he was just fishing for the catch. I'm not sure if it's edible, but it seemed not.
5 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Sushiro Brings Sustainable Sushi to Expo 2025
Osaka -
2
First Glimpses of Daimaru Matsuzakaya’s Expo 2025 Store
Osaka -
3
Cherry Blossoms, Onsen, and Tochigi Cuisine in Oku-Nikko
Accommodation - Sponsored -
4
“Human Washing Machine” Debuts at Expo 2025 Osaka
Planning -
5
Kyoto Station a Top Pick for Foodie Experiences
Kyoto -
6
Cherry Blossoms and Tuna Gourmet in Nachikatsuura
Wakayama - Sponsored -
7
Japan Travel Ideas: Must-Sees and Hidden Gems
Culture -
8
World Theatre Festival Shizuoka 2025: Where the City Becomes the Stage
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
9
Yamaguchi's Kozan Park
Yamaguchi -
10
Garyu Sanso: An Architectural Masterpiece in Harmony with Nature
Ehime - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
4
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
5
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
6
March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)
Osaka -
7
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
10
Kanamara Penis Festival
Kanagawa