Awesome Tenkara Locations

Tenkara Locations in Japan

The beauty of tenkara fishing lies in its intimate connection to Japan's landscape. A perfect tenkara location is a pristine mountain stream, a clear river flowing through a tranquil valley, or a high-altitude lake teeming with native fish. While you can find tenkara opportunities across the country, some regions are legendary among anglers for their wild beauty and abundant fishing. This guide will walk you through the most iconic tenkara locations in Japan.

This guide is just a starting point. Japan has countless rivers and streams waiting to be explored, and these locations are meant to point you in the right direction for a successful and unforgettable tenkara fishing trip.

Honshu Tenkara Locations

Tokyo (Okutama)

Tokyo (Okutama): Just a 90-minute train ride from Shinjuku Station, the Okutama region offers a complete escape from city life. Here, the Okutama River carves through a beautiful valley, offering excellent opportunities for native Iwana, Yamame, and Rainbow Trout. The area is managed by the Okutama Fishing Cooperative, and permits are required.

How to get there: From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line to Tachikawa Station, then transfer to the JR Ome Line to Okutama Station. From the station, you can follow the river on foot or take a local bus to more remote spots. Popular managed spots like the Hikawa International Trout Fishing Spot and the Okutama Fishing Center offer a convenient way to fish with a permit and rent gear on-site.
GPS Coordinates: 35.7900 N, 139.1170 E

Yamanashi Prefecture (Mount Fuji Region)

The area around Mount Fuji is a mecca for tenkara anglers. The Katsura River, flowing through the famous Oshino Village, is considered hallowed ground for its clear waters and healthy trout population. Here, you can cast for native Yamame and Rainbow Trout with the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Fuji.

How to get there: The easiest way to access this area is by bus or car from Tokyo. From Shinjuku Station, take a highway bus directly to Kawaguchiko Station. The river is a short drive or bus ride from there. For specific spots in Oshino Village, check with a local tackle shop to purchase a permit and get a map of the fishing zones.
GPS Coordinates: 35.4600 N, 138.8478 E

Kanagawa Prefecture (Tanzawa Mountains)

Just a short train ride from Tokyo, the Tanzawa mountain range offers an accessible escape. Its many streams and tributaries are perfect for a day trip, with opportunities to catch Iwana and Amago.

How to get there: Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station to Hadano Station. From there, local buses run into the mountains. For specific, more secluded fishing spots, your best bet is to get a rental car at the station or hire a local guide. The roads can be narrow and winding, so a map or GPS is essential.
GPS Coordinates: 35.4385 N, 139.1915 E

Chichibu (Saitama Prefecture)

This region is a tenkara paradise for Tokyo residents. The Arakawa River and its tributaries are famous for their healthy populations of Amago and Yamame. The serene, forested valleys offer a complete change of pace from the city.

How to get there: From Ikebukuro Station, take the Seibu-Ikeburo Line to Seibu-Chichibu Station. From there, you'll need to hire a taxi or take a local bus to get to the streams. The Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park has numerous well-marked trails that follow the rivers, offering easy access to fishing spots. For a more remote experience, try the trails near Mitsumine Shrine, which lead to the headwaters of the Arakawa.
GPS Coordinates: 35.5891 N, 138.9328 E

The Izu Peninsula: Coastal Streams

The Izu Peninsula, famous for its beaches and hot springs, also has a network of streams that are perfect for tenkara.

Kano River: The main river on the peninsula, the Kano River, and its tributaries are famous for their native Amago trout. The waters here are warmer, making for a unique fishing environment. The Yoshina River is a particularly well-known tributary that is highly recommended.
- How to get there: From Tokyo Station, take the JR Tokaido Line to Atami Station and transfer to the Izu-Kyūkō Line. From there, local trains and buses can take you to the various towns along the river. Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the various tributaries and fishing spots. For the headwaters of the Kano River, a challenging hike into the mountains from the Amagi Pass is a rewarding experience.
- GPS Coordinates: 34.9080 N, 138.9950 E

Hokkaido TEnkara Locations

Shiretoko Peninsula

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this remote peninsula is known for its untouched wilderness. Its pristine, cold streams are home to a strong population of native Iwana and Yamame, offering a truly unforgettable backcountry experience.

How to get there: This is a destination that requires a flight to Memanbetsu Airport (MMB) or Nakashibetsu Airport (SHB), followed by a rental car. The fishing spots are remote and require extensive hiking. Many of the best spots are in the headwaters and require several hours of hiking to reach. For access, head to the trailhead for the Kamuiwakka Hot Falls and follow the remote trails that parallel the rivers. This area is challenging and requires careful planning and navigation.
GPS Coordinates: 44.1539 N, 145.1291 E

Shari River

This river is famous among tenkara anglers for its clear, cold water and healthy population of native trout. In late summer and autumn, you can also observe the incredible sight of salmon returning to the river to spawn.

How to get there: The best way to access the Shari River is by flying into Memanbetsu Airport (MMB) and renting a car. The river is located near the town of Kiyosato. The fishing cooperative has maps of fishing access points and regulations. Many access points are from the roadside, but for more solitude, hike into the side tributaries from a designated trailhead.
GPS Coordinates: 43.7656 N, 144.5772 E

Shikoku TEnkara Locations

Shimanto River & Niyodo River

Shimanto River & Niyodo River: Known as the "Last Pure Streams" of Japan, these rivers are undammed and boast some of the cleanest water in the country. They are a prime location for Ayu in the summer and native Amago in their headwaters.

How to get there: This region is best accessed by flying into Kochi Ryoma Airport (KCZ). A rental car is essential for reaching the rural and remote fishing spots along the river. The headwaters of the Niyodo River, in particular, are remote and require a good deal of hiking. For a truly wild experience, park near the town of Niyodo and hike the old mountain trails that lead to the river's more secluded upper reaches.
GPS Coordinates (Niyodo River): 33.6267 N, 133.2667 E

Awesome Tenkara Locations

Tenkara Locations in Japan