Hikawa International Trout Fishing Ground

Hikawa International Trout Fishing Ground is located in the scenic Okutama region of western Tokyo, nestled along the Tama River in the mountainous area that marks the border between Tokyo and Yamanashi Prefecture. Established in 1950, this fishing ground was one of Japan's pioneering commercial trout fishing facilities, created to meet the growing demand for recreational fishing in the post-war period. The facility takes advantage of the pristine, cold mountain waters that flow from the surrounding forests, providing an ideal habitat for rainbow and brook trout.

The fishing ground holds significance as a traditional leisure destination that has introduced generations of Tokyo residents to freshwater fishing. The Okutama area itself is protected as part of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, known for its dense cedar forests, clear rivers, and dramatic mountain scenery. The fishing ground operates within this natural environment, offering visitors a chance to engage with traditional Japanese outdoor recreation while surrounded by relatively unspoiled wilderness just two hours from central Tokyo.

Visitors to Hikawa International Trout Fishing Ground can rent fishing equipment on-site and purchase bait, making it accessible even for complete beginners. The facility offers both catch-and-release areas and sections where caught fish can be kept. Many visitors choose to have their catch prepared at the on-site restaurant, where staff will grill the freshly caught trout in traditional Japanese style. The experience combines active participation in fishing with the immediate reward of eating what you've caught, a practice deeply rooted in Japanese outdoor culture.

The fishing ground is accessible via the JR Ome Line from central Tokyo to Okutama Station, which takes approximately 90 minutes. From Okutama Station, visitors can take a local bus toward Kawanori or Kamozawa, getting off at the Hikawa Kokusai Masu釣り場 stop, though exact bus schedules should be verified as they vary seasonally. By car, the facility is roughly two hours from central Tokyo via the Ome Kaido highway. Admission fees typically include a basic fishing permit, with additional charges for equipment rental and fish purchases calculated by weight.