Summer in Japan means several things: yukata, watermelon sprinkled with salt, beaches, fireworks, and matsuri. And here in Edogawa City, we take summer fun and matsuri to another level with our annual Edogawa Goldfish Festival (江戸川区特産金魚まつり // Edogawa Tokusan Kingyo Matsuri).
Having lived in Edogawa City for over a decade—more than half my time in Japan—I can confidently say that this vibrant festival is a local gem you won’t want to miss. From the dazzling goldfish displays to the lively atmosphere, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to experience the festival like a true Edogawa resident. Here’s all the fun you and your little ones can expect this year:
Matsuri in Japan
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Japanese matsuri are festivals with Shinto or Buddhist roots and traditions from the Chinese mainland.
Typical festival sights include men carrying large objects like a mikoshi or dashi, and crowds dancing around a yagura. Now take everything that I’ve just said about a typical Japanese festival, and throw it away. Because you won’t find any of that stuff at the Edogawa Goldfish Festival!
Edogawa Goldfish Festival
The Edogawa Goldfish Festival is a 2 day event held on the third weekend in July in Gyosen Park, which is located in the Kasai area of Tokyo’s Edogawa City.
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What makes Edogawa City so special is that it is one of the 3 places in Japan that still has a viable goldfish farming industry.
The industry got its start in the late 1800s, when having goldfish as pets became popular among common folk. Up unitl then, goldfish were ornamental pets for the rich and famous.
The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 wiped out goldfish farms in Tokyo proper, prompting the relocation of farms to east Tokyo.
The industry in Edogawa was further revitalized in the 60s, and the Edogawa Goldfish Festival was born!
All over Edogawa City, you’ll see train stations, side walks, and even elementary schools with realistic depictions of goldfish.
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The festival celebrates this unique industry and gives thanks to goldfish who have helped put Edogawa City on the radar for goldfish aficionados across Tokyo and from all over Japan.
Baby Miss M with the great Goldfish KingIt’s a super-family friendly event where kids and adults play a game called kingyo sukui, or goldfish scooping. More than 20,000 fish are set aside for this game! To play, you use a special scooper to collect fish from a small pool. The catch is that the scoop’s surface is a thin paper that breaks easily!
If you’re (1) really good at this game (2) want rare goldfish or (3) are naturally blessed with good luck, skip the 100 yen games and line up for the ~premium~ goldfish game, which is 500 yen per try.
And, if you’re wondering how to take care of your goldfish, you’re in the right place! Seasoned hobbyists and pros (and even the marine college and Tokyo Sea Life Aquarium) have booths at the Edogawa Goldfish Festival. There’s everything on site from tanks, gravel, filters, food, and more!
For younger kids who can’t quite scoop goldfish by themselves, there’s water yo-yos.
As with any matsuri, there’s food in addition to games, too.
When you’re all done with the goldfish, do stop by the Edogawa City Shizen Zoo, which is right on the grounds of Gyosen Park.
Edogawa City Shizen Zoo
There’s a mini zoo with a spacious petting zoo that I love.
My daughter wears jinbei all summer long, even when she’s visiting family in the States!
Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit or swim diapers, because there’s also a wonderful foundation to splash around in, too.
How To Get There
From Kasai Station, take a bus bound for Ukita. Gyosen Park is a 1 minute walk from Ukita bus stop.
ADDRESS
江戸川区行船公園 北葛西3-2-1
Edogawa Gyousen Park 3-2-1 Kita-Kasai
