Trout in Japan

• Trout Farm (Shiga Prefecture): Established in 1878, it's Japan’s oldest trout farm. Originally focused on Biwamasu (Biwa salmon), it now cultivates various trout species including:

  • Nijimasu (Rainbow trout)

  • Amago (Amago trout)

  • Iwana (White-spotted char)

• Hayashi Trout Farm (Fukushima Prefecture): Founded in 1935, this family-run farm pioneered inland trout farming using spring water and now operates multiple flow-through and RAS systems.

Farming Systems & Technology

• Land-Based Aquaculture: Due to Japan’s warm coastal waters, trout farming is primarily inland using:

  • Flow-through systems: Utilize natural spring water

  • Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS): Allow for controlled environments and year-round production

• Water Quality: Farms often rely on pristine spring water from mountainous regions, maintaining optimal temperatures (~12°C) for trout health and growth

Species & Cultivation

• Commonly farmed trout include:

  • Rainbow trout (Nijimasu): Widely cultivated for food and recreational fishing

  • Amago and Iwana: Native trout species with cultural and ecological significance

• Some farms also raise rare species like Ito (Sakhalin taimen) and Chouzame (Sturgeon) for conservation and display

Tourism & Education

• Many trout farms double as recreational and educational facilities, offering:

  • Fishing experiences (bait and lure)

  • Trout feeding and egg collection demonstrations

  • On-site dining featuring freshly caught trout

Trout Connections in Japan

Samegai

Hayashi

Yamamoto

Fujisan