Koriyama Goldfish Museum

Located in Yamato-Koriyama, Nara Prefecture—a city with a goldfish farming tradition spanning over 300 years and an annual shipment of around 58 million goldfish—the Koriyama Goldfish Museum is a unique local attraction operated by the goldfish breeder Yamato Kingyoen.

Founded by the late Shoji Shimada, the former head of Yamato Kingyoen, the museum opened in 1982 after he personally renovated part of his breeding facility. His motivation came from the absence of a proper museum in this “hometown of goldfish.”

Inside, visitors can view approximately 40 varieties of goldfish, ranging from familiar species to rare originals, high-grade breeds, and even endangered varieties—all carefully displayed by type in individual tanks, each with detailed explanations. It's like walking through a live goldfish encyclopedia.
In addition to the aquatic displays, the museum features a range of historical documents and materials exploring the cultural and historical ties between people and goldfish. Visitors can also observe the actual breeding operations of the facility, offering a rare glimpse into the goldfish farming process.