DIFFICULY
★☆☆☆☆
Approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes
1-4 people
From
From ¥143,000 (tax included)
フライフィッシング
OVERVIEW
Yozawa Fly Fishing
The Birth of Japan’s First Fly-Fishing-Only Area
In 1955, Japan’s first fly-fishing-only area, the “Yozawa Fly-Fishing-Only Area,” was established on the Yozawa River in Akiruno City, Tokyo.
The man who established this fishing area was Thomas Lester Breakmore, an American lawyer who worked in the Legal Affairs Department of the General Headquarters (GHQ).
Captivated by the beautiful, clear waters of the Yozawa River, Mr. Breakmore invested his own funds and collaborated with local residents and the fishing cooperative to develop approximately 4 kilometers of the natural river into a fishing area.
The Yozawa Fly Fishing Reserve is home to stream fish such as rainbow trout, Japanese char, and rock trout, allowing visitors to enjoy fishing in harmony with the natural environment.
The reserve is operated by the “Thomas Blakemore Memorial Association,” which is led by local residents, and a portion of the proceeds is returned to local neighborhood associations and the fishing cooperative.
Just 90 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
In Yozawa, Okutama—known as the “Stream of the Dragon God”—embark on a fly-fishing meditation to rejuvenate your mind and body.
In this sanctuary, fiercely protected by a GHQ lawyer after the war, what you’ll experience is more than just fishing.
Learn the “art of deception” that is fly tying, and practice “Zen on the water” as you cast your line with a clear mind.
We invite you on a wellness journey for adults, where you’ll engage with nature while immersing yourself in the culinary delights of the satoyama countryside and tales of its rich history.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Ultimate “Zen on the Water” Experienced at Tokyo’s Sacred Site, “Dragon God’s Stream”
Enveloped in a tranquility hard to believe is in Tokyo, Yozawa is a sacred land believed since ancient times to be the dwelling place of the Dragon God. Fly fishing here is not merely about catching fish. The process of casting your line in a beautiful loop, reading the river’s current, and becoming one with nature in a state of mindfulness is truly **“Active Meditation (Zen in Motion)”**. Through a “dialogue with the river” guided by a guide of World Championship-level expertise, we offer a mindfulness experience that deeply heals the mind and body weary from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Learning “The Art of Deception”: Fly Tying with Feathers and Thread
The craft of tying flies to deceive fish is an intellectual and creative endeavor known in the West as **“The Art of Deception”**. Rather than realistic imitation, the philosophy of expressing the “impression” of an insect resonates with the aesthetics of Japanese haiku and minimalism. You can take home a one-of-a-kind fly, tied by your own hands, as a special souvenir that captures the memories of your journey.
A story of a GHQ lawyer and the satoyama (traditional rural landscape). The "Miracle Valley" that became a bridge between Japan and the United States.
The reason this beautiful fishing spot has been preserved is thanks to the efforts of Thomas Blakemore, who came to Japan after the war as a lawyer for the GHQ and loved Japan's nature. The "legacy of Japan-U.S. friendship and nature conservation" he left behind, and the traditional "satoyama culture" of Japan that flourished with charcoal making and washi (Japanese paper) making—these two stories intersect in Yozawa, a place full of discoveries for travelers seeking an immersive experience of deep history and culture that you won't find in guidebooks.
ITINERARY
Tokyo/Yozawa Fly Fishing Tour
Schedule
[Meeting & Orientation]
09:00 Meet at Yozawa Center
*Transportation from JR Musashi-Itsukaichi Station is included (meeting time will be adjusted to accommodate the shuttle).
Introductory Ceremony: The guide will provide an orientation on the history of Yozawa (including the achievements of GHQ’s Thomas Blakemore) and the philosophy of viewing fly fishing as a “dialogue with nature.”
[Morning Session: The Art of Deception and Meditation]
09:30 Fly Tying Experience
Description: This is a time for “meditation through feathers and thread.” Through lectures on aquatic insects and Japan’s four seasons, you will learn the profound depths of the “art of deception” used to trick fish.
Note: You may take home the one-of-a-kind fly you made as a souvenir.
[Lunch: Bounty of the Satoyama]
11:30 Lunch Break
(International Trout Fishing Ground Cafeteria)
Menu: Enjoy special trout dishes (such as bento boxes) made with local ingredients.
We’ll have lunch a little early to recharge our energy in preparation for the afternoon fishing session.
【Afternoon Session: Casting into the Current & Fishing】
12:40 Fly Fishing Practice (Casting to Entering the Stream)
Lecture: Before heading out to the field, receive instruction on casting techniques to create a beautiful loop.
Moving Between Spots: Travel by private vehicle to three different spots, entering the river at each location.
【Conclusion & Review】
16:00 Feedback and Social Gathering
Review the tour while enjoying a warm drink.
16:30 Dismissal & Transportation
We will provide transportation to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station.
DETAILS
Tokyo/Yozawa Fly Fishing Tour:
Important Notes, Attire, and What to Bring
1. Attire
Since this activity takes place along a natural mountain stream, please wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
We recommend layering your clothing to help regulate your body temperature along the river.
For footwear, please wear comfortable, non-slip shoes (such as sneakers) suitable for walking between fishing spots and along the riverbank.
2. Packing List
Drinks (for hydration).
Rain gear (separate-piece rainwear; required as the tour operates even in light rain).
Cash: Please bring cash for purchasing souvenirs (such as local crafts and specialties) and for any additional personal food and drink expenses.
Other items: Hat, sunglasses (also effective for eye protection), sunscreen, and a portable charger.
3. About Costs
Included in the tour price:
Professional guide fee, rental fee for a full set of fly fishing equipment (rods, reels, etc.), fly-tying workshop fee and materials, lunch (local trout dish), transportation from the station and local vehicle transfers, fishing permit for the designated fishing spot, and domestic travel accident insurance.
Since these basic costs are included in the tour price, you do not need to pay for them on-site on the day of the tour.
Not included in the tour price:
Cost of souvenirs, and additional drinks and snacks during free time.
4. Rainy Weather and Cancellation Policy
As a general rule, the tour will proceed even in light rain.
Light rain is considered ideal for fly fishing, as it reduces the fish’s wariness of the water’s surface and increases their activity.
However, the tour will be canceled if severe weather is forecast—such as weather warnings or significant river flooding—that makes ensuring safety difficult.
We will generally make a decision regarding whether the tour will proceed by the evening of the day before the tour and will contact you accordingly.
5. Other Important Notes
Catch and Release: The fishing grounds for this tour are designated areas intended for nature conservation.
Please do not take any fish home; gently release them back into the water.
Physical Demand:
The activity level is suitable for beginners to intermediate anglers, but it requires concentration to master the techniques.
Expert guides, including former members of the Japanese national team for the World Championships, will provide careful instruction. Allergy Accommodations:
If you have dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, etc.) for lunch, please be sure to inform us at the time of booking.
6. Meeting Place & Contact Information
Meeting Place: 8:30 AM, in front of the ticket gates at Musashi-Itsukaichi Station on the JR Itsukaichi Line
(A guide will drive you to the site).
Organizer & Inquiries:
Tokyo Yamagawa DMC Co., Ltd.
(Email: info@fwness.com)
Get in touch with our team for quotes and advice,
including tour content not included on this site.