Kishu Hera Zao (Bamboo Fishing Rods) and Kakuredani Fishing Pond
For over 100 years, Hashimoto craftsmen have been creating the flexible handmade fishing rods known as kishu hera zao from a type of bamboo that grows profusely in the area. Each rod is handcrafted from start to finish by one of 20 local craftsmen. It takes anywhere from six months to a year to complete just one of these traditional rods, which are highly sought after by fishing enthusiasts.
While they can be used to catch most small to mid-sized fish, the rods are mainly used locally to catch crucian carp (Carassius cuvieri), using a characteristic double hook.
Visitors are welcome to try the bamboo rods for themselves at the Kakuredani Fishing Pond, where for a small fee they can catch and release the large carp. First-timers and the squeamish might appreciate the local custom of using pieces of udon noodles or wheat gluten as bait.