Fish in Kikuchi Gorge
The clear, cold waters of Kikuchi Gorge provide a sanctuary for two species of fish. The yamame (“lady of the mountains,” landlocked masu salmon) is a fast swimmer that can grow up to 35 centimeters long. It is described as a shy species, extremely wary of potential threats, but can be seen gliding leisurely through pools in the gorge, where fishing is prohibited.
The yamame is known to lay eggs in the broad Hirokawara area of the river, at the end of the longer walking path through the gorge, and this is also where most sightings occur. Several restaurants in the vicinity of the gorge serve grilled yamame, though these fish are sourced from a nearby farm.
Compared to the yamame, the takahaya (upstream fat minnow) is significantly smaller and somewhat more common in the gorge. Greenish-gold with a white belly, it grows up to 10 centimeters long and is found in the cold upper parts of rivers throughout western Japan. The takahaya has traditionally been a part of the everyday diet of inhabitants of mountainous areas, though it is not considered particularly tasty. As with the yamame, the Hirokawara area is the best place to try to catch a glimpse of the fish.