*Ends November 30th 2025. T&Cs apply.
Every autumn, the mountains of Niigata host the world-famous Japanese Koi Harvest. At Koi Water Garden, we travel directly to the Niigata Nishikigoi farms to hand-select koi from the Autumn Koi Harvest. This annual Koi Harvest Japan tradition is when the mud ponds are drained, and Nishikigoi such as Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa are revealed in their full glory.
ALL RESERVED KOI HELD FREE OF CHARGE UNTIL APRIL 2026
This October, Andrew, Ben & James depart once again for Japan to visit Niigata koi farms during the Nishikigoi Harvest. Each koi is carefully inspected for body shape, skin quality, and pattern before being purchased, we never buy blindly in box quantities.
Over the past 35+ years, we have built close working relationships with many of the top koi breeders in Niigata, even spending a season working at Kamihata, one of Japan’s most iconic farms. These relationships often mean we have the privilege of being offered first selections from the harvests, giving our customers access to the very best koi available.
During this trip the team will select an outstanding mix of koi straight from the breeders’ new harvests, including:
All newly selected koi are being added to our online shop daily.
We make it simple to secure your koi:
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For koi enthusiasts, the harvest in Japan is the closest thing to a pilgrimage. Every autumn, the mountains of Niigata come alive as breeders, collectors and hobbyists gather to witness one of the most important traditions in the koi world. It’s not just about selecting fish, it’s about celebrating culture and history of Nishikigoi.
The Japanese Koi Farm Harvest begins as mud ponds are drained and nets are cast, revealing koi that have spent the year growing strong in fresh mountain spring water. Seeing these fish lifted for the very first time, their colours vibrant and their patterns refined, is a moment that never loses its magic.
In Ojiya, the season takes on the spirit of a festival. Here, koi aren’t simply fish; they are cultural treasures, admired and celebrated by everyone who gathers.
Up in the hills of Yamakoshi, the experience feels more rooted in tradition. This is the birthplace of Nishikigoi, where families have bred koi for generations. The harvest here is deeply personal, a continuation of heritage that has been passed down for centuries.
At the pinnacle of exclusivity, the koi auctions in Japan offer a chance to see true living jewels, rare and unique specimens that attract collectors from around the world. Bidding is intense, and only the finest koi ever make it to the auction bowls.
At Koi Water Garden, we share this extraordinary experience with our customers. While our team is in Japan, we post videos, photos and updates so you can follow the harvest as if you were right there beside us. Every koi we select is uploaded to our Japanese Koi online shop, giving you the chance to reserve your own piece of Niigata’s koi legacy. And with all reserved koi held free of charge until April 2026, you can enjoy the harvest excitement today while preparing your pond for tomorrow.
Don’t miss out on harvest highlights. As the harvest unfolds, you’ll be able to follow along with us by joining our KWG WhatsApp group for:
Insights koi enthusiasts won’t want to miss
The Japanese koi harvest takes place every autumn, typically from early October through to early November. This is when breeders in Niigata drain their mud ponds and bring in koi that have been growing all summer. The timing can vary slightly depending on weather conditions, but mid-October is usually the peak of the season.
If you are travelling to Japan, the best way to experience a koi harvest is to visit the Ojiya and Yamakoshi regions of Niigata, which are the heart of Nishikigoi farming. Many farms allow visitors during the harvest season, though arranging visits in advance is strongly recommended. Be prepared for early mornings, outdoor conditions, and the excitement of seeing koi lifted from the mud ponds for the first time.
Visiting Niigata during the harvest is a unique cultural experience. You’ll see breeders and their teams working hard to net and sort koi, vats brimming with freshly harvested fish, and entire communities coming together around their koi traditions. In Ojiya, the harvest takes on a festive atmosphere, with the famous Koi Festival celebrating the season. In Yamakoshi, the experience is quieter, more traditional, and deeply tied to family heritage.
The koi harvest season in Niigata runs from October to early November. Different farms harvest on different days, and the schedule depends on weather, pond locations, and breeder preferences. Our team will be in Niigata throughout the harvest, attending multiple farm harvests each day, so we can source a wide selection of koi as soon as they’re lifted.
Yes, some specialist travel companies and koi organisations arrange guided harvest tours for international visitors. These tours often include farm visits, translation support, and the chance to see multiple harvests in a single trip. At Koi Water Garden, we don’t run tours, but we bring the harvest to you through daily videos, updates, and koi listings straight from Niigata — so you can share in the experience from home.
Mainly across Ojiya and Yamakoshi in Niigata, the global home of Nishikigoi.
Yes, but buying koi in Japan usually requires direct relationships with breeders, knowledge of koi selection, and export arrangements. That’s where we come in. At Koi Water Garden, we hand-select koi at the harvest and upload them to our online koi shop daily. You can reserve koi with confidence, knowing they’ve been chosen by experts and will be safely imported and quarantined in the UK before coming to you. Alternatively, you can contact us before or during the trip. Tell us your desired size, variety, and budget, and we will source koi directly for you.
Yes, and all reserved koi are held free of charge until April 2026.
Yes, new koi are uploaded daily to our shop.
Everything from classic Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa to unique and rare varieties sourced from leading breeders.
With Koi Water Garden, you don’t just buy koi; you benefit from decades of experience, breeder relationships, and expert aftercare.
The Japanese Koi Harvest is the highlight of the koi calendar. Don’t miss your chance to secure world-class Nishikigoi direct from Japan.
ALL RESERVED KOI HELD FREE OF CHARGE UNTIL APRIL 2026
If you have any questions or enquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can use the form below to get in touch with us, or feel free to give us a call. We are here to assist you!