Samegai Trout Hatchery (Shiga Prefecture) Complete Guide | Attractions and Ways to Enjoy Japan’s Oldest Trout Farming Facility
Samegai Trout Hatchery (samegai yousounshou), located in Kaminiyu, Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture, is Japan’s oldest and most historically significant trout farming and breeding facility, established in 1878 (Meiji 11). Situated in the nationally designated scenic area of “Samegai Gorge,” it raises approximately 2 million trout of various species—including Biwa trout, rainbow trout, sweetfish, and char—using fresh spring water flowing from the base of Mount Reisen. This article provides a comprehensive guide covering everything you should know before visiting, including the facility’s history, overview, tourist information, admission fees, and access methods.
History and Establishment of Samegai Trout Hatchery
Establishment in the Meiji Era
Samegai Trout Hatchery was established in 1878 (Meiji 11) as a prefectural hatchery with the purpose of breeding and multiplying Biwa trout, an endemic species of Lake Biwa. This corresponds to the dawn of trout farming in Japan, and Samegai Trout Hatchery played an important pioneering role in Japan’s trout farming industry.
At its founding, the primary objective was to protect and increase Biwa trout resources in Lake Biwa. The abundant spring water and clear streams of Samegai Gorge provided the ideal environment for trout farming, and the business developed smoothly.
History of Privatization and Return to Prefectural Management
Samegai Trout Hatchery’s history included a transitional period when it was temporarily sold to private interests after its establishment. However, in 1929 (Showa 4), it was restored to prefectural management as the Samegai Trout Hatchery affiliated with the Water Products Experiment Station. From this period, it made a new start with the aim of promoting rainbow trout farming, introduced from America.
Currently managed by the Shiga Prefecture Fisheries Cooperative Federation, it continues the trout farming operations uninterrupted to this day, maintaining its tradition as Japan’s oldest trout hatchery.
Facility Overview and In-Facility Facilities
Grounds and Scale of Breeding Ponds
Samegai Trout Hatchery occupies vast grounds of approximately 3 hectares (about 190,000 square meters). The facility features 84 large and small breeding ponds utilizing the clear water of the Soya River, designed to take advantage of the natural topography.
Currently, approximately 700,000 to 1,250,000 rainbow trout alone are raised, along with approximately 600,000 sweetfish and char, for a total of approximately 2 million trout of various sizes. The clear water ponds showcase Biwa trout, rainbow trout, sweetfish, and char in a spectacular swimming display that captivates visitors.
Museum and Learning Center
The facility includes a museum and learning center where visitors can study the history of Samegai Trout Hatchery and trout farming operations. Displays cover trout farming history from the Meiji era, trout ecology, and changes in farming techniques, making it an educationally valuable facility.
The learning center offers exhibits that both children and adults can enjoy while learning, serving as an ideal place for summer vacation research projects and environmental education. It is registered with Shiga Prefecture’s environmental learning information “Ecolo Shiga” and actively collaborates with school education.
Aquarium and Special Exhibits
The facility’s aquarium displays not only ordinary farmed fish but also special aquatic species. Particularly noteworthy are exhibitions of rare freshwater fish such as itou (known as a “phantom fish”), ancient fish like sturgeon, and haryo, a symbol of clear streams.
These exhibits provide a valuable opportunity to understand the diversity of Japanese freshwater fish including those of Lake Biwa. The aquarium is especially popular with children and is a must-see spot for families interested in living creatures.
Tourist Information and Ways to Enjoy
Fishing Experience (Trout Fishing Pond)
One of the greatest attractions of Samegai Trout Hatchery is the opportunity to experience trout fishing firsthand. The facility offers rentals of fishing rods and bait to allow even beginners to enjoy the experience easily.
Caught fish can be cooked and eaten on-site, or purchased and taken home. Visitors can enjoy fresh trout dishes at the on-site or nearby restaurants, offering a complete experience from fishing to dining. The facility is crowded with families throughout the day, especially on weekends and during summer vacation. The experience of catching trout swimming in clear streams is a precious natural experience unavailable in urban areas.
Restaurants and Dining Facilities
Samegai Trout Hatchery offers a service to cook caught fish on-site. Additionally, restaurants on-site and in the surrounding area serve fresh trout dishes prepared in various ways—salted, fried, sashimi, and more.
Particularly, fresh rainbow trout and sweetfish raised at the hatchery have no fishy odor and firm flesh, allowing visitors to enjoy the true deliciousness of trout. Dining in this natural environment creates unforgettable memories for tourists.
Nature Walks and Samegai Gorge
Samegai Trout Hatchery is located in the nationally designated scenic area of “Samegai Gorge,” and the surrounding natural environment is also worth seeing. Walking paths are developed along the Soya River, where fresh spring water flows from the base of Mount Reisen, allowing visitors to enjoy nature through the seasons.
Especially the fresh greenery of spring, cool clear streams of summer, autumn foliage, and winter silence each showcase different natural beauty by season, offering healing to visitors. Combined with trout fishing and facility viewing, nature walks allow for a more fulfilling day.
Summer Vacation Classes and Events
Samegai Trout Hatchery sometimes hosts special classes and events for children during summer vacation. Programs include classes on trout ecology, fishing classes, and feeding experiences—programs designed for children to enjoy while learning.
These events may require advance reservations, so it is recommended to check the official website or contact the facility before visiting. As an attraction suited for family outings, it provides experiences combining educational value and entertainment.
Admission Fees and Operating Information
Admission Fees
Admission fees for Samegai Trout Hatchery are as follows (fees may change, so please verify current information before visiting):
- Adults (high school students and above): Around 300 yen
- Elementary and middle school students: Around 150 yen
- Infants: Free
Additional fishing fees apply for those wishing to fish. Fishing rod rental fees, bait costs, and purchase prices for caught fish are included. Detailed fee information can be found at the facility or on the official website.
Operating Hours and Closure Days
- Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission around 4:30 PM)
- Closure days: Wednesdays (if a holiday, the following day), year-end and New Year holidays
During peak seasons such as summer vacation, operating hours may be extended or closure days may change. If planning a visit during holidays or summer vacation, it is recommended to confirm operating status in advance.
Trout Farming Operations and Training Programs
Current Trout Farming Operations
Samegai Trout Hatchery continues trout farming operations beyond its role as a tourist facility, fulfilling its original purpose. Activities include protecting and multiplying Biwa trout resources in Lake Biwa, researching and developing farming techniques for rainbow trout, sweetfish, and char, and producing and releasing juvenile fish.
Under the management of the Shiga Prefecture Fisheries Cooperative Federation, the facility continues to maintain tradition while incorporating the latest farming techniques, including establishing sustainable farming methods, disease prevention and management, and breed improvement.
Training Programs and Educational Activities
Samegai Trout Hatchery implements training programs for promoting trout farming techniques and cultivating successors. These include technical training for in-prefecture and out-of-prefecture farming operators and aquatic products professionals, joint research with universities and research institutions, and practical training programs for students.
For the general public, it also provides environmental learning programs in collaboration with school education. By allowing children to actually handle trout and learn their ecology and farming mechanisms, it provides opportunities to deepen understanding of aquaculture and environmental conservation.
Access and Surrounding Information
Location
Address: 〒521-0033 Kaminiyu, Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture
Access by Car
- Meishin Expressway: About 15 minutes from Maibara IC
- Hokuriku Expressway: About 20 minutes from Nagahama IC
Parking is available free of charge. Congestion is possible on weekends and during summer vacation, so visiting early in the morning is recommended.
Access by Public Transportation
- JR Tokaido Main Line: About 30 minutes walk from Samegai Station, or about 5 minutes by taxi
- Omi Railway Bus: Some routes operate near the hatchery (limited service, advance confirmation recommended)
Access by public transportation is somewhat inconvenient, so visiting by car is recommended.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
The following tourist attractions are found near Samegai Trout Hatchery:
- Samegai-juku: A historic town that thrived as a post station on the Nakasendo
- Jizo River: A clear stream with beautiful plum blossoms
- Mount Reisen: A mountain offering hiking and mountain climbing
- Mount Ibuki: A famous mountain on the border between Shiga and Gifu prefectures
By combining visits to these spots, you can spend a full day enjoying the natural beauty and history of Maibara City.
Collaboration with Shiga Prefectural Government and Role as Public Facility
Samegai Trout Hatchery is positioned as an important hub for Shiga Prefecture’s aquaculture promotion initiatives. Under the jurisdiction of the Agriculture and Aquaculture Division of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Department of Shiga Prefectural Government, it contributes to Lake Biwa’s aquatic resource management, promotion of inland water fisheries, and environmental conservation activities.
Information about Samegai Trout Hatchery is disclosed on the Shiga Prefecture website, with information dissemination to residents and tourists. It is also featured as a major tourist attraction on “Shiga and Lake Biwa—Everything You Need to Know,” the official Shiga tourism information website.
Precautions and Recommended Ways to Spend Your Time When Visiting
Clothing and Items to Bring
- Comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothing: The grounds are vast with walking paths, so easy-to-walk-in shoes are recommended
- Hat and sunscreen: Strong summer sunlight requires heat stroke prevention measures
- Insect repellent spray: Bug protection is helpful in this nature-rich environment
- Towel: Useful if you plan to fish, as you may get wet
Recommended Length of Stay
To fully enjoy Samegai Trout Hatchery, allocating 2 to 3 hours is recommended. Facility viewing alone takes about 1 hour, but fishing experiences and dining require more time.
An ideal itinerary would be arriving in the morning to fish, having lunch with your catch cooked for you, and spending the afternoon viewing the museum and exploring the surroundings.
Photography Tips
Samegai Trout Hatchery is charming for its natural scenery. The following spots are particularly recommended:
- School of swimming trout: The spectacular sight of tens of thousands of trout swimming
- Feeding moment: The dramatic scene of trout gathering at the water’s surface
- Clear streams and greenery: Natural beauty changing with the seasons
- Fishing experience commemorative photos: Memory-making for families
Conclusion: Visit Japan’s Clearwater Fish Village
Samegai Trout Hatchery is a precious facility that has maintained its trout farming operations for over 140 years since its establishment in 1878 (Meiji 11), making it Japan’s oldest trout hatchery. The sight of approximately 2 million trout of various species—Biwa trout, rainbow trout, sweetfish, and char—being raised is awe-inspiring, truly worthy of the name “Japan’s Clearwater Fish Village.”
As a tourist facility, it offers diverse ways to enjoy yourself—fishing experiences, museum viewing, an aquarium, restaurants, and more—making it an all-day family destination for everyone from children to adults. Surrounded by the natural environment of the nationally designated scenic area of “Samegai Gorge,” you can enjoy healing time surrounded by clear streams and greenery.
When visiting Maibara City in Shiga Prefecture, be sure to stop by Samegai Trout Hatchery to experience the history of Japan’s trout farming culture and the richness of nature. Fishing experiences, fresh trout cuisine, and beautiful natural landscapes will create unforgettable memories.
Before visiting, check the latest operating information and event details on the Shiga Prefecture website and official Shiga tourism information site to plan an enriching tour.
