Leaving Momotaro it was time to head to Taniguchi, a famous but quaint farm that we’ve really been looking forward to visiting. On order today was some very special tosai, Kohaku and Sanke in particular. After being greeted by Youichi Taniguchi and family we started to view some certificates of koi that he has at the farm for sale and having a general introduction to the farm and his thoughts on the current breeding season.
Making our way 5 minutes in the car to his special koi houses down the hill from the main complex. Really good quality koi here, a lot of very expensive pieces, many already sold to over seas and domestic customers. He did let us know that a number of fish in the pond that were still for sale. Ricky took charge of netting the pond, not an easy job as the water was near pitch black, with 4 or 5 feet or water to contend with and half of the pond being sold ! Quickly, a number of koi were bowled, on closer inspection some rejected, some moved into a fresh water bowl for better viewing.
A few videos and photos were taken, apologies for the photos, water wasn’t exactly clear. Which isn’t a bad thing don’t worry! Quality can easily be seen with these gems.
Late on as we were making our choices, one member of the party spotted a Gin Rin Kohaku, immediately bowled. WOW ! We couldn’t believe it. Not the biggest of the tosai, but something really really special. It ended up being one of the more pricey ones in the bowl due to having great chances at the Japanese Koi shows.
Another stunning koi farm, set in a green valley surrounded by rice fields, vegetable poly-tunnels and undulating hills that sheltered the area from cool winds, all of the koi houses were red hot!
A recap of the fish we purchased back in the farms office, nice refreshments, we sat down and were all taught a lesson by Taniguchi’s young apprentice!
Lovely day out at an awesome koi farm, we’ll certainly be back ! A definite highlight of the trip.
