How to Go Black Bass Fishing in Japan

2025-04-09 2025-03-29

Ty Hasegawa

Black bass fishing is one of the most popular freshwater fishing activities in Japan, attracting both locals and visiting anglers. The most common species targeted is the largemouth bass, introduced from the United States in the 1920s. Today, Japan is known for having some of the most passionate bass anglers and even high-level tackle and lure innovations. If you are planning to fish for black bass in Japan, here’s a simple guide to get you started, along with famous spots you should know.

Image of Ms. Fuyuno Miura, fishing in Lake Sagami, from this shop page.

Step 1: Get a Fishing License

In Japan, most lakes, rivers, and reservoirs require a daily or seasonal fishing license. Licenses are usually sold at local tackle shops, convenience stores near the fishing area, or online depending on the region. Be sure to check before you fish, as fishing without a license can lead to fines.

Step 2: Choose Your Place to Go

Here are some of the most famous black bass fishing lakes or rivers in Japan:

Near Tokyo & Kanto Area

Lake Kasumigaura (Ibaraki Prefecture)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/bv9p85V4evTGbXYX9

Only about 1.5 hours from Tokyo, this is the second-largest lake in Japan. It offers largemouth bass and has an extensive network of rivers, canals, and reservoirs connected to it (like Tone River and Hitachi Tone River). Fishing guide services are available. Fishing from the shore is also possible.

Picture of Kashima Shrine on Lake Kasumigaura, from this page.

Lake Teganuma (Chiba Prefecture)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/JuTgEAcPwoBGJmP29

Close to Tokyo, this small but convenient lake is known for bass and other freshwater species. Great for beginners and urban anglers who want a quick half-day trip. Lake size is not big but attractive to do shore fishing.

Tone River (Multiple Prefectures)

Some possible spots are;

https://maps.app.goo.gl/JuTgEAcPwoBGJmP29

https://maps.app.goo.gl/wF1M1K8mR4XD7eco9

https://maps.app.goo.gl/8gC6ZbcU1dB7jBsL9

One of Japan’s largest river systems flowing through several prefectures including Ibaraki, Chiba, and Saitama. There are many bass spots along the riverbanks and connected canals. It is better to ask where to go, after you target which section of the river you go.

Lake Tsukui (Kanagawa Prefecture)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/wVecj3jkHN4CLuDRA

Located about an hour from central Tokyo, Lake Tsukui is popular for small tournaments and is a scenic place to fish largemouth bass. For its convenience, the fishing pressure is high. You can try hard bait, but it is a safer bet to bring the finesse rigs.

Lake Sagami (Kanagawa Prefecture)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/gCC834bsqeASrQXt8

Another popular lake near Tokyo, Lake Sagami, is easy to access and offers boat rentals. The lake has both largemouth and smallmouth bass and is often used by local bass clubs. Located near Lake Tsukui, the story around the fishing pressure is the same here. You can enjoy fishing with good strategy.

Image of a catch in Lake Sagami, from this online magazine.

Near Osaka, Kyoto & Kansai Area

Lake Biwa (Shiga Prefecture)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/NoShZUXm5pfF3yrv5

This is the most famous bass lake in Japan, about an hour from Kyoto or Osaka. Known worldwide for record-size largemouth bass, it’s a bucket-list spot for serious bass anglers. As the potential fishing spots are sparse and hard to spot, it is the best to hire a fishing guide. Some fishing guides are famous for getting the bass over 60 cm or 20 pounder.

Lake Sainoko (Shiga Prefecture)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/kVmp6otjxEs5TaFf9

A backwater area connected to Lake Biwa, often called the "Bass Heaven." It has abundant cover, shallow areas, and plenty of big bass. Rental boat is available. While shore fishing is possible, these covered areas limit the access for shore bassers.

Yodo River (Osaka Prefecture)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Y42ZLvbKW7NcaR37

Running from Lake Biwa through Osaka Bay, Yodo River offers great bass fishing right inside Osaka Prefecture. Many locals fish from the shore, bridges, and boat docks. You need to spot the place to go, with the information from local shops, to decide your area.

Image of fishing in Yodo River, from this blog page.

Near Nagoya & Chubu Region

Kiso River System (Aichi, Gifu, Mie Prefectures)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/PUWHkjGvaZwVLKRb8

The Kiso River and its branches are well-known among central Japan bass anglers. It is close to Nagoya and features both largemouth and smallmouth bass in certain areas.

Lake Iruka (Aichi Prefecture)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/8Dp3M7wLLo2R1JXh9

A small lake often visited by local Nagoya anglers. It’s easy to access and has a healthy population of largemouth bass. Rental boat service is available. Fishing from the shore is also possible.

Near Other Popular Areas

Lake Nojiri (Nagano Prefecture)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/whzrfdBQhg7WogRm9

Famous for smallmouth bass and located in a cool, mountainous region — perfect for summer trips. The lake has several rental boat services. It is a great opportunity for you to see the beautiful central Japan during this fishing trip.

Lake Kawaguchi (Yamanashi Prefecture)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/whzrfdBQhg7WogRm9

Near Mt. Fuji and a favorite for both sightseeing and bass fishing. Very popular with Tokyo anglers on weekends. The fish stock is well controlled and the bass population is assured, though it does not mean fishing for it is easy, you know. Boat services are available, as well as shore fishing is accessible easily.

Lake Hibara (Fukushima Prefecture)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/JUCbQEzFT7oU1dfh9

Great for smallmouth bass with fewer crowds compared to Kanto lakes. To experience rural Japan, this area is a great opportunity, not only for anglers but also your travel companions.

Step 3: Prepare Tackle

Most of you know what is needed, already. Here is some extremely brief information about tackles.

As there are so many anglers in Japan, the pressure on the fish is immense. Japanese basses are very very shy. And consequently, Japanese bass fishing often focuses on finesse and technical fishing. Light to medium baitcasting or spinning tackle is common. Popular techniques include:

Drop shot (down shot)

Neko rig

Texas rig

But as the characteristic of the fish is very aggressive, when the condition is well, then they can get on the hard lures. Such as topwater fishing (especially in summer), Crankbaits and jerkbaits. We can never forget that Japanese brands had made a lot of giant swimbait. It shows that it may be very effective in certain situations.

And it is highly advisable to get the local fishing information. Because you need to buy a fishing permit, you have chances to get some fishing information from the local shop. Most shop clerks love fishing, so just try to speak to him/her and fishing conversation can be done without proper language. You can check some of the information about shops in major cities are in this blog.

Step 4: Specifics

There are special regulations or the conditions of availability of rental boats etc. Research is one of the keys for your success. There are possibilities for good success in shore fishing, too. So you can enjoy spending even a few hours fishing, without the big hussle of hiring a guide or a boat.

When you get on a boat, it is highly recommended to wear life saving equipment. Many boat rental services have life jackets or inflatable life saving gear to offer. If you do not have one, rent it.

I dare say, knowing my low skill of fishing, it is good to GO fishing IN Japan. It is even better if you catch bass. I would like you to follow these steps; select places, visit shops, and go fishing, to feel and know the Japanese culture around fishing, as well as know fish in Japan.