Do You Need a Fishing License at Lake Kawaguchi?
Fishing at Lake Kawaguchi requires a fishing license (遊漁券 / Yugyo-ken) issued by the Yamanashi Prefecture Fisheries Cooperative Association.
Whether you’re fishing from shore, renting a boat, or joining a guided trip, every angler must have a valid license.
Fishing without one may result in a fine, so it’s essential to purchase your permit before casting your line.
Types of Fishing Licenses & Costs
※Payment is cash only.
1-Day License (Advance Purchase – 前売り券)
Category | Fee | Details |
Adults (High school students & older) | ¥1,100 | ¥900 license fee + ¥200 fishing tax |
Students / Persons with disabilities | ¥450 | Reduced rate |
Advance one-day tickets are ¥1,100 for high school students and older (including ¥200 fishing tax).
Junior high school students and persons with disabilities are ¥450.
1-Day License (On-site Purchase – 現場売り券)
Category | Fee | Details |
Adults (High school students & older) | ¥1,600 | ¥1,400 license fee + ¥200 fishing tax |
Students / Persons with disabilities | ¥700 | Reduced rate |
When purchased on-site, the fee is ¥1,600 for high school students and older (including ¥200 recreational fishing tax).
The fee for junior high school students and persons with disabilities is ¥700.
Annual License (年間遊漁料)
Category | Fee | Details |
Adults (High school students & older) | ¥12,000 | Annual fishing permit (excluding tax) |
Students / Persons with disabilities | ¥6,600 | Reduced rate |
Fishing Tax Stamp (annual) | +¥200 | Must be purchased separately |
Annual recreational fishing permits cost ¥12,000 for high school students and older, and ¥6,600 for junior high school students and persons with disabilities.
Additionally, a separate ¥200 recreational fishing tax is required (exempt for junior high school students and persons with disabilities).
- The seasonal license (シーズン券) has been discontinued.
- The fishing tax (¥200) applies to all anglers except middle school students and persons with disabilities.
- Prices include consumption tax (except the fishing tax).
Where to Buy Your License?
1, Lake Kawaguchi Fishery Cooperative Office
Address: 2985 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi 401-0304, Japan
Official office where you can buy all license types.
※9:00–12:00 / 13:00–15:00
(Closed 12:00–13:00 for lunch)
2, Convenience Stores (7-Eleven in Fujikawaguchiko town area)
Offer 1-day licenses (advance tickets) for sale.
3, Boat Rental Shops around the Lake
You can purchase fishing permits at rental boat shops such as “Sakanaya” and “Konami.”
Fishing license purchase available on-site with boat rental.
4, Fishing Tackle Shop
You can also purchase fishing permits at the fishing tackle shop called “Bait & Tackle Karil.”
Fishing Tax (遊漁税) Explained
The Fishing Tax is a local environmental fee used for lake maintenance, fish stocking, and ecological conservation.
When you buy your license, a ¥200 tax stamp is automatically included.
Fishing Hours and Rules
The hours when you can fish from a boat vary by season:
- July 1st – September 15th : 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- September 16th – June 30th : 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
※However, fishing is permitted only from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset, and night fishing is prohibited.
Catch & Release is recommended for bass and trout.
Always respect no-fishing zones marked by signs.
Soft plastic lures are strictly prohibited at Lake Kawaguchi.
Only pork-based lures (made from pig skin) are allowed as an alternative.
The reason for that…
Currently, fishing worms and fishing lines used for angling are scattered and accumulating in Lake Kawaguchi.
These worms do not decompose and remain accumulated, adversely affecting the lake.
Furthermore, they are found inside the abdomens of fish such as rainbow trout, which are consumed as food. This leads to the release of environmental hormones, potentially causing adverse effects on human health.
Therefore, the fishing cooperative has decided to ban worms. We believe it is essential to preserve a clean lake for the environment, for the children who will shape our future, and for our valued guests who love Lake Kawaguchi.
We deeply regret the inconvenience this will cause to our fishing customers.
However, spinnerbaits, rubber jigs, and pork rinds (made from natural materials) are exempt. We sincerely hope you will enjoy fishing in Lake Kawaguchi by creatively using various natural materials.
We earnestly request your understanding and cooperation. Together, we wish to preserve the beauty of our lake. Thank you for your understanding and support.
From Lake Kawaguchi Fishing Association
Final Tips
- Keep your license visible or carry it on your person while fishing.
- Licenses are checked randomly by fishery staff on the lake.
- When participating in a guided tour, please make sure to confirm in advance whether the license fee is included.
Enjoy Bass Fishing at Lake Kawaguchi — Made Easy
Experience stress-free bass fishing at Lake Kawaguchi with Japan Bass Fishing Agent.
Our guided tours include all fishing gear and round-trip transportation from your hotel around Lake Kawaguchi.
With our service, you can easily enjoy an unforgettable fishing experience as part of your Japan trip — even if you’re visiting for sightseeing.
※Fishing licenses are not included in the guide fee.
Your guide will purchase the license in advance on your behalf,
and you can pay the cost in cash on the day of your trip.

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