Arashiyama Wakaayu Festival 2026 in Kyoto: Charity Sweetfish Tasting & Katsura River Aquarium

Arashiyama Wakaayu Festival 2026 Announcement

Marking its 39th year, the Arashiyama Wakaayu Festival heralds the arrival of summer in Arashiyama, coinciding with the lifting of the sweetfish (Ayu) fishing ban on the Katsura River. This charity event involves the community, local businesses, and visitors working together.

**Event Overview** - **Event Name**: Arashiyama Wakaayu Festival 2026 - **Dates**: June 13 (Sat) and 14 (Sun), 2026, 10:00–17:00 (Sweetfish tasting: 12:00–16:00) - **Venue**: Nakanoshima Park, Arashiyama, Kyoto (next to Togetsukyo Bridge) - **Participation Contribution**: 1,500 yen per share (includes one drink)

**Key Interactive Content** - **Charity Sweetfish Tasting**: Charcoal-grilled sweetfish (limited to 400 per day). - **Sweetfish Catching Experience**: Held in the KIDS area. - **Katsura River Aquarium**: Showcases creatures caught in the Katsura River that morning to learn about the ecosystem. - **Interactive Booths**: Experiments on soft vs. hard water at the "Mitsuya Cider LAB," and exhibits of killifish and insects.

**Purpose and Environmental Conservation** Proceeds from the event will be donated to landscape and environmental conservation activities in Arashiyama. Additionally, high school students who have been surveying the fish of the Katsura River since 2016 will exhibit their findings. The event provides an opportunity to reflect on environmental conservation while experiencing nature and tradition.

*In case of cancellation due to bad weather, an original bamboo bookmark will be provided as a token of appreciation.