Goka Town in Ibaraki Prefecture has been promoting the Hakuren Jump — a natural spectacle visible on the Tone River — as one of the town's tourist attractions since 2013. Groups of dozens to hundreds of Silver Carp leap together in a dramatic display, making the Hakuren Jump one of the signature sights of summer.
About the Hakuren Jump (Goka Town Official Website)
What Is Hakuren?
A Fish That Can Grow Over One Meter Long
Hakuren (Silver Carp) is a large fish of the carp family, native to the Chinese mainland, that can grow to over one meter in length. Together with the related Kokuren (Bighead Carp), they are collectively known as "Rengyo" and are commonly found in the Tone River and Lake Kasumigaura water systems in Japan.
When Can You See It?
The phenomenon is said to occur on just one day — or at most a few days — out of the entire year. From June to July each year, the fish gather from the lower reaches of the Tone River to their spawning grounds. Mass jumps of dozens of fish at a time can be seen several times a day, and on particularly active days, dozens of jump events may occur. The exact dates vary and can shift by more than a month from year to year, so witnessing this event is far from guaranteed.
The area near the Kawatsuma district within the town serves as the natural spawning grounds for Hakuren. Each year from June to July, the fish gather from downstream and wait in the spawning zone. With such large numbers concentrated in one spot, their jumps are especially dynamic and impressive.
Updated Regularly This Year Too
Goka Town collects photos and videos of the Hakuren Jump from local residents who help observe the phenomenon, and shares them on the official Goka Town website and official YouTube channel. Updates will continue to be posted throughout the season.
