Around Niigata yesterday - 3rd stop Yamasaki

Following our visit to Torazo we carried on Route 291 before taking 2 right turns to head through the Utogi tunnel, firstly stopping at Marusaka but now one was there, then heading to Aikawa, home of Yamasaki Koi Farm.

Manabu Yamasaki is a a real nice guy, as I'm sure anyone who has met him will testify, and speaks good English.

This year they've constructed the new Koi house pictured below which is next to their other 2 houses.

The boilers had been fitted and fired up just yesterday when we met so soon it will start to house sansai and yonsai.

In contains 5 ponds, 3 of 25 ton, one of 17 and one of 12, including the filters.

Outside the 3rd of the new flags was flying - http://www.niigata-nishikigoi.com/node/542, this one depicting the Dainichi Showa which won the Nogyosai in 2006.  I'm told that they are not available for purchase however if you spend enough money and ask nicely breeders may have some to distribute.

Yamasan breed a number of different varieties, there is always something interesting available.  A few examples below.

A Doitsu Tancho Kohaku, not something you see too often.

An Ochiba Shigure with an interesting pattern, 'clean' unblemished skin and nice reticulation.

A couple of nice Kujaku.

An attractive Ai Goromo.

Beware though, there are armed bandits roaming the streets of Aikawa searching out gaigin Koi buyers.  Thankfully they let me keep the camera.