🌿 Lead-in
During my October visit to Dorogawa, a small mountain village in Tenkawa, Nara Prefecture, I discovered another side of this beautiful place — its fresh river fish and the remarkably clear waters flowing through the village.
Dorogawa is known for its sacred mountain traditions, but it is also a wonderful place to enjoy simple local food surrounded by nature.
This time, I enjoyed salt-grilled amago at a local restaurant and discovered roe-bearing ayu roasting over charcoal at a small village shop.
I also had the delightful experience of watching fish swimming through the crystal-clear river — and even feeding them from the riverbank.
Today, I would like to share a few small pleasures from my autumn journey through Dorogawa.
🐟 Amago — A Taste of the Mountain Streams
Amago is a freshwater fish belonging to the salmon family, known for the small reddish spots along its body. It is found in the cool, clear rivers of western Japan and is a familiar mountain delicacy.
At a restaurant in Dorogawa, I ordered a set meal featuring salt-grilled amago.
The staff explained that the fish would be grilled fresh after receiving the order, so it would take a little time to prepare.
When it finally arrived, the fish was beautifully grilled, with a generous seasoning of salt that brought out its delicious flavor.
The set meal also included rice, udon, tofu, and several small side dishes.
It was well worth the wait — a simple but memorable taste of Dorogawa.
A traditional lunch in Dorogawa, featuring salt-grilled amago, rice, udon, and a selection of Japanese side dishes.
🔥 Roe-Bearing Ayu — An Autumn Specialty
Ayu, often called sweetfish in English, is another popular river fish in Japan.
Although ayu is especially associated with summer, autumn brings a seasonal delicacy known as komochi ayu — female ayu carrying roe.
While walking through Dorogawa, I came across a small shop where whole fish were roasting slowly over charcoal.
Their skins were generously coated with salt, and the warm glow of the charcoal beneath them made the display especially inviting.
Visitors could enjoy the freshly grilled fish at the shop or purchase some to take home.
The shopkeeper also kindly shared a little tip for reheating the fish later: place a small bowl or cup (Japanese ochoko-small cup for sake) filled with water beside it in the microwave and warm it gently for about a minute.
It was one of those small, friendly exchanges that make traveling through local villages so enjoyable.
Salt-grilled river fish roasting over charcoal at a small shop in Dorogawa.
Freshly grilled fish available to enjoy at the shop or take away — a taste of autumn in Dorogawa.
💧 A River Full of Life
One of the loveliest surprises during my stay in Dorogawa was seeing fish swimming so close in the remarkably clear river.
The water was transparent enough to reveal the stones along the riverbed, and I could watch the fish moving gently through the stream.
Small packets of fish food were available in the village for around ¥100, but someone at my accommodation kindly gave me some.
I took it down to the riverbank and scattered a little into the water. Before long, fish began gathering nearby, giving me a wonderful opportunity to watch them up close.
It was such a simple experience, yet one of the little moments that made my visit to Dorogawa especially memorable.
Fish swimming above the stones in the remarkably clear waters of Dorogawa, Nara.
🎥 Fish swimming in the River
Watch the fish swimming through the clear mountain stream in Dorogawa.
The video captures a peaceful moment by the river, where the fish gathered close enough to observe their movements beneath the water’s surface.
🔗Watch on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/8rainbowawakening.jp/
🍃 Kaha’s Note
Dorogawa has become one of my favorite places to explore, not only for its sacred traditions and beautiful mountain scenery, but also for the small discoveries that make each visit special.
Enjoying freshly grilled amago, finding roe-bearing ayu at a village shop, and watching fish swim through the clear river were all simple pleasures.
The friendly conversations along the way added something special to the experience.
Sometimes, it is these little moments that stay with us long after a journey has ended.
🌈 Explore More
Dorogawa is a mountain village where traditional food, local culture, and centuries of spiritual history come together.
If you enjoyed this little taste of Dorogawa, here are a few more stories from the same remarkable place.
🌿 Daranisuke — Ancient Herbal Wisdom of Japan
Discover Daranisuke, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine closely associated with the mountain communities of Yoshino and the culture of Shugendō.
🔥 Hachidai Ryūō Festival — Traditional Arts & Sacred Fire
Experience the autumn festival at Ryūsenji Temple, where traditional performances, community celebrations, and a powerful nighttime fire ritual bring the village together.
⛰️ Shugendō — Japan’s Mountain Ascetics
Explore the ancient tradition of Shugendō, where mountain worship, Buddhist practices, and spiritual training have shaped Japan’s sacred landscapes.
🐉 Dragon Path #1 — Where the Dragon’s Journey Begins
Visit Ryūsenji Temple in Dorogawa, a sacred place associated with dragon deities, flowing water, and mountain spirituality.
🎥 Watch on YouTube — Hachidai Ryūō Festival
A glimpse of the sacred fire ritual at Ryūsenji Temple during the Hachidai Ryūō Festival in October 2026.
Explore more Japanese culture, sacred journeys, and little discoveries from everyday life.
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