Page 67 - Koi Net - On-Line Koi Magazine - Issue 68

Koi Masterclass Tour

with Japan Koi Export

Book now For UK koi enthusiasts
For this 23 November - 30 November 2024
unique tour

Your fully escorted tour will be with Martin Symonds.
Martin first visited Japan in 1981. He created Tewin Mill Fish Farm and Water Garden Centre in the
UK, which became the largest importer of Japanese koi in the 1990s. He helped create Koi Ichi Ban
and then TMI. In 1999 he moved to Niigata and was the first westerner to live in Mushigame for
three years and then in Ojiya for over seven years. In 2000 he created Japan Koi Export, working
closely with the breeders on a daily basis throughout this period.
Both Seigiyoshi Tanaka and Manabu Yamazaki lived in the UK with Martin to learn English. He has
taught English classes to the breeders. He’s also been promoting koi and writing articles in all the
leading koi magazines worldwide about the breeders since 1994.
He started KoiVision TV in 2019 and over the last 40+ years, hundreds of koi enthusiasts have
joined him on buying trips and he has shipped hundreds of thousands of koi around the world. His
relationship with the breeders is unique, which allows him to give people an enjoyable Masterclass
tour with a distinct insight into Japanese life.
Detailed itinerary
Saturday 23 November
Arrive in Japan at either Haneda or Narita airports in Tokyo. If possible Martin Symonds will meet
you at the airport, or you will be given detailed instructions to meet at Tokyo station. On arrival you
will take the train to Tokyo station and be met and taken for your first night in downtown Tokyo at
the APA Hotel, Ningyocho-eki Kita (check in time 3:00pm). Evening dinner will be in Tokyo.
Sunday 24 November
In the morning we will take the Bullet Train to Nagaoka where we will be met by Martin’s associate
René Villela in our JKX people carrier. Your next six nights will be at the New Plaza Hotel in Ojiya.
From Sunday afternoon the tour around the mountains of Yamakoshi will begin.
Sunday 24 - Friday 29 November
Every day will be spent visiting koi farms of the leading breeders, where Martin will tell their
history and show their facilities and koi. When possible, you will meet the breeders and throughout
your trip you will see thousands of koi. If taking place during your stay you will see koi harvests
and attend koi shows. We will visit places of interest such as the koi museum and, time permitting,
other areas such as the famous fish market in Teradomari on the coast. Breakfasts are at the hotel
and light lunch is bought from a local store during the day. Evening meals are held at different
restaurants during your stay.
Saturday 30 November
Saturday morning we will take the Bullet train back to Tokyo. We will spend the rest of the day
site-seeing in Tokyo. This can be done with Martin, or on your own if you prefer. We will stay at the
same APA Hotel as before. The tour officially ends on Saturday night.
Sunday 1 December
Leave to your chosen airport and depart back to the UK.

Email m.symonds@japankoiexport.com Phone (UK) +44 (0) 7900 0807272
Japan Koi Export, 1-1-18 Heisei, Ojiya City, Niigata 947-0027 JAPAN