Checking off the summer 'must do' list: goldfish scoop

There are certain things I like to do each summer in Japan. And then there are the things that my kids consider are 'must do'. High on their list is goldfish scoop! Two of my children are beyond it now that they are in Junior High School, but my other two children are still in elementary school. They aren't big on crowded, loud festivals, but they will come with me once they know they can do goldfish scoop! 

Goldfish Scooping

This past weekend we went to three festivals. At each festival there were goldfish scoop stalls. Goldfish Scoop or Goldfish scooping is a traditional Japanese game synonymous with festivals. At least with my children anyway! As you can see in the photo above, the goldfish are in an open tank and the children have a little scoop in one hand and a bowl in the other. The aim is to scoop up fish into the bowl. 

What you can't tell from the photo is that the mesh on the scoop is really weak. So it weakens every time you put it in the water and eventually breaks or dissolves. Once it has broken the game is over. However, there are some stalls where they will still let you attempt to scoop the fish with a broken mesh. Others are very strict and will take the scoop off you once its broken. Similarly, some stalls have a limit on the amount you can scoop, so even if the mesh hasn't broken will make you stop once you've reached that limit. You can play to catch and release or to take the goldfish home. We always take them home as we feel they can have a better life in a loving home! 

You will find many goldfish scoop stalls at larger festivals. Of the three festivals we went to this past weekend, each of them had at least one goldfish scooping stall. But yesterday's festival was the largest, and it had at least five different goldfish scoop stalls. The price and system varied slightly between them. The cheapest was 400 yen, but on average it costs 500 yen. For that price  you are guaranteed at least one goldfish to take home (if you opt for taking them home). One of the stalls allowed you take home as many as you scooped... so we are now the proud owner of 31 goldfish!