I had seen the famous Japanese Koi fish in pictures but never seen the big ones in real. During my visit all the time I was looking out to spot them, as I had read that there are koi fish ponds at multiple places in the city. These fishes have a spiritual significance in the Japanese tradition. I finally spotted them at the Sensoji Temple. Once you walk past the main hall of the temple towards the temple grounds, you see this koi fish pond below a small foot bridge. They are not a paid attraction. There are small ponds around the Temple in the Temple premises itself where we can see these fishes in abundance, and finally my wish was fulfilled.

In Buddhism water and fish both have a deep spiritual significance, water represents purification and fish represents the flow of life. The fishes signify qualities of patience and grace. Watching them feels really peaceful. Trust me, you can meditate for a long time standing there and watching them. They move slowly in circular movements, which is so soothing for the mind to watch. In Buddhist culture thoughts Water + Koi fish = tranquility.

These fishes live a long life compared to any other fish of its size. They live somewhere between 50 to 60 years, which is just a little less then human life. If you have got a Koi baby fish at your age of 20, probably it will be with you till your entire life. Because of their long life they also are a symbol of longevity and healthy life.

Feeding a Koi fish is also one ritual. The local people, when they want to feed the fish, they will first hold the food in their hand for a couple of minutes, pause in that moment cancelling all the noise around and then they will slowly feed the fish. These are the small moments in which you find big meanings of life.

Some pictures of the Koi fish in the pond.

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