Japan is fast becoming a favorite travel destination for tourists worldwide, and it’s easy to see why. The country offers everything from vibrant nightlife to picturesque natural spots, along with its reputation as one of the cleanest nations globally. The dedication to cleanliness is visible in everything, from transport systems to gardens and even drainage systems.
A recent video from Shimabara, Nagasaki, has gone viral, showing koi fish swimming in a remarkably clean drain. The clip, shared on Instagram by @ananya.ray, gave the impression of an aquarium rather than a traditional drain.
The video caption explained, “Even the gutters are spotless in Japan. While typical street gutters in Japan aren’t usually this clear, what you’re seeing here are specially protected canals where fish have been added to attract tourists. However, in the Japanese countryside and smaller cities, it’s not uncommon to find storm drains with koi fish and even turtles. These drains may not be as crystal clear as the one pictured, but they are clean enough to sustain aquatic life. If you’re ever visiting rural Japan, save this spot; you won’t regret it!”
The video quickly went viral, with many viewers agreeing that Japan is indeed an exceptionally clean country. However, some questioned the idea of spotless drains everywhere. One person commented, “I saw this on my trip to Japan at Easter. They have culverts with fresh water! Quite magical.” Another said, “I have been to Japan, and it really is beautiful and so incredibly clean!” However, a viewer pointed out, “This is not true everywhere in Japan. The gutters are not this clean. This is a specific area in Japan where the government cleans the gutters and places these koi fish to boost tourism.” Another comment read, “Everywhere in the world should be as clean as this.”
