About
Champion Nishikigoi has spent close to two decades becoming one of the Bay Area's most respected sources for authentic Japanese koi, and a visit to their San Jose location explains why. Run by Tom, Paul, Richard, Noy, and the rest of the team, this is part working koi farm, part dedicated fish store — a clean, expansive, professionally run space where massive ponds hold some of the largest, most colorful koi you'll find anywhere in Northern California. The koi here are imported straight from Japan, and the selection spans every size and price point, from accessible young tosai to show-quality specimens that run into the thousands.
Longtime keepers come specifically for the varieties Champion is known for — Showa, Asagi, Tancho Beni Ginga, Mizuho Ogon, and Chagoi are all available in San Jose, CA, with staff happy to walk you through the differences and help match a fish to your pond. Many visitors describe Paul and Richard pointing them toward exactly the right koi, while Noy is repeatedly singled out for patient, no-pressure guidance. What serious hobbyists value most is the care behind the fish.
Champion keeps quarantine tanks in the back, treating new arrivals and holding them until the quarantine period is complete before any koi leaves the property; if you fall for one that isn't ready, they'll set it aside for you. Beyond livestock, the shop carries the pond gear you actually need — pumps, filters, UV bulbs, replacement parts, and high-quality koi food for sale — making it a genuine one-stop koi store. Customers drive in from San Francisco, Vallejo, and well beyond, often passing closer shops because the quality and reasonable prices here are hard to beat.
Some families have been coming since 2009, raising new generations of koi enthusiasts. For anyone searching for premium Japanese koi near me, this San Jose fish store has earned its devoted following one healthy, vibrant fish at a time.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Champion Nishikigoi in San Jose, CA
Champion Nishikigoi stocks koi and pond fish for sale in San Jose, CA. As a fish store serving San Jose, CA, it also carries fish food and aquarium equipment and offers aquarium consultations, fish quarantine and pond services.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
- Pond
Highlights
What makes them special
- Authentic Japanese koi imported directly from Japan in varieties like Showa, Asagi, Tancho Beni Ginga, Mizuho Ogon, and Chagoi
- Massive on-site ponds with koi in every size and price range, from young tosai to show-quality specimens
- On-site quarantine tanks where new fish are treated and held before being released to customers
- Full pond-supply selection: pumps, filters, UV bulbs, replacement parts, and premium koi food
- Knowledgeable, patient staff — Tom, Paul, Richard, and Noy — who help match koi to your pond
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Noy was extremely helpful and eliminated all my concerns/worries about ordering online considering I don't live close(Ohio). My gorgeous fish came looking exactly what I was expecting exceeding expectations! I'll definitely be ordering again.”
— c'yanna Thornton5.03 weeks ago“Very nice place. If you want koi fish they have them. Tom and the gang are super nice and very helpful. Thank you and see you soon.”
— Harry Fayter5.0a month ago“Thankfully I live just 45 min away but even if I didn't I would highly, highly, recommend and buy from this location. Tom and staff are awesome. The care they have for their fish is incredible. They have quarantine tanks in the back that are specifically treated before selling and will not sell to you until that quarantine period is over. if you do want one they will set it aside for you until it is ready to take home. I started out a few years ago and they told me the average koi hobbyist will rebuild their pond three times... Guess what... Last year I increased my pond size for the third time. The koi I have are amazing (recommended by both Paul and Richard) and enjoyed by the entire neighborhood. The staff again are very patient and helpful. And I secret I will not out this person. An employee from a competitor hangs at Champion to visit on his days off :). 5+++ Stars”
— CC5.02 months ago“Ordered 3 tosai, they all arrived healthy and without signs of shipping stress. They are 3 extremely beautiful fish!”
— Adam Messersmith5.02 months ago“Richard is a very good guy who has been selling Koi for a very long time. Ask for him when you come. Great selection.”
— Pass The Courvoisier5.02 months ago“Amazing fish. I have purchased koi from other vendors in the past, but the koi from Champion Nishikigoi are far superior. The sharp colors stand out immediately in my pond. Arrived in excellent health. Highly recommend.”
— Clint Christensen5.03 months ago“Great choice of fish and supplies”
— Marjorie Moehrke5.03 months ago“This place is worth the drive. Excellent resource for quality koi of all sizes, veryand pond parts (filters, uv bulbs, koi food etc) and very reasonable prices. The staff are awesome at explaining different koi varieties and helping select the best for your needs. I love this place!”
— Ron Ansley5.0Edited 3 months ago“Ordering koi was very easy online. Wonderful koi collection. I was able to choose a delivery time for when I’m at home. Koi came in the time frame I selected. Box and bag were intact. Fish were lively.”
— Chia-Chieh Hu5.03 months ago“Cool place to check out some really healthy and beautiful koi fish.”
— Arjun C5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (408) 528-0821 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Champion Nishikigoi.