Japanese Koi Varieties for Sale

The three most collected Japanese koi varieties are the Gosanke: Kohaku (white with red hi), Taisho Sanke (white with red and black sumi), and Showa Sanshoku (black base with red and white). Beyond the Gosanke, Utsuri, Goshiki, Tancho, Asagi, Shusui, Kujaku, Ogon, Chagoi, Karashigoi, Ochiba Shigure, Budo Goromo, Kikokuryu (Kirin), and Shiro Bekko are the most sought-after varieties from Niigata breeders.

There are 16 officially recognised Japanese Nishikigoi classes, with well over 100 named sub-varieties. Maple Crown Koi imports across all 16 recognised classes — from foundational Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa to rare Ochiba Shigure, Budo Goromo, and Kikokuryu.

Chagoi and Karashigoi are considered the best koi varieties for beginners. They are the friendliest, fastest-growing, and hardiest Japanese koi — they hand-feed easily, tolerate a wider range of water conditions, and help calm other koi in the pond. Kohaku and Ogon are also excellent starter varieties.

Kikokuryu (Kirin), Beni Kikokuryu, and high-grade Ochiba Shigure and Budo Goromo are among the rarest Japanese koi varieties. Show-quality Tancho — pure white with a single, perfectly round red spot on the head — is also considered very rare because the marking must be precisely centred.

Kohaku has a white body with red (hi) markings only. Taisho Sanke adds black (sumi) accents on top of a Kohaku pattern — sumi never appears on the head. Showa Sanshoku has a black base with wrapping sumi that runs through the head, overlaid with red and white — making it the boldest of the three Gosanke.

Prices vary by variety, size, grade, and bloodline. Tosai (young koi) from Tier B varieties like Kujaku or Shusui typically start in the low hundreds CAD, while show-grade Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa from top Niigata breeders can reach several thousand. Use our Koi Price Estimator to see a live range by variety and size.

Every koi at Maple Crown Koi is directly imported from established Nishikigoi breeders in Niigata, Japan. Domestic koi bred in North America exist but generally lack the bloodlines, body conformation, and finish that Japanese-bred koi are prized for.

Yes. Every variety on this page — Kohaku, Sanke, Showa, Utsuri, Goshiki, Tancho, Asagi, Shusui, Kujaku, Ogon, Chagoi, Karashigoi, Ochiba Shigure, Budo Goromo, Kikokuryu, and Shiro Bekko — ships locally throughout Toronto and the GTA and Canada-wide from our Markham, Ontario facility.