07/12/09

Best Aquarium Store in Los Angeles

by lechuga

Mr. Kyoto has have the store since 1965. It's open everyday from 10am to 9pm. He knows fish (salt and fresh water), aquatic plants and supplies needed to take care of fish like no one else I have ever seen. He will tell you exactly what you need and what you don't -unlike most other stores where I have spent lots of money buying things I really didn't need it. Read the others reviews. Mr Kyoto is incredibly kind, he and his store are extraordinary.

• Pros: quality, knowledge, prices, hours, honesty
• Cons: only cash, no credit cards accepted

02/16/09

healthy fish and aquatic plants, plus crickets too

by jennikim

I totally agree with all the previous glowing reviews! I've been going there for decades, since I was a little kid. I just wanted to add that he sells crickets for feeding your pet amphibians and reptiles. Also, he keeps a selection of water plants growing outside, so you know they'll survive in your outdoor pond when you get them home.

• Pros: healthy fish and plants at reasonable prices and awesome store hours
• Cons: none

07/08/08

Kyoto Aqua Eco-System

by EthyleneKeen

There is something to be said about a shop owner who tells you ' you don't need it, don't buy it', most especially if it is the products he also has available and not just a remark to deter you from the competition, and that is 'truth and honesty'. And that is exactly what you will get at Kyoto Aquariums and the reasons why are guaranteed to be sound advise. The Kyoto Aquatics supports a natural ecological system that is a safe and symbiotic environment. For the Pro's, the healthy fish with the blinding slime-coat will be a nice treat as too will be the ultra-clear water of his tanks( please avoid pressing your face against glass to try to see water...it leaves a mark) for the Beginners, this is the place to start, you will definitely spend less money because of the a fore mentioned 'you don't need it' ( he still had a few 60gal glass for $50-$60 last visit) . And be patient you will eventually understand his accent and realize his advise is scientific and rare to find anywhere in Los Angeles, 15 minutes of advise from Kyoto is equal to weeks of internet searching and forums.

12/24/07

This store is a Los Angeles treasure for any one to visit.

by mweinraub

This store is a Los Angeles treasure. This is not the Grove!

He has benefited me and my family for over two decades, and I continue to learn every time I visit his store.

I trust this owner to sell health fish, only, and to give advice based on decades of knowledge. I have not seen a store like this since I was in Kyoto Japan. This owner is a wise man, ecological and generous with his guidance. Check out is tiny salt water tank! As about his indestructible fish that never dies! A must see for all degrees of experience of pet fish hobbyists, if you are luck enough to go and smart enough to listen to him.

• Pros: Parking and Conversation
• Cons: Small shop, be patient and pay attention.

04/09/06

A National Treasure Of A Tropical Fish Expert

by lamayor

The Kyoto Aquarium store, in the Mid-Wilshire area of Los Angeles, is a National Treasure of a Tropical Fish store. The owner is there in the store 365 days a year where he has devoted the last 40 years of his life to Tropical Fish, Goldfish, Koi and Plants. He is exceptionally knowledgeable, honest, and kind. If you want to buy something, but in fact it not necessary for the good health of the fish or plants, he will always tell you that you don't need it, that it is not necessary, and he'll tell you why.

• Pros: Knowledge, Honesty, Kindness
• Cons: None

03/29/06

A Small Goldfish Haven in Los Angeles

by dragonfly213

A wise old Japanese man has run this little store for 40 years (!) and it closes as late as 10 PM! He is very patient with beginners, gives great advice, all his fish are healthy, and he has a nice, small selection of healthy live plants, goldfish, koi and some tropicals. For those of us goldfish owners trapped near Downtown L.A., it is a heavenly place.

• Pros: Wisdom, Advice, Healthy fish plants
• Cons: Needs an apprentice!, parking

12/16/05

Best in Aquarium/fish supplies

by adornofreund

The owner, a Japanese man who's had the store for a number of years, is probably the most knowledgeable person you can meet in the aquarist world. He's very patient and can diagnose any kind of problem immediately. What's more, he will never try to sell you something you don't really need. Parking is in the back with the entrance a few meters east of the shop on Wilshire. A fantastic shopping experience for all aquarium needs.

• Pros: quiet and relaxed, owner is very patient, Owner's a true expert
• Cons: None

11/22/05

Kyoto

by tkim14

I walked in looking for fish and left feeling I had understood what it is to live a life. This man's been there for 40 years. Hes got stories, some of which involve people stealing and robbing him. This is more reason to support his business because he still trusts people and will treat every customer with dignity including myself. He wont talk to you with the intention selling you anything, just for you to enjoy your fish.

He's open everyday. He told me, half jokingly, that he would probably die in the store, which had him chuckling but had me devastated because he's probably right. The only time he closed early was when Mayor issued a mandatory shutdown of all stores on Wilshire during the LA riots. He's been through it all. Go to his store. Buy something. Talk to him. You'll leave with more than just fish.

• Pros: Value, Service, Knowledge

11/15/05

THE GREATEST PERSON I HAVE EVER MET

by theamber

I was driving by Whilshire Blvd, one day and I saw what appeared to be a very old plant or herbs store upon furhter attention I realized it was a tropical fish store. I had fish for several years and was familiar with fish keeping. But after I met this Japanise guy I realized I only knew how to make fish equipment manufactures richer. He is a very wise man and provided detailed help in mantaining Saltwater fish, many times refusing to sell me things that I do not need to my surprise. His approach to fish keeping and life in general is a model for us to follow. Unfortunately he is getting older and business is bad. I sugest go to his store buy and learn something new. He is the honest and wiserts person you can meet that realy cares.

• Pros: Good Parking, Good price, LOTS of free help

11/06/05

A Master At The Art Of Fish Keeping

by zombieslive

All fish lovers go through a stage of searching for the right aquarium store. I've been all over town and in different cities. Instead of going to my usual hang outs I decided to go to Kyoto Aquarium. It's located on Wilshire and close to the Wiltern Theatre. I believe his name is Mr. Hayakawa. He keeps his shop humble and his fish are well maintained. He believes in the simplicity of fish keeping. He says all the fancy items you can buy (fish/plant medication, filters, plastic plants, plastic housing, etc) are not necessary to keep fish and plants happy. I believe his exact words to me were, "Fish only need [small] rocks, [live] plants, and bubbles."

Mr. Hayakawa has forty years of experience, is very attentive, patient, and definitely loves what he does. Please keep him in business and visit his shop.

• Pros: Great Advice, Inexpensive, Happy Fish
• Cons: Cash Only