©Ukai cormorant fishing on the Nagara River in Gifu
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Watch the centuries-old spectacle of night fishing on the Nagara River in style
Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture
Ukai cormorant fishing on the Nagara River in Gifu Prefecture is a traditional technique with a history that dates back to the seventh century. Cormorant fishing masters, known as usho in Japanese, take to the river after dark, using fiery torches and skillfully handling trained cormorants to catch fish.
The sight of the fires reflected on the river’s surface, as the usho and their cormorants work together to chase the sweetfish downstream, is a timeless spectacle you can only experience in Gifu.
See the fishing up close on one of just three luxury sightseeing boats. Their exteriors are designed to blend into the darkness of the night, and each ship’s interior reflects the colors of nature and is equipped with comfortable sofa seats.
This special cruise allow guests to get a clear position for viewing the boats and birds, along with being able to learn from a cormorant fishing master, who will give passengers a special explanation about this tradition. Once the fishing ends, passengers can even watch up close as the cormorant fishing masters pack up and conclude the night’s catch.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Nagoya Station (about 1 hour 40 minutes). From there, take the JR Tokaido Line train to Gifu Station (about 20 minutes).
From Shin-Osaka Station, take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Nagoya Station (about 50 minutes). From there, take the JR Tokaido Line train to Gifu Station (about 20 minutes).
1-2 Minato-machi, Gifu-shi, Gifu-ken
