Step back in time in Gifu and watch the traditional method of night fishing on the Nagara River, using cormorants. The birds are trained to catch the ayu (sweet fish) that live in the river. This way of catching fish has been going on for centuries and although today it is a tourist attraction, after dark with firelight from boats, the exotic fishermen’s garb and the creaking of the oars on the water, it feels like an earlier century.



There are six Cormorant Fishing Masters working in Gifu and as the visitors assemble on the pier, one of them will explain the evening’s procedure (in Japanese). 

The fishermen wear a special outfit, which keeps them warm on the water and protects them from any burning pine resin from the brazier at the front of their boats. Their costume includes a straw skirt, half-length straw sandals and a dark cotton top and hat. 



Three people man each of the narrow wooden fishing boats. An oarsman steers from the rear, while the man in the centre assists the fishing master. The fishing master stands in prow of the boat holding his cormorants, which have flax strings around their necks to prevent them swallowing the fish. The firelight attracts the fish and as soon as a cormorant gets one it is pulled from the water to unload its catch. It is then returned to continue fishing. 





The tourist boats are much larger than the fishing boats with seating along both sides and a central low table. Visitors bring their own obento (food boxes) for dinner and the fist part of the cruise is to allow people to eat and chatter. As it grows dark the fishermen’s boats appear, the fires making them easily seen. The tourist boats follow the fishermen until the final point of the evening when all six boats line up side by side to drive the fish into the shallows. 

Begin a visit to Gifu with a trip to the Nagara River Ukai Museum. It is situated across the river from the Ukai ticket office and explains the history and processes of the cormorant fishing. 



Drain cover showing the cormorant fishing

The cormorant fishing in Gifu runs from May 11 until October 15 each year, unless it is harvest moon or the water is too high. It is very popular especially at weekends and booking in advance is necessary.

Information

Gifu City Cormorant Fishing Viewing Boat Office
Webisite: http://www.gifucvb.or.jp/en/01_sightseeing/01_01.html
Address: 1-2 Minato-machi, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture
Tel:  058-262-0104

Map