Gifu Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River Ukai

Gifu City Ukai (Cormorant Fishing) Viewing Boats represent a summer tradition in Gifu that has been passed down for over 1,300 years. The sight of master cormorant fishermen (ushō), dressed in traditional attire, skillfully controlling cormorants as they catch ayu sweetfish captivates many people. The full set of tools used for Nagaragawa Ukai and the cormorant-fishing method itself are designated as Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan, allowing visitors to witness history and tradition firsthand. The ukai season runs every year from May 11 to October 15, and it is held on most nights. During the season, “Goryō Ukai” is performed as an official duty of the Imperial Household Agency’s ushō, who catch ayu to be presented to the Imperial Court in the Nagara Kozu area—normally a no-fishing zone. After boarding a viewing boat, guests enjoy a meal while taking in scenery such as Mt. Kinka until reaching the viewing point. Fireworks signal the start of the fishing, and you can watch up close as the ushō handle the ropes and as the cormorants catch ayu. The “Sōgarami,” in which multiple cormorant boats descend together and drive fish at once, is especially thrilling. The quiet of the Nagara River combined with the fantastical atmosphere created by bonfires can be experienced with vivid immediacy.