Nagara River Cormorant Fishing (Ukai) — 1,300-Year Tradition

Published: Jun 2, 2026

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

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Nagara River Cormorant Fishing (Ukai) — 1,300-Year Tradition

Ukai (鵜飼, cormorant fishing) happens after dark on the Nagara River between May 11 and October 15. Fishermen in traditional costumes stand in wooden boats, controlling 10–12 cormorants with long leashes. Blazing torches mounted on each boat attract ayu sweetfish to the surface. The cormorants dive, catch fish in their beaks, and surface. A neck ring prevents swallowing — the fisherman pulls each bird aboard, reaches down its throat, and extracts the fish.

You watch from spectator boats drifting alongside in the darkness. Torch flames reflect on black water, smoke drifts across the river, and castle silhouette looms on the mountain behind. The fishermen call to their birds in rhythmic chants unchanged since the 8th century. Every few minutes a cormorant surfaces with a struggling fish, wings flapping spray across the torch light. The season runs nightly except full moons and floods, departing around 19:00.

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Opening Hours

Season: May 11 – October 15 nightly (except full moon nights and days when the river floods) | Boats depart: 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM depending on tide and season | Return by approximately 8:45–9:15 PM | Reservations office: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Closed: Closed when Nagara River is in flood (announced same day) | Closed on full moon nights (calendar available on official website) | October 16 – May 10: off-season, no fishing

Entrance Fee

Shared boat (ai-nosé): ¥4,200–5,100 depending on date — confirm current pricing | Chartered private boat: pricing varies, confirm with reservation office | Food and drinks on chartered boats: BYO or purchase from boat staff

Best Season

June–September for the most active fishing and warmest evenings | August for peak cormorant performance and festival atmosphere | May and October offer cooler comfortable temperatures but slightly less activity | Summer evenings (June–August) are warmest with best ambiance

Visit Duration

90 minutes on the water | Pre-departure: arrive dock 30 min before departure (6:15–6:45 PM) | Recommend 3 hours total including pre-cruise dinner at Kawara-machi and post-cruise castle photography

Getting There

Access Information

Nagara Bridge area, Gifu City. 15-min bus from JR Gifu Station (¥210). Season: May 11–Oct 15 (nightly except full moons/floods). Boat tickets: ¥4,200–5,100 depending on date (shared boat, 6–20 passengers) — confirm current pricing. Reservations required via Gifu City Cormorant Fishing Observation Office (online English available). Departs 18:15–19:15, lasts 90 minutes.

Detailed Access & Timing

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Insider Guide

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**Boat choices:** Shared boats (ai-nosé) seat 6–20 strangers, depart on fixed schedule, and cost ¥3,500 per person. Chartered boats cost ¥46,500 total (up to 15 passengers), which breaks down to ¥3,10