Nagara River Ukai Gifu: Cormorant Fishing by Torchlight

Niigata Toyama Ishikawa Fukui Yamanashi Nagano Gifu Shizuoka Aichi

Nagara River Ukai in Gifu is a 1,300-year traditional cormorant fishing performance, watched from boats at night by torchlight (mid-May to mid-Oct).

Highlights

Nagaragawa Ukai (Nagara River Cormorant Fishing) – Quick Guide: Nagaragawa Ukai is a traditional fishing method in Gifu with around 1,300 years of history, where you can watch expert ukai masters up close from a yakatabune boat on a river lit by torchlight at night.
Torchlit Night Scenery: The torchlight (kagaribi) glowing in the darkness and reflecting on the water creates the signature atmosphere of Nagaragawa Ukai—an unforgettable night view.
The Ukai Master & Cormorant Techniques: Ukai masters work in sync with their cormorants, guiding them and retrieving ayu (sweetfish) as part of a practiced routine. Watching their hand movements and calls adds to the experience.
Watching from a Yakatabune Boat: Yakatabune viewing boats (shared and private) are the standard way to watch, letting you enjoy the torchlight and techniques from close range (some plans include food and drinks, depending on the option).
Access (Boarding Area): From JR Gifu Station or Meitetsu Gifu Station, it’s about 20 minutes by bus to the “Nagaragawa Ukai Boarding Area.” By car, it’s about 30 minutes from Gifu-Hashima IC or Gifu-Kakamigahara IC, with parking available nearby.
Season & Typical Timeline: The season runs every year from May 11 to October 15. Shared boats depart around 18:15/18:45/19:15, with fishing typically starting around 19:45 and disembarking around 20:30–21:00 (times vary by service and date).
Prices, Reservations & Weather: Shared-boat prices vary by date; a rough guide is 4,200 yen on regular days and 5,100 yen on peak days (child rates available; details depend on the plan). Reservations in advance are recommended. It may run in light rain, but can be canceled due to high water or severe weather.

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

What Is Ukai (Cormorant Fishing)? A Traditional Fishing Art Passed Down for Generations

Ukai is a traditional Japanese fishing method that uses trained cormorants to catch ayu (sweetfish).

The cormorant fishing held on the Nagara River (Nagaragawa) in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, has a long history and is known as one of Japan’s most representative ukai traditions.

The Nagara River cormorant masters (ushō) hold the title of Imperial Household Agency Board of Ceremonies Cormorant Fishermen (Kunai-chō Shikibu-shoku Ushō), and six masters uniquely carry on this imperial cormorant fishing tradition.

This cultural tradition, said to have been enjoyed by Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu, is more than a fishing method—it is a celebrated specialty of Gifu.

Nagaragawa ukai on the Nagara River is held every year from May 11 to October 15, and can be enjoyed along with the enchanting glow of bonfires (kagaribi).

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Highlights of Nagaragawa Ukai

1. A Magical Night Scene Lit by Bonfires

The greatest charm of ukai is the scene of bonfire light floating in the darkness and shimmering on the river’s surface.

Bonfire light from burning pine wood illuminates the water, and you can watch cormorants catching ayu up close within that glow.

The start of ukai is announced by a fireworks signal.

The fishing spectacle unfolding in the darkness feels like a living historical scroll.

2. The Ushō’s Masterful Rope Handling

Cormorant masters inherit their techniques through generations, fishing while building trust with their birds.

The skill of controlling multiple tether ropes with calls and guiding the cormorants is breathtaking.

Another highlight is the technique of having the cormorant regurgitate only fish above a certain size, using a cord wrapped around its neck.

3. Watching from a Yakatabune Sightseeing Boat

Ukai is typically enjoyed by boarding a yakatabune (sightseeing boat).

You can bring food and drinks on board, and you can also arrange a catered bento to enjoy on the boat.

The climax is the “Sōgarami,” when the ukai boats line up side by side to drive ayu into the shallows—an unforgettable, powerful moment.

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How to Get to the Ukai Sightseeing Boat Pier

Access from Central Gifu City

By Public Transportation
From JR Gifu Station or Meitetsu Gifu Station, take a bus toward Gifu Park / Nagarabashi, get off at “Nagarabashi,” then walk to the pier.
By Car
From the expressway interchanges, head toward the Nagara River area.
Paid parking lots are available nearby.

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How to Enjoy Ukai

1. Experience Ukai Up Close from a Yakatabune

Before boarding, you may be able to hear an explanation of ukai from an ushō, learning about cormorant ecology and history.

After departure, the boat heads upstream to the ukai fishing area, and there is time to enjoy dinner and the Nagara River sunset on board until the fishing begins.

Shared-boat departure times are 18:15 / 18:45 / 19:15.

2. Interact with the Ushō

At the pier before departure, an ushō may explain the tradition to visitors.

In some cases, you may also be able to take photos of the ushō in formal attire, including the kazaori-eboshi hat and ryōfuku fishing robes, making it a valuable experience.

3. Sightseeing Nearby in the Daytime

Before or after ukai, you can also enjoy nearby attractions.

Recommended spots include the Nagaragawa Ukai Museum (admission 500 yen), where you can learn ukai history, Gifu Castle atop Mt. Kinka, and a stroll through the traditional streetscape of Kawaramachi.

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Practical Visitor Information

Season
Every year May 11–Oct 15 (may be canceled due to high water or bad weather)
Departure Times
Shared boats: 18:15 / 18:45 / 19:15
Fees (Shared Boats)
Adults (junior high and up): 3,500 yen (3,200 yen on weekdays, etc. for the 19:15 departure)
Children (ages 3 to elementary school): 1,800 yen
How to Reserve
Online reservations are convenient.
Phone reservations are not accepted.
What to Wear / Bring
It can get chilly by the riverside at night, so a light jacket is helpful.

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Summary

Nagaragawa ukai is an experience where you can enjoy traditional culture and natural beauty at the same time.

The enchanting scene lit by bonfires, and the perfectly coordinated movements of the ushō and cormorants, will leave a deep impression.

For trip planning, reserving your sightseeing boat in advance is recommended for peace of mind.

Be sure to experience Japan’s tradition and beauty through Nagaragawa ukai.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Nagara River Ukai (cormorant fishing), and what is the experience like? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Nagara River Ukai is a traditional nighttime event where master fishermen control cormorants to catch ayu (sweetfish), watched from a boat on the river. The river breeze can make it feel cooler, so even in summer a light layer helps.

Q. When is the Nagara River Ukai season? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Nagara River Ukai is held every year from May 11 to Oct 15. In early summer, insect repellent helps; in autumn, extra warmth is reassuring. It’s dark underfoot at night, so comfortable walking shoes are useful.

Q. How much is the shared boat fare for Nagara River Ukai? Is there a child fare? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Shared boats cost ¥4,200 (adult) / ¥2,100 (child) on weekdays, and ¥5,100 (adult) / ¥2,600 (child) on busy dates (adult = junior high and up; child = ages 3 through elementary). Seating is in boarding order, so arriving a bit earlier than the meeting time makes it easier to choose.

Q. What time is the meeting time and start time for Nagara River Ukai? keyboard_arrow_down

A. The meeting time is around 18:15, and the cormorant fishing begins around 19:45. Places to buy drinks before departure can be limited, so it helps to pick something up at a convenience store before you arrive.

Q. Do you need a reservation? Can you board on the day? keyboard_arrow_down

A. On busy dates, reserving in advance is safer because boats can sell out. Same-day tickets may be available on some days, but if you move too late in the afternoon, options often shrink. Checking in early to secure a seat helps you relax and enjoy.

Q. Does Nagara River Ukai run in the rain? When is it canceled? keyboard_arrow_down

A. It generally runs in the rain, but it may be canceled for safety reasons such as high water levels or strong winds. If the weather looks uncertain, bring rainwear and wear non-slip shoes so the dock area feels safer too.

Q. What should I wear or bring to stay comfortable on the boat? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Nights can feel cold from the river breeze, so a jacket is essential. Insect repellent and compact binoculars make it easier to see the cormorants’ movements. Smartphone cameras struggle in low light, so saving time to watch with your eyes—not only through video—can make the experience more rewarding.

Q. Any nearby places to stop by before or after watching Ukai? keyboard_arrow_down

A. There’s a riverside area near the venue where you can stroll and enjoy the view while cooling off before boarding. Right before the start can get crowded, so arriving early and having a light snack beforehand helps the evening run smoothly.

Useful Japanese Phrases

Meaning

Which bus goes to Nagarabashi? — Ask at the bus stop outside JR Gifu Station or Meitetsu Gifu Station when heading to the ukai (cormorant fishing) pier. Point toward the bus route sign while asking to help the driver understand your destination.

Meaning

Can I make a reservation for tonight's ukai (cormorant fishing)? — Use at the Nagara River boarding area or nearby ticket office. Online booking is the main method, but on less busy days same-day spots may be available. Say "sumimasen" first to get staff attention.

Meaning

Two adults, please. — Use when purchasing shared boat (yakatabune) tickets. Hold up two fingers while speaking to make the number clear, especially in a noisy riverside environment.

Meaning

May I eat a bento box on the boat? — Ask boat staff before boarding. Personal food and drinks are permitted on the yakatabune, and catered bento options are also available for order.

Meaning

May I take a photo with the ushō (cormorant fishing master)? — The masters wear traditional kazaori-eboshi hats and ryōfuku fishing robes. Ask politely before departure time when they give explanations. A small bow adds politeness.

Meaning

What time is the departure? — Ask staff at the boarding area to confirm your shared boat departure time. Arriving early helps you secure a preferred seat on the yakatabune.

Meaning

Where is the Ukai Museum? — Ask locals or staff near the Nagara River pier. The Nagaragawa Ukai Museum is close to the boarding area and features exhibits on the long history of cormorant fishing.

Meaning

When does the sōgarami start? — The sōgarami is the dramatic climax where all ukai boats line up side by side to drive ayu (sweetfish) into the shallows. Ask boat staff so you can have your camera ready for the highlight.

Meaning

Could you tell me how to get to Gifu Castle? — Ask staff or locals near the river pier. Gifu Castle sits atop Mt. Kinka and is a popular attraction to combine with the ukai experience.

Meaning

Is today's event canceled due to high water? — Ask at the boarding area if the weather looks uncertain. Ukai may be canceled for high water levels, severe weather, or strong winds, so checking with staff on arrival is wise.

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