Cormorant Fishing in Gifu
Near: Nagoya (Event is Free)
Event Date(s):
May. 10, 2025
(May 11 - October 15)
Dates are subject to change without notice. Check with the official organizers before making travel arrangements.
Japanese Cormorant Fishing (in Japanese; Ukai "鵜飼い"), May 11th and October 15th. This event happens in many places throughout Japan but the fishing at the Nagaragawa River in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture is probably the most famous.
This is a 1300 year old traditional fishing method protected by the Japanese government in which Japanese trainers use Cormorants (a type of sea bird) to fish for small trout. The Japanese trainers dress in traditional ancient dress and manipulate many Cormorants to catch the trout. This fishing methods happens almost every night (except heavy rain and not on a full moon) between May 11th and October 15th. The fishing usually starts around 7:00 p.m. in the evening. To create light, the Japanese fishermen light small Bon Fire at the front of their boat. Once out on the river, they manipulate the birds to dive in and catch the fish. As a tourist you can ride a wooden boat while eating, drinking sake and enjoying the event.
1-2 Minatomachi
Minato-machi, Gifu 500-8009 Japan
Website: Cormorant Fishing in Gifu Homepage
