Cherished through Centuries: Gifu Cormorant Fishing Aboard A Chartered Luxury Boat on the Nagara River - exquisite dinner included
Unfold the rich tapestry of culture and tradition at the heart of Gifu City through this illuminating course. Learn all about ukai (cormorant fishing) at the Nagara River Ukai Museum before visiting the home of a Cormorant Fishing Master, who will show you around and explain the ins and outs of his work, recognized by the Imperial Family of Japan. Alternatively, choose an option highlighting the artistry of one of Gifu City's beloved traditional crafts, Gifu lanterns, by visiting the private space of world-renowned artist, Isamu Noguchi's AKARI Gallery displaying his "sculptures of light". After a delightful teatime at a hotel lounge, enjoy a splendid dinner of grilled ayu (sweetfish) aboard one of three exclusive luxury observation boats, with a dedicated chef and wait staff. Witness the ukai as it begins at sunset, from a vantage view afforded in the comfort of your bench seat, transporting you back in time with its subtle yet profound beauty.
Recommended points
● Visit the home of a Cormorant Fishing Masters of the Imperial Household Agency of Japan to get an insider's view on the necessary preparations before ukai.
● Relish your sumptuous, private dinner meticulously prepared by a dedicated chef, served aboard an exclusive luxury observation boat.
● Enjoy seasonal cuisine served featuring grilled ayu (sweetfish).
● Visit Isamu Noguchi's AKARI Gallery, usually closed off to the public, as an option.
Overview
- Season
- 2025/5/11~2025/10/15 (Excluding the 10/6)
2026/5/11~2026/10/15 (Excluding the 9/23)
- Activity Time
- 5 hours
- Place
-
Nagaragawa Ukai Museum (example)
51-2 Nagara, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture. 502-0071
- Number of Participants
- 4 to 6 people. *Please consult us in the case of 2 to 3 people.
- Reference Price
- ※ Please contact us for further details.
※ Guide interpreters, pick up and drop off transportation as well as other custom arrangements can be made. Please inquire for further details.
- Starting Point
- Gifu Station or hotels in Gifu City
- Ending Point
- Gifu Station or hotels in Gifu City
- Meeting Time
- 15:00
- Schedule
-
・15:00 - Pick up from JR Gifu Station or hotel within Gifu City
・15:20 - Visit the Nagara River Ukai Museum
・16:00 - Visit the Cormorant Fishing Master’s home to observe preparations for ukai
・17:00 - Teatime at a hotel (choose a beverage)
・17:30 - A premium feast of kaiseki (traditional multi-course Japanese dinner) aboard the luxury chartered observational boat
・Around 19:45 - Fireworks signal the beginning of the ukai season, and the Cormorant Fishing Master start their work.
To ensure optimal viewing of ukai and safe navigation of boats, ukai observation will be done in either the "karikudari" or "tsukemise" style depending on the conditions of the river and boat departure, finishing with "sougarami".
"Karikudari" - The observation boat drifts down the river along with the ubune (cormorant boat).
"Tsukemise" - The observation boat is anchored while you watch the Cormorant Fishing Masters in action.
"Sougarami" - The highlight of ukai, where the ubune form a horizontal line across the width of the river, driving the ayu into the shallows so they can be caught with ease. Listen for the cormorant fishing masters call, “Ho! Ho!", encouraging the cormorants in their fishing.
・Around 20:30 - Dropoff at Gifu City accommodation or JR Gifu Station after leaving the boat
**This itinerary is an example
- Important Information
-
・ Aiyama, Hanakagari - Luxury observation boats for 15 people, capped at 6 people; Shiratsuki - Luxury observation boats for 10 people, capped at 4 people. Please inform us of which boat you want reserved if you have 4 people in your group.
・ The specialized chef, wait staff, and guide interpreter will be aboard a separate boat.
・ As there are only 3 luxury observation boats, there may be times when all boats are booked out on a specific date. Please inform us of your second and third date of choice.
・ In the event of cancellation due to high water, your dinner will be served at the hotel banquet hall or restaurant instead. There will be a partial refund of the ukai fee.
(Optional) Instead of visiting the Ukai Museum, you can instead choose to go for a guided tour of Isamu Noguchi's AKARI Gallery starting at 15:20. At 16:00, there will be a visit to the head office and store of Ozeki & Co., where you can also do some shopping. * Days available: Weekdays, from 5/12 to 10/15 (excluding 8/14 and 15, 10/6). Open from Monday to Saturday only in June and July.
・ International shipping is not available for purchases from Ozeki & Co.. Photography is not permitted on the second and third floors of the AKARI Gallery. Thank you for your cooperation in advance.
- Contact Information
-
Discover GIFU
Phone number: +81-(0)58-265-4831 (weekdays 9:30-17:30)
Email address: customer@gifu-tj.jp
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