A Truly Immersive Japan Experience

Held annually from June 1 to October 15, this ancient fishing method, known as ukai, showcases the incredible skill of the usho (cormorant fishermen) as they use trained cormorants to catch river fish like ayu (sweetfish).

The viewing boats' proximity to the cormorant fishing boats allows nighttime spectators to feel the heat from the kagari-bi (traditional torch fires) and even the splashes from the water as the cormorants dive, making for a truly immersive experience.

Historical Significance

Kiso River's cormorant fishing is one of Japan's oldest and most revered traditional fishing methods, dating back to the Nara period. It has been passed down through generations, preserving its cultural and historical significance. While ukai is practiced in various parts of Japan, the Kiso River variant stands out for its historical depth and the refined techniques of its usho.

Daytime and Nighttime

The Kiso River Cormorant Fishing offers daytime and nighttime viewing options, each providing a unique perspective on this ancient practice. Before boarding, the usho personally introduces the highlights of the ukai in a short dockside presentation called Usho no Omotenashi — a chance to learn what to watch for before you're out on the water.

Daytime Cormorant Fishing

A daytime cormorant fishing journey on the Kiso River is a feast for the senses and a tingly connection to Japan's rich history. As your boat glides through the clear waters, the majestic sight of Inuyama Castle, a National Treasure, greets you. Surrounded by lush greenery, the castle's reflection shimmers on the water, creating a breathtaking view that perfectly complements the serene ambiance.

While soaking in this picturesque scenery, you can choose to savor a delicious bento lunch featuring local delicacies. The flavors and sights come together to offer a delightful culinary experience, enhancing the pleasure of your river journey.

The highlight of the trip is the captivating art of cormorant fishing. The cormorant fisherman, dressed in traditional attire, skillfully guides up to ten cormorants using hand ropes. These birds dive and emerge with their catch in a seamless dance, showcasing the intricate bond between the fisherman and his birds.

From your close vantage point, you can feel the rush of the water as the cormorants plunge beneath the surface, capturing fish with precision. The usho's deft movements and the birds' synchronized efforts create a powerful display of tradition and skill.

Daytime Sightseeing Plan
(No Meal)

Duration
1 hour 20 minutes

Days of Operation
June 1 to October 15
Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
(Additional days available for groups of 20 or more)

Advance Reservation
You must make a reservation by 18:00 the day before.

Schedule
12:15: Gather at the Ukai Boarding Dock
12:35: Usho no Omotenashi (fisherman's welcome)
12:45: Boarding
13:00 ~ 13:20: Cormorant Fishing Viewing
13:20 ~ 13:30: Sightseeing Cruise
13:35: Disembarkation and Conclusion

Fees
Adults: ¥3,500
Children: ¥1,750 (tax included)

Children are those aged 4 and above, up to elementary school students.
There is no charge for children under 3.

Daytime Sightseeing
(Onboard Meal)

Enhance your experience with a bento lunch featuring locally sourced ingredients, all while watching the cormorants at work.

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes

Days of Operation
June 1 to October 15
Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
(Additional days available for groups of 20 or more)

Advance Reservation
You must make a reservation five days in advance.

Schedule
11:00: Gather at the Ukai Boarding Dock
11:25: Boarding
11:25 ~ 12:25: Sightseeing and Meal
12:25 ~ 12:45: Docking and Restroom Break
12:35: Usho no Omotenashi (fisherman's welcome)
12:45: Re-boarding
13:00 ~ 13:20: Cormorant Fishing Viewing
13:20 ~ 13:30: Sightseeing
13:35: Disembarkation and Conclusion

Fees
Adults
¥6,000 (including meal, tax included)
Children
¥4,200 (including meal, tax included)

Children are those aged 4 and above, up to elementary school students.
There is no charge for children under 3.

Meals must be ordered for at least two people per group.

Nighttime Cormorant Fishing

As twilight descends, a gentle breeze whispers across the Kiso River, and the illuminated Inuyama Castle stands majestically against the night sky, its reflection shimmering on the water, creating a mystical ambiance. Under the flickering torch fires, the cormorant fisherman expertly maneuvers his cormorants. The birds dive and emerge from the water, their sleek forms gliding precisely to catch fish. From the gently swaying boat, spectators can witness this ancient dance up close, feeling the thrill as water splashes and the birds perform their time-honored ritual.

Nighttime Sightseeing (No Meal)

Duration
1 hour 15 minutes

Days of Operation
June 1 to October 15
Every day

Advance Reservation
You must make a reservation by 18:00 the day before.

Schedule

June to August:
19:00: Gather at the Ukai Boarding Dock
19:15: Usho no Omotenashi (fisherman's welcome)
19:30: Boarding
19:30 ~ 19:45: Sightseeing Cruise
19:45 ~ 20:10: Cormorant Fishing Viewing
20:15: Disembarkation and Conclusion

September and October:
18:30: Gather at the Ukai Boarding Dock
18:45: Usho no Omotenashi (fisherman's welcome)
19:00: Boarding
19:00 ~ 19:15: Sightseeing Cruise
19:15 ~ 19:40: Cormorant Fishing Viewing
19:45: Disembarkation and Conclusion

Fees
Adults: ¥3,500
Children: ¥1,750 (tax included)

Obon Period (August 1–10)
Special Pricing:
Adults: ¥4,500
Children: ¥2,250

Children are those aged 4 and above, up to elementary school students.
There is no charge for children under 3.

Nighttime Sightseeing (Onboard Meal)

Enjoy a bento dinner from a local restaurant on board, while taking in the illuminated Inuyama Castle from the river.

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes

Days of Operation
June 1 to October 15
Every day

Advance Reservation
You must make a reservation three days in advance. Meals must be ordered at least five days before your boarding date.

Schedule

June to August:
17:45: Gather at the Ukai Boarding Dock
18:00: Boarding
18:00 ~ 19:00: Sightseeing and Meal
19:00 ~ 19:30: Docking and Restroom Break
19:15: Usho no Omotenashi (fisherman's welcome)
19:30: Re-boarding
19:45 ~ 20:10: Cormorant Fishing Viewing
20:15: Disembarkation and Conclusion

September and October:
17:15: Gather at the Ukai Boarding Dock
17:30: Boarding
17:30 ~ 18:30: Sightseeing and Meal
18:30 ~ 19:00: Docking and Restroom Break
18:45: Usho no Omotenashi (fisherman's welcome)
19:00: Re-boarding
19:15 ~ 19:40: Cormorant Fishing Viewing
19:45: Disembarkation and Conclusion

Fees
Adults: ¥3,500 + meal
Children: ¥1,750 + meal (tax included)

Obon Period (August 1–10)
Special Pricing:
Adults: ¥4,500 + meal
Children: ¥2,250 + meal

Children are those aged 4 and above, up to elementary school students.
There is no charge for children under 3.

Meals must be ordered for at least two people per group.

Fireworks Spectacle

From August 1 to August 10, enjoy a special combined event of cormorant fishing and fireworks, which adds a spectacular visual element to your evening.

Tips!

Confirm Dates, Times and Prices
Please check the official website to confirm that the information listed in this article has not changed.

Dress Appropriately
Summer evenings can get cool by the river, so bring a light jacket.

Make Reservations Early
The event, especially during the fireworks period, is very popular. Early booking ensures a spot.

Bring a Camera
Capture the magical night scenes with your camera for unforgettable memories.

Enjoy the Local Cuisine
Opt for the meal-inclusive plans to taste the local flavors and make the experience even more special.

Check For Updates Before Your Visit
The event may be canceled during inclement weather or periods of high river water levels. Ensure the event is on schedule by checking the latest updates on the official website.

The Details

Access
The cormorant fishing viewing boats are easily accessible, just a 3-minute walk from the East Exit of Meitetsu Inuyama-Yuen Station.

Parking
There are approximately 40 parking spaces available for those driving.

Official Website
For more details, reservations, and weather updates, visit the official Kiso River Cormorant Fishing website

MAP

(Kiso River Ukai)