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 world-renowned artist, Isamu Noguchi’s AKARI Gallery, displaying his “sculptures of light”. After a delightful teatime at the Gifu Grand Hotel lounge, enjoy a splendid dinner of grilled ayu (sweetfish) aboard a chartered luxury observation boat. Witness the ukai from a vantage view as it begins at sunset, transporting you back in time with its subtle yet profound beauty.

From AUD $1.376

Highlights

  • Relish your sumptuous, private dinner meticulously prepared by the specialized chef and served by the wait staff aboard the luxury observation boat. Designated staff for this course will be prioritized according to their English-speaking ability. ​

  • All 3 luxury boats have comfortable bench seats. You need not remove your shoes on board.​

  • Take in the astounding summer sight of a Gifu cultural tradition aboard the Nagara River, dating back from 13 centuries ago. Watch as the Cormorant Fishing Masters glide through the cover of darkness with their trusty cormorants, guided only by the flaming torchlights at the helms of their boats. ​

  • 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. ​

  • Alternatively, you can choose to take part in an exclusive guided tour of acclaimed artist Isamu Noguchi's AKARI gallery, not usually opened to the public.

  • Duration

    5 hour 30 minutes

  • Offered in

    English

What is included

  • Pickup and dropoff

  • Guide interpreter

  • Teatime drinks at the Gifu Grand Hotel

  • Chartered luxury observation boat

  • Dinner aboard, a bottle of beer (or 2 bottles of oolong tea)

  • Specialized chef on board, wait service, cormorant fishing viewing

  • Nagara River Ukai Museum entrance fee

  • Cormorant fishermen's house tour or AKARI Gallery tour (choose one)

ITINERARY

Meeting / Pickup Point

Gifu Station or hotels in Gifu City

Start time

15:00:00

End point

Gifu Station or hotels in Gifu City

What To Expect

Experience the timeless tradition of Cormorant Fishing (Ukai) on the Nagara River with a truly exclusive and luxurious tour. Aboard a private boat with comfortable bench seating, you'll be treated to a meticulously prepared, multi-course dinner by a specialized chef, served by English-speaking staff. As night falls, witness the breathtaking 1,300-year-old cultural spectacle of cormorant fishing, where master fishermen, guided by blazing torchlights, work in perfect harmony with their birds to catch fish. For an even deeper immersion, you can choose to either visit the private home of a Cormorant Fishing Master for an insider's look at their preparations or take an exclusive, behind-the-scenes guided tour of acclaimed artist Isamu Noguchi's AKARI gallery, a space not typically open to the public. This bespoke experience offers a unique blend of ancient tradition, culinary excellence, and artistic discovery, making it an unforgettable journey into the heart of Gifu's cultural heritage.

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 the Gifu Grand Hotel Lounge “Kirara” (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























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    • Availability: 2025/5/11~2025/10/15 (Excluding the 10/6)

    • Number of Participants 4 to 6 people. *Please consult us in the case of 2 to 3 people.

    • 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.

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