Friendly Deception: Traditional tomozuri fishing and prized salt-grilled sweetfish

Fish for Gifu’s renowned ayu (sweetfish) using a method tried and tested by time! Presenting the tomozuri (live decoy fishing) style, which you will be introduced to through training videos in a lesson before putting it to practice while standing in the Nagara River with support from a professional guide. Then, dig in to the freshly caught sweetfish, salted and grilled. Enjoy its mouth-watering taste and compare it to that of the locally farmed ayu. Ayu rice will also be served. Discover the goodness of “Ayu of the Nagara River System,” a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS).

From AUD $810

Highlights

  • Try your hand at "tomozuri", a one-of-a-kind, traditional method of fishing not found anywhere else, using live decoys that swim and are then fished out. While it requires expensive specialized fishing gear, you will have free rental of required equipment and a professional guide assisting you throughout this course.

  • Enjoy delicious salt-grilled Gujo-style and Western-style ayu. Look forward to savoring the different appetizing tastes of Japan's best ayu here in Gujo, Gifu.

  • Duration

    3 hours

  • Offered in

    English

What is included

  • Tomozuri fishing lecture

  • Tomozuri fishing gear rental

  • Salt-grilled ayu

  • Ayu rice for lunch

  • Guide interpreter

  • Fishing fee

ITINERARY

Meeting / Pickup Point

Seiryu Nagara River Ayu Park
420-10 Nagataki, Shirotori Town, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture. 501-5104

Start time

11:00:00

End point

Seiryu Nagara River Ayu Park
420-10 Nagataki, Shirotori Town, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture. 501-5104

What To Expect

Discover the traditional art of tomozuri in Gujo, Gifu—a one-of-a-kind Japanese fishing method that uses live decoys, found nowhere else in the world. With free rental of specialized fishing gear and the support of a professional guide, you can enjoy this authentic cultural experience without any hassle. After trying your hand at this rare fishing technique, savor the taste of Japan’s finest ayu (sweetfish), prepared both in classic Gujo-style salt-grilled and in delicious Western-style variations. This hands-on adventure combines cultural tradition, outdoor fun, and unforgettable flavors, making it a must-try experience in Gifu.

Schedule

11:00～11:10 – Meet up
11:10～11:50 – Tomozuri training lesson in class
11:50～12:10 – Specialized equipment explanation, change of clothes, moving to the Nagara River
12:10～12:40 – Tomozuri fishing with a guide in the Nagara River
12:40～12:55 – Skewering and charcoal grilling salted ayu (Food Session)
12:55～13:00 – End of course, handing out of freshly made salt-grilled ayu (preparation time: 30 mins), dispersal























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    • Availability: Mid-June to end of September

    • Number of Participants 2 to 8 people

    • Height and shoe size are required for preparation of tomozuri fishing gear and boat equipment. Shoe sizes of 22-28cm are available.

    • If fishing in the river is not possible due to conditions like rising water levels, live ayu baitfish hooking and fishing will take place indoors.

    • Please wear clothes you don't mind getting wet.

    • Please purchase drinks for lunch onsite.

    • (Transport option) Charter car service from/to Takayama Station (Takayama City hotels) available.

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