You can watch the 1,300-year-old art of Ukai (cormorant fishing) on the Nagara River every evening between May 11 and October 15, except on the night of the harvest moon or when the water levels are too high. The ritual is performed by six Usho (cormorant fishermen), whose art has been passed on through the generations by their ancestors. The perfect teamwork is a result of the fact that the men and the birds virtually live together, even when they are not fishing.
Such powerful leaders as Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu patronized the art of Ukai through the years, thus making it possible for this tradition to last for over 1,300 years.
The traditional attire of the fishermen has been passed down from the days when Ukai used to be enjoyed as an imperial ceremony, demonstrating its long historical background.
At around 7:30 p.m., six boats glide down the river, which dramatically reflects the swinging torch on each bow. Each carries a fisherman in traditional attire, holding leashes attached to the necks of flocks of about 12 “u” (cormorants). As the boats form a line on the water, the men give verbal orders to their birds, who dive, one after another, and come back to give their catch of Ayu (sweet fish) to their masters. The evening comes to its climax (sogarami) when all six birds are allowed to dive together, going after the fish that have been driven into shallow waters.
The whole ritual can be observed from a sightseeing boat that will pick you up at the quay, for an evening that begins with a delicious meal.
Ukai Viewing Ferryboats
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| Course A: Departure: 18:15） \3300 |
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Course B（Departure: 18:45・19:15）
（Weekdays）\3000
（Sat./Sun/ Holidays）\3300 |
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15-passenger to 50-passenger chartered boats（\40,000 and up ）
Only chartered boats are available during the firework-season |
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